The 34th Infantry Regiment was first assembled on July 15, 1916 in the Regular Army in El Paso, Texas. Its initial mission included guard duty on the Mexican border and the training of National Guard units. World War I: The 34th was shipped to France on the “AMERICA”, arriving on August 27, 1918. On October 9, 1918, the regiment held the extreme left of the 7th Infantry Division’s flank. The regiment received battle honors “Lorraine” for actions during this period.
Upon return, the 34th Infantry became the first Motorized Infantry Regiment in the U.S. Army. The 34th moved to Ft Jackson, SC on 10 July 1940 and became part of the 8th Division (Triangular), receiving “Outstanding Regiment” honors during the Carolina Maneuvers of 1941.
World War II: Enroute to the Philippines on 7 December 1941, the Regiment was diverted to establish the Hawaiian Island defenses. In June 1943, the Regiment participated in the Hollandia Airdrome seizure as well as the attack on Biak Island.
- Leyte: The 34th Infantry was chosen to spearhead the assault on Leyte, to liberate the Philippines. The unit was in a series of bloody battles for 75 continuous days. 1-34th received the Presidential Unit Citation for conspicuous valor and outstanding performance while holding Kilay Ridge for three weeks behind enemy lines, often times fighting hand-to-hand. Two Medals of Honor, the Nation’s highest recognition of honor, were awarded during this battle. The Battalion’s nickname, “Leyte Dragons”, and the Motto of the Infantry, “Follow Me”, derives its recognition during the Leyte assault.
- Luzon: In January 1945, the 34th Infantry Regiment made its second beachhead assault in the Philippines on the island of Luzon. F Company suffered more than 90 casualties in one day. Days of bitter fighting, with legendary acts of individual heroism, were required to accomplish this mission.
- Corregidor: It was later chosen to assault the island of Corregidor and seize Malinta Hill. Those were the most agonizing days of war experienced with significant cost in lives but the hill was held and the enemy were destroyed and the Battalion was awarded another Presidential Unit Citation.
The 34th then led in the Mindanao campaign and subsequently assigned occupation duty in Japan at the conclusion of WWII.
Korea: On the nights of 7-8 July 1950, the 34th was engaged by the enemy at Chonan. The enemy attacked from the front and at the same time initiated a double envelopment which completely surrounded the town. Bitter hand-to-hand fighting raged through the streets before the regiment fought out of the entrapment and withdrew to the south.
The 34th fought a second major delaying action at Taejon on 19-20 July 1950 while U.N. forces evacuated the city. The 34th Regiment was cited with the U.S and Korean Presidential Unit Citations.
29 October 2012
Dear Family and Friends of Soldiers of the Leyte Dragons of 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment (1-34th IN REGT).
Greetings from Fort Jackson!
Your Soldier has arrived safely at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and is assigned to 1st Battalion, 34th Infantry Regiment, for Basic Combat Training. 1-34th IN REGT has a long distinguished history of service dating back to 1916 and enjoys the reputation as one of the best battalions at Fort Jackson.
As you know, Basic Combat Training is not easy. It is a challenging experience that transforms volunteers into trained, disciplined, physically fit and motivated Soldiers who espouse the Seven Army Values, understand the importance of teamwork and who are determined to complete their initial enlistment. For many Soldiers, the ten weeks with 1-34th IN REGT will be the toughest thing they have ever accomplished in their lives. I assure you that our Drill Sergeants and Officers, who are an absolutely first rate team of professional Soldiers, will do their best to assist in this transformation. We’re honored to be your Soldier’s first unit in the Army.
Your Soldier has committed themselves to the Army and we will challenge them to ensure they train to meet the Army standard. We encourage you to foster their morale with supportive mail and correspondence. In the event that an emergency arises involving an immediate Family member that requires your Soldier’s presence, contact the American Red Cross at 1-877-272-7337. The Red Cross will contact the Battalion and assist the Soldier in returning home on leave. Please make sure you keep this Red Cross number so you have it readily available should the need arise. We will not be able to assist you without Red Cross verification.
Alpha Company: Captain Osterfeld or First Sergeant Powell.
Bravo Company: Captain Jackson or First Sergeant Robinson.
Charlie Company: Captain Linse or First Sergeant Welch.
Delta Company: Captain Cooper or First Sergeant Allen.
Echo Company: Captain Cole or First Sergeant Durousseau.
Foxtrot Company: Captain Robinson or First Sergeant Lewis.
They will ensure your Soldier is contacted. In the event that an emergency arises involving an immediate Family member that requires your Soldier’s presence, contact the American Red Cross at 1-877-272-7337. The Red Cross will contact the battalion and assist the Soldier in returning home on leave. Please make sure you keep this Red Cross number so you have it readily available should the need arise. We cannot help you in any way without Red Cross verification.
