7th Infantry Regiment (United States)

The United States Army's 7th Infantry Regiment, known as "The Cottonbalers" from an incident that occurred during the Battle of New Orleans, while under the command of Andrew Jackson, when soldiers of the 7th Infantry Regiment held positions behind a breastwork of bales of cotton during the British attack. It is one of the oldest and most distinguished military formations in United States military history.

Originally organized in response to the tensions between the United States and France in 1798, it was subsequently mustered out without seeing any action, but on 11 January 1812 was reorganized in preparation for the conflict with Great Britain, which came to be known as the War of 1812. Since that time is has remained on duty in one form or another, making it one of the five oldest continuously-serving regiments in the United States Army. In its 200 year history it has participated in 12 wars, been awarded 76 campaign streamers, and 14 unit decorations. The Regiment has served in more campaigns than any other Infantry unit in the United States Army.

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Last updated on Wednesday July 02, 2008 at 15:49:50 PDT (GMT -0700)
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