U.S. Army Units

Willie and Joe The Americans, the "GI", Willy and Joe... GI or G.I. is a term describing members of the US armed forces or items of their equipment. It may be used as an adjective or as a noun. The term is often thought to be an initialism of "Government Issue" but the origin of the term is in fact galvanized iron after the letters "GI" that used to denote equipment such as metal trash cans made from it in U.S. Army inventories and supply records. During World War I, US soldiers sardonically referred to incoming German artillery shells as "GI cans". During World War I it was somehow assumed that GI stood for Government Issue and the term was applied to all military equipment and the soldiers themselves (another incorrect interpretation is General Infantry). The term reached even farther as its usage spread with the American troops during World War II.

G.I. reenacting today

There are a LOT of G.I. units -- their types seem to change with the popularity of differing movies that come out. There was an influx of infantry units after Saving Private Ryan, with another influx of Airborne, (especially the 506th PIR (Parachute Infantry Regiment)) after Band of Brothers.

If you really are interested in Infantry units, there are many out there – same with Airborne. It's all what you're interested in. North and South, East and West, the units are there. Often, the "leg" units will be a local unit, for example, the 29th ID was in Maryland and Virginia... you'll see it reenacted more there. Same kind of thing with the 28th Keystone in Pennsylvania. Some units, like the 1st ID and 82nd Airborne transcend regions.

Anyway, give it a look, the noble G.I. is a great impression when done well!

How Can You List YOUR WW2 American Unit on reenactor.Net?

You do need to have a website for this listing--if you don't have one,
e-mail us and we'll explain how to do that.

To add your unit link, please go to our link-add page.

If you find a problem in this time/area or would like your unit listed please feel free to e-mail the WW2 T/A webmasters: Harry Coombs or Rob Haught.

1st Division (Alabama) Living History Association (South) The 1st Divsiion (Alabama) is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) World War II living history association based in Alabama. The members are dedicated to an authentic portrayal of the U.S. infantryman and devoted to the preservation of the memory of those sacrifices made by them. The unit is a group of living historians who represent a typical, yet ethnically and geographically diverse cross-section of the "Fightin' First" Infantry Division in WWII. "The Big Red One' is one of the oldest and most distinguished units in U.S. history. As a member you will start out as a private, a rifleman in a rifle squad. After you become proficient, you will have the opportunity to run the unit at an event of your choosing. In this way, all of us get the chance to be in command. You can become the point man for a parade, living history, or be the squad leader at a reenactment. We are also a Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Club, and have live shoots with our WWII weapons a few times a year.
5th Platoon (Mid Atlantic USA) 5th Platoon represents the 99th Infantry Division K CO 5th platoon that fought at Remegan for the Lundendorf Bridge and 268th Medical. The 5th platoon were the black soldiers that augmented the 99th Infantry at this battle. The 268th are the black nurses that were stationed in England.
	BOCI (Slovakia, Europe) Club Of Friends Of The Military History Of Slovakia (KPVHS)
	E Company, 2nd Btn, 16th Infantry Regiment, US 1st Infantry Division (United Kingdom) The First Division strives to promote the WWII L.H.A and the hobby of living history / battle re-enactment. To do so the group maintains high standards of presentation, discipline and safety at both public and private events. The First Division has focused its impression upon E Co. 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, U.S. First Infantry Division. In doing so we can ensure that as far as possible the clothing, arms and equipment used gives an accurate representation of U.S. Infantry soldiers in Northwest Europe, with particular attention paid to the assault troops of D-Day 1944. Our living history activites focus on the period just before June 6th 1944. The Training Centre is representative of those found in Southern England during 1943 and early 1944. The encampments are either a pre-embarkation concentration area, or a rest area near the front as the event scenario dictates.
	1st Division - Dog Company, 2/16th US Infantry (USA) We are a group of men in Buffalo, New York who portray Second Squad, 1st Platoon, Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Division of the United States Army durring the Second World War. The purpose of this organization is remembering and honoring the memory of the World War II combat infantryman. The goal is to accuratly depict the life of the average combat soldier during World War II. This unit, just like its original, is made up of men from all walks of life: Students, police officers, firemen, laborers, farmers; a cross section of American society. For more information, please visit our website.
2nd Infantry Division, 38th Rgt., 3rd Btl. Co. K (Florida) We are a group of approximately 30 reenactors. We attend numerous reenactments and living history events throughout the state. Our group also has several jeeps and Armoured Vehicles that we use for all of our events.
	3rd Infantry Division (Western USA) This unit is based on the West Coast. With the Northern California-based 1st Squad, and the Oregon-based 2nd Squad, we are proud to honor the brave men of the 3rd Infantry Division for their service during the 2nd World War. Our objective is to portray, as authentically and accurately as possible, the typical infantryman of the 3rd ID. We strive to create an accurate impression with respect to our uniforms, equipment and appearance. We believe that "living history" is best reflected by attempting to emulate not only the appearance of the individual "Marne Dawg," but also by reenacting the other facets of the 1942-45 period. We attempt to recreate accurate barracks, field encampments and entertainment.
	4th Infantry Division (Indiana) We are a newly formed unit from Indiana that seeks to honour the American Soldier in WWII through authentic reenactment. Like the Soldiers of the past, the 4th ID is a fast moving progressive unit. We strive for authenticity in all aspects of our impressions. We participate in public battles and displays, as well as tacticals throughout the year
	9th Infantry, 39th Regiment (California) Reenacting 39th Infantry Regiment,9th Infantry Division located in California. Unit famous for the AAA-O slogan as said by Paddy Flint "The enemy who sees our regiment in combat, if they live through the battle, will know to run the next time they see us coming."

