161st Infantry Regiment (161st IR) "First Washington"
25th Infantry Division (25th ID) "Tropic Lightning"
U.S. Army (USA)

Background
In 1921, the 161st Infantry Regiment (161st IR) was reconstituted in the Washington State National Guard as part of the 41st Infantry Division (41st ID). Nicknamed "First Washington". In early 1941 when the 41st Infantry Division (41st ID) was reconfigured as a triangular division, the 161st Infantry Regiment was detached and ordered to prepared for deployment to the Philippines.

Wartime History
On December 7, 1941 at the start of the Pacific War the 161st Infantry Regiment in San Francisco and instead directed to Hawaii as reinforcements. On August 3, 1942 assigned to the 25th Infantry Division (25th ID) "Tropic Lightning".

PARTIAL HISTORY

On January 18, 1945 and January 24, 1945 medic T/4 Laverne Parrish  aided wounded soldiers and earned the Medal of Honor, posthumously for his actions.

On January 20, 1945 the U.S. Army 25th Division, 27th Infantry Regiment on the right and 161st Infantry Regiment on the left began their drives towards Asingan and San Manuel. On January 23, 1945 the 161st supported by M4 Sherman tanks from 716th Tank Battalion captures the hills south of San Manuel in preparation for the main assault against the town. After four days of intense close-combat San Manuel was liberated. For their gallantry during the Battle of San Manuel, Company E and Cannon Company of the 161st Infantry Regiment earned the Presidential Unit Citation (PUC).

PARTIAL HISTORY

On February 3, 1945 to bypass Lupao, the 161st Infantry Regiment was ordered to move cross country and cross Route 99 south of Lupao to Route 8 to establish a roadbock. On February 6, 1945 facing only scattered rifle fire, the 161st Infantry Regiment occupied San Isidro and chased stragglers to the north that were headed into the hills.

PARTIAL HISTORY

On April 2, 1945 SSgt Angelo Viale  earned the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) near Kapintalan.

Postwar
In late September 1945, at San Fabian the 161st was embarked aboard transports of COMTRANSDIV 68 and in early October 1945 departs bound for Japan then reverses course due to an approaching typhoon then resumes the voyage. On October 28, 1945 the 161st is disembarked at Nagoya.

References
NARA COMTRANSDIV 68 War Diary October 1945 page 6 (October 28, 1945)

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