The 409th Infantry Regiment were typically the soldiers that were on the frontlines during the 103rd Infantry Division’s time in combat. The mission of the 409th, along with the other Infantry Regiments of the division, was to carry out either offensive operations based on orders from headquarters, or repulse enemy attacks and counterattacks. These men often fought in the worst conditions while on the frontlines, battling not only the Germans but the elements such as bitter cold, snow, and rain as they trekked through Europe. After the end of the war, the responsibilities of the 409th and others switched from being a frontline combat unit to an occupying force in Austria. This task included monitoring and acting as security for any remaining Prisoners of War (POWs), weapons collections from surrendering forces, and efforts to de-Nazify those under their occupation.

During combat operations, units were required to submit a report of operations on a monthly basis. These were dubbed "Unit Journals" and have formed an integral part of the unit's history. Under “The War: Document Collection” tab, each infantry battalion of the 409th Infantry Regiment has a Unit Journal with a sometimes down to the minute description of their time in Europe and in combat. Along with these Unit Journals, each month the entire 409th Infantry Regiment created a narrative of the regimental combat operations, as well as casualty reports, awards, and maps of the regiments operations.

Along with these official reports and documents from when the 409th was engaged in combat, there are also some soldiers from the 409th Infantry Regiment who wrote and recorded their memories from the war. These individuals created either oral histories during reunions, or in some rare cases a soldier or soldiers recorded their memories and experiences in books. To find these materials, please see “The War: Soldiers’ Personal Accounts and Oral Histories” tab.

The distinctive unit insignia for the 409th consisted of a blue shield background (symbolic of infantry). Inlaid in the blue shield is a copper star (from the Arizona state flag, the regiment’s home state), and a green saguaro cactus (commonly found in Arizona), indicating the affiliation with the 103rd Infantry Division. The unit insignia was approved on August 20, 1925. It was amended to exclude the term "Organized Reserves" on July 29, 1959. On June 25, 1970, the symbolism was amended. The insignia was re-designated with a description updated for the 409th Regiment on June 17, 1999. The motto of the 409th Infantry Regiment is "steadfast.”

The Unit Journal for the 409th Infantry Regiment is available here.

The Morning Reports of the 409th Infantry Regiment are available here.

The Combat and After Action Reports of the 409th Infantry Regiment are available here.