THE HISTORY, CUSTOMS, AND 

TRADITIONS OF THE 

3d ARMORED CAVALRY REGIMENT 

Published by the Third Cavalry Museum

Fort Carson, Colorado 

2006 Edition 

BLOOD AND STEEL! 
i 

FORWARD 

The 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment has a long, proud history. For more than 160 years, the 

Brave Rifles have served on the frontiers of freedom, defending the national interests of the 

United States. Now, the Regiment is the last heavy cavalry regiment in the Army. 

People may serve with a unit and then move on, but the history, customs and traditions of 

that unit remain in place to form a legacy that is passed on from one generation of its Soldiers to 

the next. These customs and traditions define that unit. Due to its origin as the Regiment of 

Mounted Riflemen, the only regiment of mounted riflemen, this regiment has a unique place in 

the history of the U.S. Army. Over the years many customs and traditions have evolved, some 

of which may also be found in other cavalry units. Many of them, however, are unique to this 

regiment. 

This publication has been prepared to familiarize you, the Trooper, with the history, customs, and traditions of the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment. As a member of the Regiment, you 

will be required to know and use them. If you appear in front of a promotion or other type of 

board, you will be asked questions about the history of your unit. You may take an active part 

in them, such as The Order of the Spur or at Regimental functions, or you might contribute to 

the adoption of new customs or traditions. They will become part of your life in this Regiment 

You can see the objects that embody the history of the Regiment at the Third Cavalry Museum. It is your museum. You are encouraged to visit, with your family or friends, and see this 

legacy. It will help you to understand the Regiment’s place in the history of this country. 

As you serve in the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment, you will help to keep the history, customs, and traditions of the Regiment alive and write new chapters in that history. Never forget 

what they represent—the service and sacrifices of your predecessors. 

 

 The Staff of the Third Cavalry Museum 
ii 
 

 

 INTRODUCTION

 For 160 years, the nation has called upon the service of the Regiment of Mounted Rifleman to explore unknown lands, defend national borders, and combat the enemies of freedom. 

The Third Cavalry has distinguished itself as the most respected and reliable Cavalry unit in the 

Army. Since 1846, its history has been marked by unequal pride and courage. The 3d Armored 

Cavalry Regiment’s commitment to civic and military values, which has been renowned for its 

patriotism, discipline, readiness, self-sacrifice, decisiveness, and generosity in victory, remains 

strong today. The Third U.S. Cavalry has performed with distinction during peacetime training 

and under the toughest conditions of combat. 

Troopers of the Third U.S. Cavalry have gone into action during ten major conflicts: the 

Indian Wars, the Mexican War, the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, the Philippine Insurrection, World War I, World War II, the 1991 Persian Gulf War, Bosnia, and Operation Iraqi 

Freedom. The Regiment earned 39 campaign streamers during these conflicts as well as a 

Presidential Unit Citation, and twenty-three of the Regiment’s troopers received the Medal of 

Honor. Your predecessors won lopsided victories against numerically superior forces during 

the Mexican War, routed Confederate forces at the battles of Val Verde and Glorieta Pass during the Civil War, defeated the enemy in the largest battle of the Indian Wars, quelled an 

Apache uprising, seized San Juan Hill in Cuba during the Spanish American War, conducted 

counter-insurgency operations in the Philippines, led General Patton’s Third Army across 

Europe during World War II, fought with distinction as the reconnaissance force for XVIIIth 

Airborne Corps during Operation Desert Storm, enforced peace in Bosnia, and, most recently, 

conducted extremely effective counter-insurgency operations over one-third of the land mass of 

Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

 We are in a long war against Terrorism and the Leaders and Troopers of the Third Cavalry remain fully engaged and committed to fighting and winning the Global War on Terrorism 

to preserve the freedom we cherish. The Regiment, because of its unique capabilities and its 

distinguished record, will continue to receive challenging missions. You have joined an elite 

organization and are now part of the history of the Regiment. Learn the customs and traditions 

of this great Regiment and of the U.S. Cavalry and together we will preserve the legacy we 

have inherited. 

 BRAVE RIFLES! 

 Michael A. Bills 

 72nd Colonel 

 

iii 
iv 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PART I: THE STORY OF THE REGIMENT OF MOUNTED RIFLEMEN .... 1 

The Mexican War...................................................................................................................2 

On to Oregon..........................................................................................................................7 

The Civil War.........................................................................................................................9 

The Indian Wars...................................................................................................................11 

Fiddler’s Green.....................................................................................................................13 

The Spanish American War .................................................................................................14 

Old Bill.................................................................................................................................15 

Moro Rebellion ....................................................................................................................16 

World War I .........................................................................................................................17 

Between the Wars ................................................................................................................18 

World War II........................................................................................................................19 

The 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment .....................................................................................22 

Seventh Army ......................................................................................................................24 

Fort Lewis, Washington .......................................................................................................25

Return to Fort Bliss, Texas...................................................................................................26 

The Persian Gulf War...........................................................................................................29 

Fort Carson, Colorado..........................................................................................................30 

Bosnia ..................................................................................................................................31 

Bright Star............................................................................................................................34 

Operation Iraqi Freedom I....................................................................................................35

Operation Iraqi Freedom III .................................................................................................45 

PART II: REGIMENTAL CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS ........................... 57 

Regimental Insignia .............................................................................................................58 

Other Customs and Traditions..............................................................................................63 

Regimental Awards..............................................................................................................69 

Appendix A The Act of Congress Establishing the Regiment ............................................71 

Appendix B Certificates of Lineage and Honors ................................................................73 

Appendix C Campaign Participation Credits ......................................................................75 

Appendix D Regimental Medal of Honor Recipients .........................................................81 

Appendix E Regimental Commanders................................................................................83 

Appendix F Regimental Command Sergeants Major..........................................................85 

Appendix G General Scott’s Remarks to the Regiment at Contreras..................................91 

Appendix H Task Force Rifles Attachments.......................................................................93 

Appendix I Operation Iraqi Freedom I Deaths..................................................................95 

Appendix J Operation Iraqi Freedom III Attachments................................. ..............97 

Appendix K Operation Iraqi Freedom III Deaths.......................................... ............99 

Appendix L Letter from Mayor Najim to President Bush................................................101 

Appendix M Letter of Appreciation from MG Khorsheed................................................103 

Appendix N Current Organization of the Regiment ........................................................105 

Cover photograph courtesy of Christoph Bangert/Polaris. 

v 
vi 
Corporal, Regiment of Mounted Riflemen, ca.1846 by Randy Steffen.

PART I: THE STORY OF THE REGIMENT OF MOUNTED RIFLEMEN

The Regiment of Mounted Riflemen was authorized by an Act of Congress on 19 May 

1846. This brought into existence a new organization in the United States Army: a regiment of 

riflemen, mounted to create greater mobility than the infantry, and equipped with percussion 

rifles to provide greater range and accuracy than the muskets of the infantry or the dragoon's 

smooth bore carbines. 

1 
The Mexican War 

The Regiment was organized "for establishing military stations on route to Oregon", and it 

was under orders to proceed on its mission at the earliest practical date. However, the Mexican 

War intervened and the Regiment found itself diverted to participate in the invasion of Mexico. 

During the Mexican War, the Regiment distinguished itself in six campaigns. 

The Mounted Rifles lost most of their horses in a terrible storm during the voyage across the 

Gulf of Mexico, causing them to fight as infantry during most of the Mexican War. They 

landed at Vera Cruz on 9 March 1847 and participated in the fighting there until 28 March. 

 On 17 and 18 April, the Regiment found itself in fierce hand-to-hand combat at Cerro 

Gordo. After refitting at Puebla, the Riflemen fought at Contreras and Churubusco on 19 and 

20 August. It was at Contreras that General Scott made the speech from which the Regiment 

took its Accolade (see Appendix G for details). 

“Brave Rifles-Veterans” by Don Prechtel

2 
Chapultepec 

The most notable action during the Regiment's participation in the Mexican War came on 

13 September 1847 when the Regiment participated in the assault on the fortress of 

Chapultepec. The site of the Mexican National Military Academy, it is described in Steele’s 

American Campaigns: 

This stone castle stands on an isolated mound rising 150 feet above the valley; nearly precipitous on the northern, eastern, and part of the southern side, 

it declines gradually on the east to a cypress grove separating it from Molino 

del Rey. The grounds were enclosed by a high wall on the southern side and 

on the northern side by the San Cosme Aqueduct. The castle commanded 

two of the causeways leading into the City of Mexico, about two miles east 

of it. The position was defended with cannon. 

3 

Advancing toward Mexico City, the next major engagement fought by the Mounted Rifles 

was at Molino del Rey on 8 September. Here, 270 Riflemen commanded by Major Edwin V. 

Sumner were tasked to take and hold a cannon foundry where a large quantity of gunpowder 

was stored. There was a large ravine, considered impassable by the Mexican cavalry, between 

the Riflemen and the foundry. Charging under heavy enemy fire, the troopers crossed the ravine and defeated a vastly superior force of what was considered by many to be the finest cavalry in the world. The Mounted Rifles inflicted 2000 casualties on the enemy and captured 

some 700 prisoners at Molino del Rey. 
Chapultepec castle was taken by a pair of hand-picked, 250 man storming parties, which 

included Mounted Riflemen under the command of Captain Benjamin S. Roberts, who 

would later command Company C. Seeing a party of Marines falter during the assault after 

losing most of their officers, Lieutenant Robert M. Morris of the Mounted Rifles took charge 

and led them on to victory. At the same time, other elements of the Regiment captured an 

enemy artillery battery at the foot of the castle. 

After these actions the Regiment was immediately reformed and advanced down the 

Tacubaya Causeway to storm the Belen Gate which barred the way into Mexico City. The 

Mounted Rifles captured another artillery battery halfway to the gate and a third in the 

assault on the gate. 

Leading the American forces, the Regiment stormed into Mexico City at 1:20 that 

afternoon. At 7:00 A.M. on 14 September 1847, Sergeant James Manly of F Company and 

Captain Benjamin S. Roberts raised the American Flag over the Mexican National Palace 

while Captain Porter, Commander of F Company, unfurled the Regimental standard from the 

balcony. 

The storming of Chapultepec Castle.

As recalled by Major General John A. Quitman, “When forming my division on the plaza, I 

perceived several non-commissioned officers hastening towards the palace with their regimental colors. I cried out, ‘No, my brave fellows, take back your colors. The first flag on that palace 

must be the flag of our country.’ Captain Roberts, of the Rifles, was then directed to bring forward a stand of National Colors and plant them upon the palace.” 

4 
Captain Benjamin S. Roberts’ letter to General D. E. Twiggs: 

 City of Mexico, Sept 17, 1847. 

Sir: 

 I have the honor to return the American Flag you entrusted to my 

keeping in the storming of Chapultepec, and the taking of the City of 

Mexico. Your charge to me was, “I expect that Flag to be the first placed 

upon the Capital of Mexico.” The Commission has been executed and 

the first American Flag that ever floated upon the Palace of the Capitol of 

Mexico is now returned to you. 

 It was also the first planted on the 5 gun battery stormed and carried 

by my assaulting party at the left of the enemy’s line at Chapultepec. 

 It was also the first planted on the battery stormed and carried by the 

Rifle Regiment between Chapultepec and the Gareta. 

It was also the first planted on the batteries at the Gareta and the first 

on the Citadel of the city. 

 It was carried by Sergeant Manley of “F” Co., whom I selected to 

bear so distinguished a flag, and the anticipations I entertained of his doing honor to the banner of his Country were not disappointed. I desire to 

commend him to your special consideration. This Flag would have been 

returned through him but for a severe wound that confined him to his 

Quarters..... On inspection you will perceive that the Flag has been 

pierced six times by the balls of the enemy. 

 

 I have the honor to be with high regards, etc. 

 (Signed) B. S. Roberts, 

 Capt. Rifles. 

Gen. D. E. Twiggs, 

 Commanding, 2d Division.

5 
Most of the remainder of the Regiment’s service in Mexico would consist of police duty an 

chasing guerrillas as a result of street-fighting and assassinations. There were, however, engagements with Mexican forces at Matamoras on 23 and Galaxara on 24 November, 1847, and at 

Santa Fe on 4 January 1848. 

Because it was armed with rifled muskets, when the Regiment was committed to battle, it 

was usually found in the midst of the heaviest fighting. As a result of its reputation for bravery 

and toughness, it was in great demand when enemy fortifications barred the American’s advance. During the Mexican War, eleven Troopers were commissioned from the ranks and nineteen officers received brevet promotions for gallantry in action. 

Regimental losses in Mexico were approximately four officers and 40 Troopers killed, 13 

officers and 180 Troopers wounded (many of whom would eventually die), and one officer 180 

Troopers who died of other causes. 

The Mounted Rifles departed from Vera Cruz on the ship Tyrone on 7 July 1848. They arrived at New Orleans on the 17th and sailed up the Mississippi River on the same day aboard 

the Aleck Scott. 

6 

Mounted Rifleman in distinctive uniform, with Grimsley saddle, ca. 

1847, painted by Randy Steffen. 
On to Oregon 

The Regiment returned to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri on 24 July 1848, and remained there 

recruiting until 10 May 1849. On that day, it began the grueling 2,000 mile march to the 

Oregon Territory to accomplish the mission for which it had been originally organized. 

The country through which the Regiment marched was without roads, and often without 

wood, water and grass. Except for Fort Kearny in Nebraska, and a fur trading post at Laramie 

in Wyoming, there was not one structure between Fort Leavenworth, the departure point, and 

the Columbia River. 

Travel was laborious and slow. Trails had to be cut, routes surveyed, and an alert 

maintained against hostile Indians. The problems of supply, transport and disease were 

tremendous. In spite of these difficulties the Regiment moved steadily west. In November 

1849, six months after its departure, the main body reached Oregon City. 

The Walker Colt (U.S. Model 1847) .44 caliber revolver with powder flask and bullet mold. 

This pistol was co-designed by Samuel Colt and Captain Samuel Walker, commander of 

Company C, who was killed in action in the Mexican War. The Regiment of Mounted 

Riflemen was the only unit in the U.S. Army issued this weapon. 

7 
Rebuilding at Jefferson Barracks 

In May 1851, The Regiment was ordered to return to Jefferson Barracks. All the horses and 

men were transferred to the 1st Dragoons in California, and the officers and NCOs traveled by 

ship to Panama. After crossing the Isthmus, they boarded another ship and returned to the 

Regiment's birthplace. For the next six months, the Regiment recruited, re-equipped and retrained. 

First Regiment of Mounted Riflemen 

In December 1851, the Regiment was ordered to Texas, where for the next four years it 

operated against the Indian tribes living in the area. Patrols, skirmishes, guard, and escort duty 

were all part of the daily routine. In 1853, the Regiment was redesignated as the First Regiment 

of Mounted Riflemen because the Army considered raising another mounted rifle regiment. 

This did not happen, but the “First” designation of the original regiment was retained. Jeb 

Stuart, later to gain fame as a Confederate cavalry commander, served with the Regiment as a 

lieutenant during this period. 

In 1856, Indian troubles in the New Mexico Territory required additional troops and the 

Regiment moved further West. In 1857, Fort Bliss, Texas became the new home base for the 

Mounted Rifles. Service in New Mexico was constant and most exacting. The Regiment was 

widely scattered and the number of troops available was wholly inadequate for the task of 

patrolling an area that extended from Denver, Colorado to the Mexican border, and from West 

Texas to Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. 

The trumpet pictured above was the branch of service insignia of the Mounted Rifles until it 

was redesignated as the 3d United States Cavalry Regiment in 1861. 

