2nd ID Museum Camp Humphreys

The 2^nd ID museum at Camp Humphreys is also worth a visit. The Director of the Museum is an affable retired US Army Colonel whose last job in active duty was as the chief of the US military historian office.

Co PIlot provided the following background information.

Base access is required to tour the museum which is located across from the USO.

Tell me Abut the 2nd ID museum at Camp Humphreys

Copilot:

The 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) Museum at Camp Humphreys, South Korea, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of the 2nd Infantry Division and its role in various military operations. Here are some key highlights:

History: The museum was originally established at Camp Casey and later moved to Camp Red Cloud before relocating to Camp Humphreys in 2019 ¹.
Exhibits: The museum features a wide range of exhibits, including artifacts, photographs, and dioramas that depict the division’s history from its formation during World War I to its current operations ². Key exhibits cover major conflicts such as World War II, the Korean War, the Cold War, and more recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan ².
Outdoor Displays: The museum also has outdoor exhibits showcasing military vehicles, artillery, and other equipment used by the 2nd Infantry Division ².
Educational Programs: The museum offers guided tours, staff rides to historical battle sites, and educational programs aimed at teaching soldiers, civilians, and students about the division’s history and the broader U.S. Army experience on the Korean peninsula ².
Accessibility: The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM and is free to the public. Non-military visitors need to be signed in and must present two forms of ID ².

The 2ID Museum provides a comprehensive look at the division’s storied past and its ongoing contributions to military history.

1army.mil 2history.army.mil 3pof.usace.army.mil 4flickr.com 5dvidshub.net

More Background from Co-Pilot

Let’s delve into the storied history of the 2nd Infantry Division (often affectionately known as the “Indianhead” division). 🇺🇸

World War I Origins:
- The 2nd Infantry Division was first constituted on September 21, 1917, during World War I, within the Regular Army.
- It was organized on October 26, 1917, in Bourmont, Haute Marne, France.
- During the war, the division trained alongside French soldiers in the trenches, gaining valuable experience.
- Its baptism of fire came in the Bois de Belleau, and it later participated in the campaign of Château-Thierry¹.
World War II:
- The 2nd Infantry Division played a crucial role in World War II.
- On June 7, 1944, the division landed on Omaha Beach during the Normandy Invasion (D-Day).
- It then broke out of Normandy and moved into Belgium.
- Tenaciously holding its position during the Battle of the Bulge, the division prevented further German attempts to reconquer Belgium ².
Korean War and Beyond:
- Since the 1960s, the 2nd Infantry Division’s primary mission has been the pre-emptive defense of South Korea in the event of an invasion from North Korea.
- Approximately 17,000 soldiers serve in the division, with 10,000 stationed in South Korea—accounting for about 35% of the United States Forces Korea personnel.
- Notably, the 2nd Infantry Division is unique: it includes South Korean soldiers (called KATUSA, or Korean Augmentation to the U.S. Army) who serve alongside their American counterparts.
- The KATUSA program began in 1950, and as of May 2006, around 1,100 KATUSA soldiers serve with the 2ID ³.
Marine Corps Leadership:
- Interestingly, during World War I, the 2nd Division was twice commanded by Marine Corps Generals—a rare occurrence in U.S. military history when Marine officers led an Army Division ⁴.

In summary, the 2nd Infantry Division has a rich legacy spanning both world wars and continues to play a vital role in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. 🌟 If you ever visit South Korea, consider paying homage to this remarkable division and the brave men and women who have served under its banner.