The 2d Battalion, 16th Infantry, that cleared the road and fields of mines, marching through the Kasserine Pass and on to Kasserine and Farriana, Tunisia. 26 Feb 1943. Photograher: McGray
(Picture from CMH)
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!
“The Big Red One” march was composed in the summer of 1943 at Constantine, Algeria by then Captain Donald T. Kellett who was hospitalized and recovering from wounds suffered during the battle for Hill 609 at El Guettar, Algeria. It was dedicated to Major General Terry Allen, who commanded the Division in North Africa and Sicily, and who awarded Kellett the Silver Star at Kasserine Pass, Tunisia. Kellett, who retired from the U.S. Army as a colonel, became widely known throughout the Army during his 30-year military career for his marches. Colonel (Retired) Donald T. Kellett died in 1991.
(Info found at US Army 1st ID Page)
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