| The 25th Infantry Division was formed on 1 October 1941 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. The division traces its lineage to the Hawaiian Division, which defended Hawaii since 1921. As part of reorganization, the Hawaiian Division was dissolved and two new divisions, the 24th and 25th divisions, were formed from its units. Barely two months old on 7 December 1941, the 25th Infantry Division received its baptism of fire when Japanese forces attacked military facilities on the island of Oahu. The division immediately deployed to its assigned sectors along the southern and eastern coasts of the island, ready to defend against a possible Japanese invasion. The division continued its role as guardian of Oahu until November 1942, when they were ordered into action against the Japanese in the Solomon Islands. Their first target: Guadalcanal. Guadalcanal was first major campaign of the 25th Infantry division. Arriving by convoys between December 1942 and early January 1943, the division began its offensive against Japanese forces on 5 January 1943. Fighting in disease infested jungle against a determined foe, the division completed its missions and defeated Japanese resistance on Guadalcanal by 5 February 1943. It was due to their superior performance during this operation the 25th Infantry Division earned its nickname: "Tropic Lightning". The fight would continue for the division as it moved up the Solomon Islands chain, fighting and defeating Japanese forces on the islands of New Georgia, Arundel, Kolombangara, and Vella Lavella. By 22 October 1943, the division withdrew from the front for a well deserved rest. While preparing for their next campaign, the final design for the division's patch was approved on 25 September 1944. The red and yellow taro leaf represented the division's origins in Hawaii, and the lightning bolt symbolized the division's adopted nickname. The soldiers of "Tropic Lightning" returned to action in January 1945 during the liberation of the Philippine Islands. The division landed on the island of Luzon with the mission of clearing and destroying Japanese forces on the central plain of Luzon and clearing a vital highway through the rugged Caraballo Mountains. The 25th Division began their operation on 16 January 1945 and was in combat continuously until their missions were completed, 165 days later. The division was awarded a Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for its participation in the Philippines. The division was placed in reserve and began training for the planned invasion of Japan when the war ended. The division participated in four campaigns during World War II and six soldiers would receive Medals of Honor for their bravery in combat. |
