The taro leaf found in the center of the Unit Crest of the 24th Infantry Division is shaped almost identically like the one seen on its Shoulder Sleeve Insignia / Combat Service ID Badge (SSI / CSIB). It is surrounded by a red amulet, which was adapted from the badge that was previously approved for the Hawaiian Division Headquarters—the 24th Infantry Division’s original designation. On the amulet are thirteen stars, representing the number of campaigns the division participated in; at the top is the Division’s motto of “Victory.”
During the First Gulf War, the 24th Infantry Division was deployed on the east flank of the XVIII Airborne Corps along with the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. Together with other major units including the 82nd Airborne Division, the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, and the 1st Infantry Division, the Division was part of the famed “end around” or “left hook” maneuver that tore through the Iraqi right flank and enveloped huge numbers of enemy troop formations.
But one of the 24th Infantry Division’s most famous engagements took place after a ceasefire had been declared. On 2 March 1991, the Division encountered the Hammurabi Division of the Republican Guard moving through the Hammar Marshes in an attempt to reach Highway 8 and flee to Baghdad.
After the Iraq formation opened fire, the 24th Infantry Division used its aviation and armored assets to block the Iraqi movement and, for the next five hours, unleashed a torrent of fire upon the enemy. In all, the Division destroyed nearly 250 tanks and armored fighting vehicles, more than 400 trucks, and 43 artillery pieces, and also captured around 3,000 Iraqis; American casualties totaled one Soldier injured and two armored vehicles destroyed. While some questioned the decision to attack a column that appeared to be retreating, the 24th’s Commander, Barry McCaffrey, was exonerated of wrongdoing in two separate investigations.
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