1st Battalion, 9th Infantry (Mechanized) is a Bradley Infantry Battalion, and proud holder of the nickname MANCHU-6. The battalion is currently stationed 20 kilometer north of Uijongbu on Camp Hovey, one of 17 Camps within the 2D Infantry Division. It is assigned to the Army's only Light/Heavy Brigade, the 2d Strike Brigade, with two Air Assault Battalions (1-503rd AA & 1-506th AA).
The quality of life and living conditions in the battalion are comparable to or better than those found ar most CONUS installations. There are some new barracks already completed with additional ones planned for the near future or under construction. Camps Hovey and Casey offer all the facilities that you would expect in any CONUS post, such as commissary, PX, Class VI, Education Centers, Theaters, Libraries, Recreation Centers, Tour and travel centers, Chapels, and numerous other facilities. Although the soldiers here work hard, they still have ample opportunity to pursue off duty recreation and relaxation activities.
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry (Mechanized) is the most diverse company in the battalion with over 28 low density MOS's. HHC provides medical support, fire support, reconnaissance, trucking and fueling support, maintenance support, communication support, and food service support for the entire 700 man plus battalion. In addition, HHC houses a large staff which provides the battalion commander with top notch planning for all training and operations that the battalion must conduct. Each type of mission is critical to the overall success of the battalion.
The "Wild Bunch" train to sharpen their Infantry fighting skills by conducting realistic training in the field. They work hard in keeping their Bradley Fighting Vehicles and other vital equipment, combat ready at all times. Soldiers assigned to A Company will find a rewarding and challenging tour waiting for them. The optempo is high and the training is realistic with the "Mad Dawgs." A tour spent in Korea is exciting for soldiers, whether it's during a field exercise sharpening combat infantryman's skills or touring the country learning the Korean culture. The "Mad Dawgs" conduct numerous mounted and dismounted live fire exercises in order to go to combat and defeat the enemy. The highlights of the year include Bradley gunnery, conducted three times a year, and Expert Infantryman's Badge training. During gunnery, the mounted crews demonstrate the true meaning of firepower and close combat. During the annual Expert Infantryman testing, each infantryman strives to earn the right to wear the coveted EIB. The "Mad Dawgs" are a highly cohesive unit which maintains a high level of physical fitness and morale. Company functions, coins, and T-shirts are just some of the benefits of "Hanging with the Mad Dawgs."
The 9th Infantry Regiment is one of the oldest and most decorated active units in the U.S. Army. The 1st Battalion has served in the War of 1812, the War with Mexico, the Indian War, the War with Spain, the China Relief Expedition, the Philippine Insurrection, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, and Panama.
Being a member of the 9th Regiment comes with a lot of pride. It is one of the oldest and most decorated active units in the U.S. Army. Each soldier assigned to the MANCHU Battalion gets a chance to experience what the previous MANCHU's accomplished-the 25-mile road march. This opportunity is also offered to others to join outside the MANCHU Battalion. If you successfully complete it you will be rewarded with the MANCHU belt buckle.
The title of the "Manchu" Battalion came from the China Expedition. One day, three of its soldiers won the Congressional Medal Of Honor and the gallant regimental commander, COL. Emerson C. Liscum was killed. His dying words gave the regiment its motto "Keep up the Fire." The regiment captured the walled city of Tientsin and was awarded with two silver bars from which the Liscum Bowl was formed.
In early October 1917, the Manchus deployed to France as part of the famous "Indianhead" Second Division. During the course of the war, 9th Infantrymen earned battle streamers for their colors at Lorraine, He de France, Aisne-Marne, and St. Mihiel. In 1918, the Manchu Regiment received the French Fourragere for gallantry during the Meuse-Argonne offensive.
The Manchus returned to Europe and combat action during World War II. After breaking out from the beachhead at Normandy, the Manchus waged an 18 hour engagement during the "Battle of the Bulge". With the allied line established, the 9th spearheaded a 1945 drive toward the Siegried Line. The Manchus crossed the Rhine in March 1945 and advanced rapidly through Saxony in Czechoslovakia, ending the war with many decorations including three Presidential Unit Citations.
