When we think of valor in American military history, the name “The Fighting 69th” echoes across generations, battlefields, and borders. But few realize that this unit is not just a regiment—it is a living lineage, a dynamic entity that has transformed time and again to meet the call of duty. From Dublin to Bull Run to Bagdad and Beyond, has the formation of many names and uniforms, but its heart has always remained unmistakably steadfast.

During World War I and World War II, the 69th Infantry Regiment evolved into two separate but historically connected entities. When the original National Guard regiment was federalized—meaning it was officially absorbed into the larger structure of the U.S. Army—a new State Guard Regiment was formed to stand in its place back home. This wasn’t just a bureaucratic reshuffling. It was a move that ensured New York’s security and continuity while its finest soldiers were serving overseas.

The 165th Infantry Regiment, which is the federal designation for the Fighting 69th during World War I, served with unparalleled distinction on European soil. It carried forward the fierce Irish pride and unmatched resilience that had characterized the unit since the Civil War. Meanwhile, the 69th Regiment, New York Guard, operated as a State Guard Regiment, maintaining order and preparedness within New York during a time of national mobilization.

Post-World War II, the pattern shifted. In modern federalizations such as Operation Iraqi Freedom, the War on Terror, and engagements like the Horn of Africa, the New York Guard did not form a separate replacement unit. Why? Because this time, a cadre of soldiers remained behind—a testament to the growing complexity of modern deployments. These soldiers kept the 69th active at home, performing National Guard duties while their comrades served abroad. This flexible approach reflects the dynamic balance of modern military strategy and state readiness.

What makes the 69th so unique is its ever-changing form. Across the decades, it has carried many titles:

69th Infantry Regiment, New York State Militia

69th Infantry Regiment, New York National Guard

165th Infantry Regiment (its federal name during WWI)

69th Artillery Regiment (while functioning as infantry)

69th Air Defense Artillery

Even the 182d Infantry Regiment during certain periods

Yet in the eyes of Army historians and those who honor legacy, names don’t define lineage—people do. The legacy of the Fighting 69th is tied not just to its title but to the men and women who filled its ranks, wore its insignia, and carried its banner forward.

James Tierney, in “From Dublin to Bull Run to Baghdad and Beyond”, beautifully articulates this lineage-driven perspective. His work emphasizes that while the names, structures, and missions change, the spirit and history of the regiment persist. Tierney doesn’t just trace dates and battles; he tells a living story—one that moves across continents, ideologies, and centuries, yet remains firmly rooted in loyalty and service.

So, why should you care about the lineage of a military regiment? Because it mirrors the evolution of the nation itself. The story of the 69th isn’t just about battles; it’s about resilience, reinvention, and the enduring importance of heritage in an ever-shifting world. It tells us that our past doesn’t disappear; it reshapes itself to serve our present.