Hilltop in Columbus in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

166th Infantry Regiment

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 14, 2008

1. 166th Infantry Regiment Marker

Inscription. [Insignia of the 166th Infantry Regiment]:
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Presented by
Rainbow Div. Veteran Assn.
to
166th Inf. Regt. Camp Shelby 1941
Re-presented June 21 1959
to
166th Combat Team
at
Robert Haubrich Armory

Erected 1959 by Rainbow Division Veteran Association.

Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, Cold • War, World II.

Location. 39° 56.599′ N, 83° 6.551′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is in Hilltop. Memorial is on Sullivant Avenue, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4100 Sullivant Ave, Columbus OH 43228, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. This Confederate Cemetery (approx. 1.8 miles away); Camp Chase (approx. 1.8 miles away); Camp Chase Confederate Cemetery (approx. 1.8 miles away); 2260 Confederate Soldiers (approx. 1.8 miles away); Confederate Cannonball (approx. 1.8 miles away); a different marker also named Camp Chase (approx. 1.8 miles away); a different marker

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also named Camp Chase (approx. 1.8 miles away); Postle Family Cemetery (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.

Regarding 166th Infantry Regiment. The official history of the 37th Infantry Division in WWII has some information on the units detached during the war. Here is what is given regarding the 166th Infantry Regiment:

The 166th Infantry Regiment was formed during World War I, with cadres drawn from the 37th Division, and served as part of the illustrious 42nd (Rainbow) Division throughout the war. The nickname of the 42nd Infantry Division, the "Rainbow Division," reflects the composition of the division during World War I. The division was drawn from the National Guards of 26 states and the District of Columbia. It represented a cross section of the American people, as the rainbow represents a cross section of colors.

After World War I, this regiment became one of the four infantry regiments of the 37th Division and went to Camp Shelby (Mississippi) with the Division in October 1940.

In December 1941 the 1st Battalion, 166th Infantry, was separated from the Division, and on February 12, 1942, sailed from New Orleans as part of

166th Infantry Regiment Insignia Shield and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 14, 2008

2. 166th Infantry Regiment Insignia Shield and Marker

Task Force 1291. This force was charged with the defense of the islands of Aruba and Curacao in the Caribbean Sea. This battalion operated in this theater until September 1, 1943, when, without personnel or equipment, it was returned to the 166th Infantry Regiment, and a new 1st Battalion was formed with a cadre of soldiers returned from overseas duty.

The 166th Infantry Regiment was relieved of assignment to the 37th Infantry Division on February 1, 1942, and on February 12 was assigned to the Southern Defense Command, the regiment being stationed at New Orleans, Louisiana, and the 2nd Battalion being stationed at Texas City, Texas.

On September 20, 1942, the 166th Infantry Regiment (less the 1st and 2nd Battalions) was transferred to Fort Barrancas, Florida. On July 10, 1943, it was transferred back to Camp Shelby, Mississippi, the 2nd Battalion joining it there.

On August 20, 1943, the 166th Infantry Regiment was authorized recognition as a complete regiment, the 1st Battalion being re-formed at Camp Shelby and the Cannon Company added.

On September 7, 1943, the regiment (less the 2nd Battalion) was ordered to move to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, the 2nd Battalion being transferred to Camp Hood, Texas.

On January 22, 1944, the 166th Infantry Regiment (less the 3rd Battalion and Company D) was inactivated at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The 3rd Battalion

Robert Haubrich Armory and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 14, 2008

3. Robert Haubrich Armory and Marker

and Company D were assigned to the Replacement and School Command at Fort Sill. Company D was inactivated on November 17, 1944, and the 3rd Battalion was inactivated on February 12, 1945.

Also see . . .
1. Rainbow Division Veterans Association, records, 1914-1999. The Rainbow Division Veterans Association records are maintained at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln Libraries. (Submitted on October 17, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

2. Rainbow Division Veterans Memorial Foundation, Inc. (Submitted on October 17, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

Additional keywords. Ohio Army National Guard

Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 15, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 5,241 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 15, 2008, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.