Intro
Discover the storied history of the US First Cavalry Division, from its roots in the horse-mounted cavalry to its modern-day armored might. Learn about its honorable service in World War II, Vietnam, and Iraq, and explore its iconic units, battles, and decorations, highlighting its enduring legacy as the First Team of the US Army.
The United States Army's 1st Cavalry Division is one of the most prestigious and storied divisions in the American military. With a history spanning over a century, the division has seen action in numerous conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The division's bravery and selfless service have earned it a reputation as one of the most honored and respected units in the US military.
The 1st Cavalry Division was formed on September 13, 1921, at Fort Bliss, Texas, as a result of the Army's reorganization after World War I. The division was originally composed of cavalry regiments, but it was mechanized in the 1930s and became one of the first armored divisions in the US Army. During World War II, the division played a key role in the Allied victory, fighting in some of the war's most significant battles, including the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
World War II and the Pacific Theater
The 1st Cavalry Division arrived in Australia in July 1943 and began training for its first combat operation. In February 1944, the division landed on Los Negros Island in the Admiralty Islands, marking the beginning of its campaign in the Pacific. Over the next year, the division fought in several key battles, including the Battle of Leyte Gulf and the Battle of Luzon.
The division's most notable action during the war was the Battle of Leyte Gulf, which took place in October 1944. The battle was a decisive victory for the Allies, with the 1st Cavalry Division playing a key role in the destruction of the Japanese fleet. The division's bravery and sacrifice during the battle earned it the Presidential Unit Citation, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a military unit.
Battle of Luzon and the Philippines
The 1st Cavalry Division's next major operation was the Battle of Luzon, which took place in January 1945. The division landed on the island of Luzon, which was heavily fortified by Japanese forces. Despite facing fierce resistance, the division was able to break through the Japanese lines and secure key objectives, including the city of Manila.
The division's actions during the Battle of Luzon were instrumental in securing the Philippines from Japanese occupation. The division's bravery and selflessness earned it numerous accolades, including the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.
Korean War and the 1950s
Following the end of World War II, the 1st Cavalry Division returned to the United States and was deactivated. However, with the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, the division was reactivated and deployed to Korea.
The division saw extensive action during the war, fighting in several key battles, including the Battle of Unsan and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir. The division's bravery and sacrifice during the war earned it numerous accolades, including the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.
Cold War and the 1960s
Following the end of the Korean War, the 1st Cavalry Division returned to the United States and was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. During the 1960s, the division underwent significant changes, including the adoption of new technologies and tactics.
In 1965, the division was deployed to Vietnam, where it saw extensive action during the Vietnam War. The division's bravery and sacrifice during the war earned it numerous accolades, including the Valorous Unit Award.
Vietnam War and the 1970s
The 1st Cavalry Division's deployment to Vietnam marked the beginning of its involvement in one of the most significant conflicts of the 20th century. The division saw extensive action during the war, fighting in several key battles, including the Battle of Ia Drang and the Battle of Khe Sanh.
The division's bravery and sacrifice during the war earned it numerous accolades, including the Presidential Unit Citation. The division's actions during the war were also instrumental in securing key objectives, including the city of Hue.
Post-Vietnam and the 1980s
Following the end of the Vietnam War, the 1st Cavalry Division returned to the United States and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. During the 1980s, the division underwent significant changes, including the adoption of new technologies and tactics.
In 1990, the division was deployed to Saudi Arabia, where it played a key role in the Gulf War. The division's bravery and sacrifice during the war earned it numerous accolades, including the Valorous Unit Award.
Gulf War and the 1990s
The 1st Cavalry Division's deployment to Saudi Arabia marked the beginning of its involvement in one of the most significant conflicts of the 20th century. The division saw extensive action during the war, fighting in several key battles, including the Battle of 73 Easting and the Battle of Medina Ridge.
The division's bravery and sacrifice during the war earned it numerous accolades, including the Presidential Unit Citation. The division's actions during the war were also instrumental in securing key objectives, including the liberation of Kuwait.
War on Terror and the 2000s
Following the end of the Gulf War, the 1st Cavalry Division returned to the United States and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. In 2004, the division was deployed to Iraq, where it played a key role in the War on Terror.
The division saw extensive action during the war, fighting in several key battles, including the Battle of Najaf and the Battle of Baghdad. The division's bravery and sacrifice during the war earned it numerous accolades, including the Valorous Unit Award.
Afghanistan and the 2010s
In 2011, the 1st Cavalry Division was deployed to Afghanistan, where it played a key role in the War on Terror. The division saw extensive action during the war, fighting in several key battles, including the Battle of Kandahar and the Battle of Helmand.
The division's bravery and sacrifice during the war earned it numerous accolades, including the Presidential Unit Citation. The division's actions during the war were also instrumental in securing key objectives, including the defeat of al-Qaeda and the Taliban.
1st Cavalry Division Image Gallery
The 1st Cavalry Division's history is a testament to the bravery and selflessness of its soldiers. From its early days as a cavalry regiment to its current role as a mechanized infantry division, the division has consistently demonstrated its commitment to defending the United States and its allies.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the 1st Cavalry Division's history and honorable service. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them in the section below.