Company A 1-181 Infantry
Encyclopedia
Company A 1st Battalion 181st Infantry Regiment is the oldest active company in the 181st Infantry Regiment. In the National Guard, companies have two histories. They share the history of the Regiment to which they are assigned, but also have a unique company history and lineage. Therefore, Company A 1-181 IN shares the long history of the 181st Infantry Regiment (United States)
. This site concentrates on the unique history of Company A as a militia / National Guard company in Springfield and Agawam, MA. The company traces its history to 14 November, 1639, when it was first mustered as the Springfield Train Band. It later served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution
, with Union forces in the American Civil War
, and as a federalized Massachusetts National Guard regiment with the U.S. Army during War with Spain, Mexican Border Campaign, World War I
and World War II
. Most recently the Company A has served in Bosnia, in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina
, in Kosovo and in Afghanistan
.
During Shay’s Rebellion (1786-7) the company fought against the rebels to defend the Federal Arsenal in Springfield.
In 1798, the company became the Springfield Artillery, and served in the defenses of Boston during the War of 1812.
The Land forces of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia were redesignated as the Massachusetts National Guard
on 15 November 1907.
In June of 1916 the Company was sent to the Mexican border as Company B of the 2nd Massachusetts Regiment. The 2nd Mass. was based at Columbus New Mexico, and was the only National Guard Regiment to cross the border into Mexico with General Pershing’s Punitive Expedition.
In 1946, The Springfield Rifles were re-established and became Company B 1st Battalion 104th Infantry. The Company served through the Cold War.
In September 2005, Company A mobilized as an element of JTF Yankee for rescue and security operations in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.
On 1 December 2005, the 1st Battalion 104th Infantry Regiment (United States) was deactivated and the remaining units were reconstituted and integrated into the 1st Battalion 181st Infantry Regiment (United States)
.
In August 2006, the Springfield Rifles now designated as Company A 1-181 IN, mobilized for service in Kosovo as an element of the NATO Kosovo Force. (KFOR 8). Conducted Peace Enforcement Operations in southern Kosovo.
In August 2010, Company A 1-181 IN deployed for one year of service with the International Security Force in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The company provided command and control for Camp Julien in Kabul and conducted security operations in Kunar, Uruzgan and Kapisa Provinces in Afghanistan.
, Springfield Train Band
French and Indian wars
, Springfield Foot
American Revolutionary War
, Burt's Company
American Civil War
, Company E, 10th Massachusetts Infantry
Spanish American War, Springfield Rifles, 2nd Massachusetts Infantry
Mexican Border campaign, H Company, 2nd Massachusetts Infantry
World War I
, B Company, 104th Infantry Regiment (United States)
World War II
, B Company, 104th Infantry Regiment (United States)
Global War on Terror, Company A 1-104 IN / Company A 1-181 Infantry
181st Infantry Regiment (United States)
The 181st Infantry Regiment shares the distinction of being the oldest combat regiment in the United States Army. The regiment traces its history to 13 December, 1636, when it was one of four colonial regiment of foot of the British Crown in Massachusetts...
. This site concentrates on the unique history of Company A as a militia / National Guard company in Springfield and Agawam, MA. The company traces its history to 14 November, 1639, when it was first mustered as the Springfield Train Band. It later served in the Continental Army during the American Revolution
American Revolution
The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America...
, with Union forces in the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
, and as a federalized Massachusetts National Guard regiment with the U.S. Army during War with Spain, Mexican Border Campaign, World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
and World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
. Most recently the Company A has served in Bosnia, in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was a powerful Atlantic hurricane. It is the costliest natural disaster, as well as one of the five deadliest hurricanes, in the history of the United States. Among recorded Atlantic hurricanes, it was the sixth strongest overall...
, in Kosovo and in Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
.
Formation and colonial operations
The Present Company A of the 181st Infantry was first mustered in December of 1639 in Springfield. The company served against the Dutch on Long Island in 1673-74, In King Philip’s War (1675-7), at Turner’s Falls in 1676, In King William’s War (1688-98), Queen Anne’s War (1703-13), King George’s War (1744-8) and in the French and Indian War (1754-63).Massachusetts Army and the American Revolution
In the Revolutionary War, the company served as Burt’s Company at Boston in 1775, with detachments serving throughout the war.During Shay’s Rebellion (1786-7) the company fought against the rebels to defend the Federal Arsenal in Springfield.
