FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
The Indianhead patch of the 2nd Infantry Division returned
to Fort Sam Houston Sept. 25 for the
first time in more than 70 years when the 2nd Infantry Division Association
brought more than 180 members to its former home.
Fort Sam Houston was the home of the 2nd Infantry Division
from 1919-1942, between World War I and World War II. It served as an experimental unit testing innovations
and new fighting concepts for the Army. In 1965, the division relocated to
Korea, where it is still headquartered.
“This is an important piece of our history,” said 2nd
Infantry Division Association National President Aves Thompson, who served with 2ID in the 23rd
Infantry Regiment in Korea in the 1960’s. “We are very, very glad to be here.”
Many of the members joined the association for the
camaraderie of reconnecting with old friends. For others it’s to make sure
history isn’t repeated.
“I don’t want kids or anyone else to forget Adolf Hitler and
what he had done,” said U. J. King, the only member of the 2nd ID Association
to serve in both WWII and the Korean War. “I just hope that we never forget.”
King received one Silver Star and two Bronze Stars for his efforts as a medic
during both wars.
Members have also found motivation to join the association
in other places.
Thompson’s inspiration came in the movie “We Were Soldiers,”
the 2002 film about the Ia Drang Battle in
Vietnam. “I saw the 2nd ID and 1st Cavalry patches and it brought back a
flood of memories,” he said.
Membership to the association is open to any soldier who has
served in the 2nd Infantry Division.
“If you wore that 2nd ID patch, you’re welcome in our
organization,” Thompson said.