8 
The Civil War 

In April 1861, The American Civil War began and nine of our officers left the Regiment to 

join the cause of the Confederacy. In August 1861, the mounted arm of the U.S. Army was reorganized, and the First Regiment of Mounted Riflemen was redesignated as the 3d United 

States Cavalry Regiment. 

In the New Mexico Campaign of 1862, the Regiment fought the Confederates at the Battles 

of Val Verde and Glorieta Pass. The 3d Cavalry fought alongside the 1st Colorado Infantry (the 

Pikes Peakers) and the 1st New Mexico Infantry. Colonel “Kit” Carson, former member of the 

Mounted Rifles, commanded the latter unit. The Confederate troops started this campaign at 

Fort Bliss, Texas to seize the territories of New Mexico and Colorado. At Glorieta Pass, near 

Sante Fe, the Union force defeated the Confederates, causing them to return to Texas. 

It was at the Battle of Val Verde on 21 February 1862 that Captain Alexander McRae, formerly commander of Company E, commanded a provisional artillery battery equipped with 

M1857 12 pounders and M1847 6 pounders, manned primarily by men of Company I. The battle was fought to control an important ford across the Rio Grande river just north Fort Craig, 

New Mexico. 

9 

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1862 

ew Mexico 

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The Union position was under attack by a force of some 3,000 Texans. Throughout the 

morning McRae’s gunners poured grapeshot and canister into the Texans. McRae’s battery 

inflicted such heavy casualties on them that a force of about 1000 of the Texans mounted a direct attack on the battery’s position. The volunteer infantry assigned as part of the support for 

the battery, fled, leaving it unprotected. McRae’s gunners continued firing into the Confederate 

ranks, mowing them down by the dozen. One by one, the gun crews were cut down but McRae 

refused to retreat. The surviving gunners and infantrymen were now engaged in a furious handto-hand fight with pistols, clubbed muskets, bayonets, and knives. 

Eighty percent of the Union casualties at Val Verde occurred either in or near the battery’s 

position. The March 23, 1862 edition of the St. Louis Republican stated “With his artillerymen 

cut down, his support either killed, wounded or flying from the field, Capt. McRae sat down 

calmly on one of his guns, and with revolver in hand, refusing to flee or desert his post, he 

fought to the last.” 

Captain Alexander McRae was a native of North Carolina who was ostracized by his own 

family for remaining loyal to the Union cause. He died defending his position in the face of 

overwhelming odds, adding to the Regiment’s tradition of selfless service to the nation. 

In his official report, Colonel Edward R.S. Canby, commander of the Department of New 

Mexico, said of McRae, “Pure in character, upright in conduct, devoted to his profession ... 

Captain McRae died, as he had lived, an example of the best and highest qualities that man can 

possess.” 

Captain Alexander McRae 

10 
After assembling at Ft. Union, New Mexico, the Regiment departed for Jefferson Barracks, 

Missouri on September 30th. They arrived there on 23 November, having completed a march 

of 1,280 miles in fifty-five days. 

In December 1862, the Regiment moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where it remained until 

October 1863. During the period October to December 1863, the Regiment participated in operations on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad, and fought in skirmishes at various locations 

such as Barton Station, Cane Creek, and Dickinson’s Station, Alabama. While fighting in the 

Chattanooga-Ringgold Campaign, the Regiment was not attached to any brigade or division. 

The 3d Cavalry was then tasked by General Sherman to perform various reconnaissance missions as part of his advance guard, including marching to the relief of Knoxville, Tennessee. 

Elements of the Regiment also were engaged at Murphy, North Carolina and Loudon, Tennessee. 

From May 1864 until April 1866, the 3d Cavalry was stationed at Little Rock, Arkansas, 

with the mission of "preventing the organization of enemy commands, capturing guerrilla bands 

and escorting trains." To accomplish these tasks, the Regiment did much hard riding over a 

large area. During an expedition from Little Rock to Benton, a detachment of the 3d Cavalry 

was ambushed by Confederate troops. The resulting confusion and effort to escape the kill zone 

became known as the “The Benton Races.” 

The 3d U.S. Cavalry Regiment’s losses during the Civil War were two officers and thirty 

Troopers either killed or who died of wounds and three officers and 105 Troopers who died of 

disease or other non-combat causes 

The Indian Wars 

In April 1866, the 3d Cavalry was once again ordered to New Mexico to campaign against 

the Indians. On 3 October 1866, Company G, 3d U.S. Cavalry engaged a band of Ute Indians 

along the Purgatoire River , west of Trinidad, Colorado. 

11 

Troop C, 3d U.S. Cavalry at Fort Davis, Texas circa 1887. 
In April 1870, the Regiment was ordered to Arizona for operations against the Apaches and, 

in late 1871, was transferred north to the department of the Platte, which included what are now 

the states of Wyoming, Montana, the Dakotas and Nebraska. 

During the summer of 1876, the Regiment participated in the Little Big Horn Campaign 

against the Sioux and Cheyenne Nations. On 17 June 1876, ten companies of the 3d Cavalry 

fought in the battle of Rosebud Creek. This was the largest battle between the Army and the 

Indians in the history of the American West, with 1,400 friendly Indians and Troopers opposing 

more that 1,500 hostile Indians. 

The record of the battle shows that "Three battalions of the 3d Cavalry under Captains 

Mills, Henry and Van Vliet, performed gallant, heroic, and outstanding service”. Henry was 

shot in the face, losing an eye, but survived to become our 12th Colonel. Four 3d Cavalry 

troopers received the Medal of Honor for bravery in this battle: Trumpeter Elmer A. Snow of 

Company M and First Sergeants Joseph Robinson of Company D, Michael A. McGann of 

Company F, and John H. Shingle of Company I. 

With the Apache uprising in the spring of 1882, the Regiment was ordered to return to Arizona, and in July, the 3d and 6th Cavalry Regiments defeated renegade Apaches in the Battle of 

Big Dry Wash. This battle quelled the last Apache uprising in Arizona and also marked the end 

of the Regiment’s participation in the Indian Wars. This action resulted in the award of two 

more Medals of Honor, to First Sergeant Charles Taylor of Company D and Lieutenant George 

H. Morgan of Company K. 

The year 1883 would see the term “Company” changed to “Troop” in the mounted service 

and in 1885, the red and white guidon replaced the 1863 stars and stripes pattern. The 3d Cavalry was also ordered to Texas in 1885, where it remained until 1893. Between 1893 and 1897, 

the Regiment was engaged in garrison, training and ceremonial activities throughout the East 

and Mid-West. By July 1897, the Regimental Headquarters and four troops were stationed at 

Fort Ethan Allen, Vermont, while the remainder of the Regiment returned to Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. 

12 

Cavalry squad room circa 1880
Fiddler’s Green 

The experiences of a typical Indian Wars period trooper are perhaps best summed up by the 

poem, Fiddler’s Green. Although the poem’s origin is uncertain, Fiddler’s Green is described 

as a broad meadow located halfway down the trail to Hell, dotted with trees and crossed by 

many streams. Allegedly, this is the place where dead troopers camp, with their tents, horses, 

picket lines, campfires and the old army canteen. The souls of the dead troopers gather there to 

exchange reminiscences and tell stories. 

Fiddler’s Green 

 Halfway down the trail to hell, 

In a shady meadow green, 

 Are the souls of all dead troopers camped 

Near a good old time canteen, 

And this resting place is known as Fiddler’s Green. 

Marching past straight through to Hell, 

 The Infantry are seen, 

Accompanied by the Engineers, 

Artillery and Marine, 

For none but the shades of Cavalrymen 

Dismount at Fiddler’s Green. 

Though some go curving down the trail 

To seek a warmer scene, 

No trooper ever gets to Hell 

Ere he’s emptied his canteen, 

And so rides back to drink again 

With friends at Fiddler’s Green 

And so when man and horse go down 

Beneath a saber keen, 

Or in a roaring charge of fierce melee 

You stop a bullet clean, 

And the hostiles come to get your scalp, 

Just empty your canteen, 

And put your pistol to your head 

 And go to Fiddler’s Green. 

13 
The Spanish-American War 

In April 1898, the Regiment was assembled at Camp Thomas, Georgia in Chickamauga National Park, and assigned to a brigade in a provisional cavalry division. 

On 13 May 1898, the Regiment arrived in Tampa, Florida. On 8 June, the Regiment, minus 

four troops, embarked for Cuba with the rest of the invasion force. 

One of the Army’s objectives was to take the Cuban positions on the high ground around 

the landward side of the city of Santiago, a Cuban seaport. This would force the Spanish 

warships in the harbor to sail out to face the U.S. Navy. The cavalry division, of which the 

Regiment was part, was assigned the mission of assaulting these hills, known as the San Juan 

Heights. The 3d Cavalry was one of five regular U.S. Cavalry Regiments engaged there. 

In the dismounted attack on San Juan Hill, the Regiment’s U.S. Flag, carried by Sergeant 

Bartholomew Mulhern of Troop E, was the first to be raised at the point of victory. This flag 

may be viewed at the Third Cavalry Museum. 

14 
Old Bill

The American artist Frederick Remington drew the image below. In 1898 he was visiting 

the camp of the 3d Cavalry in Tampa, Florida, where the Regiment was preparing for the invasion of Cuba during the Spanish-American War. 

Remington was a close friend of Captain Francis Hardie, who was the commander of Troop 

G. During his visit, Remington's attention was drawn to one of the troop's NCOs. Sergeant 

John Lannen struck the artist as the epitome of the cavalryman, and with Hardie’s approval, the 

artist made several rough sketches of Lannen in front of the Hardie’s tent. From those rough 

sketches Remington later executed the now famous drawing portraying a trooper astride his 

mount with a carbine cradled in his arm. 

At some point in the past, this drawing became known as "Old Bill", and today it is universally recognized as the symbol of mobile warfare in the United States Army. This drawing 

represents a Trooper, a unit and a branch of service. 

As was the case with many American soldiers in that conflict, Lannen contracted yellow 

fever and died in Santiago in 1898 after almost 30 years of faithful service. The 3d Armored 

Cavalry Regiment points with pride to the fact that one of its troopers has bequeathed such a 

rich legacy to his Regiment, the United States Cavalry, and the United States Army. 

“Old Bill” 

15 
In early August, the Regiment departed Cuba and sailed for Montauk Point, New York, 

where it was joined by the four troops which had remained behind. In early September, the 

entire Regiment left Montauk Point for its new duty station at Ft. Ethan Allen, Vermont. 

The 3d Cavalry did not remain together for very long. In February and March of 1899, two 

troops were assigned to Ft. Sheridan, Illinois, two troops to Jefferson Barracks, four troops and 

the band to Ft. Myer, Virginia, while the remainder of the Regiment stayed at Ft. Ethan Allen. 

The Moro Rebellion 

The units had barely arrived at their new duty stations when, on 22 July 1899, the headquarters and eight troops were ordered to Seattle, Washington. From Seattle, this force embarked 

for the Philippine Islands to operate against the Filipino insurgents. Meanwhile, the remaining 

four troops of the Regiment were ordered to assemble at Fort Meyer. 

The Regiment landed in Manila in October 1899, with the remaining four troops following 

from Fort Myer in 1900. The 3d Cavalry remained on the island of Luzon until 1902, fighting 

62 engagements during that time. 

Members of Troop K, 3d U.S. Cavalry ca. 1900.

16 
The Regiment returned to the United States in detachments between April and November 

1902. The headquarters, band, and six troops were stationed in Montana, two troops in Wyoming, two in Arizona, and one each in Idaho and North Dakota. 

The 3d Cavalry remained in the United States until December 1905, when it was again ordered to the Philippines, this time for peacetime occupation duty. It remained there until 1908, 

when it was ordered home and stationed in Texas. The following nine years were spent in garrison and patrolling the Mexican border. 

World War I 

On 17 March 1917, the entire Regiment was transferred to Fort Sam Houston, Texas. In 

April, the United States entered the Great War and in August the Regiment became one of the 

first units deployed overseas. Arriving in France in November, the Regiment operated three 

major remount depots until the war’s end. 

The Regiment’s three squadrons cared for horses and mules shipped to the American Expeditionary Force from the United States until such time as these animals were required at the 

front to carry ammunition and pull artillery. After the armistice, the Regiment was tasked with 

selling the thousands of remaining animals to French civilians. When they had finished in June, 

1919, they assembled at Brest, France and sailed home, arriving on July 4. 

The only unit of the 3d Cavalry that saw actual combat was Troop K, which was detached 

from the 3d Squadron and participated in the last three engagements prior to the Armistice on 

11 November 1918. Troop K also was part of the Army of Occupation, remaining in Germany 

until it was shipped home with the rest of the Regiment in 1919.

The American Expeditionary Force purchased 243,039 horses and mules 

during WWI, at an average cost of $379.81. 

17 
Between the Wars 

On 1 June 1919, the Regiment sailed for Boston and, upon arrival, the headquarters and 1st 

Squadron moved to Fort Ethan Allen, Vermont. During the 1920's and 1930's the Regiment 

underwent a series of organizational changes. 2d Squadron, plus troops C and D of 1st Squadron, were inactivated. 3d Squadron was redesignated as 2d Squadron which was stationed at 

Fort Myer, Virginia, becoming known as the 'President’s Own". 

Because of its proximity to Washington and Arlington National Cemetery, the 2d Squadron 

was frequently called upon to furnish honor guards and escorts for distinguished visitors and 

funeral escorts for distinguished civilian officials and military personnel. On 11 November 

1921, the Regiment furnished the cavalry escort for the burial of the Unknown Soldier from 

WWI in Arlington National Cemetery. Staff Sergeant Frank Witchey, 3d Cavalry, sounded final “Taps”. SSG Witchey’s trumpet and tabard are displayed in the Regimental Museum. Until 

1941, the Regiment provided the guard detail at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

Also during the 1920's, and 30's the Regiment became well known throughout the east for 

the magnificent horse shows and other riding events it either participated in or sponsored. The 

3d Cavalry won many ribbons and trophies at these events, while the Regiment's trick riding 

team became famous for its outstanding displays of horsemanship. 

The beginning of mechanization: scout cars at Fort Myer, Virginia, 1935 

18 

- ··~ ........,,, ---.- ~ -, , . ~ . . . . . ._ . - . .. ... -. ..... . 
World War II 

With the attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941, the United States entered World War 

II. In February, the Regiment was moved to Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia and then to Fort Benning, Georgia. At Fort Benning, the Regiment was reorganized and redesignated as the 3d Armored Regiment and assigned to the 10th Armored Division. 

 In January 1943, it was reconstituted as the 3d Cavalry Group (Mechanized). The 1st and 

2d Squadrons were redesignated as the 3d and 43d Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadrons, respectively. The 3d Cavalry Group moved to Camp Gordon, Georgia where it began training in 

mechanized operations. 

After extensive field maneuvers in the southeastern United States, the 3d Cavalry Group 

arrived in England in June of 1944. On 9 August, it landed in France and became the covering 

force of XX Corps, part of General Patton’s Third U.S. Army. As the spearhead of the XX 

Corps, the Group led the Third Army’s breakout from Normandy. 

The Troopers of the 3d Cavalry Group were the first to reach the Meuse River and first to 

reach the Moselle River and enter the key city of Thionville, France. The 3d Cavalry Group 

became, on 17 November 1944, the first element of the Third Army to enter Germany and also 

fought as infantry in operations to reduce the fortress city of Metz. 

Members of the 3d Cavalry Group (Mecz) raft an M3 scout car across a river during field 

training exercise at Camp Gordon, Georgia prior to deployment to England in 1943. 