During Basic Combat Training, we curtail certain privileges such as the use of phones, receiving food items in the mail and visitation. While in our care, we will provide your Soldier quality meals in the dining facilities. Because of this and for health reasons, we do not permit Soldiers to receive, possess, or store food.
You and your guests are invited to attend the Graduation events at Fort Jackson, South Carolina on December 19th, 2012. Over the next several weeks, your Soldier will make significant progress in the important areas of discipline, character, values, marksmanship, physical and mental conditioning, and teamwork, bringing them one step closer to their goal of graduating Basic Combat Training. No doubt, the prospect of these achievements makes you very proud and we hope you will join us in the celebration of your Soldier’s accomplishments. We would like for you to share in the spirit of patriotism and express camaraderie with your Soldier as well as the Families of other Soldiers from across the Nation. We invite you to Fort Jackson for a fun-filled day to see what Army Basic Combat Training is all about it and witness your Soldier’s tremendous accomplishments! WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR ARRIVAL!
The Graduation events span two days, as an exception for the upcoming holiday Family Day will be held on Tuesday and the Graduation ceremony will be held on Wednesday. This will be an exciting time for the Soldiers and yourselves and we trust that they will be on their best behavior during these two special events and that you will support them adhering to the standards and appreciate their discipline.
Family Day will take place at Hilton Field, scheduled to begin at 10:00am on Tuesday, December 18th, 2012. There will be a short series of military orientation speeches and demonstrations by the Battalion. Upon completion of the ceremony you will meet with your Soldier. Your Soldier may then be authorized a pass allowing you to spend the remainder of the day with them while experiencing the amenities and military life on the installation. Soldiers are not allowed to leave post on Family Day”NO EXCEPTIONS” (see Note 1). *Please monitor our facebook site: http://www.facebook.com/134AlwaysForward for any changes. On Tuesday evening, we will also host a Graduation banquet in your Soldier’s honor, either at the Officer’s Club or NCO Club. I hope you can join your Soldier at this meal and meet some of the cadre. Your Soldier will also be required to attend a mandatory Red Cross, Family Readiness Group, and Army Community Services brief held at their Company at 7:30 pm, which you may also attend.
The 1-34th Infantry Regiment Graduation Ceremony will take place at Hilton Field at 10:00 am on Wednesday morning, December 19th, 2012. This is when your Soldier will officially join the long line of distinguished men and women who, since 1775, have defended our freedom. We expect to graduate approximately 1,200 Soldiers. In case of inclement weather, Graduation will be held at the Solomon Center (SAC). Map of Fort Jackson and all Graduation activities location will be provided at the front gate. The inclement weather Graduation time for Alpha and Bravo is 10:00 am-11:00 am, Charlie and Delta is 11:30 am- 12:30 pm, and Echo and Foxtrot Company is 1:00 pm-2:00 pm.
Upon conclusion of the Graduation on Wednesday, December 19th, 2012 Soldiers with Family members present may depart after receiving their departure instructions / briefing from their Company Commander to begin Holiday leave starting from Thursday, December 20th, 2012 through January, 2013 (see Note 2). Those Soldiers accompanied by Family but not departing immediately may be granted a pass to visit the surrounding Columbia area (see Note 3). We request that you let your Soldier know no later than Monday, November 12th, 2012 if you will be taking your Soldier home for the holiday after graduation. Soldiers will be required to make transportation coordination starting on November 13th, 2012 for the holiday and this information will greatly assist your Soldier’s decision making process. While it is possible for you to purchase your Soldier a ticket, this can be problematic in arranging further travel. It is recommended that your Soldier purchase their own tickets for holiday travel. (see Note 4).
It is very important for you to continue confirming your Soldier’s progression (Graduation status) through Basic Combat Training. Occasionally, a Soldier’s Graduation date is delayed due to an injury, illness, training requirements or disciplinary actions. We will tell your Soldier to inform you as to whether or not they have met all Graduation requirements before you travel to Fort Jackson. However, often Soldiers choose to inform spouses and significant others instead of informing all Family members of their Graduation status. That, we have no control over but ask that you continuously write and ask that your Soldier keep you up to date on their Graduation status.
Soldiers NOT graduating will be shipped to the Holdover Battalion on Tuesday, December 17, 2012. Soldiers pending separation will NOT be afforded the opportunity to participate in Family Day, Graduation, or be allowed to take holiday leave. Upon arrival through Gate 4 at exit 12, if you have any additional vehicles with Family members, you can receive a vehicle pass by showing a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration with insurance to the Officers on duty. You will also notice upon entering the gate that there is a blue line painted on the road. This line will guide you directly to Hilton Field where Family Day and Graduation will be held.
