First Division Memorial
See the White House Grounds Tour web page for a map and links to other attractions on the grounds of President’s Park.
The First Division Memorial honors the men of the U. S. Army’s First Division, American Expeditionary Forces (aka The Big Red One) who fought in World War I. It was proposed and funded by the Society of the First Division, and dedication took place in 1924. The monument was designed by architect Cass Gilbert and sculpted by Chester French.
A World War II addition (not in the photo) was added to the west side of the original monument in 1957. This consists of a block of granite inscribed with the battles in which the First Division figured prominently. On two lower walls that flank the granite block are six bronze tablets with the names of 4,325 First Division soldiers killed during the war. A Vietnam War addition was dedicated in 1977. It is identical to the World War II addition, except it is on the east side of the original monument. A Desert Storm plaque was added in 1995. None of these additions are evident unless you walk behind the main column.
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Last updated on April 28, 2020
