End of World War I and Pennsylvania's 28th Infantry Division's Involvement

Philadelphia and Pennsylvania have played a key role in nearly all of the United States Military Involvements. The oldest division size unit in the United States Armed Forces is the 28th Infantry Division. The 28th Infantry Division is comprised of the Pennsylvania National Guard. The 28th Infantry Division's combat service identification badge has always been the key stone (show in the image). Many units in the 28th Infantry Division trace their roots back prior to America’s Independence from England. During World War I the 28th played a vital role in both France and Belgium. The unit was involved in the battles/offensives of Champagne-Marne, Aisne-Marne, Meuse-Argonne, Oise-Aisne, and Chateau-Thierry. After the Battle of Chateau-Thierry, General John Pershing declared the soldiers of the 28th Infantry Division as “Men of Iron,” and named the 28th Infantry Division as his “Iron Division.” By the end of the war, the 28th Infantry division would suffer 14,139 casualties (2,165 killed, and 11,974 wounded). Many of these soldiers where from Philadelphia and its surrounding areas. World War I would end November 11, 1918, and the 28th Infantry Divisions legacy has continued into current conflicts around the war today.

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