First Division Monument

The First Division Monument with the Eisenhower Executive Office Building behind.

NPS / Claire Hassler

Quick Facts

Location:

Washington, DC

Significance:

Veterans Memorial

Designation:

Monument

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

This memorial proclaims the heroism of the soldiers of the First Division of the American Expeditionary Forces who gave their lives during World War I. The monument was dedicated by President Calvin Coolidge on October 4, 1924. Additions to the memorial were made in 1957 to honor the dead from World War II and in 1977 to honor those who died in the Vietnam War. The most recent addition, dedicated in 1995, commemorates those who died during Desert Storm in 1991. The symbol of the First Division is "the Big Red One." A bed of red flowers in front of the memorial spells out a huge numeral one from spring to fall. The symbol is modeled after the "big red one" in the center of the division's patch. This pink Milford granite column from Massachusetts is one of the largest pieces ever taken from a quarry in the United States. Standing atop the sphere is a 15-foot-tall, gilded bronze figure of Victory. She is supported by wings, suggesting the perfection of body and soul. In her right hand she carries a flag, while her left extends in a blessing of the dead.

General John Pershing, commander of U.S. troops in WWI, was particularly proud of the First Division, which came to be known as "Pershing's Own."The soldiers of the First Division were the first American troops to arrive in France in 1917 and the last to leave Europe in September 1919. When the war was over, many wanted to honor the service and sacrifice of these men with the First Division Monument, an impressive pedestal listing the names of 5,516 First Division soldiers who gave their lives. Pershing said of the division that it had "a special pride of service and a high state of morale never broken by hardship nor battle," a quote inscribed on the pedestal of the monument.

More than 6,000 veterans and guests gathered to dedicate the First Division Monument on October 4, 1924. Major General Summerall served as grand marshal and spoke movingly of the spirit of the First Division. President Coolidge gave the dedication address and the ceremonies concluded with a benediction followed by the "Star-Spangled Banner" played by the massed bands of the First Division.

The First Division Monument was highly praised for both its design and its mission. For many years it was the only memorial in Washington dedicated to the soldiers of World War I. The Commission of Fine Arts described it as "the chief symbol of American valor in that war, a position borne out by the universal character of its design and location.”

Located adjacent to the White House and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the First Division Monument is auspiciously located. To view it at its best, visit in spring when the garden forms a "Big Red One" at the foot of the monument.

Erected: 1924
Sculptor: Daniel Chester French
Architects: Cass Gilbert and Cass Gilbert, Jr.

Inscriptions

Column base
First Division United States Army American Expeditionary Forces June 1917 September 1919
front plaque, south side of the column
The Names of Our Immortal Dead are Here Enshrined
Column, above base
Erected by the Memorial Association of the First Division and patriotic friends to the memory of the dead of the division who gave their lives in the World War that the liberty and the ideals of our country might endure.
Salzerais
Aug. 3-24, 1918
Ansauville
Sept. 2-11, 1918
St. Mihiel
Sept. 12-16, 1918
Meuse-Argonne
Sept. 30-Oct. 12-Oct. 26-Nov. 11, 1918
Mouzon-Sedan Operation
Nov. 5-7, 1918
Coblenz Bridgehead
Dec. 13, 1918 Aug. 21, 1919
The Commander in Chief had noted in this Division a special pride of service and a high state of morale never broken by hardship nor battle. G.O.210-AEF-1918
Sommerviller
Oct. 20-Nov. 20, 1917
Ansauville
Jan. 16-April 3, 1918
Cantigny
April 19-June 8, 1918
Montdidier-Noyon
June 9-13, 1918
Cantigny
June 14-Juuly 8, 1918
Soissons-Aisne-Marne
July 18-23, 1918
Plaque, base of memorial
First-Infantry Division - United States Army
World War Two
Organic Units
Division Units Infantry Regiments Field Artillery BNS.
Headquarters 16th Infantry 5th Field Artillery
HQ. Company 18th Infantry 7th Field Artillery
Artillery HQ. 26th Infantry 32nd Field Artillery
Artillery HQ. BTRY 33rd Field Artillery
1st Eng. Combat BN., 1st Medical BN., 1st Recon. Troop 1st M.P. Co.
1st Signal Co., 1st QM. Co., 701st Ord. Lt. Maint. Co., HQ. Spec. Troops
Attached Units
Many units, while attached to the First Infantry Division, helped achieve victory for American arms. Their loyal service and inspiring sacrifices are hereby gratefully acknowledged
Plaque, east of flower garden
To the Soldiers of the First Infantry Division (MECH)
Who Made the Supreme Sacrifice in
Desert Storm (Iraq and Saudi Arabia) 1991
[NOTE: Names are listed under each brigade and battalion below, not named here.]
1st Brigade 4th Brigade
4th Battalion, 1st Aviation
1st Battalion, 34th Armor

3rd Battalion, 66th Armor 121st Signal Battalion

1st Battalion, 41st Infantry 25th Field Artillery
12th Chemical Company
1 [NOTE: number is surrounded by a shield]
Erected 1995