19 
Next came the envelopment of the Siegfried Line and the pursuit to the Rhine River. The 

3d Cavalry crossed the Rhine on 29 March and made a 150-mile, three-day dash to the Bad 

Hersfeld area north of Fulda as resistance started to crumble. In April and early May, with final 

victory in sight, the Third Army, with the 3d Cavalry Group in the lead, turned south and raced 

through upper Austria to link up with the Soviet Army. After hostilities ended, the Group was 

sent through the Alps to Northern Italy to monitor the activities of the various factions that controlled Yugoslavia when the war ended. When no threat materialized, they moved back to Austria. The 3d Cavalry Group was the first military unit to cross the Alps since Hannibal, in 215 

BC. 

While in action, the 3d Cavalry Group (Mecz) ultimately moved 3,000 miles in 265 days, 

117 of those in continuous combat without a rest! The 3d Cavalry also accounted for over 

43,000 enemy troops killed, wounded or captured. 

Shortly after the war in Europe ended, the troopers of the 3d and 43d Squadrons returned to 

the U.S. for a short furlough. They then reported to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Camp 

Bowie, Texas, respectively, to begin training for the invasion of Japan, but because the war 

ended with the dropping of the atomic bombs on Japan, their services were no longer required. 

Colonel Polk and the Group Headquarters Troop stayed in Germany to operate a displaced 

persons camp for war refugees. Most of these people were either fleeing the Russian Army or 

had been released from concentration camps. After the camp was turned over to another organization, these troopers also returned home. 

“Task Force Polk Patrols the Saar” by Don Stivers 

20 
Patton’s Praise 

At the War's end, the 3d Cavalry Group, like the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen in Mexico 

City nearly one hundred years earlier, received high praise from its Commanding General. 

General George S. Patton, Jr. commented on the battlefield actions of the 3d Cavalry Group 

with these words: 

 "The 3d Cavalry has lived up to the accolade bestowed upon it at Chapultepec 

 by General Scott. As horse cavalry you were outstanding; I have never seen a 

 better regiment. To your performance as mechanized cavalry, the same applies. 

 It is a distinct honor to have commanded an army in which the 3d Cavalry served." 

General George S. Patton, 28th Colonel, awards the Silver Star Medal to Colonel James H. 

Polk, 32nd Colonel, on May 18, 1945 at Seewalchen, Austria. The occasion was the 99th 

anniversary of the 3d Cavalry. Polk would eventually become the Commander and Chief of 

USAREUR.. He retired in 1971 after more than 40 years of service. 

21 
The 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment 

Returning from Europe, elements of the 3d Cavalry Group were eventually assembled at 

Fort Meade, Maryland. On 5 November 1948, the 3d Cavalry Group was redesignated as the 

3d Armored Cavalry Regiment. The 43d Reconnaissance Squadron became the 1st Battalion, 

while the 3d Reconnaissance Squadron became the 2nd Battalion. 

In order to return the Regiment to a three-squadron configuration, the 35th Mechanized 

Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, an all-Black unit, was reassigned to the Regiment on January 15, 1948. It was redesignated as the 3d Battalion. Its incorporation into the 3d Armored 

Cavalry marked the first time that African-American Troopers were assigned to the Regiment. 

During the period l948-1951, the Regiment participated in many major field training exercises in the eastern United States. It also conducted training during the summer months for Reserve Component armor units at Fort Meade, MD, and Camps Pickett, and A. P. Hill, Virginia. 

The outbreak of the Korean War meant that the Regiment would have to train replacements 

for that conflict, despite losing many of its officers and Troopers to units going overseas. 

In February 1952, the Regiment moved from Fort Meade, to Camp Pickett, where it remained until May 1954. After participating in Exercise FLASHBURN at Fort Bragg, North 

Carolina, the Regiment moved back to Fort Meade. 

Regimental Headquarters at Camp Picket, Virginia, circa 1953 

22 
The Regiment began an intense ten week train-up at Camp A.P. Hill on April 1, 1955 which 

was interrupted when the Troopers were required to fight a devastating fire in Bowling Green, 

Virginia. The climax to the training was a firepower demonstration on 24 June followed by the 

return to Ft. Meade from 27 to 29 June. 

In August 1955, the Regiment became the first unit to deploy to Germany under Operation 

Gyroscope--a plan under which divisional and separate regimental-size units were sent overseas 

as replacements for similar units which would return to the United States. The term Operation 

Gyroscope refers to the attribute of rotation with stability exhibited by a gyroscope. This was 

an attempt by the Army to reduce personnel turbulence by transferring entire units rather than 

individual soldiers. 

The advance party arrived in Germany on 26 June. On 2 August, the First and Second Battalions sailed from New York aboard the U.S.N.S. Randall and arrived at Bremerhaven on 10 

August. The Third and Provisional Battalions sailed from New York on U.S.N.S. Buckner on 6 

August and arrived at Bremerhaven on 14 August. 

Replacing the 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment, the Regimental Headquarters was stationed at 

Nuremberg with the 1st Battalion at Bindlach, the 2d battalion at Bamberg, and the 3d battalion 

at Amberg. The exchange with the 2d ACR was completed by 15 August.

Troopers of the 3d ACR perform border surveillance duties along the border between West 

Germany and Czechoslovakia. 

23 
The troopers participated in many field training exercises such as the NATO maneuver, 

“Cordon Bleu” and CPX “Polo Ball”. In addition, the various units in the Regiment patrolled 

both the Czechoslovakian and East German borders, frequently working with the West German 

Federal Border Police, the Bundesgrenzschutz (BGS). 

The 3d ACR returned to the United States in February 1958, and was once again stationed 

at Fort Meade. The Regiment became part of the Strategic Army Corps (STRAC) and, from 

1958-1961, it was the recipient of four STRAC streamers, awarded for superior readiness and 

training. 

In reaction to the Berlin Crisis, the Regiment redeployed to Germany in October 1961. 

Alerted for movement on October 10th, although scattered at different training sites along the 

Eastern Seaboard, the Regiment arrived at its new duty stations of Baumholder and Kaiserslautern exactly thirty days later. 

Seventh Army 

The 3d ACR was initially placed under the Seventh Army Support Command and given the 

mission of rear area security. The Troopers of the Regiment spent many hours reconnoitering 

the road network in the Seventh Army’s area to determine the best routes for rapid deployment 

in case of attack by the Warsaw Pact. 

 During 1962 and 1963, the lst and 2nd Squadrons relieved elements of the 14th ACR for 

two one-month periods along the East German border. From November 1962 through November 1964, the 3d ACR had a troop attached to the 14th ACR for border surveillance operations 

on a monthly rotational basis. In February 1964, the Regiment came under the direct control of 

the Seventh Army. On 10 June 1964, the 2nd Squadron was redesignated as the 1st Squadron, 

11th ACR, and returned to the United States with that Regiment. 

Concurrently, the 1st Squadron, 11th ACR was redesignated as the 2nd Squadron, 3d ACR 

and attached to VII Corps with it’s duty station at Straubling, Germany. The 2nd Squadron 

continued the mission of the 3d ACR along the Czech border, operating two border camps with 

one troop until relieved of its border mission and relocated to Kaiserslautern in March 1965. 

While it was stationed in Europe, the 3d ACR performed varied and outstanding service for 

the Seventh Army. The entire Regiment participated in a number of major field training exercises (FTX’s), including SCOTCH GAMBIT I and II in 1962, exercise BIG LIFT in 1963, 

BRANDY STATION in 1965 and SILVER TALON in 1966. In addition, the Squadrons took 

part as separate units in several other FTX’s, such as SABER KNOT in December 1962, a major counter-insurgency exercise in Bavaria in 1964, and LUNDY’S LANE I and II in 1964 and 

1965. In these latter exercises, the Squadrons of the 3d ACR acted as aggressor forces to test the 

capabilities of several British armor units. 

From 1961 to 1968, the Regiment was situated with its Headquarters, Headquarters Troop, 

and the lst Squadron at Baumholder, the Air Cavalry Troop at Hoppstadten and 

the 2nd and 3d Squadrons at Kaiserslautern. In December 1966, the Regiment was assigned to 

V Corps, and in 1967 took part in Exercise LARGE PLAY. 

24 
Fort Lewis, Washington 

In July 1968, the 3d ACR redeployed to the United States, taking up station at Fort Lewis, 

Washington, where Second Squadron was inactivated. The 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment became a major REFORGER unit, capable of rapidly deploying to Germany in case of an international crisis. The troopers of the Regiment also spent considerable time at the Yakima Firing 

Center training National Guard cavalry units. 

An unusual mission performed by 3d ACR Troopers during this period was that of assisting 

in the search for D.B. Cooper, the first person to hijack an airliner. Cooper parachuted into a 

Washington forest from the airplane, but was never caught. 

An indicator of the level social unrest in the nation at that time is the fact that the Regiment 

spent considerable time conducting civil disturbance training with troopers in civilian clothes 

acting the part of rioters. 

Air Cavalry Troop’s Aero Rifle Platoon practices air assault techniques at 

Ft. Lewis, Washington. 

25 
Return to Fort Bliss, Texas 

In July 1972, after 115 years, the 3d Cavalry returned to Fort Bliss, Texas. The lst and 3rd 

Squadrons, Headquarters Troop, Air Cavalry Troop, and 513th Maintenance Company were 

augmented in 1973 with the addition of several new units. These included the 181st Ordinance 

Detachment (Missile) and the 66th Military Intelligence Detachment. 

The 2nd Squadron, which had been inactivated in 1971 at Fort Lewis, was reconstituted using personnel and equipment from the lst Squadron, 6th Cavalry, which was moved from Fort 

Meade to Fort Bliss. In 1976, the size of the Regiment was again increased with the addition of 

the 43rd Combat Engineer Company. 

The 3d ACR’s readiness was tested in REFORGER 75 during which elements of the Regiment were airlifted to the Federal Republic of Germany and drew prepositioned equipment out 

of depot stocks. After selected officers and Troopers participated in CPX AUTUMN SAILS 

with members of the British and West German Armies, the Regiment took part in FTX 

STRAFFE ZUGEL (Strong Rein) with the German 1st Panzergrenadier Division. 

After returning to Fort Bliss, the 3d ACR participated in a number of major exercises. In 

late 1973, the Regiment took part in BRAVE SHIELD VI, followed by BRAVE RIFLES VII in 

February 1974, GOBI EXPRESS V in September 1974, BRAVE RIFLES IX in January 1975, 

and JTX GALLANT SHIELD in the spring of 1975. The Regiment also participated in ORBIT 

PHANTOM, an annual Command Post Exercise, and (CPX) at Fort Hood, Texas involving III 

Corps units. 

In October of 1976, L Troop participated in a month-long exchange with A Squadron, 4th 

Cavalry Regiment of the Royal Australian Armored Corps. The Third Armored Cavalry was 

once again represented in Germany, when 1st Squadron took part in REFORGER 77. The 

Regiment was also involved in Exercise BOLD MOVE.

26 

M551 Sheridans and M114A2s near the Hueco Mountains at Ft. Bliss, January 1975. 
From April 1978 to May 1979, H Company, 2d Squadron conducted Operational Test II of 

the then-new XM1 Abrams Main Battle Tank. The Squadron logged nearly 300,000 miles, 

used over 320,000 gallons of fuel, fired 8,000 rounds of 105mm ammunition, and 200,000 

rounds of small arms ammunition in round-the-clock operations with the new tank. 

The 407th ASA Company was assigned to the Regiment in 1979 and a year later the 89th 

and 507th Chemical Detachments were added, providing needed support in the electronic and 

chemical warfare fields. 

In the spring of 1980, elements of the lst Royal Tank Regiment and the 9th/12th Lancers 

from the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) traded places with E Troop for a month of desert 

training. 

On 8 April 1981, General of the Army Omar N. Bradley, who had been living at Ft. Bliss, 

passed away and the Regiment was called upon to support the ceremonies held at Fort Bliss. 2d 

Squadron provided the Salute Battery and Honor Platoons as well as many other personnel to 

fill various positions. 

In March 1982, the Regiment took part in Exercise BORDER STAR. Another aspect of the 

Regiment's training and operations has been its affiliation programs with various National 

Guard Cavalry units from different states. This resulted in numerous training activities with National Guard units both at Fort Bliss and at the Guard’s home stations. 

The Regimental Aviation Section became the Regimental Support Aviation Troop (RSAT) 

on 5 March 1982. RSAT’s mission was to provide command-and-control aircraft, liaison, troop 

lift, and critical logistic re-supply support as well as combat medical evacuation. On 29 August 

1982, the Regimental advance party departed for Germany for REFORGER 82. 1982 would see 

the entire Regiment, less Air Cavalry Troop, deploy for operations which would last until October.

27 

Howitzer Battery, Third Squadron at Ft. Bliss, Texas, 1975. 
On 16 November 1982, the 407th ASA Company and 66th MI detachment were combined 

to form the 66th MI Company (CEWI). CEWI (pronounced see-wee) stands for “Combat 

Electronic Warfare Intelligence”. 

In 1985, two events occurred that further enhanced the Regiment’s capabilities. The first 

was the activation, on 16 April, of the Support Squadron, the first new squadron to be activated 

since 1960. The other was that 2nd Squadron became the first unit in the United States Army 

field the M1A1 Abrams tank. Then on 16 October 1988, the Regimental Support Aviation 

Troop, concurrently with other aviation units, was redesignated as the newest element of the 

Regiment - the 4th Squadron. 

An OH-58 from Air Cavalry Troop during a field training exercise at Ft. Bliss, 1974. 

28 
The Persian Gulf War 

 On 7 August 1990, the Regiment was alerted to move overseas to defend of one of our 

country's allies, Saudi Arabia, from Iraqi aggression. In September, the Regiment arrived in 

country as part of the XVIII Airborne Corps, and moved into a defensive position south of the 

Kuwaiti border. During this defensive buildup, known as "Operation Desert Shield", the Regiment trained extensively in anticipation of the ground assault which would be required to liberate Kuwait. 

On 17 January 1991, the United Nations initiated "Operation Desert Storm". In "Operation 

Desert Caravan" the Regiment moved 2400 vehicles 350 kilometers west to set up in the neutral 

zone on the Saudi/Iraqi border, as the air war progressed overhead. On 22 January 1991, elements of Troop I, led by the 63rd Colonel, Douglas Starr, engaged in the first ground combat by 

the XVIII Airborne Corps, when they responded to an Iraqi attack on a Saudi outpost. 

On 22 February 1991, F Troop, 2nd Squadron led the Regiment across the berms into Iraq 

for the start of the ground phase of the war. In 100 hours the Regiment moved over 300 kilometers north, then east to Basra, Iraq, ending the war in the Rumaylah oil fields. The Regiment 

left the remnants of three Republican Guard Divisions in its wake. 

As quickly as the Regiment deployed to the Middle East, it returned to Fort Bliss, Texas, 

arriving 5 April 1991. 

29 
Fort Carson, Colorado 

In early 1996, the Regiment once again answered the call to "Boots and Saddles" and 

moved to Fort Carson, Colorado. 

The Regiment’s home station is named for the famous Colorado frontiersman and military 

officer, Christopher “Kit” Carson. President Polk had appointed Carson a lieutenant in the 

Regiment of Mounted Riflemen in 1848, in recognition of his service to the nation. However, 

due to political considerations, brought about by his support of General Stephen W. Kearney’s 

conquest of California, his appointment was not confirmed by Congress. Carson appears on 

Regimental returns as “appointed but not joined.” 

Shortly after arriving at the Mountain Post, the Regiment celebrated its 150th anniversary. 

In addition, various units of the Regiment have since forged partnerships with several 

communities in the Pike Peak region. 

