U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment
Encyclopedia
The 7th Cavalry Regiment is a United States Army
Cavalry
Regiment
, whose lineage traces back to the mid-19th century. Its official nickname is "Garryowen," in honor of the Irish
air Garryowen that was adopted as its march tune.
Following its activation the Seventh Cavalry Regiment patrolled the Western plains for raiding native Americans and to protect the westward movement of pioneers. From 1866 to 1881, the regiment marched a total of 181,692 miles (292,342 km) across Kansas
, Montana
, and the Dakota Territories
.
as the 7th Cavalry. It was organized on September 21, 1866 at Fort Riley
, Kansas
as part of an expansion of the regular army following the demobilization of the wartime volunteer and draft forces. From 1866 through 1871, the regiment was posted to Fort Riley and fought in the Indian Wars
.
Its most notorious action of the Indian Wars was at the Battle of the Washita (also known as the Washita Massacre) in 1868, in which the regiment sustained 21 losses, while inflicting more that 150 deaths on a Cheyenne encampment composed largely of elderly men, as well as women and children.
Typical of post-Civil War
cavalry regiments, the Seventh was organized as a twelve-company regiment without formal battalion
organization. However, battalions—renamed "squadron
s" in 1883—did exist. Companies A–D were assigned to 1st Battalion; Companies E–H were assigned to 2nd Battalion; and Companies I–M (no company J in Regiment) were assigned to 3rd Battalion. Throughout this period, the cavalryman was armed with Colt
Single Action Army .45 caliber revolvers and single-shot Springfield carbines
, caliber .45–55 until 1892. He used one of the many variants of the McClellan saddle
. Sabre
s were issued but not carried on campaign. The Seventh Cavalry, like the other U.S. Army regiments of the time had a band, which performed mounted as well as on foot, and seated for concerts. Initially established with the support of Major Alfred Gibbs
, the 7th's band adopted "Garryowen" as their favorite tune and thus gave the Seventh their nickname among the rest of the Army. The troopers in the Wild West didn't only fight Indians: on July 17, 1870 in Hays
, Kansas, a shoot-out between Sheriff Wild Bill Hickok
and two troopers resulted in one soldier dying of his wounds and the other wounded.
From 1871 through 1873, 7th Cavalry companies participated in constabulary duties in the deep South
in support of the Reconstruction Act
, and, for half the regiment, again in 1874–1876. In 1873 the 7th Cavalry moved its garrison post to Fort Abraham Lincoln
, Dakota Territory
. From here, the regiment carried out the historic reconnaissance
of the Black Hills
in 1874, making the discovery of gold in the Black Hills public and starting a gold rush
that precipitated the Great Sioux War of 1876–77
. Lieutenant Colonel
George A. Custer was killed at the Battle of the Little Bighorn
on June 25, 1876 with 211 men of the 7th Cavalry. Although the Seventh is best known for its famous "last stand" made at the Little Bighorn, the Regiment also participated in lesser known battles, such as the capture of Chief Joseph
's Nez Perce at the Battle of Bear Paw
in 1877. The regiment committed the Wounded Knee Massacre
on December 29, 1890, signaling the end of the Indian Wars.
A total of 45 men earned the Medal of Honor
while serving with the 7th Cavalry during the Indian Wars: 24 for actions during the Battle of the Little Bighorn, two during the Battle of Bear Paw, 17 for being involved in the Wounded Knee Massacre or an engagement at White Clay Creek the next day, and two during other actions against the Sioux in December 1890.
Little Bighorn, June 25–26, 1876
Bear Paw, September 30, 1877
Sioux campaign, December 1890
Wounded Knee and White Clay Creek, December 29–30, 1890
version, the M1896, was issued in 1896.
From 1895 until 1899, the Regiment served in New Mexico
(Fort Bayard
) and Oklahoma
(Ft. Sill
), then overseas in Cuba
(Camp Columbia
) from 1899 to 1902.
An enlisted trooper with the Seventh Cavalry, "B" Company, from May 1896 until March 1897 at Fort Grant Arizona Territory
was author Edgar Rice Burroughs
.
In 1903, the Army replaced the Krag .30–40 with the M1903 Springfield Rifles, initially in caliber .30–03 and later in its more familiar .30–06 form. In 1911, the Army adopted the M1911 Automatic Colt Pistol, replacing the Colt
single and double action .45 and .38 caliber revolver
s.
The Regiment served in the Philippines
during the Philippine-American War
from 1904 through 1907, with a second tour from 1911 through 1915. Back in the United States, the Regiment was once again stationed in the southwest, in Arizona
(Camp Harvey J. Jones), where it patrolled the U.S.-Mexico border and later was part of the Mexican Punitive Expedition
of 1916 to 1917.
In December 1917, 7th Cavalry was assigned to the 15th Cavalry Division, an on-paper organization designed for service in France
during World War I
that was never more than a simple headquarters. This was because no significant role emerged for mounted troops on the Western Front
during the nineteen months between the entry of the United States into the War and the Armistice of 11 November 1918. The 7th Cavalry was released from this assignment in May 1918.
On September 13, 1921, 7th Cavalry Regiment was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, which assignment was maintained until 1957. The Division and its 2nd Cavalry Brigade was garrisoned at Fort Bliss
, Texas
, while the 1st Cavalry Brigade was garrisoned at Douglas, Arizona
. Additional garrison points were used as well.
The 7th Cavalry Regiment continued to train as horse cavalry right up to World War II, including participation in several training maneuvers at the Louisiana
Maneuver Area on April 26, 1940 – May 28, 1940; August 12–22, 1940; and August 8, 1941 – October 4, 1941.
, still part of 1st Cavalry Division. The 7th Cavalry staged at Camp Stoneman
, California
on June 18, 1943, and departed the San Francisco Port of Embarkation on June 26, 1943. It arrived in Australia
on July 11, 1943, where it trained for combat, and then participated in the New Guinea campaign
, which began on January 24, 1943, and did not end until December 31, 1944.
The regiment was relieved from duty in this campaign, and moved on to be reorganized under special Cavalry and Infantry Tables of Organization & Equipment on December 4, 1943, and then trained for combat and participated in the Bismarck Archipelago
campaign, which started on December 15, 1943, and did not end until November 27, 1944.
The 7th Cavalry moved to Oro Bay
, New Guinea
on February 22, 1944, and moved by landing craft to Negros Island on March 4, 1944 to reinforce the units in the Admiralty Islands campaign
, securing Lombrum Plantation.
The 7th Cavalry moved on to Hauwei Island, which it secured on March 12–13, 1944. The regiment continued on, and arrived at Lugos Mission on Manus Island
on March 15, 1944.
The Leyte campaign
started on October 17, 1944, and 7th Cavalry moved on towards the Philippines, and assaulted Leyte on October 20, 1944. 7th Cavalry reached the Visayan Sea
in late December, 1944, and reassembled with the 1st Cavalry Division near Tunga
on January 7, 1945. Leyte did not end until July 1, 1945, but 7th Cavalry was needed for the Luzon campaign
, which started on December 15, 1944.
Deploying again by landing craft, 7th Cavalry landed at Luzon
on January 27, 1945, where the regiment engaged until the end of the Luzon campaign on July 4, 1945. 7th Cavalry again reorganized—this time entirely under Infantry Tables of Organization & Equipment, but still designated as a Cavalry Regiment, on July 20, 1945 to prepare for the invasion of the main Japanese islands. However, the invasion was not to be. 7th Cavalry Regiment was at Lucena, Batangas in the Philippines until September 2, 1945, when it was moved to Japan
to start Occupation duty.
The 7th Cavalry fought in the Korean War's bloodiest battles. These include Hwanggan, Poksong-Dong, Kwanni, and Naktong River Defense (Battle of Pusan Perimeter
). When the 1st Cavalry Division attacked north, the 7th Cavalry was in front, smashing 106 miles behind enemy lines in an historic 24 hours. Three more Presidential Unit Citations were added to the colors.
The conduct of 7th Cavalry soldiers with respect to their involvement with the massacre at No Gun Ri
during the early part of the Korean War has come under fire. Their story is most fully told by a veteran of the regiment, historian and Army LTC Robert Bateman, who wrote a book on the event using veterans accounts and military records. The credibility of witness in the AP report revealed fraudulent claims about what happened at No Gun Ri
(Korea).
7th Cavalry Regiment was reorganized under a new Table of Organization & Equipment on March 25, 1949, when the Troops were once again designated as Companies.
(CARS) on November 1, 1957. HQ & HQ Company transferred to the control of the Department of the Army. November 1,
As part of this reorganization, Company "A" redesignated, 1st Battle Group, 7th Cavalry and assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division. Company "B" was redesignated 2nd Reconnaissance Squadron, 7th Cavalry and Company "C" was redesignated, 3d Reconnaissance Squadron, 7th Cavalry and assigned to the 10th Infantry Division.
After the Korean War, 7th Cavalry was used mainly in a reconnaissance
role. It received the M14 rifle
, along with various other new weapons and equipment (including the Patton tank
). Also, a few OH-13s
were used by the reconnaissance
squadrons.
Three battalions, the 1st, 2nd and 5th served during the Vietnam War
as the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division. 3rd Brigade often self-referred itself as the "Garryowen Brigade". These troopers were armed with the new M16 rifle
, the M203 grenade launcher
replacing the M79 grenade launcher
. Claymore mines, and Bell UH-1B helicopters were also used extensively. Seven men earned the Medal of Honor while serving with the 7th Cavalry in Vietnam: Private First Class Lewis Albanese
, Company B, 5th Battalion; First Lieutenant Douglas B. Fournet, Company B, 1st Battalion; Sergeant John Noble Holcomb
, Company D, 2nd Battalion; Second Lieutenant Walter Joseph Marm, Jr.
, Company A, 1st Battalion; Private First Class William D. Port
, Company C, 5th Battalion; Specialist Four Héctor Santiago-Colón
, Company B, 5th Battalion; and First Lieutenant James M. Sprayberry, Company D, 5th Battalion.
The other 2 units, the 3rd and 4th reconnaissance
Squadrons, were based in Germany
, and Korea
.