The Manchus returned to the Far East and the Korean Peninsula. Manchu troops were the first of the Indianhead Division to touch Korean soil. They were successful in Bloody Ridge, Heartbreak Ridge, Old Baldy, Pork Chop Hill, and T-Bone Hill. During the Korean War, the regiment earned an additional Presidential Unit Citation for its gallant service at Hongchon.
During Operation "Just Cause" in December 1989, the Manchus were called upon to eliminate hostile forces, restore public law and order, and assist the new government of Panama to reestablish a democratic lifestyle. Based on their professionalism, tactical competence and courage during this action, infantrymen from the 1st Battalion earned the coveted Combat Infantry Badge for the first time since Korea.
The 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 9th Infantry Regiment returned to Korea in September 1995. With the deactivation of the regimental headquarters, the 1st Battalion acts as the Regimental Headquarters and maintains the Regimental Colors. Today the 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 9th Infantry Regiment stands ready, in the Republic of Korea, to respond to any crisis in support of the United States' vital interests.
Prior to Ulchi-Focus Lens 2003 the infantrymen of 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment assaulted targets at Korea Training Center ranges at Bradley gunnery and infantry tactics training Aug. 11, 2003. The battalion conducts Bradley gunnery twice a year.
Lineage
Constituted 3 March 1855 in the Regular Army as the 9th Infantry Regiment
Organized 26 March 1855 at Fort Monroe, Virginia
Consolidated in June 1869 with the 27th Infantry (see ANNEX) and consolidated unit designated as the 9th Infantry
Assigned 22 September 1917 to the 2d Division (later redesignated as the 2d Infantry Division)
Relieved 20 June 1957 from assignment to the 2d Infantry Division and reorganized as a parent regiment under the Combat Arms Regimental System
Withdrawn 29 April 1983 from the Combat Arms Regimental System and reorganized under the United States Army Regimental System
ANNEX
Constituted 3 May 1861 in the Regular Army as the 2d Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment
Organized in October 1861 at Camp Thomas, Ohio
Reorganized and redesignated 21 September 1866 as the 27th Infantry Regiment
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation for KOREA
The United States Army dispatched the 9th Infantry Regiment to assist the Chinese government during the Boxer Rebellion and China Relief Expedition. The regiment earned the nickname "Manchus" - a reference to the country. Manchus are expected to complete a 25 mile footmarch (changed from four 25 mile marches in four days) called the "Manchu Mile" every quarter. Infantry soldiers that complete the march are authorized to wear a special belt buckle on their uniforms. Although only Manchus are required to participate they often invite other units and soldiers to join in and earn their belt buckles.
In January 1995, the Third Battalion of the 9th Infantry Regiment; along with augmentation from the 79th Forward Support Battalion and the 13th Engineer Company; deployed from Ft. Lewis, WA to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in support of Operation Sea Signal where they provided transportation and security for Cuban and Haitian Migrants awaiting immigration into the United States. Task Force 3rd Manchu as they became known returned to Ft. Lewis, WA in June 1995. August 1995 the 9th Regimental Combat Team at Ft. Lewis, WA was reflagged as the 1st Brigade of the 25th Infantry Division and the Manchu name and colors returned to the 2nd Infantry Division in stationed Korea.
First Battalion of the 9th Infantry Regiment recently returned from a tour in Iraq, serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom I and II from August 2004 to July 2005 and subsequently stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, as part of the 2d Brigade Combat Team of the Second Infantry Division. In November 2005, the First Battalion of the 9th Infantry Regiment was scheduled to be deactivated and personnel transferred to the newly activated 3rd Squadron of the 61st Cavalry Regiment as part of the 2d Brigade Combat Team of the Second Infantry Division. As of 2/20/2006, the First Battalion is still active and some (but not all) personnel were transferred to the newly activated Cavalry Squadron in November. It is not known if the First Battalion of the 9th Infantry will remain as an active unit and/or be reassigned elsewhere.
The Second Battalion of the 9th Infantry is still active today and is part of the 1st Brigade of the Second Infantry Division currently stationed in Korea.
The 4th Battalion 9th Regiment was re activated June 1 2006..
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