3d ACR Troopers continued to hone their war-fighting skills with operations at Ft. Carson 

and Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site. During Rotation 98-1 at the National Training Center (NTC) 

at Ft. Irwin, CA, the Regiment once again set the standard and demonstrated its lethality by the 

destruction of the Opposing Force (OPFOR). This deployment was the best recorded to that 

date by a Regimental-size unit. 

30 
Elements of the Regiment have also operated with other Army units in exercises at the 

NTC, the Joint Readiness Training Center at Ft. Polk, LA, and other locations. 

 

Bosnia 

In August 1998, the Regiment was notified that it would participate in the Bosnian peacekeeping mission as part of Stabilization Force 7 (SFOR 7). This would be a unique deployment 

because the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment (less 1st Squadron), would be under the operational 

control of the Texas National Guard’s 49th Armored Division. SFOR 7 was the first time that a 

National Guard organization would have command authority over active component units as 

well as a multinational force, known as Task Force Eagle. 

The Regiment began preparations for the SFOR mission while at the same time continuing 

its normal training and garrison duties. Arrangements had to be made to store personal property 

and vehicles, provide for maintenance of military vehicles and equipment that would remain at 

Ft. Carson Carson, and many other details. 

These troopers had to stand down from a more aggressive war fighting posture to act as 

neutral observers. They trained long and hard at Brcko, a simulated Bosnian village built by Ft. 

Carson to provide a realistic environment. After taking part in sustained training exercises 

conducted by other units stationed at Ft. Carson, those members of the Regiment slated for the 

deployment successfully completed a rigorous exercise at Ft. Polk, Louisiana designed to see if 

they were ready for the SFOR mission. 

When the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment deployed, beginning in February of 2000, it represented 75 percent of the American contribution to the Multinational Division North (MND-N) 

and constituted the bulk of the American maneuver element. 

31 
2nd Squadron was located at Camp McGovern, 3rd Squadron at Camp Dobol while 4th and 

Support Squadrons operated from Comanche Base. 

Saber Squadron’s area of responsibility was one of the largest in the Balkans and included 

Brcko and Modrica. The people of these cities made the mission more demanding because they 

disliked having the SFOR personnel in their area. Despite this, the Saber patrols covered over 

500,000 miles, inspected more than 30 weapons storage sites and collected over 300 weapons 

and pieces of explosive ordnance. 

The Troopers of Saber Squadron helped facilitate the elections that began a new era of 

democracy for the Bosnian state. There were no major incidents or violent demonstrations in 

their area of responsibility during the six month deployment. Saber’s Troopers also conducted 

joint operations with the other countries from the multinational force. 

Thunder Squadron occupied Camp Dobol and its area of responsibility on 27 March 2000. 

The Troopers of Thunder Squadron provided security for more than 3000 Bosniak widows and 

mourners who returned to the Serb-dominated town of Potacari. This town is thought to be the 

scene of the massacre of over ten thousand Bosniaks by the Bosnian Serb Army in 1995. 

Despite various attempts to prevent their return, the “Women of Srebrenica” returned safely to 

mourn and pray at Potacari. 

For the first time, a U.S. Army artillery unit conducted patrols as part of the peacekeeping 

operations for MND-N when the Troopers of Regulator Battery assumed peacekeeping 

responsibility for Banovici and Zivinici. Other activities included weapons storage site 

inspections, removal of roadblocks, and confiscation of illegally cached weapons. Thunder 

Squadron also conducted joint patrols with Turkish, Russian, Estonian, Polish, Swedish, and 

Danish troops. 

The Long Knife Squadron was paired with the 49th Aviation Brigade of the Texas National 

Guard to form the joint Aviation Brigade for the SFOR 7 rotation. After intensive training, the 

squadron’s aircraft were flown to Corpus Christi, Texas and loaded onto a ship for transport to 

the port of Rijeka, Croatia. 

The Long Knife aviators supported reconnaissance, security, and air movement missions 

with both American and international units flying missions not only for MND-N, but also for 

Multi-National Divisions Southwest and Southeast. The aircrews of 4th Squadron flew almost 

5,000 sorties for over 2,000 missions, logging more than 12,000 hours. 

While the line squadrons were conducting their operations, the Muleskinners of Support 

Squadron were busy setting up base shop operations at Camp Comanche. In addition, support 

teams were co-located with Saber Squadron at Camp McGovern and Thunder Squadron at 

Camp Dobol, as well as at Camp Eagle to support Division Troops. 

Over the next seven months Support Squadron provided uninterrupted direct support ground 

maintenance, aviation intermediate maintenance, supply, medical, and materiel management 

support to the Regiment as well as the various active duty and reserve units that comprised Task 

Force Eagle. The Mule Skinners also provided support to, and conducted logistics training 

with, many of the multi-national elements of Multi-national Division (North). 

While the SFOR units were involved in the peacekeeping operations in Bosnia, Task Force 

Rifles (TFR) was activated back at Fort Carson. Composed of Tiger Squadron and all 

Regimental units remaining at Fort Carson, TFR was tasked with post red cycle duties as 

32 
well as the role of care takers for the maintenance of the many vehicles that were not taken to 

Bosnia. 

Additionally, TFR conducted level II gunnery, externally evaluated lane training, and 

PINON STRIKE 2000 at Pinyon Canyon Maneuver Area. TFR also assumed the role of 

Opposing Force for the 3rd Brigade Combat Team’s NTC preparatory training. The Troopers 

of 571st Medical Company, after standing down from their MAST mission at Fort Bliss, deployed to Kuwait to assume the medevac mission for Operation Desert Spring. 

Members of TFR also were tasked to perform the Wild Land Fire Fighting mission, by preparing to deploy to any fires east of the Mississippi River. Tiger Squadron conducted a Level I 

gunnery and a Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise before preparing to receive the units redeploying from Bosnia. 

TFR also represented the Regiment at Fort Hood during CPX Ulchi Focus Lens. This exercise simulated the deployment of the Regiment to Korea. 

Before the troopers of Task Force Eagle could return to Fort Carson, they had to train their 

replacements to assume the peacekeeping mission. Once this was accomplished, the various 

units began returning to Fort Carson and the last unit closed on 7 October 2000. 

33 

Members of the 43rd Combat Engineer Company work with engineers from the 

Srpska Entity Army to erect a Bailey bridge across the Lukavica River in Bosnia. 

The new bridge allowed local people to move building materials to repair homes 

that were destroyed in earlier fighting. 
Bright Star 01/02 

Beginning in September 2001, Tiger Squadron with elements of the Regimental Headquarters and Long Knife and Mule Skinner Squadrons, deployed to Egypt to participate in the 

Bright Star 01/02 exercise, as part of a Combined Forces Land Component Command (CFLCC) 

coalition. The coalition included Elements from the U.S. Marine Corps, Egypt, France, Kuwait, 

Greece, Italy, and the British Army. 

The Troopers took part in field training and live fire exercises while in Egypt. They also 

conducted training on nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare, mine warfare, and the use of 

smoke on the battlefield. Static displays and briefings on Air Defense Artillery capabilities were 

also provided. Aviation support was provided for the exercise by Long Knife troopers in the 

form of medical evacuation and personnel transport, while the Mule Skinners of Support 

Squadron established and operated a logistic support system. 

In addition, members of Tiger Squadron and the Regimental Staff were tasked to conduct 

affiliation training with their Egyptian counterparts to teach them to function as Observer/

Controllers (OC) for the forces involved in ground tactical operations, as well as establishing 

and maintaining communications and command and control between the various multinational 

OC forces. 

34 

A Dragon Company tank maneuvers through the Egyptian desert during BrightStar 01/02. 

Valuable experience was gained by all participants, demonstrating that the disparate coalition forces could overcome different doctrines and cultures to successfully work together. All 

deployed personnel returned to Fort Carson by 10 November.
Operation Iraqi Freedom I 

As the U.S. invasion of Iraq began in March 2002, the Troopers of the 3d Armored Cavalry 

Regiment readied themselves for deployment in support of the campaign to remove the despotic 

Sadam Hussein regime. 

Beginning in August 2002, the Regiment began to prepare for operations in the Central 

Command Area of Operations (CENTCOM AOR). The preparations included a National Training Center rotation, Warfighter exercises with both III Corps and V Corps, intensive individual 

and collective training, weapons qualification, and lane training at Fort Carson. 

In addition to the intense training, the Regiment fielded many pieces of new equipment, and 

reactivated its second AH-64A Apache attack helicopter troop. 

The 3d ACR received a deployment order for movement to the CENTCOM AOR on 14 

February 2003. Equipment was prepared and moved by rail from Fort Carson to the port of 

Beaumont, Texas. The first Troopers arrived in Kuwait on 2 April and the remainder of the 

Regiment was in theater by the middle of the month. 

The main body of the Regiment crossed the border into Iraq on 25 April 2003, but Baghdad 

had fallen and shortly thereafter President Bush announced the end of major combat operations. 

The Regiment missed the high profile assault into Iraq, but upon it’s arrival, it was immediately 

tasked to perform an economy of force mission to secure and stabilize the 

The 70th Colonel, David A. Teeples (L), and the XVI RCSM, John R. Caldwell bid 

farewell to members of the Regiment at Colorado Springs Airport Jet Center as they 

board the flight to Kuwait. 

 35
36 

western part of the country. This area had been by-passed during the advance to Baghdad, and 

the Regiment had little intelligence on what would be found there. They found that they had 

been given responsibility for Al Anbar Province, the largest province in Iraq, which covered 

fully one third of the country, or about 140,000 square kilometers. This was the largest single 

operational area of any unit, including divisions, in the theater and it included the “Sunni Triangle”, the part of Iraq that Saddam Hussein, his family, and the senior leaders of the Ba’ath Party 

called home. Al Anbar was home to 48 primary and 14 sub-tribes and it shared a 900 kilometer 

western border with Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria. 

The 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment became the nucleus of a Regimental Combat Team 

named Task Force Rifles with the attachment of numerous units (see Appendix H for a list of 

attached units). While the Regiment’s strength grew to include five squadrons, four battalions, 

and eight separate companies totaling more than 8,300 troops, Task Force Rifles, was the smallest major subordinate command in Combined Joint Task Force 7 (CJTF-7). 

The various elements of Task Force Rifles successfully performed many missions across 

the entire spectrum of military operations from offensive actions to civil affairs operations. 

Daily operations included reconnaissance, security patrols, escort duty, static security, and presence patrols. Other types of missions included capturing or killing former regime elements, securing mass grave sites, and restoring law and order by opening Iraqi police stations, courthouses, and prisons. Tankers, artillerymen and other Troopers whose specialties don’t normally 

require them to perform these types of missions found themselves operating like infantry and 

scouts. 

PV2 Joseph M. King of Apache Troop provides security for his dismounted team 

while they sweep the area after an ambush near the headquarters of the Ba’ath 

Party in Husaybah on 27 October 2003. Photo courtesy Andy Rogers/Colorado 

Springs Gazette. 

... ~ I _ '·~. ____ I -----.. -. _ ..... ' 

·- -· ... .. ,.,.. .... . -

_ ·--... ....- ---.,. 

"" ,,-• -·-.r 

.. ,,,.. ,,.. 

L 

~-._. 

,,, .. 
The combat units were asked by the city of Fallujah not to use their tracked vehicles for patrolling in the built up areas because it would disrupt the community. To increase mobility and 

decrease damage to infrastructure, they adopted High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles 

(HMMWVs) for many of these operations. The trade-off for the increased mobility was that 

the patrols became highly vulnerable to terrorist attacks, particularly those employing Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). As a result of these attacks, use of armored vehicles was 

eventually resumed. 

Offensive operations mounted by Task Force Rifles included RIFLES SCORPION, RIFLES GO WEST, RIFLES BLITZ, AND RIFLES FURY. Task Force Rifles initiated operations by conducting reconnaissance missions in the Euphrates River Crescent to identify targets, 

remove hostile Ba’ath Party members from power, and eliminate anti-coalition media sources. 

The Regimental Combat Team continued combat operations focusing on finding and destroying regime loyalist camps and weapons caches between Lake Tar Tar and the Euphrates 

River. This operation resulted in the apprehension of several individuals from the Defense Intelligence Agency’s Top 55 Black List of High Value Targets (HVTs). 

PFC James V. Garza (L) and SPC Ruperto Estrada of 3rd Platoon, Grim Troop 

apply C4 plastic explosive to 82 millimeter mortar ammunition stacked for 

demolition during “Operation Longstreet” about 50 miles northwest of Fallujah. 

By the end of August, the Task Force had confiscated 1,080 122mm artillery rounds, 928 

mortar rounds, 8,991 23mm rounds, 2,828 AK-47s, two pistols, 10 anti-tank missiles, 45 antitank mines, eight surface-to-air missiles, four kegs of gunpowder, 300 130mm high explosive 

rounds, three boxes of hand grenades, 20 high explosive anti-tank rounds, 125 100mm tank gun 

rounds, 134 rocket-propelled grenades, two sniper rifles, 30 37mm anti-aircraft rounds, one improvised explosive device, and one SA-7 surface-to-air guided missile system. 

37 
The Task Force found an Iranian terrorist organization called the Mujahideen e-Khalq

(MEK) occupying a compound in Fallujah. While the MEK appeared to have taken no action 

against Coalition forces, on 9 May, it was forced to turn over its weapons and evacuate the 

compound. 

Hand in hand with combat operations, Task Force Rifles spent an enormous amount time 

and energy performing civil-military operations (CMO). The first of these was establishing a 

Government Support Team (GST) in Ar Ramadi. The GST opened its office in the Ar Ramadi 

Municipal Building in order to establish a relationship with the civic leaders and directors of the 

local infrastructure, allowing the GST to work along side the leaders of the capital of Al Anbar. 

One of the challenges facing both the GST and local government officials was developing a 

decentralized approach to operations because of the distance from Baghdad and the fact that the 

local authorities were used to highly centralized control by the old regime. The Regimental 

Commander, Colonel David A. Teeples, the GST, and the Regimental Staff all provided guidance so that the local leaders could begin learning to operate independently. 

38 

Sheik Bezie Al Gaoud (L) and Sheik Abdul Razak, present Colonel David 

A. Teeples, 70th Colonel of the Regiment, with a sword in his office at Al 

Asad Air Base. The Sheiks are among the most important figures in the 

leadership of Al Anbar Province. 
39 

In order to help the local officials adapt to the new system, Colonel Teeples established biweekly meetings with the most important leaders in Al Anbar. This assistance began to show 

results after a few months as the new leaders began to govern with increasing independence. 

Colonel Teeples communicated coalition goals and his priorities of security, fuel, and employment, directly to all of the sheiks of the province during the first to two meetings he hosted 

with them. At the second meeting in July, in addition to the sheiks, several mayors were invited 

to join the proceedings to further strengthen the cooperation between coalition forces and leaders. 

In August 2003 when on one from Al Anbar was invited to sit on the new Iraqi Governing 

Council in Baghdad, the people of Al Anbar were outraged. In order to preserve the progress 

that had been achieved so far, the Governor, sheiks, and civic and religious leaders from each 

community were invited to participate in a new Al Anbar Provincial Council. 

Following the election of a Council Chairman and Vice Chairman, the Council met at various locations around the province and began work on resolving issues that affected local citizens. This was also the first time that women were allowed to take part in the government process. The Province Council evolved into a functioning civilian government that demonstrated 

that the democratic process would work for the people. 

