Reunion Information
Jun 11 - Jun 15, 2025: 1st Cavalry Division Association  More Details
Patch
Unit Details

Strength
Division
 
Type
Support
 
Year
1921 - Present
 

Description


The Division Flag of the "First Team"




1921 to 1933 the Division was structured around the horse riding concept in defined Regiments.

1933 to 1943 the Division was structured around the Triangle mechanized and motorized concept.

1943 to 1949 the Division was changed to the square concept as mainly a Infantry Division for fighting in the jungles of the Pacific.

1949 to 1957 The Division was changed to the Triangular Division. The 5th, 7th and 8th Cavalry Regiments were retained and the 12th Cavalry Regiment was deactivated. This was for Korean War and duty on the Korean DMZ.

1957 to 1964 The Division was changed to the Pentomic structure into Battle Groups

1965 to 1971 The Division became Air Mobile structure as they deployed to Vietnam.

1971 to 1975  The Division was configured into the TRICAP (Triple Capability) Division was organized with Armored, Infantry and Air Cavalry Brigades.

1975 to 2001 The division was converted to an Armored Division.

2001 to 2005 The Division had initiated a series of unit change overs of the division organization and equipment replacements to support and field the FORCE XXI integrated combat system capabilities.

2005 to 2013 The division Division was reorganized and transitioned to a (Modular) Modified Table of Organization and Equipment (MTOE) Unit of Action.

2013 to 2016 The Division implementing ARFORGEN, a transformational force generation model. This returned the Division Artillery, The 4th BCT was inactivated, The Sustainment Brigade was renamed and added, All STBs within the Division were inactivated.

2016 to present The Army announced a pilot program, 'associated units', in which a National Guard or Reserve unit would now train with a specific active Army formation. These units would wear the patch of the specific Army division before their deployment to a theater.

Notable Persons
Korean War MOH 1950 - 1LT Samuel Streit Coursen
 Awarded for actions during the Korean War
The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Samuel Streit Coursen, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Kaesong, Korea, on 12 October 1950.

While Company C was attacking Hill 174 under heavy enemy small-arms fire, First Lieutenant Coursen's platoon received enemy fire from close range. The platoon returned the fire and continued to advance. During this phase one his men moved into a well-camouflaged emplacement, which was thought to be unoccupied, and was wounded by the enemy who were hidden within the emplacement.

Seeing the soldier in difficulty he rushed to the man's aid and, without regard for his personal safety, engaged the enemy in hand-to-hand combat in an effort to protect his wounded comrade until he himself was killed. When his body was recovered after the battle seven enemy dead were found in the emplacement. As the result of First Lieutenant Coursen's violent struggle several of the enemies' heads had been crushed with his rifle. His aggressive and intrepid actions saved the life of the wounded man, eliminated the main position of the enemy roadblock, and greatly inspired the men in his command.

First Lieutenant Coursen's extraordinary heroism and intrepidity reflect the highest credit on himself and are in keeping with the honored traditions of the military service.

General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 57 (August 2, 1951)
Action Date: 12-Oct-50
Service: Army
Rank: First Lieutenant
Company: Company C
Battalion: 1st Battalion
Regiment: 5th Cavalry Regiment
Division: 1st Cavalry Division
 
Korean War MOH 1950 - 1LT Robert Milton McGovern
Awarded posthumously for actions during the Korean War

The President of the United States of America, in the name of Congress, takes pride in presenting the Medal of Honor (Posthumously) to First Lieutenant (Infantry) Robert Milton McGovern, United States Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with Company A, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, in action against enemy aggressor forces at Kamyangjan-ni, Korea, on 30 January 1951.

As First Lieutenant McGovern led his platoon up a slope to engage hostile troops emplaced in bunker-type pillboxes with connecting trenches, the unit came under heavy machinegun and rifle fire from the crest of the hill, approximately 75 yards distant. Despite a wound sustained in this initial burst of withering fire, First Lieutenant McGovern, assured the men of his ability to continue on and urged them forward. Forging up the rocky incline, he fearlessly led the platoon to within several yards of its objective when the ruthless foe threw and rolled a vicious barrage of hand grenades on the group and halted the advance. Enemy fire increased in volume and intensity and First Lieutenant McGovern realizing that casualties were rapidly increasing and the morale of his men badly shaken, hurled back several grenades before they exploded.

Then, disregarding his painful wound and weakened condition he charged a machinegun emplacement which was raking his position with flanking fire. When he was within ten yards of the position a burst of fire ripped the carbine from his hands, but, undaunted, he continued his lone-man assault and, firing his pistol and throwing grenades, killed seven hostile soldiers before falling mortally wounded in front of the gun he had silenced.

