New York Army National Guard Soldiers display tools of their trade for Army's 239th Birthday

New York National Guard's 'Fighting 69th' to take part in Army's NYC Birthday Celebration

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New York Army National Guard infantry Soldiers training at the Camp Smith Training Site near Peekskill. (Sgt. 1st Class Raymond Drumsta, JFHQ-NY)

NEW YORK (06/12/2014)(readMedia)-- Soldiers of the New York Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry will be on hand to help General Raymond Odierno, the Chief of Staff of the Army, celebrate the U.S. Army's 239th Birthday on Friday, June 13 in Bryant Park

The Soldiers of the "Fighting 69th", many of whom served in Afghanistan or Iraq, will be available to talk to reporters about their duties and responsibilities.

WHO: Twelve members of the 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry.

WHAT: The South side display in Bryant Park will consist of equipment and weapons used by United States Army "Light Infantry" Soldiers, including the M-240B machine gun, the M-249 light machine gun, and the U.S. Army's primary individual weapons system, the M-4 Carbine. The North side display will feature the U.S. Army's 120mm Mortar weapons system. Teams stationed at both sites will be in full combat gear.

WHEN: Friday June 13, 2014, 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: Bryant Park, on 42nd St between 5th and 6th avenue.

COVERAGE OPPORTUNITIES:

Stills and Video of display participants providing a description of gear and tools used by today's light infantry Soldiers. Opportunities available to interview Soldiers about different weapons systems and their different responsibilities. News media interested in visiting with the Soldiers should contact Maj. Al Phillips at 518-225-6637.

BACKGROUND:

1st Battalion 69th Infantry Facts:

  • The unit was the subject of a 1940 movie about its service in World War I, "The Fighting 69th" starring Jimmy Cagney and Pat O'Brien.
  • The 69th Infantry is also portrayed in the Civil War films "Gettysburg" and "Gods and Generals."
  • In the 1981 novel "Cathedral" by Nelson DeMille, Soldiers of the 69th Infantry battle Irish terrorists who take over St. Patrick's Cathedral on St. Patrick's Day.
  • The founder of the Office of Strategic Services, the World War II predecessor of the Central Intelligence Agency, was Medal of Honor recipient William "Wild Bill" Donovan who commanded the 69th Infantry in World War I and served with NYC hero Father Duffy.
  • The 1st Battalion, 69th Infantry served in Baghdad in 2004-05. One of their missions was to secure the the road between the Baghdad Airport and the International Zone, or Green Zone, known as Route Irish. Prior to the 69th getting the mission the road was known as the most dangerous route in Iraq.
  • Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 69th also served in Afghanistan in 2008, even though the battalion headquarters did not deploy.
  • The 69th Infantry was founded in 1849 by Irish immigrants and exiles. The unit retains its immigrant spirit today, with nearly a quarter of its Soldiers born outside the United States.