The 1st, 2nd, and 5th Battalions were deactivated after the Vietnam War, and only the 3rd and 4th Squadrons remained as divisional reconnaissance
squadrons assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division and 2nd Infantry Division respectively. Both the 3rd and 4th squadrons were aviation-tank cavalry squadrons using the M551 Sheridan AR/AAV
vehicle (later replaced by the M48 Patton
tank), M113
& M114 Armored Personnel Carriers. Both squadrons had an air cavalry "Delta" Troop, that had both reconnaissance & gunship UH-1B's
. The gunships were armed with M-5 rocket launchers, and M-22 anti-tank guided missiles. In 1963 the 3rd Squadron became the divisional cavalry squadron for the 3rd Infantry Division and was stationed at Ledward & Conn Barracks Schweinfurt West Germany. The Squadron consisted of three ground troops, one aviation troop and a headquarters troop. The ground troops were equipped with M60A3 tanks, M113 Armored Personnel Carrier
s, ITV (Improved TOW Vehicle, an M113 variant) and a mortar section with 4.2 inches (106.7 mm) mortars mounted in an M113 variant. In 1989 the M60 tanks were replaced with M1A1
Abrams tanks. The aviation troops were equipped with OH-58 scout helicopters and AH-1 Cobra
attack helicopters. On November 16, 1992, the Squadron was inactivated in Germany and relieved of assignment to the 8th Infantry Division. The Headquarters and Headquarters Troop consolidated on December 16, 1992 with the 3rd Reconnaissance Company and designated as Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry. On February 16, 1996, the squadron was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division and activated at Fort Stewart, Georgia as the Division Cavalry Squadron and became the "Eyes and Ears" of the Marne Division, the "Iron Fist" of the XVIII Airborne Corps. The Squadron has been involved in several deployments since then including Operation Desert Storm in Kuwait, Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Squadron was reassigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 3rd Infantry Division in 2004 and as the Brigade's Armored Reconnaissance Squadron. Combat operations for Operation Iraqi Freedom III began on February 4, 2005 when the Squadron arrived at Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah located in southeast Baghdad. Immediately upon arrival, the Squadron began patrolling the area east of the Tigris River in the Rusafa and New Baghdad districts as well as securing Route Pluto North, one of the primary supply routes for the Division.
However, between 1974 and 1975 other units were reactivated. The 1st Battalion became an armored unit, the 2nd Battalion remained an air mobile unit with a recon platoon using motorcycles moved by helicopters. After 1975, the 2nd and 5th Battalion were reorganized as mechanized infantry. In 1978, the 5th Battalion was once again deactivated.
The 1st Squadron was the divisional cavalry squadron for the 1st Cavalry Division and assigned to the Division's aviation brigade.
The 4th Squadron was also the divisional cavalry squadron for 3rd Armored Division
, taking part of the Battle of Phase Line Bullet
. Ground troops were armed with the M3A1 Bradley
CFV. Air cavalry Troops AH-1F Cobras, OH-58C
scouts.
The 3rd Squadron was the "Eyes and Ears" for the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) and the "Iron Fist" for the U.S. XVIII Airborne Corps
.
The Squadron was engaged with the enemy earlier and more often in the war than any other unit.
The 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry served in the 1st Cavalry Division's 5th Brigade Combat Team (BCT) during its first deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II from April 1, 2004 to April 1, 2005. The 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry, commanded by LTC William R. Salter, distinguished itself by extraordinary valor and gallantry while executing combat operations in the Al Rashid District of Baghdad, Iraq. The Squadron defeated a surge of enemy attacks and neutralized insurgent and terrorist elements within its Area of Operations (AO) through a combination of constant day to day interaction with the populace, adaptable tactics and the tenacious fighting spirit of its troopers. In addition to securing an AO of 68 km2 with a population of more than 1.2 million, the Squadron also secured ROUTE IRISH, a strategic highway and Multi-National Corps-Iraq (MNC-I) Main Supply Route connecting the International Zone (IZ) to the Baghdad International Airport (BIAP). The Squadron was also instrumental in providing a secure environment during the first Iraqi democratic election in January 2005. 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation for its actions during this campaign. Most recently 1-7 CAV, commanded by LTC Kevin S. MacWatters, deployed as the Armed Reconnaissance Squadron for 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08 (October 6, 2006 to January 15, 2008). The Squadron conducted full-spectrum operations as a part of Multi-National Division-Baghdad (MND-B)in the Taji Area of Operations. During this deployment the Squadron was instrumental in the destruction of multiple improvised explosive device
(IED)and Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) terrorist cells as a part of the "Surge", greatly enhancing MND-B's ability to secure Baghdad. The secure environment created by the Squadron in the Taji area enabled local government to take hold, local police and Iraqi Army forces to take over security operations, and the "Reconciliation" to successfully spread throughout the Area of Operations.
The 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry was attached to the 39th BCT although assigned to 3d BCT, 1st CAV. The unit deployed to Iraq under the command of LTC Charles Forshee. 7 weeks after arrival in Iraq. LTC James Eugene Rainey became the new commander of the battalion upon the relief for cause of LTC Forshee. In August 2004, the 2nd Battalion was hand selected to support US Marine Corps operations during the battle of Najaf (2004)
. The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) Commander, Colonel Tony Haslam, attributed their success in the city to the brave Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion. In November, the Marines again requested the presence of the Garryowen Ghosts for the Battle of Fallujah. The "Ghost Battalion" was the main combat power for the onslaught into the insurgent ran city.
The 2nd Battalion moved from 3rd BCT, 1st Cav Div, Ft Hood Texas, to Ft Bliss to become part of the newly formed 4th BCT and in October 2006 The 2nd Battalion again headed for Iraq this time to Mosul. Within the first several months the Battalion took the first casualties of the 4th BCT. Since October 2006 C Co. 2-7 Cav. has endured 6 KIA and numerous wounded.
2nd Battalion redeployed in December 2007 to Fort Bliss, TX. In 2008, it deployed from Fort Hood, TX to Iraq in support of OIF 08-10. Maintaining control of the northern half of the Maysan province of Iraq, it operated out of FOB Garryowen. FOB Garryowen, located in Amarah, Iraq's border city with Iran, was established in June 2008 for the battalion by a team of 23 Air Force Enlisted Engineers. B/2-7 CAV worked with the Iraqi Police in Majar al Kabir to capture the criminals responsible for murdering 6 British Military Police in November 2004. Among its other accomplishments, 2-7 CAV worked with the Iraqi Security Forces to provide successful security to Iraq's provincial elections in January 2009 and is responsible for several large volume cache finds. During its tour, the 10th Iraqi Army Division conducted Operation "Lion's Roar," a combined live-fire exercise in Maysan province in April 2009 - the first of its kind in the Iraqi Army. The exercise integrated U.S. enablers and demonstrated the capability and lethality of the Iraqi Army. 2nd Battalion is currently deploying to Mosul, Iraq.
The 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry as part of the Army's modularity program, the 3rd Infantry Division converted the 1-3 Air Defense Artillery battalion to become 5th Squadron, 7 Cavalry Regiment, an Armored Reconnaissance Squadron. The 5th Squadron deployed in 2005 and most recently in January 2007. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Cliff Wheeler, the Warpaint Squadron initially operated to the north of Ramadi, and remained under the operational control of the 1st Brigade Combat Team. In April 2007, the Squadron conducted a full-scale movement to contact, clearing from Ramadi, to the south of Lake Habbaniyah, and then east to Route Iron in Fallujah, while attaching to the Marine Corps' 6th Regimental Combat Team and basing at Camp Baharia. Due to the firepower and mobility inherent within a Cavalry Squadron, 5-7 CAV was assigned the largest battlespace within RCT 6's Area of Operations. The Squadron also suffered from the limitations in assigned Troopers that also comes with the Cavalry. For 8 months, the Squadron conducted security and COIN operations across the Warpaint AO. The Squadron established and maintained freedom of movement along Routes Michigan, Iron, San Juan and Gold, and maintained a safe and secure environment in the towns of Saqliwiyah, North Saqliwiyah, Amariyah, and Farris. Additional operations at both the Troop and Squadron level cleared and held new terrain within the Regimental Security Zone. In December 2007, the Squadron was attached to the operational control of the 3rd Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team at FOB Kalsu. The Squadron conducted relief-in-place with two USMC rifle battalions and redeployed to Kalsu in approximately 8 days. An additional week of training and preparations were required before they attacked into Arab Jabour and cleared the town of Sayafiyah (30,000 residents) in conjunction with the Iraqi "Sons of Iraq" program. The Squadron occupied an area that had seen no long-term coalition forces presence, and conducted operations in a most austere fashion. The Squadron secured all routes with fixed positions while simultaneously building COP Meade, clearing all routes, terrain and structures within the new Warpaint AO. The Squadron completed the mission in March, 2008, and conducted a relief-in-place with 1-187 IN, the Rakkasans, before redeploying to Fort Stewart in April, 2008. During OIF V, the Squadron suffered 6 KIA and numerous wounded. During 20 months of subsequent dwell time, the Squadron participated, as part of the 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, in the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive Consequence Management Reaction Force (CCMRF) mission in support of the requirements of Defense Support to Civil Authority. This mission requires the unit, at the request of local, state or national civil authorities, to deploy within the United States in response to a catastrophic event. The Squadron is currently in final preparations for a third deployment to Iraq in December 2009.
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
Cavalry
Cavalry
Cavalry or horsemen were soldiers or warriors who fought mounted on horseback. Cavalry were historically the third oldest and the most mobile of the combat arms...
Regiment
Regiment
A regiment is a major tactical military unit, composed of variable numbers of batteries, squadrons or battalions, commanded by a colonel or lieutenant colonel...
, whose lineage traces back to the mid-19th century. Its official nickname is "Garryowen," in honor of the Irish
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
air Garryowen that was adopted as its march tune.
Following its activation the Seventh Cavalry Regiment patrolled the Western plains for raiding native Americans and to protect the westward movement of pioneers. From 1866 to 1881, the regiment marched a total of 181,692 miles (292,342 km) across Kansas
Kansas
Kansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south...
