Linage of the Army

[deadwoodgultch]

The oldest continuous service regiment in the Virginia National Guard and seventh oldest in the United States Army is the 116th Infantry, dating from 3 November 1741. The 1st Virginia Regiment was raised July 17, 1775, in Williamsburg as a state militia unit and later for service with the Continental Army, and its lineage lives on today in the 116th Regimental Combat Team.

116th Infantry “The Stonewall Brigade” Regimental service dates from 1742, and “Ever Forward” through the French and Indian War, the American Revolution through the War of 1812, American Civil War, Spanish American War, Mexican Border Service in 1916-1917 then to World War I and II continuing today to Operations Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn.

The militia regiment saw action during the Revolution, guarding the frontier and sending volunteer companies to serve in Major General Nathanael Greene’s campaigns in the Carolinas in 1781, including battles at Cowpens and Guilford Court House. Seven companies of the regiment also participated in the final victory over the British at Yorktown.

During the Civil War, the famous Stonewall Brigade fought through virtually every engagement of the Army of Northern Virginia which is reflected in nineteen battle streamers on the 116th Regimental Colors.

The 116th Infantry, formed as part of the 29th Infantry Division, and deployed in World War I. Soldiers of the 116th Infantry spearheaded an attack in October 1918 during what was known as the Meuse Argonne Offensive. During this attack, the Regiment earned the French Croix de Guerre and Sgt. Earle Gregory of the 116th Infantry earned the Medal of Honor, the first Virginia Guardsman to receive the award.

During World War II, Soldiers from the 29th took part in the massive invasion of Normandy France that began the morning of June 6, 1944, to be known forever as “D-Day.” More than 800 members of the 116th Infantry were killed, wounded or missing during the assault on Omaha Beach, but their courage and bravery helped create a foothold that allowed follow on forces to continue the assault. The unit earned the Presidential Unit Citation and a second French Croix de Guerre with Palm for the D-Day landings in Normandy.

On June 14, after D-Day, Tech. Sgt. Frank Peregory of Company K, 116th Infantry from Charlottesville, became the second Virginia Guardsman to earn the Medal of Honor, (posthumously), for his action on or about June 8, when he single-handedly killed or captured 30 enemy soldiers defending a trench line.

During the rest of the war, the regiment participated in four campaigns, including exceptional hard fighting at St. Lo and Brest in France and Julich in Germany. The 1st Battalion received two additional awards for its role in the August 1944 crossing of the Vire River in Normandy: a second Presidential Unit Citation and a French Croix de Guerre with Silver-Gilt Star. Major Tom Howie of Staunton gained immortality as the “Major of St. Lo.” He received the Silver Star , which maybe upgraded to The Distinguished Service Medal (DSC), and the French Legion of Honor, "Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur ...Posthume.

More recently, the 116th Regimental Combat Team and other Virginia Guard Soldiers and Airmen served during The Sinai Peace Keeping Mission, Operation Desert Shield and Storm and since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, more than 15,000 Virginia Guard Soldiers and Airmen have served on federal active duty in support of Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom, Guantanamo Security Mission, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. Soldiers of the Regiment help maintain security in the United States and further the cause of freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as serving in the NATO peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Kosovo.

Ten 116th Regiment Soldiers have lost their lives to hostile enemy contact during the Global War on Terror

References

1. "Brief History 116th Infantry Regiment." Message from BG Ted Shuey. 22 Jan. 2014. E-mail.

2. "116th Infantry Regiment | The Stonewall Brigade." 116th Infantry Regiment. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Feb. 2014.

3. The Tradition Continues: A History of the Virginia National Guard. Richmond: Taylor Pub., 1987. Print.

[deadwoodgultch]

Sorry to post something I stole, but this is much more complete than me just saying Williamsburg. Keep up the educational process, Col.. Ian, never say you are sorry! One day if we ever meet, Ian, I will explain. The last thing you are ever to be is sorry. Enjoyed what you put forth, as I am ignorant to all, and could stand to learn.

Regards,
Tom

[quincannon]

Not too bad for a bunch of farm boys, mostly from the Blue Ridge and The Valley. Anyone wondering about "The Valley", don't. There is only one VALLEY in the Old Dominion.

That connection with 1741 is pretty recent vintage. The older versions have it going back only to 1861, when the various militia companies were collected and formed into regiments, the whole becoming the 1st Brigade, but after First Manassas only referred to as The Stonewall.

I think the work was done, and earlier connections made by Bob (I can't remember his last name - shame on me) when he prepared his history of the Continental Army for The Center of Military History. I always called him Bobby, and he always called me Dog Breath, but added Sir, which I thought was always nice of him. He was a VA part time Guardsman, and commanded the 116th Military History Detachment out of Manassas. Used to see him from time to time on the History Channel. Actually it was Doctor Bobby. He had his PHD in Colonial Studies.

[quincannon]

Now that you how Wowed us Tom:

What is the oldest unit in the ARNG?

What is the oldest cavalry unit in the ARNG?

