History

1893, the Infantry Society was created.
In 1921, The Infantry Society became the Infantry Association
Mid 1950s, merged with other military associations to create the Association of the United States Army
April 1982, the Infantry Association was reestablished at Fort Benning, Georgia and operated as a titular organization for the subscribers of “Infantry” magazine
1994, the Infantry Association was restructured and incorporated as the National Infantryman’s Association, Georgia non-profit corporation and IRS approved as a 501(c) (19) organization.
1998, The National Infantryman’s Association began doing business as (dba) the National Infantry Association
1999, The premier edition of the Infantry Bugler was created and published

History of Saint Maurice

Saint Maurice was Primicerius of the Theban Legion. In 287 AD it marched in service of the Roman Empire fighting against the revolt in the Berguadae Gauls. His men were composed entirely of Christians recruited from upper Egypt, near the Valley of the Kings. The Legion marched to the Mediterranean Sea, was transported across, and traveled across Italy to an area in Switzerland. Serving under Augustus Maximian Hercules, Maurice was ordered to have his legionnaires offer pagan sacrifices before battle near the Rhone at Martigny. The Theban Legion refused to participate, and also refused to kill innocent civilians in the conduct of their duty, and withdrew to the town of Agaunum. Enraged, Maximian ordered every tenth man killed, yet they still refused. A second time the General ordered Maurice’s men to participate and again they refused. Maurice declared his earnest desire to obey every order lawful in the eyes of God. “We have seen our comrades killed,” came the reply. “Rather than sorrow, we rejoice at the honor done to them.” At this Maximian ordered the butchery of the Thebans and the martyrdom of Saint Maurice. September 22 is the traditional feast day.

The National Infantry Museum

The NIA gave birth to and is supporting the National Infantry Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) tax exempt corporation, to construct and operate the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center at Patriot Park. The former National Infantry Museum could house only 5-10% of its collection, which is valued at over 30 million dollars, in the original main building of Fort Benning’s hospital, which was constructed in 1925. The museum dedicated the Inouye Parade Field and opened its theater, gift shop and restaurant on March 19, 2009. The grand opening ceremony for the main building and galleries was held on June 19, 2009 with GEN Colin Powell as the keynote speaker. For more information, or to make a tax deductible contribution, go to the National Infantry Foundation.

Guidelines for Wearing the Medallion

Awards may be worn on all appropriate occasions where Infantrymen gather in the furtherance of customs and traditions in support of the Infantry, the Army and the Nation. Appropriate occasions include when the Dress/Mess uniform or civilian formal attire is worn, or on other occasions which the commander or awardee deems to be appropriate.

When worn with the Army Mess, Blue or Class A uniform, the medallion should have the ribbon around the neck, outside the shirt collar and inside the coat collar. For other than the Mess Uniform, the medallion should hang over the four-in-hand necktie near the collar and above the top button of the coat, or just under the bow tie near the collar and above the top button of the coat. Proper positioning may necessitate pinning the ribbon together approximately three inches from the ribbon ends.

The Order of St. Maurice collar pin may be worn at any time deemed appropriate, but should not be worn with work or very casual clothes (e.g. jeans, beachwear, etc.).

The Shield of Sparta may be worn at similar occasions. It comes with a chain and is designed to be worn as either a necklace or a pin.