, Montana
Montana
Montana is a state in the Western United States. The western third of Montana contains numerous mountain ranges. Smaller, "island ranges" are found in the central third of the state, for a total of 77 named ranges of the Rocky Mountains. This geographical fact is reflected in the state's name,...
, and the Dakota Territories
Dakota Territory
The Territory of Dakota was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from March 2, 1861, until November 2, 1889, when the final extent of the reduced territory was split and admitted to the Union as the states of North and South Dakota.The Dakota Territory consisted of...
.
Indian Wars
The regiment was constituted on July 28, 1866 in the regular armyRegular army
A regular army consists of the permanent force of a country's army that is maintained under arms during peacetime.Countries that use the term include:*Australian Army*British Army*Canadian Forces, specifically "Regular Force"*Egyptian army*Indian Army...
as the 7th Cavalry. It was organized on September 21, 1866 at Fort Riley
Fort Riley
Fort Riley is a United States Army installation located in Northeast Kansas, on the Kansas River, between Junction City and Manhattan. The Fort Riley Military Reservation covers 100,656 acres in Geary and Riley counties and includes two census-designated places: Fort Riley North and Fort...
, Kansas
Kansas
Kansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south...
as part of an expansion of the regular army following the demobilization of the wartime volunteer and draft forces. From 1866 through 1871, the regiment was posted to Fort Riley and fought in the Indian Wars
Indian Wars
American Indian Wars is the name used in the United States to describe a series of conflicts between American settlers or the federal government and the native peoples of North America before and after the American Revolutionary War. The wars resulted from the arrival of European colonizers who...
.
Its most notorious action of the Indian Wars was at the Battle of the Washita (also known as the Washita Massacre) in 1868, in which the regiment sustained 21 losses, while inflicting more that 150 deaths on a Cheyenne encampment composed largely of elderly men, as well as women and children.
Typical of post-Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
cavalry regiments, the Seventh was organized as a twelve-company regiment without formal battalion
Battalion
A battalion is a military unit of around 300–1,200 soldiers usually consisting of between two and seven companies and typically commanded by either a Lieutenant Colonel or a Colonel...
organization. However, battalions—renamed "squadron
Squadron (cavalry)
A squadron was historically a cavalry sub unit. It is still used to refer to modern cavalry units but can also be used as a designation for other arms and services.-United States:...
s" in 1883—did exist. Companies A–D were assigned to 1st Battalion; Companies E–H were assigned to 2nd Battalion; and Companies I–M (no company J in Regiment) were assigned to 3rd Battalion. Throughout this period, the cavalryman was armed with Colt
Colt's Manufacturing Company
Colt's Manufacturing Company is a United States firearms manufacturer, whose first predecessor corporation was founded in 1836 by Sam Colt. Colt is best known for the engineering, production, and marketing of firearms over the later half of the 19th and the 20th century...
Single Action Army .45 caliber revolvers and single-shot Springfield carbines
Springfield Model 1873
The Model 1873 "Trapdoor" Springfield was the first standard-issued breech-loading rifle adopted by the United States Army...
, caliber .45–55 until 1892. He used one of the many variants of the McClellan saddle
McClellan saddle
The McClellan saddle was a riding saddle designed by George B. McClellan, a career Army officer in the U.S. Army, after his tour of Europe as the member of a military commission charged with studying the latest developments in engineer and cavalry forces including field equipment. Based on his...
. Sabre
Sabre
The sabre or saber is a kind of backsword that usually has a curved, single-edged blade and a rather large hand guard, covering the knuckles of the hand as well as the thumb and forefinger...
s were issued but not carried on campaign. The Seventh Cavalry, like the other U.S. Army regiments of the time had a band, which performed mounted as well as on foot, and seated for concerts. Initially established with the support of Major Alfred Gibbs
Alfred Gibbs
Alfred Gibbs was a career officer in the United States Army who served as a brigadier general in the Union Army during the American Civil War...
, the 7th's band adopted "Garryowen" as their favorite tune and thus gave the Seventh their nickname among the rest of the Army. The troopers in the Wild West didn't only fight Indians: on July 17, 1870 in Hays
Hays, Kansas
Hays is a city in and the county seat of Ellis County, Kansas, United States. The largest city in northwestern Kansas, it is the economic and cultural center of the region. It is also a college town, home to Fort Hays State University...
, Kansas, a shoot-out between Sheriff Wild Bill Hickok
Wild Bill Hickok
James Butler Hickok , better known as Wild Bill Hickok, was a folk hero of the American Old West. His skills as a gunfighter and scout, along with his reputation as a lawman, provided the basis for his fame, although some of his exploits are fictionalized.Hickok came to the West as a stagecoach...
and two troopers resulted in one soldier dying of his wounds and the other wounded.
From 1871 through 1873, 7th Cavalry companies participated in constabulary duties in the deep South
Deep South
The Deep South is a descriptive category of the cultural and geographic subregions in the American South. Historically, it is differentiated from the "Upper South" as being the states which were most dependent on plantation type agriculture during the pre-Civil War period...
in support of the Reconstruction Act
Reconstruction Act
After the end of the Civil War, as part of the on-going process of Reconstruction, the United States Congress passed four statutes known as Reconstruction Acts...
, and, for half the regiment, again in 1874–1876. In 1873 the 7th Cavalry moved its garrison post to Fort Abraham Lincoln
Fort Abraham Lincoln
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is located seven miles south of Mandan, North Dakota. The park is home to On-A-Slant Indian Village, the blockhouses and the Custer house...
, Dakota Territory
Dakota Territory
The Territory of Dakota was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from March 2, 1861, until November 2, 1889, when the final extent of the reduced territory was split and admitted to the Union as the states of North and South Dakota.The Dakota Territory consisted of...
. From here, the regiment carried out the historic reconnaissance
Custer's 1874 Black Hills Expedition
The Black Hills Expedition was a United States Army expedition in 1874 led by Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer that set out on July 2, 1874 from modern day Bismarck, North Dakota, which was then Fort Abraham Lincoln in the Dakota Territory, with orders to travel to the previously...
of the Black Hills
Black Hills
The Black Hills are a small, isolated mountain range rising from the Great Plains of North America in western South Dakota and extending into Wyoming, USA. Set off from the main body of the Rocky Mountains, the region is something of a geological anomaly—accurately described as an "island of...
in 1874, making the discovery of gold in the Black Hills public and starting a gold rush
Gold rush
A gold rush is a period of feverish migration of workers to an area that has had a dramatic discovery of gold. Major gold rushes took place in the 19th century in Australia, Brazil, Canada, South Africa, and the United States, while smaller gold rushes took place elsewhere.In the 19th and early...
that precipitated the Great Sioux War of 1876–77
Great Sioux War of 1876–77
The Great Sioux War of 1876, also known as the Black Hills War, was a series of battles and negotiations which occurred between 1876 and 1877 involving the Lakota and Northern Cheyenne, against the United States...
. Lieutenant Colonel
Lieutenant colonel
Lieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and some air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence...
George A. Custer was killed at the Battle of the Little Bighorn
Battle of the Little Bighorn
The Battle of the Little Bighorn, also known as Custer's Last Stand and, by the Indians involved, as the Battle of the Greasy Grass, was an armed engagement between combined forces of Lakota, Northern Cheyenne and Arapaho people against the 7th Cavalry Regiment of the United States Army...
on June 25, 1876 with 211 men of the 7th Cavalry. Although the Seventh is best known for its famous "last stand" made at the Little Bighorn, the Regiment also participated in lesser known battles, such as the capture of Chief Joseph
Chief Joseph
Hin-mah-too-yah-lat-kekt, popularly known as Chief Joseph, or Young Joseph was the leader of the Wal-lam-wat-kain band of Nez Perce during General Oliver O. Howard's attempt to forcibly remove his band and the other "non-treaty" Nez Perce to a reservation in Idaho...
's Nez Perce at the Battle of Bear Paw
Battle of Bear Paw
The Battle of Bear Paw was the final engagement of the Nez Perce War. Some of the Nez Perce were able to escape to Canada, but Chief Joseph was forced to surrender the majority of his tribe to Oliver O. Howard...
in 1877. The regiment committed the Wounded Knee Massacre
Wounded Knee Massacre
The Wounded Knee Massacre happened on December 29, 1890, near Wounded Knee Creek on the Lakota Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, USA. On the day before, a detachment of the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment commanded by Major Samuel M...
on December 29, 1890, signaling the end of the Indian Wars.
A total of 45 men earned the Medal of Honor
Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government. It is bestowed by the President, in the name of Congress, upon members of the United States Armed Forces who distinguish themselves through "conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his or her...
while serving with the 7th Cavalry during the Indian Wars: 24 for actions during the Battle of the Little Bighorn, two during the Battle of Bear Paw, 17 for being involved in the Wounded Knee Massacre or an engagement at White Clay Creek the next day, and two during other actions against the Sioux in December 1890.
Little Bighorn, June 25–26, 1876
- Private Neil BancroftNeil BancroftNeil Bancroft was an American soldier in the U.S. Army who served with the 7th U.S. Cavalry during the Black Hills War. In 1878, he was one of 22 soldiers who received the Medal of Honor at the Battle of the Little Bighorn and who carried water "under a most galling fire" from the Little Bighorn...
, Troop A - Private Abram B. Brant, Troop D
- Private Thomas J. CallanThomas J. CallanThomas Joseph Callan was a United States Army soldier who received the Medal of Honor for his bravery during the Battle of Little Big Horn in 1876. -Biography:He was born on July 12, 1853....
, Troop B - Sergeant Banjamin C. Criswell, Troop B
- Corporal Charles Cunningham, Troop B
- Private Frederick Deetline, Troop D
- Sergeant George Geiger, Troop H
- Private Theodore W. GoldinTheodore W. GoldinTheodore W. Goldin served in the United States Army during the American Indian Wars. He received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of the Little Bighorn.-Early and personal life:...
