Oregon's 41st carries an honored past to Iraq

Photo By Staff Sgt. Cory Grogan | Col. Dan Hokanson, commander of the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, honors the colors of his brigade's guidon during the official casing ceremony at Camp Adder, Iraq. The 41st will be carrying an honored past with them during this year's deployment to Iraq.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

08.16.2009

Story by Spc. Cory Grogan 

41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team

BAGHDAD - Three thousand Soldiers arrived in Iraq in July wearing a sunset patch on their left shoulder, calling themselves "Jungleers," to serve their country on a convoy security and force protection mission. The patch is worn by the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team out of Oregon nicknamed the "Sunset Division" in 1917 due to its close association with northwest states, where the sun sets on the Pacific Ocean.

Highway 26, in Oregon, called the sunset highway, was named in honor of the brigade.

The 41st was the first American division sent overseas after Pearl Harbor, and the first American division trained in jungle warfare. The division spent 45 months fighting overseas, where it was also the first division to confront Japanese imperial forces in an offensive operation in New Guinea, earning the nickname "Jungleers."

The tour was the longest of any division in World War II, and the brigade killed and captured more Japanese Soldiers than any other division.

Moreover, the 186th Regimental Combat Team from the 41st Division played an integral role in the liberation process of the Philippines during World War II. They are now the 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment that will be called Task Force Guardian for this year's deployment.

The 41st Division was reorganized in 1965 to become an Infantry Brigade as it continued to serve the state of Oregon before seeing combat action in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The 2nd Battalion 162 Infantry Regiment, from Oregon, was deployed to Iraq in 2003. It saw some of the heaviest fighting of the War, in an area called the "Sunni Triangle." One of the task forces currently in Iraq called Task Force Volunteer is made up predominately by members of 2/162—many of those Soldiers are veterans from the first historic deployment.

On Sept. 2005, 41st Brigade units deployed during Hurricane Katrina for relief and security near the French Quarter, in New Orleans, before being put in charge of a joint task force for Hurricane Rita, a month later, to assist with disaster related needs in Texas and Louisiana.

During 2006-07, the Brigade had its first major deployment since World War II. More than 1000 Oregon National Guard members helped train the Afghanistan national army, gaining a reputation of excellence, serving in supporting roles throughout the nation.

Experienced Soldiers from past deployments make up a large portion of the brigade that is currently conducting their force protection and convoy security missions. The deployment comes at a historic time in the nation's history with the hand over of responsibilities to the Iraqi government, Iraqi elections in January, and the draw down of the U.S. military.

With all of its experience and history from recent years, this year's deployment is the brigade's largest since World War II. More than 3000 Soldiers are predominately from Oregon, but the brigade is also accompanied by units from Delaware, Nebraska, New Mexico, South Carolina, with fill-ins from the Inactive Ready Reserve.

The Jungleers have served their state on numerous missions, fighting natural disasters such as floods and wild fires in Oregon, but this year, around half of the Oregon National Guard is currently serving its' Country throughout southern and western Iraq.

The brigade is carrying an honored past with it during the year long deployment that will last until Spring of 2010, and experienced leadership along with training that began long before the mission in Iraq started, have the brigade ready to write another chapter in a distinguished history.

• Date Taken: 08.16.2009
• Date Posted: 08.16.2009 16:54
• Story ID: 37552
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