With Predatory Battery providing security, Iraqi workers line up to be paid by the Al 

Anbar Provincial Governate. 
40 

Despite being determined to take charge of their own affairs, the lack of resources made any 

progress extremely difficult. In an effort to re-energize local government agencies and get people back to work, the GST was able to channel over 60 million U.S. dollars to some 40,000 civil 

servants in Fallujah, Habbaniyah, Ramadi, Hit, Hadithah, Al Qaim, and Ar Rutbah and about 

30,000 former soldiers living in the province who had been sent home during CJTF-7’s consolidation prior to Task Force Rifles’ arrival in the province. 

The Task Force facilitated the hiring of 400 workers for the Ar Ramadi Department of Sanitation, many of whom were hired from the Al Tesh refugee camp. Wherever possible, local 

people were put to work on these projects, and by the end of September over 30 million dollars 

had been disbursed by Task Force Rifles. 

Various units of the Task Force found themselves managing a large number of projects, 

many to rebuild the infrastructure and restore basic services, efforts aimed at winning the hearts 

and minds of the Iraqi people. The old regime turned many schools in Iraq into munitions storage facilities, in the belief that the munitions would be secure because the Coalition Forces 

would not attack schools. 

SGT Carl D. Harding, CSM Gilberto Muniz, and CPT Mary Thompson, all of HHT, 

Support Squadron, give school supplies to children at a boy’s school in Iraq. Over 

300 schools in Task Force Rifles’ area of responsibility were renovated and reopened. 
The United Nations World Food Program facility, operating from Ar Ramadi, was initially 

secured by elements of the Task Force. This facility received and distributed over 1,400 truck 

loads of food to the local citizens. Task Force Rifles also distributed over 49,000 

Humanitarian Daily Rations (HDRs) to various hospitals, clinics, and other facilities in the area. 

Additionally, hospitals were renovated. Unlike those facilities used by the members of the 

regime, health care facilities used by the common people were found to be far below normal 

standards. The Task Force brought medical care to people who had never seen a health 

care professional in their lives. Medical supplies and equipment were provided to the Iraqi 

 facilities along with food and other basic items. Specialized healthcare was provided by a clinic 

established and staffed by female Task Force personnel especially to provide treatment to Iraqi 

women. 

Task Force Rifles established the first Highway Patrol in Iraq and hired over 1500 police 

officers and other security personnel. Providing employment to idle citizens not only gave them 

an income, but put more responsibility for their security into their own hands. 

Another security mission performed by Task Force Rifles was taking control of the border 

crossing points of Husayba (Syria), Tenaf (Syria), and Trebil (Jordan). In addition, a crossing 

control point was established at Ar Ar (Saudi Arabia) where only an open border had existed 

before. There was an urgent need to gain control of these border crossing points to prevent more 

support for foreign terrorists from entering Iraq. 

SPC David S. Selby leads other members of 1st Platoon, Lightning Troop as 

they execute a raid in Rawah, Iraq. 

41 
The Task Force, in conjunction with the Al Anbar governor, stood up a force of several 

hundred border guards who were paid by the Al Anbar Governorate rather than by coalition 

forces. An additional requirement was to have the crossing point at Ar Ar up and manned in 

time for the Haj pilgrimage to the holy cities of Saudi Arabia. Approximately 31,000 Iraqis took 

advantage of the opportunity to take part in the Haj. 

Another Task Force project to increase security was the establishment of the Iraqi Civil Defense Corps (ICDC) training facility north of the city of Hit. More that 3000 troops were 

trained allowing two ICDC battalions to be raised. 

Long Knife Squadron established aerial border qualification standards and became the first 

aviation unit in theater to operate well inside the 5 kilometer buffer zone established by U.S. 

Central Command. The success of the program resulted in its adoption by Combined Joint Task 

Force 7 (CJTF-7) as the theater standard. 

Over 20 Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) were established in order to provide the best possible living conditions for the Task Force, and from which combat, security, and support operations could be conducted throughout a 140,000 square kilometer area. 

The various Forward Operation Bases (FOBs) established by the Task Force became nodes 

in a massive logistical network. The various support organizations in the Task Force ran more 

than 800 convoys, driving over 3.8 million miles to keep Task Force units supplied with everything needed to continue operations. 

Outlaw Troop maintenance personnel perform maintenance on an OH-58D Kiowa 

Warrior helicopter at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. Longknife Squadron’s helicopters provided continuous support to the various ground elements of Task Force Rifles. 

42 
These support units, used to operating in relative security, found themselves to be prime targets since terrorists discovered that the vehicles with little or no armor were easy targets and 

focused their attention on them. The support units learned to deal with the threat and continued 

to march, playing a vital role in securing peace and stability in Al Anbar Province. 

Near the beginning of January, heavy equipment and vehicles had begun moving south to 

Kuwait to be prepared for the voyage home. While vehicles were loaded as the ships became 

available, Troopers of the 3d ACR began flying back to the U. S. on 23 March. 

On 18 January initial contact was made with the U.S. Marine Corps’ 7th Regimental Combat Team when representatives of that unit arrived at Rifles Base for briefings in order to begin 

the planning necessary to accomplish the Marines’ relief of Task Force Rifles. The Marines began arriving in numbers by the middle of February, and beginning on 4 March, joint missions 

were conducted with Marine units. 

Task Force Rifles continued to conduct combat operations until 14 March 2004 when authority for the Al Anbar Province Area of Operations was officially transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps. 

The Regimental Combat Team’s last flight from Al Asad occurred on 18 March. The last 

flight from Kuwait departed on 31 March 2004. 

Colonel Teeples and Sergeant Major Caldwell case the Regimental Color 

at Rifles Base during the Change of Responsibility Ceremony with the 7th 

Marine Regimental Combat Team. 

43 
Despite the Third Armored Cavalry Regiment’s successes with the many and varied missions it performed in Iraq, it should be remembered that the Regiment and its attachments were 

still operating in a combat environment. At any given time in the Regimental Combat Team’s 

area of responsibility, at least some Troopers were under fire. Approximately 400 citations for 

valor were awarded, but 33 3d Armored Cavalry officers or Troopers died during Operation 

Iraqi Freedom I. 18 attached Troopers of the Task Force also died. 233 Task Force Rifles 

Troopers were wounded. The names and units of the Troopers who died may be found at Appendix I. 

44 

The memorial service at Forward Operating Base Tiger for 

SGT Michael E. Dooley of Bandit Troop. SGT Dooley was 

killed in Action at Al Qaim, Iraq on 8 June 2003. 
Operation Iraqi Freedom III 

The Brave Rifles team had barely settled back into Fort Carson when, in July 2004, another 

deployment order alerted the Regiment that it would return to Iraq. This gave the members of 

the Regiment only about 10 months back home with their families, to ready equipment and train 

up before returning to the CENTCOM Theater of Operations. In August over 400 members of 

the Regiment reenlisted together in a mass ceremony. 

In a flurry of activity, the Fort Carson Directorate of Logistics, in conjunction with contractor personnel, “up-armored” the Regiment’s tactical wheeled vehicle fleet before it was shipped 

back to Iraq. This represented a major improvement in protection for personnel who had previously been required to operate thin-skinned vehicles under the threat of Improved Explosive 

Devices (IED). 

In March, the Regiment deployed once again to Kuwait and began moving into Iraq at the 

beginning of April, 2005. The Regiment initially deployed to southern Baghdad Province in 

April of 2005 where it conducted operations for almost two months. Saddam Hussein used the 

fertile farmlands and luxurious riverside mansions of South Baghdad as rewards for top party 

officials, military officers, secret police, and intelligence agents. After the fall of the regime, 

the area became one of the most troubled regions in Iraq and a staging area for terrorist operations against Baghdad. 

45 

SSG Nathan Rico of Lightning Troop moves his Bradley Fighting Vehicle 

through the countryside south of Baghdad during a zone reconnaissance mission, 

7 April 2005. Photo courtesy Todd Heisler/Rocky Mountain News. 
Upon their arrival to South Baghdad, the Regiment conducted reconnaissance and offensive 

operations to defeat the enemy insurgent network and deny the enemy the ability to disrupt political and economic development in the capitol city of six million people. 

First (Tiger) Squadron, Third (Thunder) Squadron, and 2nd Battalion, 70th Armor (which 

was attached to the Regiment), conducted combined reconnaissance and offensive operations 

with the Iraqi Army’s Intervention Force. During Operations Tiger Walk, Bolt Down, and 

Brush Back, the Regiment captured entire insurgent cells and uncovered stockpiles of munitions. 4th (Long Knife) Squadron’s helicopters allowed the Regiment to gain and maintain contact with an elusive enemy. The combined air-ground effort denied the enemy freedom of 

movement and allowed the Regiment to kill or capture eight triggermen responsible for roadside bombs. As a result, attacks along the main supply route (Route Tampa) fell dramatically 

and the Regiment was able to protect critical areas such as Baghdad International Airport. 

As the Regiment began conducting counterinsurgency operations in south Baghdad, Saber 

Squadron responded immediately to new orders and began movement to Western Ninewa Province. Support (Muleskinner) Squadron , sustained fast paced operations from an immature base 

while supporting Saber Squadron’s movement to what would become the new Regimental area 

of operations. 

46 

SPC Brantwan Smith provides overwatch for Iraqi Intervention Force Soldiers with 

other members of Apache Troop during Operation Tigerwalk in Babil Province on 20 

April 2005. Materials for making improvised explosive devices were found in the 

house. Photo courtesy Craig F. Walker/Denver Post. 
In mid-May, after severely disrupting the enemy networks between the Tigris and Euphrates 

River Valleys south of Baghdad, the Regiment undertook a new mission to defeat a highly organized terrorist network in northwest Iraq, centered on the ancient city of Tall’ Afar. 

Thunder Squadron, initially reinforced with the Regiments Air Defense Battery (Predator), 

an engineer platoon from the 43rd Engineers (Sappers), the Attack Aviation Troop (Renegade), 

3rd Platoon, Dragon Company from Tiger, and Iraqi Army advisors from Tiger, remained in 

Southern Baghdad to give the Third Infantry Division the combat power it needed to defeat a 

deeply rooted terrorist network and protect Baghdad from the devastating terror attacks originating from this area. 

In September of 2004, Iraqi security forces in Tall Afar collapsed, and the town and the region around it became an insurgent training area and staging base. Two months later, terrorists 

used this area to organize and conduct systematic attacks on Mosul, a city of 2.5 million people. 

Foreign extremists, combined with local insurgents and criminals under the organization Al 

Qaeda in Iraq, began a reign of terror that choked the life out of Tall afar, Biaj, and Avgani 

while victimizing people throughout the region. Saber Squadron, along with a small Regimental 

command and control group, and a forward logistical element from Muleskinner led the Regiment to Tall Afar in mid April.

 

47 

An Iraqi woman hurries away from her house as Tiger Squadron Troopers and Iraqi 

Intervention Force Soldiers search it during Operation Tigerwalk in Babil Province, 

south of Baghdad, 20 April 2005. Photo courtesy Craig F. Walker/The Denver Post. 
The Regiment’s area of operations in Western Ninewa Province spanned 33,000 square 

kilometers and included 278 kilometers of the Syrian/Iraqi border (the Rabiyah Port of Entry 

was particularly critical as the only legal border crossing in Ninewa Province). The population 

of Western Ninewa is approximately 655,000 with about 200,000 people living in Tall Afar. 

The Regiment partnered with an Iraqi Border Police brigade of five battalions manning fortytwo forts along the Syrian border. 

One Iraqi Army brigade occupied the western area of operations with battalions in Rabiyah, 

Biaj, and Sinjar, while another brigade operated in Tall Afar, and a third brigade operated from 

the Al Kisik Military Base in the northern area of operations. The Regiment also partnered with 

the Iraqi Police across the Province and worked to increase their capabilities and introduce them 

into communities with little police presence. Special Forces operational detachments and Military Transition Teams proved invaluable in accelerating the Iraqi Army’s development. The 

Regiment rapidly developed close relationships with their Iraqi partners. 

The Regiment, reinforced by the 2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry, immediately challenged the 

terrorist stronghold in Tall Afar. Throughout the months of May, June, and July, Saber Squadron developed accurate intelligence through effective reconnaissance operations. The Squadron’s ground units conducted raids and engaged in several pitched battles with the enemy that 

lasted several hours – some of the toughest urban combat seen by American units in Iraq. The 

enemy countered the advantage provided to the Troopers on the ground by reconnaissance aircraft by developing a highly organized air defense network that relied on timely communications and large volumes of small arms and machine gun fire. 

48 

SSG Justin Vasquez of L Troop questions an Iraqi who was found a cell 

phone in a car parked near the scene of a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack on an L Troop HMMWV that occurred on 10 April 

2005. Cell phones can be used to detonate IEDs. Sergeant Vazquez was 

killed in action by on 5 June 2005. Photo courtesy of Todd Heisler/Rocky 

Mountain News 
Enemy actions against the Regiments air assets resulted in damage to 12 aircraft in less than 

two months of intense fighting. 

Saber Squadron, reinforced by Dragon Company from Tiger Squadron, countered the enemy offensive by building positive relationships with the people that led to accurate intelligence. It was clear that Tall Afar was under the control of Al Qaeda in Iraq. The so-called 

“Battalion of the One True God” was highly organized into four combat battalions, each numbering between 500 and 1000 fighters. The insurgent stronghold was in the Sarai District – a 

dense network of ancient, multi-story stone buildings, laced with courtyards cross cut with 

winding narrow alleyways, thus not accessible to armored vehicles. It was clear to the Iraqi 

Army and Regimental leadership that to wrest control of the city from the insurgents, a large 

scale, combined offensive with Iraqi Army and police units, would be required. The Regiment 

and the 3rd Iraqi Division began planning the operation in early July. Saber Squadron set conditions for the operation by improving the local government, beginning the reconstitution of the 

police, and engaging tribal leaders. 

In late May, while Thunder Squadron assumed a brigade-sized mission South of Baghdad 

and Renegade Troop operated temporarily with the 3rd Infantry Division, the Regimental Headquarters, Tiger Squadron, Longknife Squadron, and Muleskinner Squadron joined Saber Squadron and initiated combat operations across Western Ninewa Province. The Regiment immediately launched Operation Veterans Forward to establish Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police, and Iraqi Border Police across the vast Syrian border region – a region the enemy was using to access external support from Syria. 

49 

An Outlaw Troop OH-58D Kiowa Warrior armed reconnaissance helicopter flies 

over Tall Afar. 
2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry returned with Iraqi Army units and Longknife Squadron conducted a zone reconnaissance in the vast Jazeera desert region of Ninewa and Al Anbar Provinces to the north bank of the Euphrates River. The joint operation uncovered weapons caches 

and killed or captured eight foreign terrorists responsible for the kidnapping and death of the 

governor of Al Anbar Province. 

Tiger Squadron, reinforced with Sapper Company and Predator Battery, established itself in 

the west operating from bases that spanned over 100 kilometers from the border town of Rabiyah to the cities of Sinjar and south to Biaj. By the end of May, Tiger had established permanent security and its main operating base in the town of Sinjar and had secured the critical supply route that follows the ancient Silk Road from the Syrian border to Tall Afar. 

One June 1st, Tiger Liberated the town of Biaj from the terrorists and immediately reestablished permanent security with Apache Troop, Iraqi Army, and Police. This successful 

operation set a precedent for future Regimental counterinsurgency operations across Western 

Ninewa Province. Tiger then moved north of Sinjar Mountain and established security at the 

Syrian Border town of Rabiyah, where they dismantled passport forging rings and captured 

other terrorist facilitators. The Regiment helped to establish the border police and severely restricted the enemy’s ability to smuggle weapons, terrorists, and suicide bombers into Ninewa 

Province and Iraq. 