, Troop G - Sergeant Richard P. Hanley, Troop C
- Private David W. Harris, Troop A
- Private William M. Harris, Troop D
- Private Henry Holden, Troop D
- Sergeant Rufus D. Hutchinson, Troop B
- Blacksmith Henry W. B. Mechlin, Troop H
- Sergeant Thomas Murray, Troop B
- Private James PymJames PymPrivate James Pym was a British-born soldier in the U.S. Army who served with the 7th U.S. Cavalry during the Great Sioux War of 1876-77...
, Troop B - Sergeant Stanislaus Roy, Troop A
- Private George D. Scott, Troop D
- Private Thomas W. StiversThomas W. StiversPrivate Thomas W. Stivers , also known under the name Thomas "Tom" Stevens or Stevers, was an American soldier in the U.S. Army who served with the 7th U.S. Cavalry during the Great Sioux War of 1876-77...
, Troop D - Private Peter ThompsonPeter Thompson (soldier)Peter Thompson was a Scots-American soldier who was awarded a Medal of Honor for his actions at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.-Biography:...
, Troop C - Private Frank Tolan, Troop D
- Saddler Otto VoitOtto VoitOtto Emil Voit was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of America's highest military decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Battle of the Little Bighorn.-Biography:...
, Troop H - Sergeant Charles H. Welch, Troop D
- Private Charles WindolphCharles WindolphCharles Windolph was a soldier in Company H of the George Armstrong Custer's Seventh U. S. Cavalry who survived the Battle of the Little Bighorn and was the recipient of the Medal of Honor.-Biography:...
, Troop H
Bear Paw, September 30, 1877
- Captain Edward Settle GodfreyEdward Settle GodfreyEdward Settle Godfrey was a United States Army Brigadier General who received the Medal of Honor for leadership as a captain during the Indian Wars.-Early life and education:...
- Captain Myles Moylan
Sioux campaign, December 1890
- Sergeant Bernhard JetterBernhard JetterBernhard Jetter was a German-born soldier in the U.S. Army who served with the 7th U.S. Cavalry during the Indian Wars. He was one of twenty-four men received the Medal of Honor for gallantry against the Sioux at the Battle of Wounded Knee in South Dakota on December 29, 1890.-Biography:Bernhard...
, Troop K - Private Adam NederAdam NederAdam Neder was a German-born soldier in the U.S. Army who served with the 7th U.S. Cavalry during the Indian Wars...
, Troop A
Wounded Knee and White Clay Creek, December 29–30, 1890
- Sergeant William G. AustinWilliam G. AustinWilliam Graston Austin was an American officer in the U.S. Army who served with the 7th U.S. Cavalry during the Indian Wars. He was a veteran Indian fighter who fought against the Plains Indians for much of his military career...
, Troop E - Private Mosheim FeasterMosheim FeasterFirst Lieutenant Mosheim Feaster was an American soldier in the U.S. Army who served with the 7th U.S. Cavalry during the Indian Wars...
, Troop E - First Lieutenant Ernest Albert GarlingtonErnest Albert GarlingtonErnest Albert Garlington was a United States Army general who received the Medal of Honor during the Indian Wars.-Early life and education:...
- First Lieutenant John Chowning GreshamJohn Chowning GreshamJohn Chowning Gresham was an officer in the United States Army who was a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Indian Wars....
- Private Mathew H. Hamilton, Troop G
- Private Marvin C. Hillock, Troop B
- Private George Hobday, Troop A
- Sergeant George Loyd, Troop I
- Sergeant Albert W. McMillan, Troop E
- Farrier Richard J. NolanRichard J. NolanRichard J. Nolan served in the United States Army during the American Indian Wars. He received the Medal of Honor.Nolan was born on January 1, 1848, in Ireland. His official residence was listed as Milwaukee, Wisconsin...
, Troop I - First Sergeant Theodore Ragnar, Troop K
- Private Thomas Sullivan, Troop E
- First Sergeant Frederick E. ToyFrederick E. ToyCaptain Frederick Ernest Toy was an American officer in the U.S. Army who served with the 7th U.S. Cavalry during the Indian Wars...
, Troop C - First Sergeant Jacob TrautmanJacob TrautmanFirst Sergeant Jacob Trautman was a German-born soldier in the U.S. Army who served with the 7th U.S. Cavalry during the Indian Wars...
, Troop I - Captain Charles VarnumCharles VarnumCharles Albert Varnum was a career United States Army officer. He was most noted as the commander of the scouts for George Armstrong Custer in the Little Bighorn Campaign during the Black Hills War, as well as receiving the Medal of Honor for his actions in a conflict following the Battle of...
, Troop B - Sergeant James Ward, Troop B
- Private Hermann ZiegnerHermann ZiegnerHerman or Hermann Ziegner was a German-American soldier who served in the U.S. Army during the Indian Wars and the Spanish-American War...
, Troop E
Before World War II
In 1892, the Army replaced the Springfield .45–70 Rifle with the U.S. Magazine Rifle, Model 1892, also known as the .30–40 Krag-Jorgensen Rifle. A carbineCarbine
A carbine , from French carabine, is a longarm similar to but shorter than a rifle or musket. Many carbines are shortened versions of full rifles, firing the same ammunition at a lower velocity due to a shorter barrel length....
version, the M1896, was issued in 1896.
From 1895 until 1899, the Regiment served in New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
(Fort Bayard
Fort Bayard
Fort Bayard may refer to:* Fort Bayard, the city of Zhanjiang in Guangdong province, China*Fort Bayard Historic District, a frontier fort in New Mexico* Fort Bayard National Cemetery, at Fort Bayard, New Mexico...
) and Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state...
(Ft. Sill
Fort Sill
Fort Sill is a United States Army post near Lawton, Oklahoma, about 85 miles southwest of Oklahoma City.Today, Fort Sill remains the only active Army installation of all the forts on the South Plains built during the Indian Wars...
), then overseas in Cuba
Cuba
The Republic of Cuba is an island nation in the Caribbean. The nation of Cuba consists of the main island of Cuba, the Isla de la Juventud, and several archipelagos. Havana is the largest city in Cuba and the country's capital. Santiago de Cuba is the second largest city...
(Camp Columbia
Camp Columbia
Camp Columbia was a United States Army post located in Wacol, near Brisbane, during World War II. The Sixth US Army Headquarters was stationed here and it was an Officer Candidate School from 1942 to 1945. After World War II it served as a transit point for refugees and was used by the Australian...
) from 1899 to 1902.
An enlisted trooper with the Seventh Cavalry, "B" Company, from May 1896 until March 1897 at Fort Grant Arizona Territory
Arizona Territory
The Territory of Arizona was an organized incorporated territory of the United States that existed from February 24, 1863 until February 14, 1912, when it was admitted to the Union as the 48th state....
was author Edgar Rice Burroughs
Edgar Rice Burroughs
Edgar Rice Burroughs was an American author, best known for his creation of the jungle hero Tarzan and the heroic Mars adventurer John Carter, although he produced works in many genres.-Biography:...
.
In 1903, the Army replaced the Krag .30–40 with the M1903 Springfield Rifles, initially in caliber .30–03 and later in its more familiar .30–06 form. In 1911, the Army adopted the M1911 Automatic Colt Pistol, replacing the Colt
Colt's Manufacturing Company
Colt's Manufacturing Company is a United States firearms manufacturer, whose first predecessor corporation was founded in 1836 by Sam Colt. Colt is best known for the engineering, production, and marketing of firearms over the later half of the 19th and the 20th century...
single and double action .45 and .38 caliber revolver
Revolver
A revolver is a repeating firearm that has a cylinder containing multiple chambers and at least one barrel for firing. The first revolver ever made was built by Elisha Collier in 1818. The percussion cap revolver was invented by Samuel Colt in 1836. This weapon became known as the Colt Paterson...
s.
The Regiment served in the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
during the Philippine-American War
Philippine-American War
The Philippine–American War, also known as the Philippine War of Independence or the Philippine Insurrection , was an armed conflict between a group of Filipino revolutionaries and the United States which arose from the struggle of the First Philippine Republic to gain independence following...
from 1904 through 1907, with a second tour from 1911 through 1915. Back in the United States, the Regiment was once again stationed in the southwest, in Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
(Camp Harvey J. Jones), where it patrolled the U.S.-Mexico border and later was part of the Mexican Punitive Expedition
Pancho Villa Expedition
The Pancho Villa Expedition—officially known in the United States as the Mexican Expedition and sometimes colloquially referred to as the Punitive Expedition—was a military operation conducted by the United States Army against the paramilitary forces of Mexican insurgent Francisco "Pancho" Villa...
of 1916 to 1917.
In December 1917, 7th Cavalry was assigned to the 15th Cavalry Division, an on-paper organization designed for service in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
during World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
that was never more than a simple headquarters. This was because no significant role emerged for mounted troops on the Western Front
Western Front (World War I)
Following the outbreak of World War I in 1914, the German Army opened the Western Front by first invading Luxembourg and Belgium, then gaining military control of important industrial regions in France. The tide of the advance was dramatically turned with the Battle of the Marne...
during the nineteen months between the entry of the United States into the War and the Armistice of 11 November 1918. The 7th Cavalry was released from this assignment in May 1918.
On September 13, 1921, 7th Cavalry Regiment was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, which assignment was maintained until 1957. The Division and its 2nd Cavalry Brigade was garrisoned at Fort Bliss
Fort Bliss
Fort Bliss is a United States Army post in the U.S. states of New Mexico and Texas. With an area of about , it is the Army's second-largest installation behind the adjacent White Sands Missile Range. It is FORSCOM's largest installation, and has the Army's largest Maneuver Area behind the...
, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, while the 1st Cavalry Brigade was garrisoned at Douglas, Arizona
Douglas, Arizona
Douglas is a city in Cochise County, Arizona, United States. Douglas has a border crossing with Mexico and a history of mining.The population was 14,312 at the 2000 census...
. Additional garrison points were used as well.
The 7th Cavalry Regiment continued to train as horse cavalry right up to World War II, including participation in several training maneuvers at the Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
Maneuver Area on April 26, 1940 – May 28, 1940; August 12–22, 1940; and August 8, 1941 – October 4, 1941.