Click here for U.S Army Units

Click here for U.S Army Airborne Units

Click here for U.S Army Air Corps Units

Click here for U.S Marine Corps Units

Click here to visit the WW2 Women's Impressions Main page

Marine Corps Legacy Museum -- A GREAT and "must-visit" website for anyone interested in the USMC. Not only on the 'Net, but please, visit their museum -- one of the few Marine museums left in the country as most seem to have been closed. This is a private non-profit museum and they do a damn good job in what they do! Give 'em a visit!

U.S. Army Units
	E Company, 2nd Btn, 16th Infantry Regiment, US 1st Infantry Division (UK) -- The First Division strives to promote the WWII L.H.A and the hobby of living history / battle re-enactment. To do so the group maintains high standards of presentation, discipline and safety at both public and private events. The First Division has focused its impression upon E Co. 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry Regiment, U.S. First Infantry Division. In doing so we can ensure that as far as possible the clothing, arms and equipment used gives an accurate representation of U.S. Infantry soldiers in Northwest Europe, with particular attention paid to the assault troops of D-Day 1944. Our living history activites focus on the period just before June 6th 1944. The Training Centre is representative of those found in Southern England during 1943 and early 1944. The encampments are either a pre-embarkation concentration area, or a rest area near the front as the event scenario dictates.
	1st Division - Easy Company, 2/16th US Infantry (USA) -- We are a group of men in Buffalo, New York who portray Second Squad, 1st Platoon, Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 16th Infantry, 1st Division of the United States Army durring the Second World War. The purpose of this organization is remembering and honoring the memory of the World War II combat infantryman. The goal is to accuratly depict the life of the average combat soldier during World War II. This unit, just like its original, is made up of men from all walks of life: Students, police officers, firemen, laborers, farmers; a cross section of American society. For more information, please visit our website.
	2nd Infantry Division, 38th Rgt., 3rd Btl. Co. K (USA, FL) -- We are a group of approximately 30 reenactors. We attend numerous reenactments and living history events throughout the state. Our group also has several jeeps and Armoured Vehicles that we use for all of our events.
	3rd Infantry Division (USA CHG/RPS) -- This unit is based on the West Coast. With the Northern California-based 1st Squad, and the Oregon-based 2nd Squad, we are proud to honor the brave men of the 3rd Infantry Division for their service during the 2nd World War. Our objective is to portray, as authentically and accurately as possible, the typical infantryman of the 3rd ID. We strive to create an accurate impression with respect to our uniforms, equipment and appearance. We believe that "living history" is best reflected by attempting to emulate not only the appearance of the individual "Marne Dawg," but also by reenacting the other facets of the 1942-45 period. We attempt to recreate accurate barracks, field encampments and entertainment.
	4th Infantry Division (USA) -- We are a newly formed unit from Indiana that seeks to honour the American Soldier in WWII through authentic reenactment. Like the Soldiers of the past, the 4th ID is a fast moving progressive unit. We strive for authenticity in all aspects of our impressions. We participate in public battles and displays, as well as tacticals throughout the year
	9th Infantry, 39th Regiment (USA, SoCal) -- Reenacting 39th Infantry Regiment,9th Infantry Division located in California. Unit famous for the AAA-O slogan as said by Paddy Flint "The enemy who sees our regiment in combat, if they live through the battle, will know to run the next time they see us coming."
	88th Infantry; 350th RCT (USA) -- We are a group of like-minded individuals who seek to honor the American fighting men in World War Two by performing living history demonstrations and taking part in tacticals (both public and private). This is meant to be a fun hobby intent on honoring the World War Two veteran as accurate and authentic as possible. We portray several aspects of the 88th Division but our main focus is on soldiers of the 350th RCT. By doing this it gives us some leeway as to what we want to portray at an event. For example do we want to portray a 30cal team, a regular infantry squad or run communications? We are all members of a WW2 reenacting Society and you must be part of one before going to a closed (meaning closed to the public) event
