126th Infantry Regiment (126th IR)
32nd Infantry Division (32nd ID) "Red Arrow Division"
U.S. Army (USA)

Background
The 126th Infantry Regiment (126th IR) was part of the 32nd Infantry Division (32nd ID) "Red Arrow Division" in the U.S. Army. During World War II, the 126th Infantry Regiment had a over 2,600 dead and missing in the Pacific during 1942–1945. During World War II, the 126th Infantry Regiment had a total of 92 soldiers Missing In Action (MIA). Of that total, 68 were MIA between November 1942–January 1943 during the Battle of Buna. The other 76 went missing in other locations.

Wartime History
During November 1942 participated in the Battle of Buna.

On December 1, 1942 at Huggins Road Block, outside the perimeter 1st Lt. Hershel G. Horton C.O. I Company was wounded. On December 2, 1942 Sgt Bernard F. Clarke and another Sergeant volunteered to go outside the lines to rescue Horton. They reached him and returned with a medical aid while attempting to return to friendly lines, they were spotted by the Japanese who opened fire with riles and threw hand grenades, fatally wounding Sgt Bernard F. Clarke, 36155586 (died December 9, 1942) and Sgt. Leland L. Sharp (died December 28, 1942). Learning of the losses, higher headquarters forbid any further attempts to rescue him. Meanwhile, Horton kept a diary until he died on December 15, 1942.

On January 2, 1944 the U.S. Army, 6th Army, 32nd Infantry Division (32nd ID) "Red Arrow Division", 126th Regimental Combat Team (126th RCT) under the command of General Martin with the 120th Field Artillery plus other elements land at Sawoi (Suai) and capture the Saidor and Saidor Airfield area.

On December 5, 1944 during a Japanese counter attack Pfc William A. McWhorter earned the Medal of Honor, posthumously on Leyte.

References
U.S. Army in World War II The War in the Pacific Victory in Papua Chapter XIX The Victory pages 369-378

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