Infantry, Part I: Regular Army /Foreword

by John K. Mahon and Romana Danysh

• Foreword

• In all of the major wars of the United States from the American Revolution through the conflict in Southeast Asia the dominant combat arm of the United States Army has been the infantry. It was natural therefore in producing an Army Lineage Series to devote the first published volume to that arm. Appearing in 1953, the first infantry lineage book has long been out of print, and subsequent organizational developments have amply warranted a revised and enlarged edition and its publication in more durable form. As explained in the Preface, Infantry is now to appear in two parts, this one with Regular Army and the one to come with Army National Guard and Army Reserve lineages and heraldic data; the historical narrative on the branch is to be included in both. In addition to the second parts of this work and of the ArmorCavalry volume, other volumes on artillery and on divisions and separate brigades are now being prepared.

• The Army Lineage Series is designed to foster the esprit de corps of United States Army units, and within the Army it is intended for use at all levels of command, in service schools, and in training programs. The short history of the infantry that precedes the lineages in this volume is an illuminating and thoroughly researched survey that should appeal to everyone interested in military history.

• Washington, D.C.
• 15 April 1971

• JAMES L. COLLINS, JR.
• Brigadier General, USA
• Chief of Military History