In 1798, the company became the Springfield Artillery, and served in the defenses of Boston during the War of 1812.
Civil War
In 1844, reorganized as Company E of the 10th Light Infantry Regiment. Mobilized on 21 June 1861 as Company E (Springfield Rifles) of the 10th Massachusetts Regiment. Served throughout the Civil War with the Army of the Potomac.National Guard and overseas service
Mobilized for service in the War with Spain on 9 May 1898. The company served with the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry in the Santiago (Cuba) Campaign fighting at El Caney and was mustered out of service on 3 November, 1898.The Land forces of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia were redesignated as the Massachusetts National Guard
Massachusetts National Guard
The Massachusetts National Guard was founded as the Massachusetts Bay Colonial Militia on December 13, 1636, and contains the oldest units in the United States Army. It is currently headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts and commanded by Major General Joseph C...
on 15 November 1907.
In June of 1916 the Company was sent to the Mexican border as Company B of the 2nd Massachusetts Regiment. The 2nd Mass. was based at Columbus New Mexico, and was the only National Guard Regiment to cross the border into Mexico with General Pershing’s Punitive Expedition.
World War I
In March of 1917 the Springfield Rifles was designated as Company B, 104th Infantry Regiment of the 26th Yankee Division for service in the First World War. In France the Company served in all of campaigns of the Yankee Division and was awarded the French Croix de Guerre with Gilt Star for the heroic fight at Apremont on 10-13 April 1918. This was the first time in U.S. history that an American unit was decorated for bravery by a foreign power.World War II
The Springfield Rifles was mobilized in January of 1941 for one year of training with the Yankee Division. The year of training ended in December of 1941 but the company’s service continued after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor brought the United States into the Second World War. Company B Deployed to Europe with the 104th Infantry Regiment and fought from Normandy across Germany to meet the Soviets in Czechoslovakia at wars end. The 104th awarded the Croix de Guerre and Fourragere by France for actions in breaching the Siegfried Line. The company served in the Army of Occupation in Czechoslovakia and Austria until 1946.In 1946, The Springfield Rifles were re-established and became Company B 1st Battalion 104th Infantry. The Company served through the Cold War.
Later service
In August 2001, the Springfield Rifles now designated as Company A 1-104 IN, headquartered in Agawam MA, mobilized for service in Bosnia-Herzegovina as an element of the NATO Stabilization Force. (SFOR 10)In September 2005, Company A mobilized as an element of JTF Yankee for rescue and security operations in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina.
On 1 December 2005, the 1st Battalion 104th Infantry Regiment (United States) was deactivated and the remaining units were reconstituted and integrated into the 1st Battalion 181st Infantry Regiment (United States)
181st Infantry Regiment (United States)
The 181st Infantry Regiment shares the distinction of being the oldest combat regiment in the United States Army. The regiment traces its history to 13 December, 1636, when it was one of four colonial regiment of foot of the British Crown in Massachusetts...
.
In August 2006, the Springfield Rifles now designated as Company A 1-181 IN, mobilized for service in Kosovo as an element of the NATO Kosovo Force. (KFOR 8). Conducted Peace Enforcement Operations in southern Kosovo.
In August 2010, Company A 1-181 IN deployed for one year of service with the International Security Force in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The company provided command and control for Camp Julien in Kabul and conducted security operations in Kunar, Uruzgan and Kapisa Provinces in Afghanistan.
Battles
King Philip's WarKing Philip's War
King Philip's War, sometimes called Metacom's War, Metacomet's War, or Metacom's Rebellion, was an armed conflict between Native American inhabitants of present-day southern New England and English colonists and their Native American allies in 1675–76. The war is named after the main leader of the...
, Springfield Train Band
- Battle of Bloody BrookBattle of Bloody BrookThe Battle of Bloody Brook was fought on September 12, 1675 between English colonial militia from the Massachusetts Bay Colony and a band of Indians led by the Nipmuc sachem Muttawmp...