By the way that mention of the 116th RCT in Tom's blurb is an unofficial title they give themselves. The official designation is the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Stonewall Brigade). The one nice thing about being in the Guard is that you have the ability to tell the Regular Army and their unit historians and lineage weenies to Go To Hell, and generally are able to get away with it.

[dave]

Yan
I am saddened to see the change in the British army but am very impressed with your knowledge. You know far more about your country's military than I do about Shiloh which I thought I was pretty good with.
I am learning so much from you and Chuck that I have actually taken notes and planning further research on those subjects. Thank y'all very much.
Merry Christmas
Dave

[quincannon]

I do some of my best thinking and remembering in the bath room these days. That's the Loo to you Ian.

The historians name was Doctor Robert Wright. Last I heard from him he was the Command Historian for Forces Command, down in Atlanta. He may be retired now as he would be approaching geezerdom. He did a great job on Military Police linages too. His book on the Continental Army is a must read for anyone interested in that era. It is available from the Government Printing Office.

[dave]

Chuck
I appreciate your sharing the information regarding the Virginia and Mississippi units.
The 11th Mississippi just faded into lore and history and part of the Lost Cause. Company A, University Greys, was composed of students from the University of Mississippi. All but 4 students joined. Company G, the Lamar Rifles was composed of Lafayette county men and adopted the motto, Semper Paratus. This was in 1860 and they beat the Coast Guard to it.
If you saw the PBS special the Civil War you may be familiar with Sullivan Ballou

A member of the 11th Mississippi wrote the letter below from Gettysburg just before Pickett's charge:

Letter written to his mother, as Jeremiah is dying, after having been wounded at Gettysburg.



Gettysburg Penn July 3rd My dear mother This is the last you may ever hear from me. I have time to tell you that I died like a man. Bear my loss as best you can. Remember that I am true to my country and my greatest regret at dying is that she is not free and that you and my sisters are robbed of my worth whatever that may be. I hope this will reach you and you must not regret that my body can not be obtained. It is a mere matter of form anyhow." This is for my sisters too as I can not write more. Send my dying release to Miss Mary." you know who." J.S. Gage Co. A, 11th Miss.) Mrs. P.W. Gage Richland," Holmes County," Miss.)(This letter is stained with my blood.)

Different times different men.
Regards
Dave

[dave]

Chuck
The 29th Virginia, Company G was from Lebanon, VA in Russell county. Hope that helps.
Thanks for everything.
Merry Christmas
Dave

[deadwoodgultch]

COL.,
MASS. AND PHILADELPHIA IN THAT ORDER, I THINK, SIR!

[quincannon]

Different times maybe, but the men are the same.

I have a hunch that those two companies may be around somewhere. It was not uncommon in those days for young men at College joining together to form a militia unit, especially in the south. They did it for a number of reasons, primarily social, but with military seasoning thrown in.

Lamar Rifles sounds suspiciously like a militia unit too.

Check you phone book for both of these locations and tell me what Mississippi ARNG units are currently there. Post them here. I warn you in advance that it will require a very deep dive, as company linages are very hard to come by and require lots of research, so it will take time, successful or not.

Also, do you have an Army ROTC unit at the University? Back in the long past certain ROTC units from universities were designated to perpetuate units unofficially, that were raised from university students. VMI has such a perpetuation as do many others. If memory serves it was around the time of the 100th Anniversary of the ACW.

[quincannon]

Give that man a Cigar.

182nd Infantry Massachusetts ARNG goes back to 1636. Oldest unit

Troop A, 1st Squadron, 104th Cavalry was organized before the Revwar (1774 I think)as the First City Troop of Philadelphia.

OK Smart behind. What currently existing ARNG unit was formed from a volunteer fire company?

Tom: Lebanon in Russell County, where in the Commonweath is that? Can't say I remember

[deadwoodgultch]

Hmm!
lebanonva.net/news/russell-county-veterans-memorial-park/

seems to be a connection!

[deadwoodgultch]

Same Valley, different stream!

[dave]

QC
The 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team is the Guard unit in Oxford. The Guard unit in the 60's were using tanks and other armored vehicles then. As a kid were allowed to climb in, on and around M 60 tanks. Could not do that as an adult they were too small to get into and move around
Both the University Greys and Lamar Rifles were both established in Oxford, Layette county. The Greys, Company A were formed in May 1861 and the Lamar Rifles, named in honor of LQC Lamar, were formed in December 1860.
The 11th Mississippi and 2nd Mississippi were the first Mississippi units transferred to the Army of Northern Virginia in May of 1861. They were sent to Harper's Ferry, VA to join Joe Johnston.

[yanmacca]

Just reading all your posts about the US army reminds me of the words of the great R. Lee Ermey (Gunnery Sergeant US Marine Corps Ret.)

There are no atheists on a battlefield, so I don’t care if you are Allah, Buddha or Jesus H Christ, anyone who gets killed will receive a few words from me.

Chuck, it could be Loo, toilet or bathroom, some low level people called it the “bog” not that I have any friends in low places.
Some of the ex-army chaps I used to know used to call it the “Karzy or Karzi” why I myself prefer the “porcelain throne”