The "Cotton Balers," who gained that nickname for the use they made of cotton bales in the battle for New Orleans during the war with Britain 1812-1814, were first organized in 1798, mustered out in 1800, and re-organized in 1808, with continuous service dating from that time. As such they are the second oldest regiment in the United States Army.

The 7th received its baptism of fire against the British at Villiere's Plantation, Louisiana, in December, 1814. Two weeks later it won undying fame in the Battle of New Orleans. From 1815 to 1846 the regiment was stationed at Fort Gibson, now the site of Muskogee, Okla., and participated in numerous operations against the Indians.

Between 1839 and 1842 it took part in the Florida War against the Seminoles and their chief Osceola.

In 1846, when difficulties with Mexico became serious, the 7th Infantry was concentrated at Corpus Christi, Texas, then moved to the Rio Grande. The regiment next went to Monterrey. It joined in the siege of Vera Cruz, which ended in the Mexican capitulation in March, 1847. The 7th marched into the interior, winning recognition for capturing the heights of Cerro Gordo, carrying the entrenchments of Contreras and Churubusco, and finally the works of Chapultepec. It entered Mexico City on Sept. 14, 1847.

The 7th Infantry served throughout the Civil War, and participated in the following engagements:

Mesilla, 1861; Valverde, Corinth, Fredericksburg and Murfreesboro, 1862; Chancellorsville, Hoover's Gap, Gettysburg, Chickamauga, Siege of Chattanooga and Missionary Ridge, 1863; Resaca, New Hope Church, Neal Dale Station and Siege of Atlanta, 1864.

It also participated in many Indian campaigns and is remembered as the regiment that was sent to relieve Custer. The 7th Infantry's last operation against the Indians was in 1891.

During the war with Spain the 7th fought in Cuba, at El Caney and San Juan Heights, and followed that with service in the Philippines and Alaska.

On Nov. 23, 1917, the 7th Infantry became part of the 3d Division and has been a member of the Division ever since. In World War I it fought with distinction in the Aisne Defensive, Champagne-Marne Defensive, Aisne-Marne Offensive and the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. For its great fighting on French soil the regiment was awarded the Croix de Guerre with Star by a grateful French government.

After serving in the Army of Occupation in Germany the regiment returned to the United States in August, 1919. Following brief stays at a number of posts the 7th moved to Vancouver Barracks and was stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash., when war was declared Dec. 8, 1941.