World War II
The 7th Cavalry Regiment was dismounted on February 28, 1943, and started packing up for deployment to the Pacific TheaterPacific Ocean theater of World War II
The Pacific Ocean theatre was one of four major naval theatres of war of World War II, which pitted the forces of Japan against those of the United States, the British Commonwealth, the Netherlands and France....
, still part of 1st Cavalry Division. The 7th Cavalry staged at Camp Stoneman
Camp Stoneman
Camp Stoneman was a United States Army military facility located in Pittsburg, California. It served as a major staging area for the Army in World War II and the Korean War....
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
on June 18, 1943, and departed the San Francisco Port of Embarkation on June 26, 1943. It arrived in Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
on July 11, 1943, where it trained for combat, and then participated in the New Guinea campaign
New Guinea campaign
The New Guinea campaign was one of the major military campaigns of World War II.Before the war, the island of New Guinea was split between:...
, which began on January 24, 1943, and did not end until December 31, 1944.
The regiment was relieved from duty in this campaign, and moved on to be reorganized under special Cavalry and Infantry Tables of Organization & Equipment on December 4, 1943, and then trained for combat and participated in the Bismarck Archipelago
Bismarck Archipelago
The Bismarck Archipelago is a group of islands off the northeastern coast of New Guinea in the western Pacific Ocean and is part of the Islands Region of Papua New Guinea.-History:...
campaign, which started on December 15, 1943, and did not end until November 27, 1944.
The 7th Cavalry moved to Oro Bay
Oro Bay
Oro Bay is a bay in Oro Province, Papua New Guinea, located southeast of Buna. The bay is located within the larger Dyke Ackland Bay. A port is operated by PNG Ports Corporation Limited with limited wharf facilities.-History:...
, New Guinea
New Guinea
New Guinea is the world's second largest island, after Greenland, covering a land area of 786,000 km2. Located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, it lies geographically to the east of the Malay Archipelago, with which it is sometimes included as part of a greater Indo-Australian Archipelago...
on February 22, 1944, and moved by landing craft to Negros Island on March 4, 1944 to reinforce the units in the Admiralty Islands campaign
Admiralty Islands campaign
The Admiralty Islands campaign was a series of battles in the New Guinea campaign of World War II in which the United States Army's 1st Cavalry Division occupied the Japanese-held Admiralty Islands....
, securing Lombrum Plantation.
The 7th Cavalry moved on to Hauwei Island, which it secured on March 12–13, 1944. The regiment continued on, and arrived at Lugos Mission on Manus Island
Manus Island
Manus Island is part of Manus Province in northern Papua New Guinea and is the largest island of the Admiralty Islands. It is the fifth largest island in Papua New Guinea with an area of 2,100 km², measuring around 100 km × 30 km. According to the 2000 census, Manus Island had a...
on March 15, 1944.
The Leyte campaign
Battle of Leyte
The Battle of Leyte in the Pacific campaign of World War II was the invasion and conquest of the island of Leyte in the Philippines by American and Filipino guerrilla forces under the command of General Douglas MacArthur, who fought against the Imperial Japanese Army in the Philippines led by...
started on October 17, 1944, and 7th Cavalry moved on towards the Philippines, and assaulted Leyte on October 20, 1944. 7th Cavalry reached the Visayan Sea
Visayan Sea
The Visayan Sea is a sea in the Philippines, surrounded by the islands of the Visayas, Eastern Visayas and Western Visayas located to the east and west, while the Central Visayas is located to the south...
in late December, 1944, and reassembled with the 1st Cavalry Division near Tunga
Tunga
Tunga may refer to:* Tunga River, a river in India* Tunga, Leyte, a municipality in the Philippines* Tunga, Trondheim, a location in Trondheim, Norway* Tunga , a Unicode typeface included in Windows XP that displays Kannada script...
on January 7, 1945. Leyte did not end until July 1, 1945, but 7th Cavalry was needed for the Luzon campaign
Battle of Luzon
The Battle of Luzon was a land battle fought as part of the Pacific Theater of Operations of World War II by the Allied forces of the U.S., its colony The Philippines, and Mexico against forces of the Empire of Japan. The battle resulted in a U.S. and Filipino victory...
, which started on December 15, 1944.
Deploying again by landing craft, 7th Cavalry landed at Luzon
Luzon
Luzon is the largest island in the Philippines. It is located in the northernmost region of the archipelago, and is also the name for one of the three primary island groups in the country centered on the Island of Luzon...
on January 27, 1945, where the regiment engaged until the end of the Luzon campaign on July 4, 1945. 7th Cavalry again reorganized—this time entirely under Infantry Tables of Organization & Equipment, but still designated as a Cavalry Regiment, on July 20, 1945 to prepare for the invasion of the main Japanese islands. However, the invasion was not to be. 7th Cavalry Regiment was at Lucena, Batangas in the Philippines until September 2, 1945, when it was moved to Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
to start Occupation duty.
Occupation of Japan and Korean War
The 7th stayed in Japan as part of the occupation force. Coincidentally, one of its officers during this period was Lt. Col. Brice C. W. Custer, the grand-nephew of former commander George Armstrong Custer.The 7th Cavalry fought in the Korean War's bloodiest battles. These include Hwanggan, Poksong-Dong, Kwanni, and Naktong River Defense (Battle of Pusan Perimeter
Battle of Pusan Perimeter
The Battle of Pusan Perimeter was a large-scale battle between United Nations and North Korean forces lasting from August 4 – September 18, 1950. It was one of the first major engagements of the Korean War...
). When the 1st Cavalry Division attacked north, the 7th Cavalry was in front, smashing 106 miles behind enemy lines in an historic 24 hours. Three more Presidential Unit Citations were added to the colors.
The conduct of 7th Cavalry soldiers with respect to their involvement with the massacre at No Gun Ri
No Gun Ri
No Gun Ri is a village in Hwanggan-myeon, Yeongdong County, North Chungcheong Province in central South Korea. The village was the site of the No Gun Ri Massacre during the Korean War in which U.S...
during the early part of the Korean War has come under fire. Their story is most fully told by a veteran of the regiment, historian and Army LTC Robert Bateman, who wrote a book on the event using veterans accounts and military records. The credibility of witness in the AP report revealed fraudulent claims about what happened at No Gun Ri
No Gun Ri
No Gun Ri is a village in Hwanggan-myeon, Yeongdong County, North Chungcheong Province in central South Korea. The village was the site of the No Gun Ri Massacre during the Korean War in which U.S...
(Korea).
7th Cavalry Regiment was reorganized under a new Table of Organization & Equipment on March 25, 1949, when the Troops were once again designated as Companies.
Cold War
The regiment was relieved from its assignment to the 1st Cavalry Division on October 15, 1957, and then reorganized under the Combat Arms Regimental SystemU.S. Army Combat Arms Regimental System
The Combat Arms Regimental System , was the method of assigning unit designations to units of the five combat arms of the United States Army from 1957 to 1981. CARS was superseded by the U.S...
(CARS) on November 1, 1957. HQ & HQ Company transferred to the control of the Department of the Army. November 1,
As part of this reorganization, Company "A" redesignated, 1st Battle Group, 7th Cavalry and assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division. Company "B" was redesignated 2nd Reconnaissance Squadron, 7th Cavalry and Company "C" was redesignated, 3d Reconnaissance Squadron, 7th Cavalry and assigned to the 10th Infantry Division.
After the Korean War, 7th Cavalry was used mainly in a reconnaissance
Reconnaissance
Reconnaissance is the military term for exploring beyond the area occupied by friendly forces to gain information about enemy forces or features of the environment....
role. It received the M14 rifle
M14 rifle
The M14 rifle, formally the United States Rifle, 7.62 mm, M14, is an American selective fire automatic rifle firing 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition. It was the standard issue U.S. rifle from 1959 to 1970. The M14 was used for U.S...
, along with various other new weapons and equipment (including the Patton tank
Patton tank
Patton tank may refer to:*M46 Patton, a tank model operational during the Korean War*M47 Patton, a tank model in service from 1952 through 1959 with the U.S. Army, and through the mid 1990s in foreign service...
). Also, a few OH-13s
Bell 47
The Bell 47 is a two-bladed, single engine, light helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. Based on the third Model 30 prototype, Bell's first helicopter designed by Arthur M. Young, the Bell 47 became the first helicopter certified for civilian use on 8 March 1946...
were used by the reconnaissance
Reconnaissance
Reconnaissance is the military term for exploring beyond the area occupied by friendly forces to gain information about enemy forces or features of the environment....
squadrons.
Three battalions, the 1st, 2nd and 5th served during the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
as the 3rd Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division. 3rd Brigade often self-referred itself as the "Garryowen Brigade". These troopers were armed with the new M16 rifle
M16 rifle
The M16 is the United States military designation for the AR-15 rifle adapted for both semi-automatic and full-automatic fire. Colt purchased the rights to the AR-15 from ArmaLite, and currently uses that designation only for semi-automatic versions of the rifle. The M16 fires the 5.56×45mm NATO...
, the M203 grenade launcher
M203 grenade launcher
The M203 is a single shot 40 mm grenade launcher designed to attach to a rifle. It uses the same rounds as the older M79 break-action grenade launcher, which utilize the High-Low Propulsion System to keep recoil forces low. Though versatile, and compatible with many rifle models, the M203 was...
replacing the M79 grenade launcher
M79 grenade launcher
The M79 grenade launcher is a single-shot, shoulder-fired, break-action grenade launcher that fires a 40x46mm grenade which used what the US Army called the High-Low Propulsion System to keep recoil forces low, and first appeared during the Vietnam War...
. Claymore mines, and Bell UH-1B helicopters were also used extensively. Seven men earned the Medal of Honor while serving with the 7th Cavalry in Vietnam: Private First Class Lewis Albanese
Lewis Albanese
Lewis Albanese was an Italian born United States Army Private First Class during the Vietnam War who posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his actions during a fire fight where he freed his platoon from sniper fire....
, Company B, 5th Battalion; First Lieutenant Douglas B. Fournet, Company B, 1st Battalion; Sergeant John Noble Holcomb
John Noble Holcomb
John Noble Holcomb was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.-Biography:...