First Lieutenant McGovern's incredible display of valor imbued his men with indomitable resolution to avenge his death. Fixing bayonets and throwing grenades, they charged with such ferocity that hostile positions were overrun and the enemy routed from the hill.

The inspirational leadership, unflinching courage, and intrepid actions of First Lieutenant McGovern reflected utmost glory on himself and the honored tradition of the military services.

General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 2 (January 8, 1952)
Action Date: 30-Jan-51
Service: Army
Rank: First Lieutenant
Company: Company A
Regiment: 5th Cavalry Regiment
Division: 1st Cavalry Division
Korean War MOH 1951 - COL Lloyd Burke
Citation reads as:

COLONEL LLOYD L. (SCOOTER) BURKE, (then First Lieutenant) U.S. Army, Company G, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, Near Chong-dong, Korea, 28 October 1951, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. Intense enemy fire had pinned down leading elements of his company committed to secure commanding ground when 1st Lt. Burke left the command post to rally and urge the men to follow him toward 3 bunkers impeding the advance. Dashing to an exposed vantage point he threw several grenades at the bunkers, then, returning for an M1 rifle and adapter, he made a lone assault, wiping out the position and killing the crew. Closing on the center bunker he lobbed grenades through the opening and, with his pistol, killed 3 of its occupants attempting to surround him. Ordering his men forward he charged the third emplacement, catching several grenades in midar and hurling them back at the enemy. Inspired by his display of valor his men stormed forward, overran the hostile position, but were again pinned down by increased fire. Securing a light machine gun and 3 boxes of ammunition, 1st Lt. Burke dashed through the impact area to an open knoll, set up his gun and poured a crippling fire into the ranks of the enemy, killing approximately 75. Although wounded, he ordered more ammunition, reloading and destroying 2 mortar emplacements and a machine gun position with his accurate fire. Cradling the weapon in his arms he then led his men forward, killing some 25 more of the retreating enemy and securing the objective. 1st Lt. Burke's heroic action and daring exploits inspired his small force of 35 troops. His unflinching courage and outstanding leadership reflect the highest credit upon himself, the infantry, and the U.S. Army.
Vietnam War MOH 1965 - LTC Bruce Crandall
On February 26, 2007, Crandall was awarded the Medal of Honor by President George Bush for his actions at the Battle of la Drang.

    For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Major Bruce P. Crandall distinguished himself by extraordinary heroism as a Flight Commander in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Company A, 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). On 14 November 1965, his flight of sixteen helicopters was lifting troops for a search and destroy mission from Plei Me, Vietnam, to Landing Zone X-Ray in the Ia Drang Valley. On the fourth troop lift, the airlift began to take enemy fire, and by the time the aircraft had refueled and returned for the next troop lift, the enemy had Landing Zone X-Ray targeted. As Major Crandall and the first eight helicopters landed to discharge troops on his fifth troop lift, his unarmed helicopter came under such intense enemy fire that the ground commander ordered the second flight of eight aircraft to abort their mission. As Major Crandall flew back to Plei Me, his base of operations, he determined that the ground commander of the besieged infantry battalion desperately needed more ammunition. Major Crandall then decided to adjust his base of operations to Artillery Firebase Falcon in order to shorten the flight distance to deliver ammunition and evacuate wounded soldiers. While medical evacuation was not his mission, he immediately sought volunteers and with complete disregard for his own personal safety, led the two aircraft to Landing Zone X-Ray. Despite the fact that the landing zone was still under relentless enemy fire, Major Crandall landed and proceeded to supervise the loading of seriously wounded soldiers aboard his aircraft. Major Crandall's voluntary decision to land under the most extreme fire instilled in the other pilots the will and spirit to continue to land their own aircraft, and in the ground forces the realization that they would be resupplied and that friendly wounded would be promptly evacuated. This greatly enhanced morale and the will to fight at a critical time. After his first medical evacuation, Major Crandall continued to fly into and out of the landing zone throughout the day and into the evening. That day he completed a total of 22 flights, most under intense enemy fire, retiring from the battlefield only after all possible service had been rendered to the Infantry battalion. His actions provided critical resupply of ammunition and evacuation of the wounded. Major Crandall's daring acts of bravery and courage in the face of an overwhelming and determined enemy are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
Vietnam War MOH 1968 - SGT John Noble Holcomb
Sergeant Holcomb's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

