Division History
The story of the 25th Infantry Division - "Tropic Lightning"
Activation
The 25th Infantry Division was activated at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, drawn from the Hawaiian Division. Just two months later, the Division would face its first test at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, where soldiers of the 25th manned defensive positions across Oahu.
World War II
The Division earned its "Tropic Lightning" nickname in the Pacific Theater, fighting on Guadalcanal (1942-1943), Vella Lavella, and New Georgia in the Solomon Islands. The Division then moved to the Philippines, participating in the liberation of Luzon (1945). Six soldiers earned the Medal of Honor during the war.
Korean War
Deployed to Korea in July 1950, the 25th fought in some of the war's fiercest battles, including the defense of the Pusan Perimeter, the breakout and pursuit, and the bitter fighting along the 38th Parallel. Captain Lewis Millett led the last major bayonet charge in American military history near Soam-Ni. Fourteen soldiers earned the Medal of Honor.
Vietnam War
The Division deployed to Vietnam in 1966, establishing its base camp at Cu Chi in the heart of Viet Cong territory. Operating in III and IV Corps areas including Tay Ninh, Hau Nghia, and Binh Duong provinces, the Division conducted extensive combat operations against both Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army forces. The Division participated in the Tet Offensive defense in 1968 and operations into Cambodia in 1970. Twenty-four soldiers earned the Medal of Honor.
Global War on Terror
The 25th Infantry Division deployed multiple brigades to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and subsequent operations. Division elements served in locations across both theaters, continuing the tradition of Tropic Lightning soldiers answering the nation's call.
Schofield Barracks, Hawaii
The 25th Infantry Division remains headquartered at Schofield Barracks on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The Division continues to train and stand ready as the Army's Pacific-focused division, prepared to respond to threats across the Indo-Pacific region. The Tropic Lightning legacy lives on.
Commanding Generals
Leaders who shaped the Division's legacy
A complete list of Commanding Generals from activation to present will be available soon.
Units of the Division
The regiments and battalions that make up Tropic Lightning
27th Infantry Regiment
"Wolfhounds"
One of the Division's most storied regiments, serving in every major conflict from WWII through the present.
35th Infantry Regiment
"Cacti"
Distinguished in WWII and Korea, carrying forward a legacy of courage and determination.
14th Infantry Regiment
"Golden Dragons"
A proud regiment with service spanning multiple conflicts under the 25th ID banner.
24th Infantry Regiment
"Deuce Four"
Historically significant as one of the Buffalo Soldier regiments, serving with distinction in Korea.
3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry
"Raider"
The Division's cavalry reconnaissance squadron, serving from Vietnam through the Global War on Terror.
25th Division Artillery
"DIVARTY"
Providing fire support across every conflict, the artillerymen of the 25th have been the backbone of the Division's combat power.