, Company D, 2nd Battalion; Second Lieutenant Walter Joseph Marm, Jr.
Walter Joseph Marm, Jr.
Walter Joseph "Joe" Marm, Jr. is a retired United States Army officer and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.-Biography:...
, Company A, 1st Battalion; Private First Class William D. Port
William D. Port
William D. Port was a United States Army soldier and a recipient of the United States military's highest decoration—the Medal of Honor—for his actions in the Vietnam War.-Biography:...
, Company C, 5th Battalion; Specialist Four Héctor Santiago-Colón
Hector Santiago-Colon
Specialist Four Héctor Santiago-Colón is one of five Puerto Ricans who have been posthumously presented with the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the United States...
, Company B, 5th Battalion; and First Lieutenant James M. Sprayberry, Company D, 5th Battalion.
The other 2 units, the 3rd and 4th reconnaissance
Reconnaissance
Reconnaissance is the military term for exploring beyond the area occupied by friendly forces to gain information about enemy forces or features of the environment....
Squadrons, were based in Germany
West Germany
West Germany is the common English, but not official, name for the Federal Republic of Germany or FRG in the period between its creation in May 1949 to German reunification on 3 October 1990....
, and Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
.
The 1st, 2nd, and 5th Battalions were deactivated after the Vietnam War, and only the 3rd and 4th Squadrons remained as divisional reconnaissance
Reconnaissance
Reconnaissance is the military term for exploring beyond the area occupied by friendly forces to gain information about enemy forces or features of the environment....
squadrons assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division and 2nd Infantry Division respectively. Both the 3rd and 4th squadrons were aviation-tank cavalry squadrons using the M551 Sheridan AR/AAV
M551 Sheridan
The M551 Sheridan was a light tank developed by the United States and named after Civil War General Philip Sheridan. It was designed to be landed by parachute and to swim across rivers. It was armed with the technically advanced but troublesome M81/M81E1 152mm gun/launcher which fired conventional...
vehicle (later replaced by the M48 Patton
M48 Patton
The M48 Patton is a medium tank that was designed in the United States. It was the third and final tank to be officially named after General George S. Patton, commander of the U.S. Third Army during World War II and one of the earliest American advocates for the use of tanks in battle It was a...
tank), M113
M113 Armored Personnel Carrier
The M113 is a fully tracked armored personnel carrier that has formed the backbone of the United States Army's mechanized infantry units from the time of its first fielding in Vietnam in April 1962. The M113 was the most widely used armored vehicle of the U.S...
& M114 Armored Personnel Carriers. Both squadrons had an air cavalry "Delta" Troop, that had both reconnaissance & gunship UH-1B's
UH-1 Iroquois
The Bell UH-1 Iroquois is a military helicopter powered by a single, turboshaft engine, with a two-bladed main rotor and tail rotor. The helicopter was developed by Bell Helicopter to meet the United States Army's requirement for a medical evacuation and utility helicopter in 1952, and first flew...
. The gunships were armed with M-5 rocket launchers, and M-22 anti-tank guided missiles. In 1963 the 3rd Squadron became the divisional cavalry squadron for the 3rd Infantry Division and was stationed at Ledward & Conn Barracks Schweinfurt West Germany. The Squadron consisted of three ground troops, one aviation troop and a headquarters troop. The ground troops were equipped with M60A3 tanks, M113 Armored Personnel Carrier
M113 Armored Personnel Carrier
The M113 is a fully tracked armored personnel carrier that has formed the backbone of the United States Army's mechanized infantry units from the time of its first fielding in Vietnam in April 1962. The M113 was the most widely used armored vehicle of the U.S...
s, ITV (Improved TOW Vehicle, an M113 variant) and a mortar section with 4.2 inches (106.7 mm) mortars mounted in an M113 variant. In 1989 the M60 tanks were replaced with M1A1
M1 Abrams
The M1 Abrams is a third-generation main battle tank produced in the United States. It is named after General Creighton Abrams, former Army Chief of Staff and Commander of US military forces in Vietnam from 1968 to 1972. The M1 is a well armed, heavily armored, and highly mobile tank designed for...
Abrams tanks. The aviation troops were equipped with OH-58 scout helicopters and AH-1 Cobra
AH-1 Cobra
The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a two-bladed, single engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It shares a common engine, transmission and rotor system with the older UH-1 Iroquois...
attack helicopters. On November 16, 1992, the Squadron was inactivated in Germany and relieved of assignment to the 8th Infantry Division. The Headquarters and Headquarters Troop consolidated on December 16, 1992 with the 3rd Reconnaissance Company and designated as Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry. On February 16, 1996, the squadron was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division and activated at Fort Stewart, Georgia as the Division Cavalry Squadron and became the "Eyes and Ears" of the Marne Division, the "Iron Fist" of the XVIII Airborne Corps. The Squadron has been involved in several deployments since then including Operation Desert Storm in Kuwait, Operation Joint Forge in Bosnia, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Squadron was reassigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team of the 3rd Infantry Division in 2004 and as the Brigade's Armored Reconnaissance Squadron. Combat operations for Operation Iraqi Freedom III began on February 4, 2005 when the Squadron arrived at Forward Operating Base Rustamiyah located in southeast Baghdad. Immediately upon arrival, the Squadron began patrolling the area east of the Tigris River in the Rusafa and New Baghdad districts as well as securing Route Pluto North, one of the primary supply routes for the Division.
However, between 1974 and 1975 other units were reactivated. The 1st Battalion became an armored unit, the 2nd Battalion remained an air mobile unit with a recon platoon using motorcycles moved by helicopters. After 1975, the 2nd and 5th Battalion were reorganized as mechanized infantry. In 1978, the 5th Battalion was once again deactivated.
Operation Desert Storm
The 1st Squadron and 4th Squadron fought in Operation Desert Storm in January/February 1991.(Correction: 1/7 consisting of 3 troops, one of which was a detachment (Echo Troop), from Second Battalion, 1st Cavalry, Second Armored Division from Ft. Hood, Texas. These 3 troops were in country from October 1990 - (at least) May 1991. Some elements volunteered to remain behind to secure equipment and support other units. There has been so little mentioned of 1/7 (and A 2/1 Cavalry aka E 1/7 Cavalry) but as the division scouts they overwatched the tri-zonal (boarder area of Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait) did numerous recon missions into Iraq and lead the massive 3 day push into Iraq. These scouts were the eyes and ears of the divisions and 7th corp and made these follow up missions by ground forces possible.)The 1st Squadron was the divisional cavalry squadron for the 1st Cavalry Division and assigned to the Division's aviation brigade.
The 4th Squadron was also the divisional cavalry squadron for 3rd Armored Division
U.S. 3rd Armored Division
The 3rd Armored Division was an armored division of the United States Army. Nickamed the Third Herd, the division was first activated in 1941, and was active in the European Theater of World War II. The division was stationed in West Germany for much of the Cold War, and participated in the...
, taking part of the Battle of Phase Line Bullet
Battle of Phase Line Bullet
The Battle of Phase Line Bullet was one of the clashes which led to the destruction of the Tawakalna Iraqi Republican Guard Division, on February 26, 1991, by a simultaneous attack of two US Armored Divisions , an Infantry Division and the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment.The battle was one of the...
. Ground troops were armed with the M3A1 Bradley
M2 Bradley
The Bradley Fighting Vehicle is an American fighting vehicle platform manufactured by BAE Systems Land and Armaments, formerly United Defense.As with other infantry fighting vehicles, the Bradley is designed to transport infantry with armor protection while providing covering fire to suppress enemy...
CFV. Air cavalry Troops AH-1F Cobras, OH-58C
OH-58 Kiowa
The Bell OH-58 Kiowa is a family of single-engine, single-rotor, military helicopters used for observation, utility, and direct fire support. Bell Helicopter manufactured the OH-58 for the United States Army based on the 206A JetRanger helicopter. The OH-58 has been in continuous use by the U.S...
scouts.
Operation Iraqi Freedom
The 3rd Squadron, 7th Cavalry was the spearhead and the screening force for the main elements of the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division during the Iraq War. The 3d Squadron launched its attack under the command of LTC Terry Ferrell on March 22, 2003.The 3rd Squadron was the "Eyes and Ears" for the U.S. 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized) and the "Iron Fist" for the U.S. XVIII Airborne Corps
U.S. XVIII Airborne Corps
The XVIII Airborne Corps is the corps of the United States Army designed for rapid deployment anywhere in the world. It is referred to as "America's Contingency Corps". Its headquarters are at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.-World War II:...
.
The Squadron was engaged with the enemy earlier and more often in the war than any other unit.
The 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry served in the 1st Cavalry Division's 5th Brigade Combat Team (BCT) during its first deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II from April 1, 2004 to April 1, 2005. The 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry, commanded by LTC William R. Salter, distinguished itself by extraordinary valor and gallantry while executing combat operations in the Al Rashid District of Baghdad, Iraq. The Squadron defeated a surge of enemy attacks and neutralized insurgent and terrorist elements within its Area of Operations (AO) through a combination of constant day to day interaction with the populace, adaptable tactics and the tenacious fighting spirit of its troopers. In addition to securing an AO of 68 km2 with a population of more than 1.2 million, the Squadron also secured ROUTE IRISH, a strategic highway and Multi-National Corps-Iraq (MNC-I) Main Supply Route connecting the International Zone (IZ) to the Baghdad International Airport (BIAP). The Squadron was also instrumental in providing a secure environment during the first Iraqi democratic election in January 2005. 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment was awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation for its actions during this campaign. Most recently 1-7 CAV, commanded by LTC Kevin S. MacWatters, deployed as the Armed Reconnaissance Squadron for 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08 (October 6, 2006 to January 15, 2008). The Squadron conducted full-spectrum operations as a part of Multi-National Division-Baghdad (MND-B)in the Taji Area of Operations. During this deployment the Squadron was instrumental in the destruction of multiple improvised explosive device
Improvised explosive device
An improvised explosive device , also known as a roadside bomb, is a homemade bomb constructed and deployed in ways other than in conventional military action...