	Troop A, 121st Cav Recon Sqdn, 106th Cavalry (USA) -- We are located in central Ohio, and portray the 121st Cav Recon Sqdn in the European theater 1944-45. We also work with the 37th "Buckeye" Division unit, which is SWPA in WWII. Most of our members belong to both units.
	117th Inf. Reg., 30th Inf. Div (USA, HRS) -- A WW2 reenactor unit who's goals are: Honor the World War Two veterans of the Unites States Army. Preserve the history and culture of the era through "living history" displays, collections of uniforms, equipment, weapons and vehicles Educate the public through "living history" displays, public ceremonies, and educational programs. Provide a forum for collectors, historians, and hobbyists to meet to discuss World War Two history, tactics, uniforms, equipment and vehicles. Promote the HRS through positive contributions at public interest displays, presentations and tactical events. Encourage unit members to constantly improve their personal impressions and collections through education of our unit's history, uniforms and equipment. Respect for United States Army traditions and mannerisms of the era to more accurately portray the World War Two infantry soldier through education and training of our unit's members.
	110th Regiment 28th US Inf Division (USA) -- We are a World War II reenacting and Living History group. Our group has chosen to reenact the 110th Infantry Regiment of the 28th Infantry Division of the Unites States Army. Our intentions for reenacting are numerous: To participate in realistic actions simulating Would War II conditions, To experience the feel of small unit combat similar to actual situations that our veterans encountered, To display our uniforms and equipment at events To educate the public about the Would War II G.I., To take part in Parades to demonstrate small unit drills Establish a group with which to share our passion for this period of history. It is our primary intention is to honor and remember those who proudly wore the "Keystone" Patch and served their country. We encourage our members to gain more knowledge about the 110th Infantry Regiment and the U.S. Army in general while in serve in the Second World War. Our research includes the wealth of books available. Even more important to our research is first person accounts available from veterans, whose individual viewpoint through their experience is priceless, and cannot be measured.
	29TH.CO.UK (UK) -- We are a WWII reenactment group, reenacting the American infantryman of the 29th Infantry Division during WWII. We are based in the UK and have members from various places, the majority however are from the south. Please feel free to contact us about any enquiry you may have.
	The 29th Division History Interpreter's Site (France) -- We, the members of the "29th Division French Historical Association" are proud to introduce our reenactment group. We are not professional soldiers, or even Americans. Our unique passion is to keep alive the history of the 29th U.S Infantry Division. We are particularly eager to remain as close as possible to our heroes, and to achieve anything demonstrating our ultimate respect to the memories of those who fell on our soil. We do respect the esprit de corps that was bringing them together and driving them forward. Our ambition is also to honor the Veterans to whom we dedicate our utmost respectful admiration, wishing to bring them our efficient help whenever they happen to visit France.
	35th Infantry Division Reenactors CHG (USA, SoCal) -- We are a Southern California-based group devoted to the history of the World War Two Era. This Unit is a member-unit of the California Historical Group (www.chgww2.com) and participates with the N. CA Group, RPS (www. ww2rps.com ). The 35th ID is a volunteer organization dedicated to preserving the history of the United States from the period of World War Two (1939-1945) with a primary focus upon the European Theater of Operations. The 35th ID portrays the life and experiences of soldiers who served in the original 35th Infantry Division of the United States Army during the Second World War. The 35th ID's primary portrayal is the 1st Platoon, Company "C", of the 1st Battalion of the 134th Infantry Regiment, and associated 35th ID units that served with distinction in the Army of the United States throughout the Second World War. We do this through living history displays, battle reenactments, and military vehicle convoys.
