158th Infantry Regiment (158th IR)
158th Regimental Combat Team (158th RCT) "Bushmasters"
U.S. Army

Background
The 158th Infantry Regiment (158th IR) was unit of the Arizona National Guard. On September 16, 1940 ordered into Federal service in the U.S. Army and began training at Fort Sill in Oklahoma then moved to Camp Barkeley in Texas. During February 1941 participated in maneuvers in Louisiana.

Wartime History
On December 8, 1941 when the United States entered World War II, detached from the 45th Division and sent to Panama arriving January 2, 1942 as part of the Panama Mobile Force to defend the Canal Zone (CZ) and trained in jungle warfare. In Panama, adopted the nickname "Bushmasters" for the Bushmaster venomous snake. On February 11, 1942 relieved from the 45th Division when it became a triangular division and instead became a separate infantry regiment. The 158th became one of four infantry regiments of the Panama Mobile Force to create and train a jungle platoon using specialized equipment and tactics. During November 1942, prepared to transfer to Australia.

In late January 1943 arrives Brisbane. In the middle of March shipped in echelons to Port Moresby in New Guinea. In late May 1943 moves to Milne Bay. On June 20, 1943 the 2nd Battalion provides security for the 6th Army Headquarters. On June 24, 1943 the first elements of the 158th, less the 2nd battalion land without opposition on Kiriwina Island. On June 30, 1943 at dawn the rest of the regiment lands and occupies Kiriwina and Woodlark to provide security. In the middle of July 1943 the 2nd Battalion moves to Goodenough Island as a security force. On October 21, 1943 when the 6th Army Headquarters moves to the island, resumes security duty. On December 15, 1943 Company G departs for Arawe on western New Britain and is later joined by the entire 2nd Battalion and enters combat.

Afterwards, the entire 158th assembles at Finschafen. Redesignated as the 158th Regimental Combat Team (158th RCT). During May 1944, deployed o Toem in western New Guinea and relieves the 163rd RCT on the Tor River and was ordered to capture Sarmi Airfield near Sarmi in their first significant combat engagement against the Japanese Army 36th Division. During the Battle of Lone Tree Hill, suffers 70 killed, 257 wounded, and 4 missing. The 158th killed an estimated 920 Japanese and took 11 prisoners. On June 14, 1944 relieved to prepared for their next operation.

PARTIAL HISTORY

On January 9, 1945 during the U.S. Army landing at Lingayen Gulf, the 158th RCT was held in reserve. On January 11, 1945 the 158th lands and fights to open the road via Damortis to Rosario.

Commanding Officers (C.O.)
Brigadier General Hanford MacNider (August 6, 1944–August 1945)

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