ARLINGTON, Va. -- The nation's capital was a place of memories, both created and awakened, April 28 as 1st Infantry Division combat veterans gathered to share the history of the Army's oldest continuously serving division during the 93rd Annual Officers of the First Division Dinner.
Echoes of a different time stirred through command post hospitality suites as tales of youthful antics, courage and great sacrifice were repeated over and over. Alive again was a young lieutenant who leaped from a helicopter and ran without fear into the middle of a firefight in Vietnam, a radio operator who put his own safety aside to ensure his men had the right leader at the right time, an infantryman who smothered a live grenade with his own body to save his buddies.
"We are all part of the story of the 1st Division and it is a very good story," said retired Brig. Gen. James Shelton, a former member of 2nd Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment.
The annual dinner traces its roots to a small group of World War I veterans who gathered in New York in 1919 to remember their fallen comrades, share "war" stories and celebrate the brotherhood of the 1st Infantry Division.
Over the years, men and women who have led their division through "hellish" battles in places like Cantigny, Soissons, the Meuse-Argonne Forest, Srok Dong, the Sunni Triangle and the Korengal Valley have gathered again and again to reflect on victories, learn from each other and honor those who have endured the sting of war and molded the Big Red One into one of the Army's fiercest fighting forces.
"The 1st Infantry Division is who it is today because of those who came before," Brig. Gen. Donald MacWillie, senior commander, Fort Riley and the 1st Infantry Division, said. "We understand where we come from. Let there be no doubt in your mind that our division's legacy endures, it is in good hands, it is strong."
The legacy of the division is in the hands of Soldiers like Spc. Christopher Riddle, 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment. Riddle, who MacWillie visited at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center the morning before the dinner, was injured in Afghanistan May 13, 2011, when an enemy bullet struck his helmet and passed into his head through the night vision goggle mount. Despite the injury, Riddle continued to provide suppressive fire so a medic could reach his vehicle and tend to other injured Pale Rider troops. Riddle has been receiving treatment at Walter Reed since May 16.
"Riddle told me today that he is going to stay in the Army, return to duty, get his commission and command Soldiers in the Big Red One," MacWillie said as he addressed division veterans. "This is the kind of Soldier who is protecting your legacy and everyday living our motto, 'no mission too difficult, no sacrifice too great, duty first.'"
Shelton, who has attended nearly every dinner since 1968, said he continues to return to the dinners because there, among the stories of courage and sacrifice, lives the enduring spirit of the BRO.
"I have so many memories of the Big Red One," the former Black Lion said. "I was in war (with the division), I saw men sacrifice themselves for other men. When you fight with a unit, you never forget, never."
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