In 2004, the regiment was mobilized for the Iraq War. For nearly a year, the citizen-soldiers of the 69th—now a multi-ethnic unit that still cherishes its Irish core—conducted convoy security and counter-insurgency operations in and around Baghdad. They sustained casualties, including Major Michael Donnelly, one of the first National Guard officers killed in Iraq.
The refers to the 69th Infantry Regiment , a historic unit of the New York Army National Guard based in Manhattan. Originally organized in 1849 as an Irish-American militia unit, the regiment earned its famous nickname from Confederate General Robert E. Lee during the Civil War after witnessing their fierce charge at the Battle of Fredericksburg . Today, it remains one of the most highly decorated units in the U.S. Army, continuing a tradition of service that spans the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and recent deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Key Historical Milestones the fighting 69th
Long live The Fighting 69th.
More recently, the regiment has deployed to Afghanistan (2010-2011) and continues to serve in domestic operations, including the COVID-19 pandemic response and the January 6th insurrection security detail in Washington D.C. In 2004, the regiment was mobilized for the Iraq War
In an age where military units are often referred to by sterile numerical designations, the nickname "The Fighting 69th" has survived for over 150 years for two reasons: and identity. The refers to the 69th Infantry Regiment ,