World War I
Follow Arizona's contribution to the Great War, focusing on the 158th Infantry Regiment and their distinguished service.
In 1916, during the Mexican Revolution, Pancho Villa’s men killed 17 Americans in Columbus, New Mexico. President Wilson sent General Black Jack Pershing into Mexico with an expeditionary force to kill or capture Villa.
The First Infantry Regiment of the Arizona National Guard was part of General Pershing’s army and was mobilized to assist Pershing’s troops by guarding and patrolling the border between Douglas and Naco, Arizona. The First Arizona Infantry Regiment continued its mission on the border until World War I was declared on April 6, 1917.
The First Infantry Regiment was drafted into federal service in 1917, re-designated as the 158th Infantry Regiment, and sent overseas in July and August 1918. In France, the 158th Infantry was assigned to a division, which furnished replacement personnel to other units.
The 158th Infantry was honored to act as Guard of Honor to President Wilson during his residence in France in 1918, and the 158th Infantry Band was chosen as Wilson’s honor band. The regiment was mustered out of federal service on May 3, 1919.
