The Watertown Rifles

Wisconsin’s combat service boast a proud and distinguished lineage deeply intertwined with the history of the American military.

From the pivotal campaigns of the Civil War to the harrowing battlefields of the 20th and 21st centuries, Badger State service members have consistently displayed exceptional valor, resilience, and tactical skill. The most prominent symbol of this martial heritage is the legendary 32nd Infantry Division, famously known as the Red Arrow Division. Composed primarily of National Guard units from Wisconsin and Michigan, the Red Arrow earned international renown during World War I and World War II, particularly for its grueling jungle warfare in the Pacific, where it fought relentlessly through New Guinea and the Philippines without ever giving up an inch of assigned ground. Today, Wisconsin’s combat tradition is carried forward by modern Army and Air National Guard units, as well as thousands of active-duty personnel. Whether deploying for overseas combat operations, supporting peacekeeping missions, or answering the call at home during natural disasters, Wisconsin service members continue to uphold a legacy of steadfast dedication, embodying the state’s motto, “Forward,” in the defense of the nation.