    For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sgt. Holcomb distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader in Company D during a combat assault mission. Sgt. Holcomb's company assault had landed by helicopter and deployed into a hasty defensive position to organize for a reconnaissance-in-force mission when it was attacked from 3 sides by an estimated battalion-size enemy force. Sgt. Holcomb's squad was directly in the path of the main enemy attack. With complete disregard for the heavy fire, Sgt. Holcomb moved among his men giving encouragement and directing fire on the assaulting enemy. When his machine gunner was knocked out, Sgt. Holcomb seized the weapon, ran to a forward edge of the position, and placed withering fire on the enemy. His gallant actions caused the enemy to withdraw. Sgt. Holcomb treated and carried his wounded to a position of safety and reorganized his defensive sector despite a raging grass fire ignited by the incoming enemy mortar and rocket rounds. When the enemy assaulted the position a second time, Sgt. Holcomb again manned the forward machine gun, devastating the enemy attack and forcing the enemy to again break contact and withdraw. During the enemy withdrawal an enemy rocket hit Sgt. Holcomb's position, destroying his machine gun and severely wounding him. Despite his painful wounds, Sgt. Holcomb crawled through the grass fire and exploding mortar and rocket rounds to move the members of his squad, everyone of whom had been wounded, to more secure positions. Although grievously wounded and sustained solely by his indomitable will and courage, Sgt. Holcomb as the last surviving leader of his platoon organized his men to repel the enemy, crawled to the platoon radio and reported the third enemy assault on his position. His report brought friendly supporting fires on the charging enemy and broke the enemy attack. Sgt. Holcomb's inspiring leadership, fighting spirit, in action at the cost of his life were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
Vietnam War MOH 1970 - SP 4 John Baca
Medal of Honor Official Citation reads:
    For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. Sp4c. Baca, Company D, distinguished himself while serving on a recoilless rifle team during a night ambush mission. A platoon from his company was sent to investigate the detonation of an automatic ambush device forward of his unit's main position and soon came under intense enemy fire from concealed positions along the trail. Hearing the heavy firing from the platoon position and realizing that his recoilless rifle team could assist the members of the besieged patrol, Sp4c. Baca led his team through the hail of enemy fire to a firing position within the patrol's defensive perimeter. As they prepared to engage the enemy, a fragmentation grenade was thrown into the midst of the patrol. Fully aware of the danger to his comrades, Sp4c. Baca unhesitatingly, and with complete disregard for his own safety, covered the grenade with his steel helmet and fell on it as the grenade exploded, thereby absorbing the lethal fragments and concussion with his body. His gallant action and total disregard for his personal well-being directly saved 8 men from certain serious injury or death. The extraordinary courage and selflessness displayed by Sp4c. Baca, at the risk of his life, are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on him, his unit, and the U.S. Army.
OIF Silver Star 2004 - CPL Jose Alfredo Velez
Corporal Jose Alfredo "Freddy" Velez, United States Army, was awarded the Silver Star (Posthumously) for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving with Company A, 2d Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 4 November 2004. When his unit was attacked in Fallujah, Iraq, Corporal Velez was killed by a sniper as he stood over wounded comrades in efforts to shield them from enemy fire. Corporal Velez's gallant actions and dedicated devotion to duty, without regard for his own life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
OIF Silver Star 2007 - CW3 Cornell C. Chao
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Silver Star Medal (Posthumously) to Cornell C. Chao, Chief Warrant Officer 3, U.S. Army, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of an AH-64D Longbow Apache Helicopter with the 4th Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, during combat operations in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, on 28 January 2007, near An Najaf, Iraq. On that date, Chief Warrant Officer Three Chao was dispatched to the city of An Najaf to assist and support coalition troops who had come in contact with enemy forces. Arriving support aircraft was attacked with heavy machine gun fire and rocket propelled grenades and Chief Warrant Officer Three Chao placed his helicopter in the direct line of enemy fire so that another air crew that was under attack could maneuver out of danger. Over the next fifteen minutes he bravely flew in the face of intense enemy fire to support the coalition ground forces until his aircraft was struck and crashed, killing Chief Warrant Officer Three Chao.
 
