The mission of the 34th Infantry Division Band is to provide music throughout the spectrum of military operations to instill in soldiers the will to fight and win, foster the support of citizens and promote the national interests of the United States at home and abroad.

Shortly after the 07 December attacks on Pearl Harbor and subsequent declaration of war, the 135th Infantry Regiment and Band were assigned a coastal defense mission in New Orleans, Louisiana as the United States prepared for the coming conflict.

The 135th Infantry Regiment Band departed New York Harbor 30 April on the RMS Aquitania arriving in Belfast, Northern Ireland on 11 May under cover of night and finally disembarking in Londonderry on 13 May.

The 135th Infantry Regiment Band arrived in Mers-el-Kebir, Algeria on 3 January and was quickly transported to a camp in the vicinity of Negrier for additional training through the end of the month.

After passing the coast of Sicily the sea convoy dropped anchor in the Gulf of Salerno and the unit was moved by landing craft to a beach near Paestum and the Sele river.

34th Infantry Division Band leadership divided personnel between the "Ambassadors of Swing" and "Rhythm Majors" dance orchestras and several smaller "jam" groups.

[6] While the 34th Infantry Division was engaged at the Battle of Monte Cassino in February, the band was called into action and attached to the 1090th Medical Battalion to serve as litter bearers.

Without delay, the band began performing concerts for the battle weary soldiers of the 34th Infantry Division and providing musical support for battalion and regimental parades.

It was soon found that falling flack and unexploded shells from anti-aircraft guns were also a hazard so all "holes" were promptly covered as well as possible by any materials available that would serve the purpose.

The construction of these protections were well worth the time and energy expended for although several shells and bombs landed in and around the area, no casualties were inflicted by harassing fire laid down on all roads.

Notable events during this time include performing for a massive review of British and US 5th Army forces by Prime Minister Winston Churchill and a concert featuring NBC Orchestra conductor Andre Kostelanetz and renowned singer Lily Pons for audience of over 8,000.

The 47th Infantry Division Band performed regularly during this time providing musical support in the form of concerts, parades, military change of command ceremonies, reviews and retreats.

The unit performed numerous high-profile missions to include[18] Renewed interest in Army traditions and history in the 1980s prompted the National Guard Bureau to return the 34th Infantry Division to the force structure.

[21] This reorganization of unit structure allowed the 34th Infantry Division Band to significantly enhance its capabilities and provide a cost-effective means to support to a wide variety of events.

In spring of 2006 the unit premiered the Daniel Kallman composition Streets of Honor in the city of Appleton, paying tribute to World War II era Red Bull soldiers.

[22] The 34th Infantry Division Band was ordered to federal service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009; their first combat deployment since World War II.

[18] In May 2009 the 34th Infantry Division Band recorded the Iraqi national anthem Mawtini in Arabic in an unused dining facility at COB Basra, Iraq.

At a transfer of authority ceremony on 20 May 2009 a short recording of Mawtini was broadcast by Iraqi media throughout the country and later made into a highly successful ring tone.

The unit's recording of Mawtini was later set to photos and distributed by US Psychological Operations and the US State Department in civil efforts and as a token of friendship between coalition personnel and Iraqi nationals.

In August 2009 the 34th Infantry Division Band's MPT-D "Hesco Jerks" performed on the Al Basra Oil Terminal located in the Persian Gulf.