Photo By Staff Sgt. Hannah Tarkelly | The North Carolina National Guard 1st-252nd Armor Regiment conducted a reflagging...... read more read more
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The North Carolina National Guard 1st - 252nd Armor Regiment conducted a reflagging ceremony to mark their formal transition to the 1st -119th Infantry Regiment at the Terry Sanford High School in Fayetteville, N.C., Feb. 22nd, 2026.
To commemorate this historical transition, N.C. National Guardsmen cased the colors of the 252 Armor Regiment and stood proudly with their new colors of the 119th Infantry Regiment.
“Today is the day when we close one chapter in the story of the 252 Armor Thunderbolts and we open a new chapter in the story of the 119th Infantry Swamp Dragons,” said U.S. Army Brigadier General Wes Morrison. “By doing so, we honor the citizen soldiers of both of these historic battalions.”
The 252 Armor Thunderbolts carried a lineage that dated back to the civil war and proceeded to make historical achievements. To highlight just a few, in 1996 the Thunderbolts were the 1st Battalion to be awarded the North Carolina Governor’s Unit Citation for their brave and swift response to Hurricane Fran. In 2016, 1-252 Armor Regiment took home the Sullivan Cup and was awarded the title of “Best Tank Crew in the Army” following a rigorous competition with 16 other tank crews.
Although the Thunderbolts officially laid their colors to rest, their distinguished accomplishments and dedicated service will be permanently etched in the Guardsman history.
Now carrying the colors of the Swamp Dragons, these Soldiers have inherited a notable legacy. The 119th Infantry Regiment contained a rich history that dated back to the 1st North Carolina Volunteers deriving from previous volunteer companies serving in the Civil War. This regiment is known for its heroic actions at Mortain, Battle of the Bulge, and Stoumont thus earning Presidential Unit Citations.
With this memorable change, these Soldiers will go forth and carry a guidon bearing new colors to lead the way in further defining the Guardsman legacy.
“Remember your history and be proud of where you came from,” said U.S. Army Col. Paul Hollenack. “Embrace the change and all the challenges that come with it, and stand strong on the core values that caused you to volunteer to serve your state and nation.”
| Date Taken: | 03.07.2026 |
| Date Posted: | 03.11.2026 08:23 |
| Story ID: | 559612 |
| Location: | NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 10 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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