In late July and early August, Saber Squadron, Tiger Squadron, U.S. Army Special Forces, 

and the Iraqi Army conducted a series of operations to defeat the enemy in Avgani, a small 

town north of Tall Afar that had served as a terrorist stronghold. An Iraqi Army battalion with 

US Army Special Forces advisors then established permanent security with an Iraqi Police force 

built from scratch. 

50 

Members of Eagle Troop establish security during a raid in Avgani on 13 June 

2005. Photo courtesy Christoph Bangert/Polaris 
Meanwhile, Long Knife Squadron organized a new Q troop, called Quickstrike, that consisted of an attached COLT (Combat Observation and Lasing Team) platoon, a platoon from 

Predator Battery, and a platoon of Iraqi Army Soldiers. Quickstrike gave Long Knife Squadron 

a unit that could move rapidly over long distances and be inserted to conduct ground reconnaissance missions. Quickstrike conducted reconnaissance and security operations in the vast desert 

in the Southern part of the Regiment’s area of Operations and along the Syrian border. 

The Regiment could not have conducted these operations without the work of Muleskinner 

Squadron. Muleskinner moved thousands of tons of building materials, fuel, water, and ammunition across an area covering 22,000 sq kilometers while mechanics, medics, truck drivers and 

other support troopers worked tirelessly to sustain the Regiment as our troopers pursued the enemy and brought security to the people of the vast desert region. 

Prior to coalition operations in August, Al Qaeda in Iraq attempted to reinforce their efforts 

in Tall Afar. A prominent Al Qaeda in Iraq website proclaimed that the “Lions of Tall Afar” 

would never surrender their stronghold and that they would repel all coalition and Iraqi Army 

attempts to regain control of the city. The purpose of Operation Resorting Rights was to defeat 

the insurgency in Tall Afar so that the enemy could no longer effectively conduct a campaign of 

intimidation and coercion against the local population, and to destroy the enemy bases of operations they used to stage attacks across Western Ninewa Province and Iraq. The Iraqi Army and 

the Coalition Forces aimed to separate the enemy from the population and set conditions to allow the Regiment to recruit and reconstitute the police in Tall Afar, which was the first step in 

introducing the rule of law back into Tall Afar. 

51 

SPC Crystal Cason, a property book clerk in HHT, Support Squadron, cleans 

the .50 caliber machinegun she uses when she moves out as a gunner on Muleskinner convoy missions. Photo courtesy Craig F. Walker/The Denver Post. 
Shaping operations for Operation Restoring Rights began with area reconnaissance in 

outlying communities where the Regiment received intelligence that the enemy was transiting 

back and forth to Tall Afar. Under the advice of the Iraqi Army, the 43rd Combat Engineer 

Company then established an eight foot high wall around Tall Afar, to control movement in and 

out of Tall Afar. As the wall was being built, the Regiment then integrated 9 Iraqi Army and 

Police battalions – over 5,500 Iraqi Soldiers and police officers -- into operations in and around 

Tall Afar. These forces included a battalion from the 2nd Iraqi Army Division from Irbil, an 

Iraqi Special Forces battalion, a Commando Brigade, and the Mosul Emergency Police Battalion, and five battalions from the 3rd Iraqi Army Division. 

As Saber Squadron conducted operations in Tall Afar, Tiger Squadron conducted reconnaissance from the western part in the area of operations moving east towards Tall Afar. Tiger 

Squadron was called upon to reinforce combat efforts during Operation Restoring Freedom. 

Upon arrival in Tall Afar, Tiger conducted a relief in place with Saber Squadron and assumed 

control of the Western portion of the city – an area where the enemy had waged a brutal campaign of intimidation and used vacated homes to set-up complex attacks on our forces. Tiger 

immediately took the fight to the enemy and inflicted heavy losses and prevented them from 

diverting the Regiment away from their safe haven in Sarai. 

Simultaneous to Tiger’s Offensive Operations in the West, Saber Squadron conducted a 

deliberate attack into Eastern Tall Afar to isolate the enemy’s safe haven in Sarai. Insurgents 

fought to stop the Regiment and the Iraqi Army’s advance, but suffered heavy losses at the 

hands of Saber Squadron, the Iraqi Army, and the Regiment’s attack and reconnaissance aircraft. 

While Saber Squadron isolated the enemy in the Sarai district, the Regiment took measures to evacuate civilians from the neighborhood through a screening site manned by Muleskinner Squadron and the Mosul Emergency Police Battalion. During the course of the evacuation, 

Tiger Squadron moved southeast towards the Sarai district to further isolate insurgents located 

in Sarai, while attack aviation, along with precision artillery combined with effective ground 

reconnaissance and fires, defeated the enemy in detail as they tried to escape. 

As coalition forces moved in on the enemy, the Regiment gained key intelligence from 

civilians who wanted to regain control of the city. Intelligence reports indicated that insurgent 

leadership and fighters had been so depleted that remaining insurgent leaders had began to advise their fighters to escape Tall Afar at all costs. In order to seize insurgents as they fled the 

city, Iraqi Army and Police forces helped the Regiment to identify enemy fighters trying to escape, capturing over 800 enemy fighters. 

While the Regiment began to clear enemy homes in the Sarai district, 2nd Battalion, 325 

Infantry Regiment (Airborne) from the 82nd Airborne Division (White Falcon) was sent to help 

strengthen forces already in place. This dismounted infantry battalion gave the Regiment the 

ability to effectively clear the remainder of the Sarai district and prevent the enemy from regaining a foothold in the area. From 24 August – 23 September, the Regiment killed over 150 

enemy fighters. 

As the bulk of the Regiment fought in Northwest Iraq, Thunder Squadron became the keystone of the Third Infantry Division’s counterinsurgency efforts in South Baghdad while they 

also secured the most critical supply route in the theater. Their aggressive pursuit of this enemy 

dealt a severe blow to the terror network in this critical area, killing scores of enemy and 

52 
 detaining hundreds, resulting in the breakup of enemy terror cells. 

In addition to all important route security, Thunder Squadron conducted numerous operations against enemy safe havens, leading the Third Infantry Division’s efforts in this critical 

area. The entrenched enemy in South Baghdad used the complex canal system to hide while 

planning and staging devastating terror attacks in Baghdad. Thunder Squadron fought through 

the tough urban and rural area and established key intelligence sources to penetrate the enemy’s 

networks as they also formed partnerships with a newly formed battalion from the Iraqi Army’s 

6th Division. 

532 

Lieutenant Alan Sholes of Lightning Troop searches for weapons caches on a 

farm south of Baghdad on 7 April 2005. Photo courtesy Todd Heisler/Rocky 

Mountain News. 

While in theater, Thunder Squadron conducted fourteen air assault operations to kill or capture enemy cells and also established Iraqi Army patrol bases to regain control of this region in 

order to protect the people from the enemy’s brutal campaign of intimidation. Their innovative 

use of air assault tactics, indirect fires, and patrol bases has become the model for the 4th Infantry Division’s counterinsurgency efforts in the difficult south Baghdad region. 

The Regiment secured the victory in Tall Afar and across Western Ninewa Province by partnering with Iraqi Army, moving into the communities and living among the people, and reestablishing the Iraqi Police that were representative of the ethnic and sectarian balance in the 

Area of Operations. Immediately following Operation Restoring Rights, the enemy realized 

they had lost control of the city and responded to their losses with brutal suicide bombings in an 

attempt to intimidate the population. Tasting freedom, the people of Tall Afar refused to be intimidated and up to 70% of the population living in Tall Afar voted in the October Referendum. 

The pall of fear over the city lifted, and the people responded by joining the police force, recruiting over 1765 joined the Tall Afar police force and more than 2700 citizens of Western 

Ninewa enlisted in the Iraqi Army. 
The Regiment, working closely with the local and national Iraqi government agencies, initiated 

reconstruction of the city, schools, roads, and parks. Today, over 95% of Tall Afar enjoys almost twenty hours of electricity each day, while the market places are open and the people 

genuinely are excited about the future of Tall Afar. As further testament to the revitalization of 

Tall Afar, over 85% of the population across Western Ninewa Province turned out to vote in 

December 2005 for their first full term government. 

More importantly, Iraqi Security Forces have taken the lead in conducting counterinsurgency operations. Along the border, Iraqi Border Police routinely interdict smugglers with no 

assistance from Coalition Forces. Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police across the area of operations secured polling sites with little or no coalition assistance. In Tall Afar and towns throughout the 

area, local tips hotlines and a Joint Coordination Centers allowed Iraqi Police to respond instantaneously to reports of insurgent activity. The Iraqi Army took the lead in establishing security 

across the province and works closely with the Iraqi Border Police and Iraqi Police to provide 

security for Western Ninewa Province. 

Terrorists want Iraq to descend into civil war so terrorist organizations can use this land 

to plan, organize, and conduct mass murder not only in this region, but against all civilized peoples. Western Ninewa seemed the ideal place to incite ethnic, sectarian, and tribal conflict because it is populated by Kurds, Arabs, Yezidis, and Turkomen, who are further sub-divided into 

Turkomen Shia and Turkomen Sunni. After the Regiment and its Iraqi partners reestablished 

security for the people, reconciliation began between the city’s and the region’s various factions. Life returned to Tall Afar and villages across the province. People are no longer afraid. 

54 

COL H.R. McMaster speaks to an Iraqi man during a reconnaissance 

mission south of Baghdad on 12 April 2005. Photo courtesy Craig F. 

Walker/ The Denver Post. 
They are cooperating with rapidly improving Iraqi Security Forces. Economic and political development is proceeding because 3d ACR Troopers, fighting alongside their Iraqi brothers, 

made a difference in real people’s lives across Western Ninewa Province and Southern Baghdad Province, helped bring security and freedom to the Iraqi people. These efforts helped secure 

our own nation and all civilized peoples from terrorists determined to perpetuate hatred and violence. 

The 3d ACR once again paid a stiff price for its participation in the Global War on Terrorism. 39 members of the Regiment died during this deployment and approximately 126 were 

wounded. 4 attached Soldiers also died. Despite this sacrifice, the officers and Troopers of the 

3d Armored Cavalry Regiment have once again added pages to the heritage established over 

160 years ago by the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen. 

Into the Future 

As a result of the terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center, the military 

forces of the United States have been committed in a new kind of war against a new enemy: the 

Global War on Terrorism. Muslim extremists have vowed to destroy the American way of life, 

uniting the nation in a way unseen since World War II. 

55 
The Army is undergoing a radical transformation in organizational structure, new equipment continues to be fielded, and new tactics, techniques, and procedures, learned in combat, 

are being assimilated, all while fighting this war. If nothing else was learned from the fall of the 

Berlin wall, we have learned that change is inevitable. 

While the 3d ACR was engaged in OIF III, the announcement was made that it would move 

to Fort Hood, Texas after its return from Iraq. In addition, a number of changes to the Regiment’s organization are scheduled to take place in conjunction with the transformation of the 

Army. Some of these changes have already taken place. 

The 571 Medical Company (Air Ambulance) — Witchdoctor Company — was detached 

from the Regiment and deployed back to Iraq independently. After serving as a part of the 

Brave Rifles family since July, 1996, the 571st was inactivated on 15 April 2006. 

Long Knife Squadron will undergo other change, as well. The new organization will have 

three attack helicopter troops, a utility helicopter troop, an aviation intermediate maintenance 

troop, and an aviation unit maintenance troop. The Regiment will also lose its air defense unit 

when Predator Battery inactivates on 5 June 2006. 

After the 3d ACR returned from Iraq, many members of the Regiment and their families 

were faced with decisions regarding their future. A flurry of activity began as representatives 

of the Army’s Human Resources Command geared up to help the members of the Regiment 

determine whether they would move to Fort Hood, remain at Fort Carson or take advantage of 

other opportunities. 

The Regiment is scheduled uncase its colors at Fort Hood in July, 2006 where it will begin a 

3 year life-cycle management plan after it has completed the reset of its weapons and equipment. As it has many times in the past, the 3d ACR will integrate many new members into the 

Brave Rifles family, training them for future deployments in support of the Global War on Terrorism as well as any other contingencies that may arise. The 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment 

will continue its long, proud history, serving on the frontiers of freedom, as the last heavy cavalry regiment in the Army. 

56 
PART II: REGIMENTAL CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

Regimental Museum 

The Third Cavalry Museum is considered a part of the Regimental Headquarters. Founded 

in 1933, the Museum is dedicated to the officers and Troopers of the Regiment. The history, 

customs, and traditions of the Regiment from 1846 to the present day are interpreted through 

the Museum’s extensive collection of photographs, documents, and historical property. 

It is the responsibility of all commanders to ensure that all newly assigned members of 

their units visit the Museum shortly after their arrival. The Museum is presently located in 

building 2160. Call 526-1040 or 526-2028 for operating hours. 

 57 

Drawings by Randy Steffen and Don Greer 

Iron men ... Iron hor e ! 
Regimental Insignia 

Coat of Arms

The Regimental Coat of Arms for the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment was originally approved for the 3d Cavalry Regiment on 7 May 1921. The Coat of Arms was redesignated for 

the 3d Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, Mechanized on 28 February 1945. On 18 December 

1951, the Coat of Arms was once again redesignated, this time for the 3d Armored Cavalry 

Regiment. The Coat of Arms was amended to revise its symbolism on 27 June 1960. On 21 

February 1974 the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment was issued a formal Grant of Arms by the

U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry. 

Blazon 

Shield: Vert (green), on a cross argent (silver) a tower of the field (green) on a chief or (gold) 

bend gules (red). 

Crest: On a wreath of the colors argent (silver) and vert (green) a trumpet palewise (vertical) 

or (gold). 

Motto: Brave Rifles! Veterans! You have been baptized in fire and blood and have 

come out steel! 

58 
Symbolism 

The Regiment’s original green facings on the uniform and its gold trumpet insignia are 

shown by the color of the shield and by the crest. The unit’s first engagement was the capture of 

Vera Cruz, and its continued with especially distinguished service throughout the campaign of 

1847 to the capture of Mexico City. Upon entering the city, it hoisted the Stars and Stripes over 

the national palace and displayed the regimental standard from the palace balcony, which drew 

from General Scott the statement, “Brave Rifles! Veterans! You have been baptized in fire and 

blood and come steel.”* The campaign is shown by the cross for Vera Cruz and the tower in 

green (the Mexican color) for fortified Mexico City, the first and last engagements thereof. The 

chief, taken from the arms of Lorraine, commemorates the Regiment’s World War I service. 

*It has since been determined that General Scott actually made this statement in a speech to 

the Regiment at Contreras, rather than in Mexico City. See Appendix G for the full text of the 

speech. 

Regimental Distinctive Unit Insignia 

The original branch insignia of the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen was a trumpet rather 

than the crossed sabers of the dragoon regiments, the only other mounted units in the Army at 

that time. This trumpet surmounts the crest on the Regimental Coat of Arms and appears on the 

present day Regimental Distinctive Unit Insignia, which is shown below. Affectionately known 

as the “Bug” due to its shape, this distinctive insignia was originally approved for the 3d 

Cavalry Regiment on 25 November 1922, and amended to revise its description on 5 January 

1923. On 18 December 1951, this insignia was redesignated for the 3d Armored Cavalry 

Regiment. 

Symbolism 

The green facing on the distinctive uniform authorized for the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen in 1851 and its gold trumpet insignia are shown by the color of the shield and by the crest. 

