Sig Sauer M17

The 38th Infantry Division traces its lineage to August 25, 1917, when National Guard units from Indiana, Kentucky, and West Virginia were organized at Camp Shelby, Mississippi, for service in World War I. During its training, a devastating tornado struck Camp Shelby on April 17, 1918, giving the division its enduring nickname, the “Cyclone Division.” The 38th deployed to France later that year, and although the war ended before the division could fight as a complete formation, its Soldiers served as replacements for units engaged on the Western Front.

The division’s most celebrated chapter came during World War II. After years of training and preparation, the 38th deployed to the Pacific and fought in the Philippines, landing on Leyte in December 1944 before moving to Luzon and the Bataan Peninsula. In 1945, the division successfully recaptured Bataan and accepted the surrender of major Japanese forces in the Philippines. In recognition of its achievement, General Douglas MacArthur reportedly bestowed upon the Soldiers of the 38th the proud title “Avengers of Bataan.”

Following World War II, the division was reorganized with its headquarters in Indianapolis and has continued to serve as an Indiana-based Army National Guard division. Its Soldiers have supported missions ranging from domestic disaster response to overseas operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, and other theaters. In 2009–2010, the division headquarters deployed to Afghanistan as Task Force Cyclone, providing command and control for counterinsurgency operations and multiple forward operating bases.

MISSION

Today, the 38th Infantry Division serves as a deployable, tactical-level warfighting headquarters, providing command and control of brigade combat teams, aviation, sustainment, engineering, and other Army forces across the full spectrum of military operations. The division trains to conduct multidomain operations against capable adversaries while maintaining the readiness to respond to national emergencies and missions within the state of Indiana.

Under state authority, the Cyclone Division can be called upon to support Indiana during natural disasters, civil emergencies, and homeland defense missions. Under federal authority, its Soldiers stand ready to deploy worldwide in defense of the United States and its allies. This dual mission embodies the enduring tradition of the National Guard—serving both community and nation.

38TH INFANTRY DIVISION — “CYCLONE DIVISION”
“AVENGERS OF BATAAN”