- Battle of Turner's FallsBattle of Turner's FallsThe Battle of Turner's Falls, also known as the Peskeompscut massacre, was fought on May 19, 1676, during King Philip's War, in present-day Gill, Massachusetts, near a falls on the Connecticut River. The site is across the river from the village of Turners Falls...
French and Indian wars
French and Indian Wars
The French and Indian Wars is a name used in the United States for a series of conflicts lasting 74 years in North America that represented colonial events related to the European dynastic wars...
, Springfield Foot
- Siege of Loiuisburg (1745)
- Battle of Lake GeorgeBattle of Lake GeorgeThe Battle of Lake George was fought on 8 September 1755, in the north of the Province of New York. The battle was part of a campaign by the British to expel the French from North America in the French and Indian War....
- TiconderogaTiconderogaTiconderoga may refer to :*Ticonderoga, New York, a town in New York, United States*Ticonderoga , New York, a hamlet in New York, United States*Fort Ticonderoga, a fortification in New YorkIn ships:*Ticonderoga...
American Revolutionary War
American Revolutionary War
The American Revolutionary War , the American War of Independence, or simply the Revolutionary War, began as a war between the Kingdom of Great Britain and thirteen British colonies in North America, and ended in a global war between several European great powers.The war was the result of the...
, Burt's Company
- Siege of BostonSiege of BostonThe Siege of Boston was the opening phase of the American Revolutionary War, in which New England militiamen—who later became part of the Continental Army—surrounded the town of Boston, Massachusetts, to prevent movement by the British Army garrisoned within...
American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
, Company E, 10th Massachusetts Infantry
- Peninsula CampaignPeninsula CampaignThe Peninsula Campaign of the American Civil War was a major Union operation launched in southeastern Virginia from March through July 1862, the first large-scale offensive in the Eastern Theater. The operation, commanded by Maj. Gen. George B...
- Battle of AntietamBattle of AntietamThe Battle of Antietam , fought on September 17, 1862, near Sharpsburg, Maryland, and Antietam Creek, as part of the Maryland Campaign, was the first major battle in the American Civil War to take place on Northern soil. It was the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, with about 23,000...
- Battle of Fredricksburg
- Battle of ChancellorsvilleBattle of ChancellorsvilleThe Battle of Chancellorsville was a major battle of the American Civil War, and the principal engagement of the Chancellorsville Campaign. It was fought from April 30 to May 6, 1863, in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, near the village of Chancellorsville. Two related battles were fought nearby on...
- Battle of GettysburgBattle of GettysburgThe Battle of Gettysburg , was fought July 1–3, 1863, in and around the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The battle with the largest number of casualties in the American Civil War, it is often described as the war's turning point. Union Maj. Gen. George Gordon Meade's Army of the Potomac...
- Battle of the WildernessBattle of the WildernessThe Battle of the Wilderness, fought May 5–7, 1864, was the first battle of Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's 1864 Virginia Overland Campaign against Gen. Robert E. Lee and the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. Both armies suffered heavy casualties, a harbinger of a bloody war of attrition by...
- Battle of Spotsylvania
- Battle of Cold HarborBattle of Cold HarborThe Battle of Cold Harbor was fought from May 31 to June 12, 1864 . It was one of the final battles of Union Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant's Overland Campaign during the American Civil War, and is remembered as one of American history's bloodiest, most lopsided battles...
- Battle of Petersburg
- Virginia 1863
Spanish American War, Springfield Rifles, 2nd Massachusetts Infantry
- Santiago, Cuba (Battle of El CaneyBattle of El CaneyThe Battle of El Caney was fought on July 1, 1898, during the Spanish-American War.-Background:At El Caney, Cuba, 514 Spanish regular soldiers, together with approximately 100 armed Spanish loyalists under the command of General Joaquín Vara de Rey were instructed to hold the northwest flank of...
