The Big Red One

“No mission too difficult, no sacrifice too great— Duty First!” For a century, from the Western Front of World War I to the wars of the 21st century, this motto has spurred the soldiers who wear the shoulder patch bearing the Big Red One. In this comprehensive history of Americas 1st Infantry Division, James Scott Wheeler chronicles its major combat engagements and peacetime duties during its legendary service to the nation. The Centennial Edition adds new chapters on peacekeeping missions in the Balkans (1995–2004) and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (2001–2017), along with a new introduction and conclusion.

Wheeler describes the First Division’s critical role in postwar Germany and as the only combat division in Europe during the early Cold War. The division fought valiantly in Vietnam for five trying years while pioneering air-mobile operations. It led the liberation of Kuwait in Desert Storm. Along the way, Wheeler illuminates the divisions organizational evolution, its consistently remarkable commanders and leaders, and its equally remarkable soldiers.

Meticulously detailed and engagingly written, The Big Red One nimbly combines historical narrative with astute analysis of the units successes and failures, so that its story reflects the larger chronicle of America’s military experience over the past century.