• UNIT HISTORY

                      2-27 INFANTRY BATALLION


The 2nd Battalion 27th Infantry Regiment, Wolfhounds, was activated on 2 February 1901 and saw its first combat in 1902 as part of the American Force sent to quell the Philippine Insurrection on the Island of Mindanao.

In 1918, the 2-27 Infantry took part in a military campaign that has become an integral part of the unit’s heritage. On 6 August 1918, the unit was sent to Vladivostok, Siberia where it participated in World War I. The 2-27 Infantry served as part of the Siberian American Expeditionary Force in an attempt to quell the Bolshevik Revolution sweeping across Russia. As a result of its participation in this campaign, the 27th Infantry adopted the Wolfhound Head as a symbol of the unit’s tenacity in battle. The Wolfhound shield continues to serve as the unit’s emblem of pride. Upon completion of the Siberian Campaign in 1920, the Regiment returned to the Philippines.

In 1920, the 27th Infantry Regiment received orders assigning them to the Hawaiian Division with whom they served for over 20 years. On 26 August 1941, the Hawaiian Division was inactivated and the Regiment was assigned to the newly formed 25th Infantry Division. The Regiment remained in Hawaii until December 1942 when the unit deployed for Guadalcanal beginning its participation in the Pacific Theater of World War II. The 2-27 Infantry saw action on New Georgia, the Northern Solomons, and the Philippines. After the Japanese surrender signifying the end of World War II, the Regiment performed occupation duties in Japan. While in Japan, they earned their nickname the “Gentle Wolfhounds’” for their loving support of the Holy Family Orphanage in Osaka, Japan, a tradition, which continues to this day.

Occupation duties were cut short in July 1950 when the unit departed for Pusan, Korea to assist in holding the Pusan perimeter from the mass of Communist Forces attacking South at the onset of the Korean Conflict. The unit saw heavy action throughout the Korean Conflict earning ten campaign streamers and three Presidential Unit Citations. Upon the conclusion of hostilities in 1954, the Regiment returned to Schofield Barracks.

The 2nd Battalion, 27th Infantry entered the Vietnam conflict in January 1966. During their five-years in Vietnam, both Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Regular forces considered the Wolfhounds one of the most aggressive fighting units in South East Asia, earning two Valorous Unit Citations. The Battalion was one of the last 25th Infantry Division units to depart South Vietnam, returning home to Hawaii in April 1971 where it was inactivated in 1972.

On 10 July 1987, the Battalion was reactivated as part of the 7th Infantry Division at Fort Ord, California. While at Fort Ord, the Battalion deployed to Panama for Operation Just Cause. On 15 September 1993, the Battalion was inactivated and relieved from the 7th Infantry Division. On 31 August 1995, the unit was reactivated and reunited with the 25th Infantry Division (Light) at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

During Operation Enduring Freedom V, TF 2-27 was responsible for Paktika Province along the troubled border region with Pakistan. The Wolfhounds conducted numerous combat operations and provided security which enabled Afghanistan to conduct its first ever national election.

In 2006, TF 2-27 then deployed to Hawijah, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom V where the Wolfhounds conducted stability operations which set the conditions for successfully equipping and training local Iraqi Security Forces to conduct independent combat operations.

In 2008, the Wolfhounds deployed to Bayji, Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 09-11. TF 2-27 helped in the transition of security to Iraqi Security Forces during the implementation of the new Status of Forces Agreement, and provided support to the Iraqi provincial elections, allowing for a successful and non-violent transition of power.

Most recently, the Wolfhounds deployed to Kunar, Afghanistan, in March 2011, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom XII. Again, the Wolfhounds were responsible for the highly volatile Pakistan border region. TF NO FEAR conducted hundreds of combat missions while partnered with Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). As a result of the Wolfhound's hard work and dedication the region and ANSF experienced unprecedented stability and progress.

The Battalion proudly carries thirty Battle Streamers and fourteen unit citations. The motto “Nec Aspera Terrent” means: “NO FEAR ON EARTH.”