Fellow Members of the Thirty First Infantry:
TODAY, August 13th, we commemorate the Silver Anniversary of our regiment's organization. Youthful in point of years - twenty-five in all - it looks with just pride upon its past achievements.
It is our privilege to do honor to those individuals and groups of the regiment who by their labors have contributed to its sum of accomplishments. We honor ourselves in doing honor to them.
Although young, our regiment has an enviable body of traditions, a clean wholesome record to build upon. We are proud of the Esprit de Corps of the Thirty First Infantry. But we, the present complement, must not be content to bask in the glory of the achievements of our predecessors. We must progress in the truly American spirit of youth and hopefulness and initiative.
Due to unsettled world conditions, the Army of the United States is now engaged in intensively preparing to meet any emergency. Our regiment occupies a key strategic position in this far eastern possession. It is ready for prompt expeditionary employment. It is a reservoir of trained troop leaders. It is prepared to take its position in the defense of the Philippines. Here in the Orient, the Thirty First Infantry represents and stands for the highest ideals of the American people.
During the past six months our ranks have been greatly increased by the absorption of the highest type of young American manhood. In the face of a threatening international situation, these patriotic young men volunteered for service in this exposed outpost. We have subjected them to intensive training under trying tropical conditions. The soldier of today, more than ever, must spend his time learning the things that make a man efficient in combat, that make him act intelligently in an emergency and that toughen him physically to withstand the rigors of modern warfare. In no other arm must so much trust be placed in the individual soldier as in the Infantry. This calls for a high degree of training, morale, physical courage, intelligence and initiative on the part of every individual.
The efficiency of the company, battalion and regiment is measured in direct ratio to the efficiency of the individual soldiers, and the squad, section and platoon leaders. The degree of professional, moral and physical fitness of each individual largely determines the efficiency of the regiment. Those basic characteristics are developed by study, training and self-discipline. The courage and efficiency of the individual soldier are decisive factors in battle. The purpose of all training is to insure success in battle.
Since I assumed command of the regiment last November First, the regiment has more than doubled in strength. It's armament, transportation and equipment have been tremendously increased and modernized. It's officers and non-commissioned officers have worked ceaselessly and tirelessly to train these young men in the fundamentals of soldiering. These new members of our command have been hardened, seasoned and trained to use the many and varied infantry weapons, transportation and equipment. They have been trained also in their specific combat functions, in all weather, in the jungle, in the swamps and on the mountains. Throughout all these unusually trying experiences these young soldiers have manifested an intense eagerness to fit themselves to carry on the traditions of the regiment.
I am deeply appreciative of the loyalty and cooperation I have received form all of you from the newest recruit to the oldest-timer, both commissioned and enlisted. Our standards must be the highest attainable. We know not what lies ahead. We must be fully prepared. We must not spare ourselves.
Source: reprinted from Warrant Officer Charles D. Brown's Thirty-First U.S. Infantry Organization Day Twenty-Fifth Anniversary program. p. 3