“Raise A Glass”

The annals of American Military History overflow with the illustrious achievements of our nation’s finest soldiers and the individual units in which they served.  This is especially true when it comes to the “Rock of the Marne”, the United States 3rd Infantry Division.  One of the most decorated and successful of all American military units, the 3rd Infantry Division acts as a standard for all other American military units.  The core of the 3rd ID has traditionally been composed of three infantry regiments.  The regiments of the 3rd ID are the 7th, 15th and 30th.  While each infantry regiment retains its own illustrious history, this article focuses on the history and accomplishments of the 30th Infantry Regiment.

The 30th Infantry Regiment, formed in the summer of 1813, has been involved in nearly every military action undertaken by the United States with the exception of the Mexican War of 1844-1847.  Temporarily designated by President Lincoln as the 12th Regular Infantry Regiment, the 30th IR would participate in the American Civil War and gain recognition in places like Bull Run, Antietam, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.  At the conclusion of the American Civil War, the 30th IR would be deactivated.  It would remain deactivated for 37 years.  In 1901, the country once again called upon the 30th.  Its task was to participate in the Philippine Insurrection on the far side of the world. 

Unfortunately, by the time the 30th was in position to see combat action, the rebellion had come to an end.  Instead of returning the United States, the 30th was pressed into service building roads all over the southern end of Mindanao.  The 30th would remain in service in the Philippines until its return to U.S. Soil in 1909. 

The 30th would again be deployed as part of the American Expeditionary Forces being mobilized for service in World War One.  Along with the 38th Infantry Regiment, the 30th would join the 3rd Infantry Division’s 6th Infantry Brigade.  It was in this conflict that the 30th Infantry Regiment, along with the 38th IR, would be instrumental in gaining the 3rd Infantry Division’s nickname, “Rock of the Marne.”  The 30th would participate in actions like the Champagne-Marne Defensive, the Aisne-Marne Counteroffensive, where General John “Blackjack” Pershing would dub the 3rd ID with its nickname, the St. Mihiel Offensive, and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.  After the cessation of hostilities in 1918, the 30th IR would return to the Presidio in San Francisco where it would remain until 1941.  It is here that the 30th would gain its own nickname, the “Friscans.”  During the interwar years, the 30th would often train with the 2nd Marine Division and therefore become the principal authority, within the U.S. Army, on amphibious tactics and procedures.

With the outbreak of World War Two, the 30th infantry regiment would again deploy to meet the defense needs of the United States and the rest of the free world.  The 30th would participate in Operation Torch, Operation Husky, Operation Avalanche, Operation Shingle and Operation Anvil.  Once permanently ensconced in Southern France, the 30th would see significant action in the Vosges Mountains and the Battle of the Colmar Pocket.  After securing the western side of the Rhine River, the 30th would find itself attached to the newly formed XV Corps tasked as the “Spearhead” across the Rhine into Germany.  The 30th would remain in Germany on occupation duty until 1946.

From 1950-1953, the 30th would see duty in a replacement capacity for the 7th and 15th Infantry Regiments and did not see action as a unit during the Korean War.  At various times since 1953, the 30th Infantry has been deactivated, activated and reorganized.  The 1st Battalion of the 30th went back to war in Iraq in 2003.  The 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry is now attached to the 10th Mountain Division currently serving in Afghanistan.

Throughout its history, the 30th Infantry Regiment has received its share of unit and individual recognition.  The 30th IR’s motto of “Our Country, Not Ourselves” is reflected in its battle history and awards.  The 30th Infantry Regiment can be credited with 531 days of combat operations while sustaining 8,308 casualties.  Individual awards number 12 Congressional Medals of Honor, 39 Distinguished Service Crosses, 854 Silver Stars, 1,068 Bronze Stars, 29 Legions of Merit and 28 Soldier’s Medals.

It is with great honor and humility that I call upon all citizens of our great nation to “Raise a Glass” to the 30th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division.  The service of the 30th IR reflects great credit upon itself and is in keeping with the highest standards of the United States Army.  Long will the 30th Infantry Regiment be remembered and revered.

Jay Thackston
Grandson of Pvt. Charles Lawrence Wiseman
K Company, 3rd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment