45th Infantry Regiment (U.S. Army) Accent Coffee Mug

The 45th Infantry Regiment is an infantry unit within the United States Army. Originally formed during World War I on April 28, 1917, it was one of several regiments raised by the Oklahoma National Guard as a response to the U.S.'s entry into the war. The regiment saw action in several major battles, including the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, and earned a Presidential Unit Citation for its actions during the war. In peacetime, the 45th Infantry Regiment is part of the Oklahoma Army National Guard. It is organized into three infantry battalions and a support battalion, each based in various locations across Oklahoma. The regiment has been mobilized numerous times for various missions since its formation, including serving in both World Wars, the Korean War, and more recently in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. The 45th Infantry Regiment is recognized by its distinctive shoulder sleeve insignia, which features a red star on a white disk within a green laurel wreath. This design reflects the regiment's history, with the red star representing valor and the laurel wreath symbolizing military victory and success in competition. The 45th Infantry Regiment is also known by its nickname, 'Thunderbirds,' reflecting the Native American heritage of many of its members.