'Call of Duty,' a K9 War Hero Named Rags and the 'Big Red One' Patch: About the 1st Infantry Division

By Emily Lefler

Originally commissioned in 1917 to fight in World War I, the 1st Infantry Division - known as the “Fighting First” or the “Big Red One” - is the oldest continuously serving division in the U.S. Army.

Here are seven facts you should know about the unit:

1. Why is the 1st Infantry Division Called the “Fighting First?”

During World War I, the 1st Infantry Division set sail for Europe just six days after its commissioning. A few days later, when they landed in St. Nazaire, France, they became the first U.S. combat unit to fight on European soil, earning them the nickname the “Fighting First.”

Service Series poster promoting the First Division as a unit that works around the clock, showing half-length drawing of a soldier, holding rifle, on the face of a clock. | Photo credit Library of Congress

2. The History of the “Big Red One” Nickname

Another nickname for the 1st Infantry Division is the “Big Red One,” which refers to the unit’s signature patch. Just like it sounds, the patch, which is in the shape of a pentagram, has a distinctive large number one in the middle of it. There are two different stories about the exact origin of the “Big Red One” patch design.

The first story claims that during World War I, the unit’s supply trucks were painted with a large figure “1” on the side of each truck. This, in turn, prompted soldiers to start wearing the red number one on their sleeves.

The second story, which is arguably the more popular tale, claims that, during training, a general decided that the unit should have shoulder insignia and proceeded to cut a number “1” symbol from his red flannel underwear. A young lieutenant saw this and shouted, “the general’s underwear is showing,” prompting the general to challenge him to come up with something better, which he did. The young lieutenant’s design, which was an olive green or grey piece of fabric with a red number “1” symbol on it, became the first version of the unit’s modern-day Big Red One patch.

3. A History of Firsts

The 1st Infantry Division paved the way for many firsts throughout history. During World War II, the Big Red One was the first to reach England, fight the enemy in North Africa and Sicily, reach beaches of Normandy on D-Day and capture a major German city, Aachen.

Photo credit NARA/Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Robert F. Sargent

Troops of Company E, 16th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division (the Big Red One) wade onto the Fox Green section of Omaha Beach on the morning of June 6, 1944.

In 1965, the Big Red One was the first division called to fight in Vietnam, battling the enemy for five years and carrying out aid programs to those in South Vietnam. During the Gulf War, as part of the VII Corps, the division was the first to lead the charge into Iraq, eventually cutting off the path of retreat for the Iraq Army along the Kuwait border.

In 2006, during the Iraq War, the division became one of the first units deployed in support of the Iraq Surge. As part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the Department of Defense identified the Big Red One as the first division to deploy to Iraq, supporting the nation’s strategy to destroy ISIL and provide assistance to the Iraqi Security Forces.

4. Meet Rags, the Unit Mascot and a K9 War Hero

In 1918, Pvt. James Donovan, a member of the unit found a stray dog on the streets of Paris and named him Rags. Rags was immediately adopted by the 1st Infantry Division as a mascot and went with Donovan to the front lines of World War I.

The Parisian pup proved to be a major asset for the Big Red One during battle. In addition to carrying messages between advancing infantrymen and their supporting field artillery, Rags was also used as an early warning system for artillery shell fire. Because of his acute sense of hearing, Rags was able to detect incoming shells before the soldiers could hear them, saving several lives. While on the front lines, Rags suffered injuries to his right paw, ear and eye, and was gassed by German shells.

Photo credit U.S. Army Signal Corps

Rags with Sgt. George E. Hickman.

After the war, Rags traveled to the U.S., where he was honored with a number of medals and awards. Rags passed away in 1936 and buried with military honors. He even had a monument erected in his memory.

5. “The Big Red One” Song and Lyrics

The 1st Infantry Division march, “Forward, The Big Red One!” song, was composed by Capt. Donald T. Kellett during World War II. Kellett created the song while he was in the hospital recovering from wounds he suffered in Algeria during the Battle for Hill 609. The march was dedicated to Maj. Gen. Terry Allen, who awarded Kellett the Silver Star at Kasserine Pass, Tunisia.

Here are the lyrics:

Toast of the Army,

Favorite Son! Hail to the brave Big Red One!

Always the first to thirst for a fight.

No foe shall challenge our right to victory.

We take the field, a grand sight to see.

Pride of the Infantry.

Men of a great division,

Courage is our tradition,

Forward the Big Red One!

6. The 1st Infantry Division goes to Hollywood

The 1st Infantry Division was the focus of a feature film, aptly named “The Big Red One,” in 1980. Directed by Samuel Fuller, a World War II veteran that served in the 1st Infantry Division, the movie is centered on a sergeant and four members of his unit as they battle their way throughout Europe in World War II.

The movie received very positive reviews. Empire magazine ranked it 483rd on their list of the 500 greatest movies of all time, and it was even entered into the 1980 Cannes Film Festival.

7. “Call of Duty 2: The Big Red One”

Did you know that the 1st Infantry Division is featured in the video game franchise “Call of Duty”?

In the game “Call of Duty 2: The Big Red One”, players take on the role of a soldier in the unit during World War II. The storyline follows the division’s efforts throughout the war, including the North Africa campaign, the invasion of Sicily, the landing on Omaha Beach and their movements east, including crossing the Siegfried Line into Germany.

-This story first appeared on USO.org in 2019. It has been updated in 2021.

More Stories Like This

Every day, America’s service members selflessly put their lives on the line to keep us safe and free. Please take a moment to let our troops know how much we appreciate their service and sacrifice.

GIVE TODAY SHARE A MESSAGE

Sign Up for Updates

Be the first to learn about news, service member stories and fundraising updates from USO.

By participating, you agree to the Mobile Messaging Terms for recurring autodialed donation messages from USO to the phone number you provide & to the Privacy Policy. No consent required to buy. Msg&data rates may apply.

Take Action

The USO relies on your support to help service members and their families.

Ways to Support