The unit’s first engagement was the capture of Vera Cruz, and it continued with especially distinguished service throughout the campaign of 1847 to the capture of Mexico City. Upon entering the city, it hoisted the Stars and Stripes over the national palace and displayed the regimental standard from the palace balcony. The campaign is shown by the cross for Vera Cruz and 

the tower of green (the Mexican National Color) for fortified Mexico City, the first and last engagements thereof. The chief, or red diagonal band, is taken from the arms of Lorraine, and 

memorializes the Regiment’s service in the First World War. 

59 
Description 

A green enameled metal device 1 1/16th inches in width consisting of a gold colored metal 

trumpet, mouthpiece up, entwined vertically with a cord, surmounting a green enamel scroll 

arced on the left and the right and looped below the trumpet inscribed “BRAVE” on the 

viewer’s left and “RIFLES” on the viewer’s right, and the numeral “3” centered on the lower 

segment, all in gold colored metal. 

NOTE: IT IS A VIOLATION OF BOTH ARMY POLICY AND TITLE 18, USC, 

SECTION 701 TO ALTER MILITARY INSIGNIA FOR ANY REASON. Persons or 

organizations needing graphic examples of any 3d ACR insignia should use only the 

original designs rather than attempting to create their own versions. Approved versions may 

be obtained from the Third Cavalry Museum. 

 60 

Regimental Distinctive Unit Insignia 
Description 

On a green disk with 1/8 inch border, 2 3⁄4 inch diameter overall; a yellow trumpet bound 

with a gray cord and with mouthpiece up, in front of and extending above a green scroll; edged 

in yellow and bears the ‘BRAVE’ to the left of the trumpet in gray lettering, and ‘RIFLES’ to 

the right of the trumpet in gray lettering. The numeral ‘3’ in gray is centered below the trumpet 

bell. The device on the disk is similar to the Regimental Distinctive Unit insignia. The colors, 

green and yellow refer to the uniform with green facings and the gold trumpet insignia authorized the Regiment in the uniform regulations of 1851. The words “BRAVE RIFLES” are derived from the accolade given to the Regiment by General Winfield Scott. The gray color of the 

letters and the numeral “3” simulates the color of steel and refers to the Regimental Motto, 

“Blood and Steel”, which is also derived from the Regimental Accolade. 

 61 

Regimental Shoulder Sleeve Insignia 

Regimental Shoulder Sleeve Insignia 

The shoulder sleeve insignia for the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment was officially 

authorized by the Department of the Army on 12 June 1967. 
History of the Regimental Shoulder Sleeve Insignia 

The shoulder sleeve insignia was first worn by the members of the 3d Cavalry Group 

(Mechanized) of World War II. The Group never received any written authorization to develop 

and wear the patch. Instead, it received verbal permission of General George S. Patton, Jr., 

Commander of the Third U.S. Army. At the end of WWII the Regiment was required to 

remove its unauthorized shoulder sleeve insignia and wear in its place the shoulder patch of its 

next higher headquarters. However, the troopers continued to wear their distinctive unit patches 

on an unofficial basis on the left breast pockets of their fatigue uniforms. The Department of the 

Army finally authorized the wear of distinctive shoulder sleeve insignia for separate brigades 

and regiments in 1967. 

The late General Polk (32nd Colonel) recalls: 

...The regiment never received any formal correspondence authorizing the... wear of a 

regimental patch. ...Gen Patton asked me personally why no member of the regiment wore a 

patch... He then answered his own question by saying that he...supposed we did not enjoy 

particularly the wearing of a Third Army patch as it connoted support troops such as truck 

companies, engineer battalions and the like... 

I then asked his permission to design a patch incorporating the 3d Cavalry “Bug”, the 

regimental insignia worn on our dress uniform. ...He readily agreed. ... 

I have been challenged on occasion by officers with a statement that I am wearing an 

unauthorized patch. My reply has always been that the patch was authorized by General 

Patton personally and that I consider this good and sufficient authorization.... 

Symbolism

The green scroll represents the green facings on the distinctive uniforms authorized for the 

Regiment of Mounted Riflemen in 1851. The uniform regulations of 1851 also authorized the 

trumpet as the unit insignia for the Regiment. The numeral “3” indicates that the 3d Armored 

Cavalry Regiment is descended from the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen, being numbered 3 

because it was the third mounted unit in the Army, after the 1st and 2d Dragoons which became 

the 1st and 2d Cavalry Regiments in the reorganization of 1861. 

Regimental Color 

The Regimental color is emerald green. This was the branch color of the Mounted Rifles 

and trimmed the distinctive uniforms worn from 1851 to 1861. 

Regimental Motto 

The Regimental Motto is “Blood and Steel”. It derives from the Regimental Accolade. 

Traditional Unit Designation 

The Traditional Unit Designation for the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment is “BRAVE 

RIFLES”. This designation, awarded to the Regiment for its many years of faithful and 

distinguished service, was officially granted to the Regiment by the Secretary of the Army on 

19 January 1977. 

 62 
Other Customs and Traditions 

Regimental Abbreviation 

Since August of 1861, when using the numeral “3” in stead of the word “Third”, the proper 

form is “3d” with a small case “d”. An upper case “D” is never used, nor are “R”, “r” or 

“3ACR”. 

Regimental Greeting 

The Regimental greeting is rendered by all enlisted troopers to officers and by junior 

officers to senior officers. The greeting is exchanged as follows: 

 Junior individual exclaims: “Brave Rifles, Sir (or Ma’am)!” 

Senior individual responds: “Veterans!” 

Regimental Battle Cry 

“AI-EE-YAH!” is the Regimental Battle Cry. It symbolizes the cry of the Cavalry Trooper 

charging into battle. It has evolved into a form of slang used by members of the Regiment, referring to or meaning anything and everything except “no”. 

Regimental Accolade 

This phrase, which originated with General Winfield Scott, has been adopted by the 

Regiment as its Accolade and is also the source of the Regimental Motto and the Regimental 

Greeting (see Appendix G). It is normally rendered by all personnel prior to passing in review 

during parades, and prior to dismissal from some formations. It is rendered in the following 

manner: 

Regimental, Squadron, or Troop Commander: “Prepare for the Regimental Accolade!” 

Squadron, Troop Commander or Platoon Leader: “Prepare to sound off!” 

Regimental, Squadron, or Troop Commander: “Brave Rifles!” 

All personnel respond: “Veterans!” 

Regimental, Squadron, or Troop Commander: “Blood and Steel!” 

All personnel respond: “AH-EE-YAH!” 

Regimental Standard 

The organizational flag of a mounted unit has traditionally been referred to as a “standard”, 

as opposed to the term “colors” which has been used to refer to organizational flags of foot 

units. The regimental standard is the single most visible, symbolic representation of the 

Regiment. The standard and its companion National Colors are displayed in the Regimental 

Commander’s office, and are carried in all Regimental ceremonies and formations. 

When a new standard is issued, the old one is retired from service and placed in the Third 

Cavalry Museum. All the Regimental Standards that are known to exist are part of the 

Museum’s collection, beginning with the second Standard, which dates from 1848. The first 

Standard was presented to Congress at the conclusion of the Mexican War and has since 

disappeared. 

 63 
Possession of colors and guidons by private individuals and organizations is a violation of 

Federal Law 10 USC 4565. Giving a flag as a memento constitutes a felony. A copy of 10 

USC 4565 is available at the JAG office.

Regimental Pass in Review 

The command to pass the Regiment, or any element thereof, in review during a parade 

ceremony is given in the following manner: 

Reviewing officer: “Brave Rifles – pass in review!”

Regimental Saber of Command 

The Saber of Command has traditionally represented the authority of the Regimental 

Commander. At a Regimental change of command ceremony, the Saber of Command is passed 

from the outgoing Commander to the incoming Commander, thus signifying the 

relinquishment, transfer, and assumption of command of the Regiment. The Saber of 

Command is displayed in the Regimental Commander’s office. 

Command Lineage 

It is customary for the Regimental Commander and the Regimental Command Sergeant 

Major to sign all correspondence in such a manner as to indicate their number in chronological 

succession of command or responsibility, e.g. “68th Colonel”, or XIVth Command Sergeant 

Major”. 

Order of the Spur 

The Spur Program was created to recognize those Troopers and officers who have 

demonstrated a level of professional expertise, which exceeds that expected of other soldiers in 

the Army. The quest for admittance to the Order of the Spur, ending with the Spur Ride, is an 

essential part of the development of all cavalrymen. Successful completion of the Spur 

program results in the award of a pair of spurs and membership in the Order. While 

participation is strictly voluntary, spurs are highly sought after and are a highly visible symbol 

of the qualities of professional excellence that all cavalrymen strive to achieve. 

Order of the Garter 

When a newly assigned officer or senior NCO is hailed by his unit, his lady is also 

welcomed and enrolled into the Order of the Garter. The lady receives a yellow garter with 

blue ribbon and a certificate of enrollment. 

Regimental Color Guard and Color Bearers

Regimental Color Guard members are selected from different units in the Regiment by the 

Regimental Command Sergeant Major. The Regimental Color Sergeant is traditionally 

provided by Troop F in memory of Sergeant James Manley of Company F, Regiment of 

Mounted Riflemen. Sergeant Manley carried the National Colors in the Regiment’s assault on 

Chapultepec and later raised the same flag over the Mexican National Palace in Mexico City. 

 64 
Organization Day 

Each year, the Regiment celebrates its anniversary with a series of activities and events 

intended to recall its history, customs, and traditions. The Regiment first celebrated 

Organization Day on 19 May 1921. 19 May was the day on which the Regiment of Mounted 

Riflemen was authorized by an Act of Congress in 1846. Though on 14 July 1967, the 

Department of the Army officially recognized 12 October as Unit Day for the 3d ACR in 

recognition of its formal organization at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri on 12 October 1846, the 

anniversary is usually celebrated in May.

The celebration typically includes a field day in which units of the Regiment compete 

against each other in a series of military and athletic competitions, a Regimental Ball, and a 

Regimental formation. At this formation, the Regimental Commander may give a short address 

to the troops, followed by a summation of the regimental history, battle honors, and Medal of 

Honor recipients. 

Reporting for Duty and Leaving the Regiment 

Immediately after an officer or senior NCO is assigned to the Regiment, it is customary for 

a letter of welcome to be dispatched from the Regiment to the individual. In the case of an 

officer, the letter is sent by the Regimental Commander, while the letter of welcome for an 

NCO is sent by the Regimental Command Sergeant Major. These letters usually enclose such 

information as may be desirable for orienting the individual and facilitating his or her 

immediate adjustment to probable new duties and new station. 

All new officers normally report to the Regimental Adjutant and then are interviewed at an 

appropriate time by the Regimental Commander, who will orient new officers as to the mission 

and organization of the Regiment. When departing the Regiment, whether for civilian life or a 

new duty assignment, it is customary for all officers to pay their respects in person to the 

Regimental Commander. 

Change of Command 

A change of command is a formal ceremony conducted within the Regiment whenever a 

new commander takes command of a unit. Change of command ceremonies for troop/company/

battery size units are normally conducted at squadron formations. A Squadron Change of 

command is usually performed at a squadron formation and when the Regiment changes 

commanders, the entire Regiment is usually turned out. 

After the ceremony, a reception is held so that guests and members of the command may 

congratulate the new commander and his or her spouse. As soon as possible following his 

assumption of command, the new Regimental Commander addresses all assigned members of 

the Regiment in separate assemblies, usually at Squadron level. 

Regimental March 

The official march of the Regiment is “Brave Rifles”, by C. Campagna. This march was 

composed in 1937 and dedicated to the Regiment during the command of Kenyon A. Joyce, 

26th Colonel, while the Regiment was stationed at Ft. Myer, Virginia. The march is 

customarily played at all Regimental ceremonies and formations where the Regiment passes in 

review. 

Regimental Song

 65 
The Regimental Song is “Green Grow the Rushes, Ho!” The exact circumstances by which 

the Regiment selected this song as its very own have been lost to history. It is tradition, though 

not established fact, that the term "Gringo", a slang term often used by the people of Latin 

America when referring to Americans, originated from this song. Supposedly the Mexican 

populace heard the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen singing while on the march during its 

campaigns in the Mexican War and derived the word "Gringo" from the phrase "Green Grow". 

The new label was first applied to the Mounted Riflemen, then to all American troops, 

eventually becoming universally applied to all Americans. 

All the verses of this song as sung by the Regiment have been lost to history. The original 

twelve verses dating back to the Middle Ages are still in existence, but they are basically 

religious in nature, and soldiers have never been known to be very pious, particularly when it 

has come to composing and singing verses for their marching and drinking songs. In all 

probability, the original words parodied Burns’ lyrics who’s chorus was: “The sweetest hours 

that ere’ I spent were spent among the lasses, O!” 

Dining In 

Approximately once a quarter, the officers and selected NCOs of the Regiment meet for a 

Dining In or Formal Mess Night. Instituted as a custom in the 3d ACR during the 1950’s, the 

Dining In provides an opportunity for the officers and NCOs to participate in the ceremony and 

tradition integral to the life of a cavalry unit. 

Regimental Toast 

The Regimental Toast is customarily offered by the Regimental Commander to the officers 

of the Regiment at a Formal Mess Night. The origin of this toast dates from the 1960's when 

the Regiment was stationed in the Federal Republic of Germany. The author is unknown. The 

Regimental Toast is given in the following manner: 

I propose a toast: 

To the Brave Rifles who charged for General Winfield Scott at Chapultepec, who 

were baptized in fire and blood and came out steel and who raised the colors of 

victory over President Santa Ana's Palace. 

To the Mounted Riflemen who rode westward from Missouri to the Pacific, 

opening and protecting the Oregon Trail and securing the frontiers of our 

advancing civilization. 

To the Cavalry veteran who protected the Texas Territory, fought bravely in the 

Indian Wars, and rode in the bitter fighting of the War Between the States. 

To the Cavalryman who fought victoriously in Cuba, in the Philippines and in 

France during WWI. 

 66 
To the Cavalryman who fought victoriously in Cuba, in the Philippines and in 

France during WWI. To the Mechanized trooper who, as a "Ghost" of Patton’s 

Army, provided the sharp point to the spear which pierced the heart of Germany. 

And to the Constabulary Trooper who guarded the uneasy peace along the frontiers of the free world. 

And too, to the Armored Cavalryman who was rushed to Europe to help tip the 

balance of force against the Cold War threats of our country's enemies. 

Yes, I propose a toast to many men--many Brave Rifles who are as one. I propose a toast to that dedicated fighting professional, the Trooper of the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment. 

Births in the Regiment 

When a baby is born to an officer of the Regiment, the event is commemorated by the presentation of a silver baby cup appropriately inscribed and engraved with the Regimental Distinctive Unit Insignia. 

Deaths in the Regiment 

When the Regiment is in garrison and one of its officers or troopers passes away, memorial 

services are held in the Chapel by the unit to which the individual was assigned. The Squadron 

Chaplain conducts the services and honors are rendered according to the rank of the deceased. 

It is customary for the Regimental Commander, Regimental Command Sergeant Major and the 

respective Squadron Commander and Squadron Command Sergeant Major to be in attendance. 

When the Regiment is engaged in combat operations, away from its home base, besides the 

services conducted in theater, services are conducted in the home base chapel by the rear detachment and installation chaplain office. Maximum participation at these services is encouraged to show support for the members of the Regiment while they are away. 

Regimental Grace 

The origin of this blessing is unknown, having been lost to history. It is normally presented 

by the Regimental Chaplain prior to the serving of the dinner at a Dining in. It reads as follows: 

Most Gracious God, who hast enriched thy creation with many blessings, we 

now evoke Thy presence with all Brave Rifles gathered about these tables. May 

the food so plenteously supplied to us cause us to renew our expressions of 

Thanksgiving to Thee. May the strength received from this food nourish our 

spiritual body. 

