At 2125 on 19 March 2003, the 3d Infantry Division attacked into Iraq to liberate the Iraqi people and destroy an oppressive regime that supported terrorism and threatened the security of the United States as well as stability around the world. The Division assaulted across a 40-mile front with over 22,000 soldiers and 10,000 vehicles. Marne Soldiers moved more than 500 Km in 72 hours, leaving two Iraqi Divisions and countless paramilitary groups defeated in their wake. In executing this decisive offensive action, the Division moved farther and faster than any U.S. Division in history. In the following 22 days, the 3d Infantry Division defeated another Iraqi Division and elements of four Republican Guard Divisions and four Special Republican Guard Divisions, ultimately seizing Baghdad and destroying the regime. The Division transitioned to Stability and Support Operations and immediately began to establish a safe and secure environment for the Iraqi people to become prosperous and self-governing.

“The Rock of the Marne…Tigris and Euphrates” captures the might and firepower of the 3d Infantry Division in its historic drive to Baghdad and the eventual overthrow of the Hussein Regime. Known as the Marne Division, the 3rd Infantry Division added a new chapter to its rich history by moving farther and faster than any combat operation in history. Key to the success of the Division was the seizure of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers, which allowed for the freedom of movement not only for the Division, but also for the entire coalition forces.

Upon seizure of these two key river crossings, the phrase “The Rock of the Marne…Tigris and Euphrates” became a rallying cry throughout the Division and serves as a link between the Division’s rich history and its most recent combat actions.