The Second Indianhead Division Association is seeking men and women from Pearl River County who served and currently serve in the United States’ Army Second Infantry Division.
Second Indianhead Division Association secretary and treasurer Bob Haynes said the Army’s second division consists of three brigades. Each brigade is comprised of about 5,000 soldiers.
The Army Second Division was formed in France in 1917 during World War I, Haynes said. At that time, there were no divisions, he said.
According to the association’s website, the 2ID is the only American division organized on foreign soil.
During that time, the division was commanded by Marine Corps generals, Brigadier General C.A. Doyen and Major General John A. Lejeune, the website states.
This was the only period when an Army division served under a Marine general, Haynes said.
According to the website, between 1919 and 1942, the 2ID was stationed at Fort Sam Houston, in San Antonio, Texas testing new concepts and innovations for the Army. Indianhead soldiers initiated air mobility and anti-tank warfare techniques, the website states.
During World War II, the 2ID was stationed in Ireland for training and then to France, where they fought battles in Normandy and at the Battle of the Bulge, the website states.
From 1945 to 1950, the 2ID was stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington, where members trained in air transportability, amphibious and maneuver training, the website states.
From 1950 to 1954, the 2ID served in the Korean War. The division returned in 1965 to help halt attacks on the North Korean border, the demilitarized zone.
The duties of 2ID soldiers include supporting the Republic of Korea army, Haynes said.
Haynes served at the DMZ in Korea from 1966 to 1967 and witnessed frequent attacks by North Koreans. However, he said the experience was a positive one.
“You grow from a young man to a veteran real quick,” he said.
The Second Indianhead Division Association was founded in 1917 and includes about 2,400 members worldwide, Haynes said.
This September, the group will hold its 94th annual reunion in San Antonio, Texas at the El Tropicano Hotel, located on the Riverwalk, Haynes said. The event will last from Tuesday, September 22 to Saturday, September 26.
About three or four World War II veterans are expected to attend the event, Haynes said. There will also be veterans from the Korean War, Cold War and DMZ.
“This is a chance for the old guys to get together and talk about the old times,” Haynes said. “Spouses and guests are welcome as well. As they say in San Antonio, ‘Y’all come out.’’’
Anyone interested in membership or attending the reunion can contact Haynes through email at 2idahq@comcast.net or by phone at 224-225-1202.
Learn more about 2ID at www.2ida.org.