(IED)and Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) terrorist cells as a part of the "Surge", greatly enhancing MND-B's ability to secure Baghdad. The secure environment created by the Squadron in the Taji area enabled local government to take hold, local police and Iraqi Army forces to take over security operations, and the "Reconciliation" to successfully spread throughout the Area of Operations.
The 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry was attached to the 39th BCT although assigned to 3d BCT, 1st CAV. The unit deployed to Iraq under the command of LTC Charles Forshee. 7 weeks after arrival in Iraq. LTC James Eugene Rainey became the new commander of the battalion upon the relief for cause of LTC Forshee. In August 2004, the 2nd Battalion was hand selected to support US Marine Corps operations during the battle of Najaf (2004)
Battle of Najaf (2004)
The Battle of Najaf was fought between United States and Iraqi forces on one side and the Islamist Mahdi Army of Muqtada al-Sadr on the other in the Iraqi city of Najaf in August 2004.-Background:...
. The 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (11th MEU) Commander, Colonel Tony Haslam, attributed their success in the city to the brave Soldiers of the 2nd Battalion. In November, the Marines again requested the presence of the Garryowen Ghosts for the Battle of Fallujah. The "Ghost Battalion" was the main combat power for the onslaught into the insurgent ran city.
The 2nd Battalion moved from 3rd BCT, 1st Cav Div, Ft Hood Texas, to Ft Bliss to become part of the newly formed 4th BCT and in October 2006 The 2nd Battalion again headed for Iraq this time to Mosul. Within the first several months the Battalion took the first casualties of the 4th BCT. Since October 2006 C Co. 2-7 Cav. has endured 6 KIA and numerous wounded.
2nd Battalion redeployed in December 2007 to Fort Bliss, TX. In 2008, it deployed from Fort Hood, TX to Iraq in support of OIF 08-10. Maintaining control of the northern half of the Maysan province of Iraq, it operated out of FOB Garryowen. FOB Garryowen, located in Amarah, Iraq's border city with Iran, was established in June 2008 for the battalion by a team of 23 Air Force Enlisted Engineers. B/2-7 CAV worked with the Iraqi Police in Majar al Kabir to capture the criminals responsible for murdering 6 British Military Police in November 2004. Among its other accomplishments, 2-7 CAV worked with the Iraqi Security Forces to provide successful security to Iraq's provincial elections in January 2009 and is responsible for several large volume cache finds. During its tour, the 10th Iraqi Army Division conducted Operation "Lion's Roar," a combined live-fire exercise in Maysan province in April 2009 - the first of its kind in the Iraqi Army. The exercise integrated U.S. enablers and demonstrated the capability and lethality of the Iraqi Army. 2nd Battalion is currently deploying to Mosul, Iraq.
The 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry as part of the Army's modularity program, the 3rd Infantry Division converted the 1-3 Air Defense Artillery battalion to become 5th Squadron, 7 Cavalry Regiment, an Armored Reconnaissance Squadron. The 5th Squadron deployed in 2005 and most recently in January 2007. Under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Cliff Wheeler, the Warpaint Squadron initially operated to the north of Ramadi, and remained under the operational control of the 1st Brigade Combat Team. In April 2007, the Squadron conducted a full-scale movement to contact, clearing from Ramadi, to the south of Lake Habbaniyah, and then east to Route Iron in Fallujah, while attaching to the Marine Corps' 6th Regimental Combat Team and basing at Camp Baharia. Due to the firepower and mobility inherent within a Cavalry Squadron, 5-7 CAV was assigned the largest battlespace within RCT 6's Area of Operations. The Squadron also suffered from the limitations in assigned Troopers that also comes with the Cavalry. For 8 months, the Squadron conducted security and COIN operations across the Warpaint AO. The Squadron established and maintained freedom of movement along Routes Michigan, Iron, San Juan and Gold, and maintained a safe and secure environment in the towns of Saqliwiyah, North Saqliwiyah, Amariyah, and Farris. Additional operations at both the Troop and Squadron level cleared and held new terrain within the Regimental Security Zone. In December 2007, the Squadron was attached to the operational control of the 3rd Infantry Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team at FOB Kalsu. The Squadron conducted relief-in-place with two USMC rifle battalions and redeployed to Kalsu in approximately 8 days. An additional week of training and preparations were required before they attacked into Arab Jabour and cleared the town of Sayafiyah (30,000 residents) in conjunction with the Iraqi "Sons of Iraq" program. The Squadron occupied an area that had seen no long-term coalition forces presence, and conducted operations in a most austere fashion. The Squadron secured all routes with fixed positions while simultaneously building COP Meade, clearing all routes, terrain and structures within the new Warpaint AO. The Squadron completed the mission in March, 2008, and conducted a relief-in-place with 1-187 IN, the Rakkasans, before redeploying to Fort Stewart in April, 2008. During OIF V, the Squadron suffered 6 KIA and numerous wounded. During 20 months of subsequent dwell time, the Squadron participated, as part of the 1st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, in the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Explosive Consequence Management Reaction Force (CCMRF) mission in support of the requirements of Defense Support to Civil Authority. This mission requires the unit, at the request of local, state or national civil authorities, to deploy within the United States in response to a catastrophic event. The Squadron is currently in final preparations for a third deployment to Iraq in December 2009.
Current status
- 1st Squadron is the Armored Reconnaissance Squadron of the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.
- 2nd Battalion is a Combined Arms Battalion of the 4th Brigade4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division (United States)The 4th Brigade Combat Team is a combined arms Brigade of the 1st Cavalry Division. Its major equipment includes M1A2SEP Tanks, M2A2 & M3A2 ODS Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicles, M109A6 Paladin Howitzers, and M1151 Up-armored Humvees.-Units:*2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment*1st Squadron, 9th...
, 1st Cavalry Division stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. - 3rd Squadron is the Armored Reconnaissance Squadron of the 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, stationed at Fort StewartFort StewartFort Stewart is a census-designated place and U.S. Army post primarily in Liberty County and Bryan County, but also extending into smaller portions of Evans, Long, and Tattnall Counties in Georgia, USA. The population was 11,205 at the 2000 census...
, Georgia. - 4th Squadron is the Armored Reconnaissance Squadron of the 1st Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, stationed at Camp HoveyCamp HoveyCamp Hovey is a United States Army military base in South Korea. It was named after Master Sergeant Howard Hovey who was killed in action at Pork Chop Hill during the Korean War. The camp is adjacent to the larger Camp Casey, connected by a road known as "Hovey Cut". It is part of an area...
, South KoreaSouth KoreaThe Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
. - 5th Squadron is the Armored Reconnaissance Squadron of the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
7th Cavalry Regiment
- Regiment Constituted July 28, 1866 in the Regular Army as the 7th Cavalry Regiment.
- Company A Organized September 10, 1866 at Fort Riley, Kansas
- Regiment Organized September 21, 1866 at Fort RileyFort RileyFort Riley is a United States Army installation located in Northeast Kansas, on the Kansas River, between Junction City and Manhattan. The Fort Riley Military Reservation covers 100,656 acres in Geary and Riley counties and includes two census-designated places: Fort Riley North and Fort...
, KansasKansasKansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south... - Cavalry companies officially designated as troops in 1883
- Assigned in December 1917 to the 15th Cavalry Division
- Relieved in May 1918 from assignment to the 15th Cavalry Division
- Assigned September 13, 1921 to the 1st Cavalry Division.
- HHT, 4th Squadron, Constituted November 13, 1943 in the Regular Army as Troop D, 7th Cavalry Regiment.
- Regiment Reorganized December 4, 1943 partly under cavalry and partly under infantry tables of organization and equipment. Troop D concurrently reorganized and redesignated as Headquarters Troop, 1st Cavalry Division, Special. Replacement Troop D Activated concurrently in AustraliaAustraliaAustralia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, partly under cavalry and partly under infantry tables of organization and equipment. - Regiment reorganized July 25, 1945 wholly as infantry, but retained cavalry designations.
- Regimental troops redesignated March 25, 1949 as companies (1st Cavalry Division, Special concurrently reorganized and redesignated as the 1st Cavalry Division)
- Regiment Relieved October 15, 1957 from assignment to the 1st Cavalry Division
- Regiment Reorganized and redesignated November 1, 1957 as a parent regiment under the Combat Arms Regimental System. Squadrons were concurrently redesignated as Battle Groups.
- Headquarters Company, 1st Cavalry Division (Ex-D Troop, 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment) Disbanded July 1, 1960 in Korea.
- EX-Headquarters Company, 1st Cavalry Division, EX-D Company, 7th Cavalry Regiment Reconstituted July 2, 1960 in the Regular Army, consolidated with Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 4th Reconnaissance Squadron, 7th Cavalry (see below), and consolidated unit designated as Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 4th Reconnaissance Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment.
- HHT, 4th Reconnaissance Squadron Redesignated January 25, 1963 as Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 4th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment, and assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division (organic elements concurrently constituted).
- 4th Squadron activated February 20, 1963 at Fort BenningFort BenningFort Benning is a United States Army post located southeast of the city of Columbus in Muscogee and Chattahoochee counties in Georgia and Russell County, Alabama...
, GeorgiaGeorgia (U.S. state)Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
. - 1st Battle Group Redesignated September 1, 1963 as the 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment.
- 1st Battalion Inactivated August 22, 1972 at Fort Hood, TexasTexasTexas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
. - 1st Battalion Activated June 20, 1974 at Fort Hood, Texas
- 1st Battalion Reorganized and redesignated October 16, 1986 as the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment.
- 4th Squadron Inactivated January 18, 1988 in KoreaKoreaKorea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
and relieved from assignment to the 2d Infantry Division - Regiment Withdrawn February 16, 1989 from the Combat Arms Regimental System and reorganized under the United States Army Regimental System. 4th Squadron concurrently Assigned to the 3d Armored Division, and activated in GermanyGermanyGermany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
. - 4th Squadron Inactivated October 16, 1991 in Germany and relieved from assignment to the 3d Armored Division.
