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Battalion. These were redesignated in September, 1940, asCompanies A, B, C, D, 372nd Infantry. The Baltimore, Mary-land, company which had served as Company “I,” 372nd In-fantry, in World War I, was redesignated on 2 August 1940 asService Company, 372nd Infantry. Company “A,” Ist SeparateBattalion, District of Columbia, was redesignated 22 August1940 as Headquarters Company, 372nd Infantry. The first three

battalions strengthened and reorganized, were intact.First Battalion was originally organized as the Ist Separate

Battalion of Infantry, District of Columbia National Guard, bythe consolidation of the 7th and Bth Battalions, Infantry, thecompanies of which were organized at various dates between1875 and 1 882. The Ist Battalion served on the Mexican Border

from June to October, 1916. In March, 1917, the Ist was mus-tered into Federal Service, and was engaged in guarding publicworks and installations of strategic importance in and near theCity of Washington, D. C. In December, 1917, it was redesig-nated the Ist Battalion, 3 72nd Infantry Regiment, 93rd Division.The Battalion served overseas, however, with the French 15 7thDivision (whose insignia is the red hand). It participated in theMeuse-Argonne operation, and in defensive sectors in Alsaceand Lorraine. The unit returned to the United States and wasdemobilized 6 March 1919.

The Ist Separate Battalion, District of Columbia NationalGuard, which served as the Ist Battalion, 372nd Infantry Regi-ment during World War I, began its reorganization in April,1921. It was designated Ist Battalion, 372nd Infantry, 8 De-

cember 1925. The present Ist Battalion was organized in NewJersey in 1931 as the Ist Separate Battalion of New JerseyMilitia, and Federally recognized in 1940. It was designated asthe present Ist Battalion, 372nd Infantry in September, 1940.

THE 2ND BATTALION was organized in 1881 as the 9thBattalion of Infantry, Ohio National Guard from existing

companies the oldest of which was the Duquesnes Blues(1874). The battalion was mustered into Federal service inMay, 1898, and served within the continental limits of theUnited States during the Spanish-American War. It was mus-tered out in January, 1 899, and resumed its state status.

It was taken into Federal service again 5 August 1917, andin January, 1918, was redesignated the 2nd Battalion, 372ndInfantry Regiment, 93rd Division. It participated in the Meuse-

Argonne operation and in defensive sectors in Alsace and Lor-raine as a part of the French 15 7th Infantry Division. The 2ndBattalion returned to the United States and was demobilized6 March 1919. The 9th Battalion of Infantry, Ohio NationalGuard, which served in World War I as the 2nd Battalion, 372ndInfantry, was reorganized in 1924 as the Ist Separate Battalionof Infantry; it was redesignated the 2nd Battalion, 372nd Infan-try Regiment, 1 April 1925.

THE 3RD BATTALION was organized in 1863 as an un-attached company in the Independent Division, Massa-

chusetts Volunteer Militia. The company was redesignated the1 4th Company the following year. In 1 866 it became known asCompany “A,” 2nd Battalion, Infantry. It served in the CivilWar. In 1878 the Company was assigned to the 6th Regimentas Company “L.” It was mustered into Federal service in May,1898, and served in Puerto Rico during the Spanish-AmericanWar, and was mustered out in January, 1 899. The companyresumed its state status thereafter.

It was mustered into Federal service again 6 April 1917,and on 1 January 1918 it was redesignated “L” Company,372nd Infantry, 93rd Division, of World War I. The companyserved overseas with the French 15 7th Infantry Division, andparticipated in the Meuse-Argonne operation and in the defen-sive sectors in Alsace and Lorraine. It returned to the UnitedStates and was demobilized 6 March 1919. Company “L,” 6thInfantry, Massachusetts National Guard, which served duringWorld War I as Company “L,” 372nd Infantry, was reconsti-tuted in the National Guard of Massachusetts as the 3rd Bat-talion, 372nd Infantry Regiment.

The colors of the regiment carry four battle streamers: onefor service in Puerto Rico; one, for service in Lorraine; one, forservice in Alsace; one, for services in Meuse-Argonne offensive;the fifth streamer indicates the award of the French Croix deGuerre with Palm.

The regimental insignia, seen as a shield ornament, has bluefor the Infantry, a wide red diagonal and a narrow gold diagonalwhich indicate service in Alsace and Lorraine. The Puerto Ricancastle signifies service in the Spanish-American War. The RedHand exemplifies service with the 1 5 7th French Division.

The motto, “Fidelis Et Paratus,” loyal and ready, is thatwritten in the hearts of all Americans.

rd O. Gourdin

ssageas Commanding Officer of the 372nd

ch 10, 1945, as “Regimental Day.” Be-tional Guard regiment, was called torch tenth was selected,

smorate the history and traditions ofheroes in past wars, in the Civil War,fexican Border, in Alsace, in Lorraine

the colors of the 372nd Infantry deco-ince with the Croix de Guerre with

pride in the history and traditions ofyear added pride in the achievementso action. Each will accept future com-motto: “Faithful and Ready.”

EDWARD O. GOURDIN,Colonel, 372nd Infantry,Commanding.