Reports To
Cavalry Divisions
 
Active Reporting Unit
None
 
Inactive Reporting Units
 
Unit Videos 
 
 

Unit Documents
 Armored Reconnaissance Squadron in Decisive Action: Forging Cavalry for the Armored Brigade Combat
 1st Cavalry Operation White Wing-Masher Part 2 - 28 April 1966
 AAR - Operation Silver Bayonet 12-21 Nov 1965
 HHC 1st Cavalry Division TOE - 1 July 1965


Unit Web Links
1st Cavalry Division


4053 Members Who Served in This Unit


 

  • Allen, Charles, 1LT, (1966-1972)
  • Allen, William, Cpl, (1952-1954)
  • Allison, Michael, SPC, (1985-1990)
  • Allman, Ryan, 1SG, (1998-2020)
  • Almburg, Gerry, SP 4, (1970-1971)
  • Alward, Howard, SP 4, (1972-1974)
  • Amato, John, SGT, (2007-2011)
  • Ambroson, Gerry, SGT, (1969-1971)
  • Amick, Richard, SGT, (1987-1991)
  • Amoral, Joe, SPC, (1983-1987)
  • Anderle, Holly, MAJ, (1985-2006)
  • Anderson, Carl, PFC, (1963-1965)
  • Anderson, Charles, CPT, (1968-1996)
  • Anderson, Kevin, SPC, (1982-1988)
  • Anderson, Steve, SSG, (1968-1971)
  • Andrews, Daniel, SGT, (1987-1992)
  • Andrews, Raymond, SFC, (1976-1998)
  • Andrews, Terrance, SPC, (1994-1999)
  • Andrist, Jordan, PV2, (2010-2013)
  • Anetz, Robert, SGT, (2008-2012)
  • Anglin, Scott, CPL, (1989-1994)
  • Annen, David, COL, (1975-2005)
  • Anselmi, Alan, SGT, (1969-1970)
  • Antoine, Frederick, SPC, (1994-1997)
  • Applewhite, Lornce, SGT, (1997-2009)
  • Arancibia, Jaime, SP 4, (1967-1969)
  • Arellano, Jesus, SGT, (1979-1983)
  • Ariganello, Steven, SP 4, (1971-1972)
 
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  Unit History Detail
Date
Jul 25, 2012

Title
2/1 Cavalry in Operation New Dawn

Content
FORT HOOD, Texas -- For more than eight years the U.S military has actively worked throughout Iraq. Now, with the military drawdown complete, units' can reflect on their legacies they left behind.

One unit that has left its mark in Iraq is the 2nd Brigade Combat Team "Black Jack," 1st Cavalry Division from Fort Hood, Texas.

Black Jack's fourth and most recent deployment to Iraq started in May 2011 and was completed December 2011.

History of the brigade's successes in Iraq started January 2004 when it was attached to the 1st Armored Division, and later attached to the 1st Cav. Div., headquartered in Western Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom I/II. While there, the Soldiers conducted combat/security operations and provided essential services to the people of Iraq.

The brigade's second tour took place in late 2006. Stationed again in Baghdad, Black Jack troops took on counterinsurgency operations while continuing operations, and providing essential services and governance.

Black Jack's third deployment found them stationed at Forward Operating Base Warrior, Kirkuk. The brigade's focus during the deployment was on reducing Arab-Kurd tension while helping restore the local economy through project issuances.
The Black Jack Brigade's final deployment to Iraq came with a change in mission, said Col. John Peeler, commander 2/1 CAV. The brigade took on an advise and assist role for Operation New Dawn.

Black Jack assumed responsibility for their mission from the 2nd Advise and Assist Brigade, 25th Infantry Div., Hawaii, and began transitioning and re-posture more than a half dozen bases throughout two of the largest provinces in Iraq -- Diyala and Salah-a-Din, according to Peeler.

Black Jack Soldiers succeeded in transitioning bases ahead of schedule despite the massive logistical operations of moving approximately eight years worth of equipment out of Iraq, he continued.

A combined effort between the Black Jack Headquarters and its six battalions aided the overall success of the brigade, he explained. Each Battalion carried out their own specific but vital mission.

Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment "Mustangs," 2/1 CAV, were stationed on FOB Warhorse, in Diyala province, for the majority of their deployment. The Mustangs were responsible for conducting counter - indirect fire (C-IDF) missions and force protection patrols around Warhorse, said Maj. Grant Fawcett, Black Jack's operations officer.

Additionally, an element of the Mustang Soldiers trained and advised Iraqi Security Forces at the Kirkush Military Training Base (KMTB) in Iraq, explained Fawcett. As the Mustangs left KMTB they transitioned it to the ISF in August 2011.

The 1st Bn., 5th Cav. Regt.'s "Black Knights," headquarters was located on Contingency Operating Base Speicher, Iraq. Black Knights conducted various operations around the COB to include force protection and C-IDF patrols, he said.

Black Knight Company C. Soldiers also supported a compound at the Bayji Oil Refinery, added Fawcett. The Soldiers conducted security operations for Black Jack logistical convoys along various routes within the two provinces. Their compound was transitioned to the Iraq government in October 2011.