)
Mexican Border campaign, H Company, 2nd Massachusetts Infantry
World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
, B Company, 104th Infantry Regiment (United States)
- Champagne Marne
- Aisne Marne (Battle of Château-Thierry (1918)Battle of Château-Thierry (1918)The Battle of Château-Thierry was fought on 18 July 1918 and was one of the first actions of the American Expeditionary Force under General John J. "Black Jack" Pershing...
) - Battle of Saint-MihielBattle of Saint-MihielThe Battle of Saint-Mihiel was a World War I battle fought between September 12–15, 1918, involving the American Expeditionary Force and 48,000 French troops under the command of U.S. general John J. Pershing against German positions...
- Meuse-Argonne OffensiveMeuse-Argonne OffensiveThe Meuse-Argonne Offensive, or Maas-Argonne Offensive, also called the Battle of the Argonne Forest, was a part of the final Allied offensive of World War I that stretched along the entire western front.-Overview:...
- Isle De France 1918
- Lorraine 1918
World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, B Company, 104th Infantry Regiment (United States)
- Northern France
- Rhineland
- Ardennes-Alsace(Battle of the BulgeBattle of the BulgeThe Battle of the Bulge was a major German offensive , launched toward the end of World War II through the densely forested Ardennes mountain region of Wallonia in Belgium, hence its French name , and France and...
) - Central Europe
Global War on Terror, Company A 1-104 IN / Company A 1-181 Infantry
- Bosnia SFORSFORThe Stabilisation Force was a NATO-led multinational peacekeeping force in Bosnia and Herzegovina which was tasked with upholding the Dayton Agreement. It replaced the previous force IFOR...
- Kosovo Kosovo Force
- Afghanistan War (2001-Present)
Unit decorations
| Ribbon | Award | Year | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
French Croix de Guerre, World War I (With Gilt Star) | 104th IN cited; WD GO 11, 1924 | Embroidered "LORRAINE" | |
 |
French Croix de Guerre, World War II (With Palm) | 104th IN cited; DA GO 43, 1950 | Embroidered "LORRAINE" | |
 |
French Fourragere of the Croix de Guerre, World War II | 104th IN cited; DA GO 43, 1950 | ||
| Army Superior Unit Award | HQDA GO 2010-19 | Kosovo |
See also
- 181st Infantry Regiment (United States)181st Infantry Regiment (United States)The 181st Infantry Regiment shares the distinction of being the oldest combat regiment in the United States Army. The regiment traces its history to 13 December, 1636, when it was one of four colonial regiment of foot of the British Crown in Massachusetts...
- 104th Infantry Regiment (United States)
- Headquarters Company 1-181 InfantryHeadquarters Company 1-181 InfantryHeadquarters Company 1-181 Infantry, Worcester, MA, is the command element for the 1st Battalion 181st Infantry Regiment of the Massachusetts Army National Guard. In the National Guard, companies have two histories. They share the history of the Regiment to which they are assaigned, but also have...
(Wellington Rifles) - Company B 1-181 InfantryCompany B 1-181 InfantryCompany B 1st Battalion 181st Infantry Regiment is a rifle company in the 1st Battalion 181st Infantry Regiment. In the National Guard, companies have two histories. They share the history of the Regiment to which they are assigned, but also have a unique company history and lineage. Therefore,...
- Company C 1-181 InfantryCompany C 1-181 InfantryCompany C 1st Battalion 181st Infantry Regiment is a rifle company in the 181st Infantry Regiment. In the National Guard, companies have two histories. They share the history of the Regiment to which they are assigned, but also have a unique company history and lineage. Therefore, Company C...
(Cambridge City Guard) - Company D 1-181 InfantryCompany D 1-181 InfantryCompany D 1st Battalion 181st Infantry Regiment is a heavy weapons company in the 181st Infantry Regiment. It provides anti-armor and heavy machine gun support to the battalion operations. In the National Guard, companies have two histories. They share the history of the Regiment to which they...
(Hudson Light Guards) - 1181 Forward Support Company1181 Forward Support Company1181st Forward Support Company is the Forward Support Company for the 1st Battalion 181st Infantry Regiment. It provides transportation, maintenance and logistical support to the battalion operations. In the National Guard, companies have two histories. They share the history of the Regiment to...