1ST INFANTRY DIVISION BAND (1ID BAND)
The 1st Infantry Division “Big Red One” Band is the musical ambassador of the longest continuous serving division in the regular Army. Stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, the 38-member ensemble provides musical support to the First Infantry Division as well as performing in communities around the region. Known for the famous “Thunder Road” incident during the Vietnam War, the 1ID Band has made their mark at home and abroad since its constitution in 1943, supporting Soldiers and their families and the surrounding Fort Riley communities while preserving and celebrating the history and traditions of the United States Army and Fort Riley. For various types of military and community events, the band performs as a marching band, concert band, brass band, brass quintet, woodwind ensemble, rock band, and jazz combo. The 1ID Band has been awarded four Meritorious Service Commendations with streamers from the European Theater, Vietnam, Southwest Asia, and Iraq, and has been credited for participation in 20 campaigns. In addition to the Army Superior Unit Award, the band has received the French Croix de Guerre with Palm, Belgian Fourragère, the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class.
Events
The 1ID Band is available for performances on Fort Riley and in the surrounding communities making up the Midwest region, as well as national events throughout the United States. The band is flexible and can adjust performances and parades for your community.
The following are examples of events in which the 1ID Band has participated:
- K-State/Fort Riley Day, K-State's Wagner Field
- Welcome Home/Veteran's Salute, Junction City
- Veteran's Day Parade, Manhattan
- Christmas Concert, Junction City
- St. Patrick's Day Parade, St. Louis, MO
- United States Cavalry Competition, Fort Reno, OK
- D-Day Remembrance Ceremonies, Normandy, FR
Historical Note of Interest
One notable example of the use of bands in Vietnam was the "Thunder Road" incident, which received national publicity. Major General John Hay, Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division, ordered his band to march down "Thunder Road" for a distance of one mile while playing the march Colonel Bogey. This road was critical to the division but was under the control of a North Vietnamese Army regiment located less than a mile away. The enemy confused by the action withdrew from the area. The 1st Infantry Division Band fulfilled a remarkable combat mission without firing a shot.
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