Tropic Lightning: Army honors 25th Infantry Division with uniforms vs. Navy

It’s that time of year again. The Army-Navy game is just weeks away and that can only mean one thing: uniform reveals.

Ahead of the 2020 matchup, the Black Knights have chosen to honor the 25th Infantry Division on the field.

Formed in 1921, the United States Army formed what was known as the Hawaiian Division to protect the country’s interests in the Pacific region. Nearly 20 years later, what was known as the “Hawaiian Division” was split into the 24^th and 25^th Infantry Divisions. The 25th being stationed at the Schofield Barracks on the Island of Oahu.

Nicknamed “Tropic Lightning,” in reference to the soldiers’ speed in accomplishing their missions, soldiers in this unit were instrumental in a variety of campaigns, particularly the Korean War following Pearl Harbor.

Here’s how Army football is highlighting this legacy in their Army-Navy uniforms:

The unit insignia — the “electric strawberry,” as it’s known — is a lightning bolt displayed on a taro leaf, and is shown on players’ gloves, cleats, and helmets. The colors red and gold honor the history of the Hawaiian Monarchy.

Army Athletics Department

Uniform pants display the name “Wolfhounds” to honor the soldiers of the 27th Infantry Regiment, a sub unit of the 25th Infantry Division. It was the first American unit to defeat a full-scale North Korean attack during the Korean War. Soldiers of the 27th Infantry were notorious for their involvement in a 10-day fight, named the “Battle of the Bowling Alley.”

Army Athletics Department

Dubbed the “Wolfhounds” dating back to during World War I, the soldiers motto, “Nec Aspera Terrent,” has been loosely translated from Latin to mean: “No fear on Earth, frightened by no difficulties, and difficulties be damned.”

Rather than using a modern-day American flag, players uniforms include a Korean War-era flag, which features 48 stars, the number of states at the time.

The Tropic Lightning Division and it’s various sub units will be featured by every player on their team, including the unit’s insignia on their helmet.

The Army-Navy Game is set for Dec. 12 at 3 p.m. ET at Michie Stadium and will air on CBS. It will be the first time since World War II the matchup will be played at a home site.