WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) led Senators Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) in introducing a resolution honoring the soldiers of the 30th Infantry “Old Hickory” Division of the United States Army for their exemplary service during World War I and World War II.

Congressman Scott DesJarlais (R-Tenn.) introduced a companion resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Our servicemembers embody the best of our nation, and the members of the 30th Infantry ‘Old Hickory’ Division are no exception. They bravely answered the call to serve in World Wars I and II, and their courage continues to inspire the men and women in the United States Army today,” said Senator Blackburn. “I am honored to introduce a resolution that commends the members of the Old Hickory Division for admirably defending our country and allies in the name of freedom.”

“For more than two centuries, brave service members from across the Volunteer State have courageously given of themselves to defeat tyranny and preserve freedom. The 30th ‘Old Hickory’ Infantry Division is no exception to this rich heritage and spirit as countless soldiers of this division defended the United States and other Allies in historic battles of World Wars I and II. I’m pleased to co-sponsor this resolution that recognizes their service to the nation and honors their sacrifices for the war efforts,” said Senator Hagerty.

“The 30th Infantry Division has served our great nation during some of the most pivotal times in our history, organizing in the First World War with soldiers from North Carolina. The Division, known as ‘Old Hickory,’ has gone down in history as one of the greatest units of the Army National Guard, known for breaking the Hindenburg Line in WWI and storming the beaches of Normandy in WWII. I am proud to have this unit now part of the North Carolina National Guard, and it is an honor to recognize the extraordinary service of this Infantry Division after more than 100 years,” said Senator Tillis.

“I’m thankful for the courage and sacrifice of all of our servicemen and women, including the 30^th Infantry Division. Also known as “Old Hickory”, the 30^th Infantry Division heroically fought for our country’s freedom and world peace through World War I and World War II. I’m proud to join Sen. Blackburn and Rep. DesJarlais on this resolution to honor the exemplary service of the 30th Infantry Division. With this resolution, the bravery of Old Hickory will never be forgotten,” said Senator Braun.

“The Tennessee National Guard has a long standing history of excellence. The 30th Infantry Division nicknamed “Old Hickory” is a highly decorated group of brave soldiers who courageously fought in WWI earning the most medals of any infantry group and on the beaches of Normandy in WWII. It comes as no surprise that these honorable Tennesseans went above and beyond the call of service to protect our great Nation,” said Congressman DesJarlais.

Read the full text here.

BACKGROUND:

• The 30th Infantry Division of the United States Army, nicknamed Old Hickory in honor of General and President Andrew Jackson, was composed of troops from Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

• First activated in October 1917 for service in World War I, the 30th Infantry Division was instrumental in breaking the Hindenburg Line.

• It was reactivated in 1941 for service in World War II, where infantry regiments from the Tennessee National Guard and North Carolina National Guard fought alongside the Allied forces, including storming the beaches of Normandy.

• The 30th Infantry Division has been recognized as a liberating unit by the United States Army Center of Military History and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.