27th Infantry Regiment "Wolfhounds"
25th Infantry Division (25th ID) "Tropic Lightning"
U.S. Army (USA)

Background
On February 2, 1901 the 27th Infantry Regiment (third formation) was established in the U.S. Army. In August 1901, placed under the command of James M. J. Sanno. In 1902, during the Philippine Insurrection first engaged in combat against rebels on Mindanao. During 1904 returned to the United States and stationed at Fort Sheridan in Chicago, Illinois and Columbus Barracks in Columbus, Ohio.

During 1918, the 27th Infantry Regiment was part of the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) sent to Siberia. On August 7, 1918 the regiment departed Manila bound for Siberia. On August 15-16, 1918 arrives Vladivostok. Nicknamed "Wolfhounds" was bestowed by the Bolsheviks during the Russian Civil War and remains in use today.

During August 1919, a portion of the 127th Infantry Regiment was based at Evgenevka, Siberia guarding the Evgenevka rail road station on the the Trans-Siberian Railway. Sentry Private "Little" Smith blocked a Japanese Army soldier whose unit was disembarking from a train. Angered, the Japanese soldier slapped him across his head with his canteen strap. In response, Smith raised his rifle to fire but it jammed and instead stabbed the Japanese in the neck with his bayonet. In response the Japanese grabbed Smith and threatened to execute the American. Alerted, Major Fitzhugh B. Allderdice mobilized all 250 soldiers under his command and marched to the station to free him. When they arrived, a Japanese Captain tried to stab Smith but the blade did not penetrate his jacket. Meanwhile, Japanese Army Major Airi arrived and began negotiations with Major Allderdice. The Japanese captain became enraged and attempted to stab Smith again but Major Airi blocked him and was wounded in his shoulder. The Americans drew their guns and Major Allderdice stated through a translator: "Very well, if you shoot an American soldier tonight you'll have to annihilate my command. You know what that means - we - are outnumbered 20 to 1, but we'll sell our lives dearly". When the Japanese captain raised his sword, Major Allderdice stated "If you want war with the United States you'll get it if you raise your hand against this command." Private Smith was eventually freed and it was agreed the Americans would salute the Japanese officers in the station, ending the "Evgenevka Incident".

In 1920, assigned to the Philippines. On March 2, 1921 the 27th Infantry Regiment became part of the Hawaiian Division stationed at Schofield Barracks. On August 26, 1941 assigned to the 25th Infantry Division (25th ID) "Tropic Lightning".

Wartime History
On December 7, 1941 during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and Oahu, soldiers from the 27th Infantry Regiment fired small arms at attacking planes as they overflew Schofield Barracks.

On January 12, 1943 during the Battle of Galloping Horse on Guadalcanal volunteer Captain Charles W. Davis brought messages to companies that were pinned down by enemy fire and remained at the front lines overnight. For his actions, he earned the Medal of Honor.

On January 30, 1945 the 27th Infantry Regiment began moving into position to attack Umingan from the north and northwest while the 35th Infantry Regiment "Cacti" prepared a holding attack from the west and southwest. On January 31, 1945 patrols approaching Umingan find the town is strongly defended by the Japanese.

On February 1, 1945 after artillery and aerial support, the 27th Infantry Regiment began their assault with from the north and west toward Umingan and got elements into the outer barrio within 250 yards of th western edge of town, but made limited progress due to Japanese machine gun and rifle fire from cover and concealment. Japanese anti-tank guns drove off supporting tanks advancing on Route 8 that were unable to pull off the road due to irrigation ditches on both sides.

On February 2, 1945 the U.S. Army assault continued and found weak resistance and by 1:00pm had cleared most of Umingan, leaving only two pockets of resistance. On February 3, 1945 by dusk the 27th Infantry Regiment had eliminated all resistance, ending the battle of Umingan. In total, the Japanese lost roughly 150 killed and abandoned eight 47mm anti-tank guns and large quantities of 47mm shells and 75mm shells. The 27th Infantry Regiment lost 40 killed and 130 wounded.

References
FindAGrave - MAJ Fitzhugh Berry Allderdice (photo, grave photo)
From Here to Eternity (1951) by James Jones and From Here to Eternity (1953) Hollywood film is based on the 127th Infantry Regiment

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