	84th Infantry Division, 334th Infantry Regiment, CO H (USA, HRS) -- We portray an infantry heavy weapons company to include vehicles. We do living history as well as tactical battles. We are organized around weapons teams rather than squads. We are a new unit but growing quickly. Research with vets is also a significant part of our mission, and we have extensive contacts with vets from the division. If you are into living history as well as history, we are the group!
	US 2nd Ranger Infantry Battalion (USA) -- The 2nd Rangers of St. Louis is a non-profit WWII re-enactment unit that is dedicated to preserving the military history of the United States by displaying WWII-era uniforms, equipment, and vehicles for public view. We are a charter member of the Gateway Military Historical Society and travel to public events, stage mock battles, and assist in preserving military history. We are only one of many Allied and Axis re-enactment units that frequently meet to conduct historical war games and learn a little about what it might have been like during WWII. We have chosen to portray the 2nd Ranger Infantry Battalion because of the courageous sacrifices these men made during WWII and its link to the birth of modern U.S. Special Forces units. We as a unit hold ourselves to the highest personal standards of safety and authenticity in our portrayal of U.S. military personnel.
	5th Rangers Infantry Battalion (RS) inc. (USA, MidEast) -- We are a group of dedicated reenactors. We strive for authenticity in our impressions as well meeting the Veterns of the 5th Rangers. The society has units under it which are located in NY, ILL, OH, KY and MD. Having contact with many of the vets from the 5th Rangers we have great access to how they were and what they did in WW2. We are always looking for new members and new units to join our society. The society is open to all types of units, Allied or Axis. Please contact us if you are interested.
	2nd Armor Division (USA CHG) -- The 2nd Armored World War II re-enactment group is a member of the California Historical Group (CHG) and operates in Southern and Central California. We try to re-create the experience of life as an armored combat infantryman deploying tanks and several half-tracks.
	4th Armored Historical Group (USA) -- We are a group of WW2 enthusiasts who want to preserve the greatest time period of recent times. Through living history displays, we recreate what a camp setup would be like in the fields of Europe. This involves many aspects: vehicles, pup tents, communications center, officers tents, and displays of collected militaria. We travel to airshows, military vehicle shows, and events where veterans are honored. We educate the public by showing them the actual equipment that a typical armored infantryman would have. Most importantly, we honor the men and women who served in the Armed Forces during WW2.
	70th Tank Battalion (USA) -- The official site of the WW2/HRS 70th Tank Battalion American Armored Reenactment Group and Roberts Armory.
	51st Engineer Combat Bn, WWII Reenacting (USA) -- The 51st ECB today is a World War II living history association based in the Washington DC area, with members in many of the mid-Atlantic states. We are dedicated to an authentic portrayal of the US G.I.'s in the combat engineers during World War II. As a group we participate regularly in battle reenactments and public living history programs, displays and demonstrations. We are one of largest and fastest growing groups on the east coast. We are always glad to hear from anyone interested in becoming a part of reenacting WW II.
	165th Signal Photo Company (USA) -- dedicated to the unit histories and photographs produced by the Combat Photographers of the 163rd, 165th and 166th Signal Photo Companies and all civilian corespondents of World War II. We hope to keep the memory of their work and sacrifice alive through historical preservation and participation by our unit, in modern day Living History Presentations as well as current day WWII reenactments.