Soldiers from the 2nd Special Troops Battalion "Spartans", 2/1 CAV, started the deployment conducting operations within FOB Warhorse, stated Fawcett. The Spartans were responsible for handling all base operations at the mayor cell.

The Spartans were also responsible for collapsing and realigning Warhorse as well as staffing a portion of the troop medical clinic, managing room assignments, and their engineers took on a project to help rebuild a canal that surrounds Warhorse, he continued. Warhorse was transitioned to the Iraq Ministry of Youth and Sports October 2011.

After departing Warhorse, Spartan Soldiers took on a mission in Kirkuk helping the 1st Bde., 1st Cav. Div., run base operations, said Fawcett.

The 4th Squadron, 9th U.S. Cavalry Regiment "Dark Horse", was headquartered at COB Cobra in the Southern Diyala province. The primary efforts for Dark Horse Squadron Soldiers was to conduct advising, training, assisting, and equipping (ATAE) with the ISF and Kurdish Peshmerga, he said.

Additionally, multiple troops (companies) within the battalion were responsible for performing trilateral lines of effort at multiple checkpoints within the Combined Security Area (CSA) with Iraqi Army and Peshmerga, added Fawcett. Dark Horse Soldiers also performed C-IDF patrols and security for Cobra, he added.

Transfer of the checkpoints and Cobra itself were completed within the first week of September 2011. After the base transfer, Dark Horse Soldiers were stationed at Joint Base Balad, Iraq, where they worked with the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment "Red Dragons", conducting C-IDF and security around the base, stated Fawcett.

Red Dragon Soldiers built relationships throughout Southern Salah-ah-Din with the ISF and qada leaders to ensure maximum force protection around Balad.

"We partnered with the ISF to conduct route clearance and counter indirect-fire patrols to disrupt and defeat violent extremists within the surrounding cities," explained Lt. Col. Nate Cook, commander of 3rd Bn., 82nd FA Regt., in a November 2011 interview.
The Red Dragons also assisted the Air Force's 332nd Security Forces Group in transitioning JBB to the GOI, added Cook.

Assisting the Red Dragons in transition of JBB while running a full-scale logistical operation for the entire Black Jack Brigade was the Soldiers of the 15th Brigade Support Battalion "Gamblers."

Gambler Soldiers worked closely with the AF 332nd Expeditionary Force Support Squadron, the 77th Sustainment Brigade and numerous contractors at JBB to ensure supplies were sustained throughout the base until the transition of the base was complete, explained Lt. Col. Matthew Ruedi, commander of the 15th BSB, in a November 2011 interview.

Additionally, the Gamblers conducted numerous logistical convoys and provided supplies to the brigade and their sister battalions, he added in the interview.

While the bulk of their work took place at JBB, the Gamblers took on additional missions with the Spartans at FOB Warrior, Ruedi said. JBB was transferred to the GOI November 2011.

Although the Brigade's mission in Iraq was primarily geared toward ATAE the Iraqi Security Forces and transitioning and reposturing bases, the Soldiers still faced combat situations.

"I don't think there was anything about this deployment that made it not a combat deployment," added Peeler. "We lost Soldiers and had Soldiers injured."

As 2011 came to a close, the Black Jack brigade departed Iraq and headquartered at Camp Buerhing, Kuwait, from November 2011 until the completion of their tour.

Our last tour in Iraq left behind a historic legacy of lasting relationships with the people of Iraq, explained Peeler.

Peelers' last thoughts to the people of Iraq were ones of new hope and new opportunities for the country and its people.

"U.S. Forces have been taking part in operations in Iraq for 8 - 9 years to set the conditions you have now," said Peeler about the people of Iraq. "The conditions have been set for a prosperous economy, a representative democracy and a potentially prosperous future."

"Don't squander these opportunities," he continued. "We purchased them with the blood, sweat, tears and lives of USF for you."

Those lives included Black Jack Soldiers from past to present. Now that Black Jack Soldiers have returned home from their final chapter in Iraq, they look to the future and what it holds.

Peeler said his brigade is going back to exercising the basic fundamentals of their military skills.

"We are going to get right back into individual training," added Peeler, "back to the fundamentals, the basics, the blocking and tackling of war fighting."

Peeler said he is proud of his brigade's accomplishments in Iraq, and is appreciative of all the Soldiers within the brigade - their efforts, hard work, leadership and selfless service to the brigade and U.S. Army.

The 2/1 CAV is not currently scheduled for deployment and future missions have not been specified.
   

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