If you have questions or need more information, visit our web site at http://www.facebook.com/134AlwaysForward. If sending an email please include the Company your Soldier is assigned to; we have nearly 1,200 Soldiers assigned and this will assist in alleviating confusion.
I hope to see you at our Graduation events. Our Battalion motto is "Always Forward!"—You will hear your Soldier say that phrase often when you arrive!
Always Forward!
Once again, we are thankful to have your Soldier in our battalion.
Sincerely,
THOMAS L. JONES JR.
CSM, USA
Command Sergeant Major
ERIC C. FLESCH
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army
Commanding
Lieutenant Colonel Eric C. Flesch
LTC Eric Flesch originally of Potosi, WI began his military career as a Communications Maintainer (31V) completing Basic Training here at Ft Jackson, in the summer of 1990. He received his commission as an Infantry Officer through ROTC graduating from Kemper Military Junior College. He holds Bachelor’s degrees in both Marketing and Human Resource Management from the University of Missouri and a Masters in Human Resource Management from Webster University.
His first assignment as a commissioned officer was with 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Regiment in Vilseck, Germany serving as a Platoon Leader and Company Executive Officer. As a Lieutenant, he deployed to the former Yugoslavia with both the 1st Infantry Division and 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). After completing the Infantry Officer Advance Course he was assigned to 2nd Infantry Division, South Korea. There he served as the Assistant Brigade S3 with 2nd Brigade and later Commanded both C Company, 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Air Assault) and E Company, 102nd Military Intelligence (Long Range Surveillance) (Airborne). LTC Flesch then served at Fort Benning, GA as a Battalion Executive Officer for 3rd Battalion, 11th Infantry (Officer Candidate School) and had the opportunity for a third company command, D Company, 4th Ranger Training Battalion (Reconnaissance and Surveillance Leader Course). He also deployed with multiple Joint Special Operations Task Forces, during both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom before attending the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, KS; Assignments included Headquarters Commandant and Joint Operations Center – Chief of Current Operations.
LTC Flesch’s most recent assignment was with the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC. He served as a Battalion Operations and Executive Officer with 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment and as the Brigade Operations Officer for 2nd Brigade Combat Team. He also served as a Planner and then as the Deputy Director of Operations (DG3) on the Division staff. During LTC Flesch’s tenure with the 82nd Airborne he deployed to Afghanistan as the Special Operations Planner for Regional Command-East (CJ35, CJTF-82), and the Deputy Director of Operations for Regional Command-South (DCJ3, CJTF-82). During Operation Unified Response (JTF-Haiti) he served as a Battalion Task Force Operations Officer.
His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2OLC), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2OLC), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal (w/service star), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign Medals, Global War on Terror Expeditionary and Service Medals, Korean Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal (w/service star), NATO Medal (w/service star), Joint Meritorious Unit Award (1OLC), Army Superior Unit Award (1OLC), the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge, Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, the French Medaille-Commemorative (Afghanistan), and the Korean and Canadian Parachutist Badges.
LTC Flesch is accompanied by his lovely wife, Dr. Loures (Lo) Rivera-Flesch DVM, MS and their three children Nathan, Blake, and Makylah.
CSM Thomas L. Jones Jr.
Command Sergeant Major Thomas L. Jones Jr. joined the Army in 1982. He attended Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, GA as an Infantryman.
Throughout his 29 years of service, he has served in every enlisted leadership position from Team Leader to Operations Sergeant Major to his current position as the Battalion Command Sergeant Major of the 1st BN 34th Infantry Regiment. Other key leadership assignments he has held are Drill Sergeant, Drill Sergeant Instructor, Company Master Gunner, Platoon Sergeant, ACR Advisor, Brigade Master Gunner/ Operations NCOIC, ANCOC Instructor, First Sergeant, and Battalion Command Sergeant Major of 2-35 IN.
His military education includes: Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Noncommissioned Officer Course, Instructors Training Course, Master Fitness Course, Drill Sergeants Course, Airborne School; Air Assault School, Master Gunner School, Instructor Operator Course, First Sergeant Course, Army Safety Course, The United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, Pre Command Course and the Command Sergeant Major Course.
His awards and decorations include: Meritorious Unit Citation, Two Bronze Stars Medals, Four Meritorious Service Medals, Seven Army Commendation Medals, Seven Army Achievement Medals, Army Service Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars, Iraq Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NATO (ISAF) Medal, Five Overseas Service Medals, Korean Service Medal, Two National Defense Ribbons, NCO Development Ribbon (#4), Nine Good Conduct Medals, Parachutist Badge, Drill Sergeant Identification Badge, Air Assault Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge and the Combat Infantry Badge.
His civilian education includes working towards a Bachelor of Science Degree from Excelsior College. CSM Jones is currently married to his wife, Theresa Jones, and has a daughter Tamika Jones.