The 126th Regimental Association Adopts the Red Arrow
Save the Flags would like to thank the 126th Regimental Association for their August, 12, 2026 adoption of the flag carried by the 32nd Red Arrow Infantry Division, SC-212-90, during World War I. This marks the first adoption of this flag and the fourth flag adoption for the 126th Regimental Association.
In 1917, when America joined the Great War raging in Europe, Michigan and Wisconsin sent 27,000 National Guardsmen to form the 32nd Division. This was not the first time Michigan and Wisconsin troops had joined forces. During the Civil War, men from the two states fought together in the famed Iron Brigade.
The 32nd Division fought in France in 1918 under General Mangin, the Tenth French Army Commander. They were the first American troops to set foot on German soil and fought in three major offensives: the Marne, the Oise-Aisne and the Meuse-Argonne. Losses were horrific: under fire for six months, the division suffered 14,000 casualties. It met 23 German divisions and captured thousands of prisoners and large quantities of war materials.
General Mangin, citing the Division for its heroism at Chateau Thierry, noted that “Les Terribles” had pierced or shot through every enemy line opposed to them. Back home, the division became known as the Red Arrow Division for its ability to cut through German lines like a red arrow. The French, however, continued to call them “Les Terribles”--The Terrible Ones. General Mangin presented this flag--bearing its red arrow insignia--to the Division. It was carried through the Division’s following battles and led the returned troops in a final review in Detroit in 1918.
Below are members of the 126th Regimental Association with battle honor staff rings from the 126th flag staff under their care in the Wyoming, Michigan National Guard Armory. Left to Right: SFC Dean Crowell, LTC Bill Sobotka, LTC David Britten, LTC Dave Irwin.