- HHT, 4th Squadron consolidated April 5, 1996 with the 2nd Reconnaissance Company (see below) and consolidated unit designated as Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 4th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment; Squadron concurrently assigned to the 2d Infantry Division and activated in KoreaKoreaKorea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
2nd Reconnaissance Company
- 2nd Reconnaissance Troop Constituted July 20, 1940 in the Regular Army and was assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division.
- 2nd Reconnaissance Troop Activated August 1, 1940 at Fort Sam HoustonFort Sam HoustonFort Sam Houston is a U.S. Army post in San Antonio, Texas.Known colloquially as "Fort Sam," it is named for the first President of the Republic of Texas, Sam Houston....
, TexasTexasTexas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
. - 2nd Reconnaissance Troop Redesignated April 1, 1942 as the 2nd Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop.
- 2nd Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop Redesignated March 1, 1943 as the 2d Reconnaissance Troop.
- 2nd Reconnaissance Troop Redesignated July 6, 1944 as the 2nd Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop, Mechanized
- 2nd Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop, Mechanized Redesignated June 16, 1945 as the 2nd Mechanized Reconnaissance Troop.
- 2nd Mechanized Reconnaissance Troop Redesignated July 30, 1945 as the 2nd Mechanized Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop
- 2nd Mechanized Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop Reorganized and redesignated October 15, 1948 as the 2nd Reconnaissance Company
- 2nd Reconnaissance Company Inactivated June 20, 1957 in AlaskaAlaskaAlaska is the largest state in the United States by area. It is situated in the northwest extremity of the North American continent, with Canada to the east, the Arctic Ocean to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west and south, with Russia further west across the Bering Strait...
and relieved from assignment to the 2d Infantry Division. - 2nd Reconnaissance Company consolidated with HHT, 4th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment on April 5, 1996 and consolidated unit designated as Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 4th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment; Squadron concurrently assigned to the 2d Infantry Division and activated in KoreaKoreaKorea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
.
Campaign Participation Credit
- Indian Wars:
- Comanches
- Little Big Horn
- Nez Perces
- Pine Ridge
- Montana 1873
- North Dakota 1874
- Mexican Expedition:
- Mexico 1916–1917
- World War II:
- New Guinea
- Bismarck Archipelago (with arrowhead)
- Leyte (with arrowhead)
- Luzon
- Korean War:
- UN Defensive
- UN Offensive
- CCF Intervention
- First UN Counteroffensive
- CCF Spring Offensive
- UN Summer-Fall Offensive
- Second Korean Winter
- Third Korean Winter
- Vietnam:
- Defense
- Counteroffensive
- Counteroffensive, Phase II
- Counteroffensive, Phase III
- Tet Counteroffensive
- Counteroffensive, Phase IV
- Counteroffensive, Phase V
- Counteroffensive, Phase VI
- Tet 69/Counteroffensive
- Summer-Fall 1969
- Winter-Spring 1970
- Sanctuary Counteroffensive
- Counteroffensive, Phase VII
- Consolidation I
- Consolidation II
- Cease-Fire
- Southwest Asia:
- Defense of Saudi Arabia
- Liberation and Defense of Kuwait
- Cease-Fire
Decorations
- Presidential Unit Citation (Army) for:
- Antipolo, Luzon
- Yonchon, Korea
- Taegu, Korea
- Pusan, Korea
- Hongchon
- Pleiku province
- Binh Thuan province
- Fallujah
- Valorous Unit Award for:
- Tay Ninh province
- Quang Tin province
- Fish Hook
- Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) for:
- Southwest Asia
- Belgian Fourragere:
- 1940
- Cited in the Order of the Day of the Belgian Army for action:
- In the Ardennes
- At Elsenborn Crest
- Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for:
- 17 October 1944 to 4 July 1945
- Republic of Korea presidential unit citation for:
- Waegwan-Taegu
- Korea 1952–1953
- Greek Gold Cross of ValourCross of Valour (Greece)The Cross of Valour is the second highest military decoration of the Greek state, awarded for acts of bravery or distinguished leadership on the field of battle...
for:
- Korea
- Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm for:
- Vietnam 1965
- Vietnam 1965–1969
- Vietnam 1969–1970
- Vietnam 1970–1971
- Vietnam 1971–1972
- Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class for:
- Vietnam 1969–1970
- Navy Unit Commendation:
- 2nd BN for Operation Phantom Fury
- Presidential Unit Citation:
- 3rd Sqdn Invasion of Iraq 2003
- Meritorious Unit Citation
- 3rd Sqdn for Operation Iraqi Freedom 2005-2006
In popular culture
- In the Super FamicomSuper Nintendo Entertainment SystemThe Super Nintendo Entertainment System is a 16-bit video game console that was released by Nintendo in North America, Europe, Australasia , and South America between 1990 and 1993. In Japan and Southeast Asia, the system is called the , or SFC for short...
game Live a LiveLive A Liveis a console role-playing game developed by Square for the Super Famicom released in Japan on September 2, 1994. It was never released outside Japan, but it has been unofficially translated into English....
, the wild west incarnation of the villain ODIO is the leader of a gang by the name of O. Dio, supposedly the only survivor of Custer's 7th Cavalry. - In the Beatles' movie Yellow Submarine, the 7th Cavalry (on horseback) rescues Ringo in the Sea of Monsters, after he has been accidentally ejected from the submarine.
- The experiences of the 1st and 2nd Battalions at the Battle of Ia DrangBattle of Ia DrangThe Battle of Ia Drang was the first major battle between the United States Army and the People's Army of Vietnam The Battle of Ia Drang was the first major battle between the United States Army and the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN) The Battle of Ia Drang was the first major battle between the...
in November, 1965, were recounted in the book We Were Soldiers Once...And Young by Lieutenant General Harold G. Moore, then a lieutenant colonel and commander of the 1st Battalion, and United Press InternationalUnited Press InternationalUnited Press International is a once-major international news agency, whose newswires, photo, news film and audio services provided news material to thousands of newspapers, magazines and radio and television stations for most of the twentieth century...
correspondent Joseph L. GallowayJoseph L. GallowayJoseph Lee "Joe" Galloway , is an American newspaper correspondent and columnist. He is the former Military Affairs consultant for the Knight-Ridder chain of newspapers and is presently a columnist with McClatchy Newspapers...
. The book was later adapted into the film We Were SoldiersWe Were SoldiersWe Were Soldiers is a 2002 American war film that dramatizes the Battle of Ia Drang on November 14, 1965. The film was directed by Randall Wallace and stars Mel Gibson. It is based on the book We Were Soldiers Once… And Young by Lieutenant General Hal Moore and reporter Joseph L...
, with Mel GibsonMel GibsonMel Colm-Cille Gerard Gibson, AO is an American actor, film director, producer and screenwriter. Born in Peekskill, New York, Gibson moved with his parents to Sydney, Australia when he was 12 years old and later studied acting at the Australian National Institute of Dramatic Art.After appearing in...
as Moore and Barry PepperBarry PepperBarry Robert Pepper is a Canadian actor. He is best known for playing roles like Sergeant Michael Strank in the Clint Eastwood film, Flags of Our Fathers, Private Daniel Jackson in Saving Private Ryan, Roger Maris in 61*, Ned Pepper in True Grit and for his recent role as Robert F...
as Galloway. - It is the song whistled by Lt. Colonel Howard 'Merry' Meredith in the book "The War in 2020The War in 2020The War in 2020 is a 1991 military-adventure novel written by Ralph Peters.-Plot summary:The War in 2020 takes place in a future dystopia dominated by an alliance of Japan, South Africa and militant Islamic states...
" by Ralph Peters. Meredeth is the CO of the 7th Cav, and uses the Irish reel and his scarred face to wage a psychological war against his opponents in the Mexican Campaign. - In the graphic novel Watchmen (1986–1987), in an interlude, the character Adrian Veidt uses the seventh cavalry as a metaphoric antithesis to the four horsemen of the apocalypseFour Horsemen of the ApocalypseThe Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are described in the last book of the New Testament of the Bible, called the Book of Revelation of Jesus Christ to Saint John the Evangelist at 6:1-8. The chapter tells of a "'book'/'scroll' in God's right hand that is sealed with seven seals"...
. - In the Andy McNabAndy McNabSergeant ‘Andy McNab’ DCM MM is the pseudonym of an English novelist and former SAS operative and soldier.McNab came into public prominence in 1993, when he published his account of the failed Special Air Service patrol, Bravo Two Zero for which he was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in...
novel Recoil the main character Nick StoneNick StoneNick Stone may refer to:*Nick Stone *Nick Stone *Nick Stone , see Alien Intruder*Nick Stone , played with Hawthorn & St Kilda between 2002 and 2005*Nick G...
and his mates are faced with a difficult rescue mission, he suggests that they will have to 'make like the 7th Cavalry' - In the Fox Network science fiction series Space Above and Beyond episode "Pearly" a lone surving trooper on an alient planet is asked what his unit is; the reply is "The 7th Cavalry, if there's a massacre we're in it."
- In the television series The Walking Dead, the helicopters seen when character Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) first leaves the hospital in the first episode are marked as 7th Cavalry. As at Little Bighorn, there appear to be no survivors.
- In the film The Last SamuraiThe Last SamuraiThe Last Samurai is a 2003 American epic drama film directed and co-produced by Edward Zwick, who also co-wrote the screenplay based on a story by John Logan. The film was inspired by a project developed by writer and director Vincent Ward, who had previously filmed the movie in 1990, starring...
, the main character, Nathan Algren, is a former captain in the 7th Cavalry Regiment and mentions the Battle of Little Bighorn and his hatred of his former commander, Custer.
Sources
- The 7th U.S. Cavalry Regiment Association (Savage, James W.)
- Army Regulations 600-8-27 dated 2006
- 1st Cavalry Division - Army Modular Forces Webpage explaining division's transition to new modular organisation, along with new order of battle.
- United States Army Center of Military History; CMH Publication 60-1; "Army Lineage Series: ARMOR-CAVALRY, Part I: Regular Army and Army Reserve." Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 69-60002.
- Shelby L. Stanton; ORDER OF BATTLE: U.S. ARMY, World War II; 1984; Presidio Press; ISBN O-89141-195-X.
- Cavalrymen photos-Pictures of the cavalry during Custer's Last Stand Reenactment.