Bless those who have prepared this food and those about to partake of it, in the 

name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. AMEN. 

 67 
 68 

Regimental Prayer 

The author of the original Regimental Prayer is unknown. It is normally presented by the 

Regimental Chaplain at the conclusion of a dining in. The prayer was revised in 1965 by E. A. 

Simon, the Regimental Chaplain, to read as follows: 

Almighty and Eternal God, our Heavenly Father, we come to thee now through 

thy Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, asking thee to hear and honor our prayer. We 

thank thee, our Father, for thy continual guidance over the destiny of our Regiment of Mounted Riflemen and pray that each trooper will faithfully follow thy 

direction throughout his life. 

We beseech thee to help us always to be worthy of those glorious achievements, 

inherited from our forefathers and which are now entrusted to us. 

With thy divine assistance, may we carry our colors with courage, honor, and 

distinction. 

We ask thee to guide our leaders, bless our troopers and cause all of us who serve 

thee to be faithful to thy name. In times of combat, may our arms be victorious 

over our enemies, so that a just and lasting peace may come to the world. 

And Lord, when our final Taps is sounded, may each Brave Rifleman, who knew 

and served thee in this life, be called before thy throne to receive their eternal 

award. These things we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. 

AMEN. 

Weddings in the Regiment 

At wedding ceremonies for officers of the Regiment, it is customary for an arch of cavalry 

sabers to be formed by the groomsmen outside the chapel entrance, under which the newlyweds 

pass when departing the chapel. It is also customary for the officer and his new bride to be presented with a wedding tray inscribed with the Regimental Distinctive Unit Insignia. NOTE: the 

Third Cavalry Museum does not provide the sabers for these ceremonies. 

Holidays 

On New Year's Day it is customary for officers of the Regiment and their spouses to call on 

their respective Squadron Commander and the Regimental Commander at their quarters at a 

specified time. On Thanksgiving and Christmas, all dining facilities hold an Open House for 

officers, troopers and their families and guests. 
 69 

REGIMENTAL AWARDS 

There are several types of Regimental Awards given to officers, troopers and families of the 

Regiment. 

Order of the Brave Rifles 

Upon departing the Regiment, officers are permanently enrolled as Troopers in the Order of 

the Brave Rifles. Under exceptional circumstances, distinguished civilian and military officers 

of the United States and foreign countries may be enrolled in the Order of the Brave Rifles as 

the "Bravest Rifle". 

Honorary Squadron of Mounted Riflemen 

The Honorary Squadron of Mounted Riflemen recognizes significant contributions to the 

Regiment. The award consists of a mounted certificate awarded at a Punch Bowl Ceremony in 

the Regimental Conference Room. The recipient will have his/her name annotated in the rolls 

of the Honorary Squadron of Mounted Riflemen during the ceremony. 

Regimental Coin of Excellence 

The 3d Armored Cavalry Regimental Coin of Excellence provides special recognition from 

the Regimental Commander or Commander Sergeant Major for outstanding training, duty performance, or special activity. Individuals are recognized on the spot for their outstanding efforts. Anyone associated with the Regiment is eligible, regardless of rank, specialty skill, or 

duty position and it may be awarded at any time and any place. 

Certificate of Recognition 

Troopers departing the Regiment who have distinguished themselves during their period of 

service and who are recommended by their Commanders, are eligible to receive a Certificate of 

Recognition from the Regimental Commander. Awards are also presented to those individuals 

selected as Trooper and NCO of the Quarter and Trooper and NCO of the Year. The Regimental Command Sergeant Major oversees selection of the recipients. 

Lady of the Brave Rifles 

The lady of a departing officer is accorded the honor of being enrolled as a Lady of the 

Brave Rifles. This honor recognizes her contribution in support of the Regiment through participation in family support groups and community activities on behalf of the Regiment. 
Accolade to a Cav Lady 

Ai-ee-yah!'s the cry of 

The 3d Armored Cav, 

A reminder of pride 

In the history we have. 

So hold your head high 

You’re a part of this clan, 

A Faithful Cav Lady 

Who stands by her man. 

You’ve paid your dues, 

Lonely nights and long days, 

The wife of a soldier 

Seldom gets praise. 

This memento is given 

With love’s lusty yell, 

Ai-ee-yah! Brave Rifle! 

Godspeed and Farewell!

 70 
Appendix A 

TRANSCRIPTION OF THE ACT OF CONGRESS 

ESTABLISHING THE REGIMENT OF MOUNTED RIFLEMEN 

The 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment was originally organized and equipped as the Regiment 

of Mounted Riflemen. The Regiment was authorized by an act passed by the 29th Congress of 

the United States on 19 May 1846. This act, entitled "An Act to provide for raising a regiment 

of mounted riflemen and for establishing military stations on the route to Oregon," is reproduced here in its entirety: 

Twenty-ninth Congress of the United States; 

At the first session, 

Begun and held at the City of Washington, the first day of December, one thousand eight 

hundred and forty-five. 

AN ACT 

To provide for raising a regiment of mounted riflemen, and for establishing military stations on 

the route to Oregon. 

"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of 

America in Congress assembled. 

“That there shall be raised one regiment of mounted riflemen, to be composed and organized as 

follows, to wit ... one colonel, one lieutenant colonel, one major, one quartermaster-sergeant, 

two chief buglers, and one adjutant who shall be a lieutenant, one sergeant major, one chief musician, and ten companies; each company shall consist of one captain, one first lieutenant, one 

second lieutenant, (exclusive of the adjutant lieutenant), four sergeants, four corporals, two buglers, one farrier, one blacksmith and sixty-four privates. 

“Section 2. And be it further enacted. That the officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians, 

and privates shall be entitled to the same pay and emoluments as are allowed to dragoons, and 

that the farrier and blacksmith shall receive the same pay and allowances as are allowed to an 

artificer of artillery. 

“Section 3. And be it further enacted. That the said regiment of riflemen shall be subject to the 

rules of war, and shall be recruited in the same manner as other troops in the service of the 

 71 
United States, and with same conditions and limitations; and the officers, noncommissioned 

officers, musicians, privates, blacksmiths and farriers shall be entitled to the same provisions 

for wounds and disabilities, and the same provisions for widows and children, and the same allowances and benefits in every respect, as are allowed to other troops composing the army of 

the United States. 

 “Section 4. And be it further enacted. That the non-commissioned officers, musicians, and privates of said regiment, when employed in constructing fortifications, making surveys, cutting 

roads or performing other labor, shall be allowed fifteen cents a day each with a commutation in 

money for the extra spirit ration, as provided by the act of the second of March, One Thousand 

Eight Hundred and Nineteen entitled "An act to regulate the pay of the army when on fatigue 

duty". 

“Section 5. And be it further enacted. That the sum of seventy-six thousand five hundred dollars, for mounting and equipping said regiment, be, and the same hereby is appropriated, and a 

sum be paid out of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated. 

“Section 6. And be it further enacted. That a sum not exceeding three thousand dollars, out of 

any moneys in the treasury, not otherwise appropriated, be, and the same hereby is appropriated, to defray the expenses of each military station or defense which the President may deem 

necessary on the line of communication with Oregon; and a sum not exceeding two thousand 

dollars for making compensation to the Indian tribes which may own or possess the ground on 

which the said station may be erected, and for each station.”

 72 
Appendix B 

CERTIFICATES OF LINEAGE AND HONORS 

The certificates attesting to a unit’s lineage and honors are the most important documents 

relating to the history of that unit. Issued by the Department of the Army's Center of Military 

History, they are the unit's birth certificate, its deed to organizational properties, and its service 

record. While the original copies are in the Regimental Museum, the information contained on 

them has been reproduced here to aid you in tracing the history of the Regiment. 

The 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment has received credit for participation in thirty-nine 

campaigns during the course of its history. It has been awarded a battle streamer for each of the 

thirty-nine campaigns. These streamers are affixed to the top of the staff on which the 

Regimental Standard is carried 

Lineage 

Constituted 19 May 1846 in the Regular Army as the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen. 

Organized 12 October 1846 at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri. Redesignated 3 August 1861 as 3d 

United States Cavalry. 

Inactivated 15 July 1942 at Fort Benning, Georgia; personnel and equipment transferred to 3d 

Armored Regiment (see annex). Redesignated 18 January 1943 as 3d Cavalry, Mechanized. 

Activated 15 March 1943 at Camp Gordon, Georgia. 

Regiment broken up 3 November 1943 and its elements reorganized and redesignated as Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3d Cavalry Group, Mechanized and the 3d and 43d Reconnaissance Squadrons, Mechanized. 

Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 3d Cavalry Group, Mechanized, inactivated 22 December 1945 at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey. Activated 26 February 1946 at Fort George G. Meade, 

Maryland. Redesignated 5 November 1948 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d 

Armored Cavalry; organization of the remainder of 3d Armored Cavalry completed 3 November 1948 by redefinition of elements of 3d and 43d Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadrons, Mechanized and by reconstruction, redefinition, and activation of certain other elements of the 3d 

Cavalry which had been inactivated or demobilized 1921-1928. 

3d, 777th, and 21st Tank Battalions (see annex) consolidated with 3d Armored Cavalry 

8 January 1951. (Battalions and Companies redesignated Squadrons and Troops, 1 June 1960).

 73 
Annex 

3d Armored Regiment constituted 11 July 1942 in the Army of the United States and assigned 

to 10th Armored Division. Activated 15 July 1942 at Fort Benning, Georgia with personnel and 

equipment from 3d Cavalry. 

Regiment broken up and its elements reorganized and redesignated 20 September 1943 as follows: 3d Armored Regiment (less lst and 3d Battalions, Band, Maintenance, Service, and Reconnaissance Companies) as 3d Tank Battalion. lst Battalion as 777th Tank Battalion and relieved from assignment to 10th Armored Division; 3d Battalion as 21st Tank Battalion; Reconnaissance Company, as Troop D, 90th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, Mechanized 

(separate lineage); Band and Maintenance and Service Companies disbanded. 

Above Battalions inactivated as follows: 3d Tank Battalion 13 October 1945 at Camp Patrick 

Henry, Virginia. 777th Tank Battalion 24 October 1945 at Camp San Luis Obispo, California. 

21st Tank Battalion 19 October 1945 at Camp Myles Standish, Massachusetts. 

3d, 777th, and 21st Tank Battalions consolidated 8 January 1951 with 3d Armored Cavalry; 

concurrently, 3d and 21st Tank Battalions relieved from assignment to 10th Armored Division. 

 74 
Appendix C 

CAMPAIGN PARTICIPATION CREDITS 

Regimental 

Mexican War Civil War

Vera Cruz Chattanooga 

Cerro Gordo New Mexico 1861 

Contreras New Mexico 1862 

Churubusco Alabama 1863 

 Chapultepec Tennessee 1863 Vera 

Cruz 1847 Arkansas 1864 

Indian Wars War With Spain 

Comanches Santiago 

 Cheyennes 

 Utes Philippine Insurrection 

 Little Big Horn Luzon 1899 

 Texas 1856 Luzon 1900 

 New Mexico 1857 San Fabian 

 New Mexico 1858 San Isidro 

 New Mexico 1860 

 New Mexico 1861 World War I 

 New Mexico 1867 Without inscription 

New Mexico 1869

Oklahoma 1868 World War II 

 Arizona 1870 Northern France 

 Arizona 1871 Rhineland 

 Arizona 1882 Ardennes-Alsace 

 Central Europe 

 

Southwest Asia 

 Defense of Saudi Arabia 

 Liberation and Defense of 

 Kuwait 

 No OIF streamers approved 

 at the time of printing 

 75 
 

 

Troops Entitled to Additional Campaign 

Participation Credits 

 TROOP A 

 

Texas 1855 Pecos River, 7 January 1859 

New Mexico 1859 Santa Teresa Mountains, 3 and 18 Dec 1859 

Philippines 1901 Near Parar, Ilocos Norte, 21 February 1901 

 TROOP B 

 

Nebraska 1872 Loupe River, 26 April 1872 

TROOP C

 

South Dakota 1877 Hay Creek, Near Deadwood, 23 February 1877 

TROOP F

Texas 1869 Sangre Canyon, 22 April 1869 

 Near San Augustine Pass, 15 August 1869 

 Guadalupe Mountains, 18 November 1869 

 Sanguinaria Canyon, Guadalupe Mountains, 26 December 1869 

 Delaware Creek, Guadalupe Mountains, 30 December 1869 

TROOP I

Molino del Rey Mexico, 8 September 1847 

 76 
UNIT AWARDS 

Regimental 

Distinguished Unit Citation, embroidered BASTOGNE (The name of this award was changed to 

“The Presidential Unit Citation” on 3 November 1966.)

3d Tank Battalion, 10th Armored Division (less Company C) and Company C, 21st Tank Battalion, 10th Armored Division “for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an 

armed enemy.” 

These units earned this award for their part in the defense of Bastogne, Belgium from 18 to 27 

December, 1944 during the “Battle of the Bulge”. These units were made up of elements of the 

3d (horse) Cavalry that were transferred to the 3d Armored Regiment in July 1942. They were 

consolidated with the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment on 8 January 1951. 

Belgian Croix de Guerre (1940) With Palm, embroidered BASTOGNE 

This decoration was awarded by the Belgian Government to the 3d Tank Battalion, 10th Armored Division (less Company C) and Company C, 21st Tank Battalion, 10th Armored Division for there part in the defense of Bastogne, Belgium from 18 to 27 December, 1944 These 

units were made up of elements of the 3d (horse) Cavalry and transferred to the 3d Armored 

Regiment in July 1942. They were consolidated with the 3d Armored Cavalry Regiment on 8 

January 1951. Only those soldiers who actually participated in this battle are authorized to 

wear this award on their uniforms. 

Valorous Unit Award for OIF I (citation and inscription not available at time of printing)

77 
Troops 

Present day Troop E (Troop B, 43d Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron in WWII): 

Streamer, French Croix de Guerre (WWII) with Silver-Gilt Star, embroidered MOSELLE (see 

below) 

 

Troop B, 43d Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized) 

French Croix De Guerre With Silver-Gilt Star, awarded under Decision No. 247, 15 July 1946, 

by the President of the Provisional Government of the French Republic, with the following 

citation: 

“A magnificent shock troop, eager and of wonderful courage. It particularly distinguished itself 

on 5 November 1944, at the capture of Berg, which defended the crossing of the Moselle. It 

attacked, without artillery preparation, positions strongly held by a trained and fanatical enemy. 

In spite of gunfire which was annihilating its ranks, this unit gave proof of wonderful dash and, 

aided by tanks, captured the position. It held this position despite terrific bombardment. In the 

course of the mopping up, it took 17 prisoners.” 

Present day Troop K (Troop C, 3d Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron in WWII): 

Streamer, French Croix de Guerre (WWII) with Palm, embroidered LORRAINE (see below) 

Troop C, 3d Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized) 

French Croix De Guerre With Palm, awarded under Decision No. 267, 22 July 1946, by the 

President of the provisional Government of the French Republic, with the following citation: 

“A unit skilled in maneuvers, full of dash, which stood out by the bravery of its fighters. It distinguished itself particularly at Mars-la-Tour, where an enemy airdrome was recaptured with a 

considerable quantity of fuel, at Saint Private and Sainte Marie, by doing effective reconnaissance work for the 7th Armored Division, then in the capture of Metz, by neutralizing on the 

Vionville-Rezonville-Gravelotte-Rezerieulles Line, an important number of emplacements of 

heavy arms and again by bringing back valuable information about the enemy. By this series of 

daring and deep reconnaissance actions during the months of August and September 1944, this 

unit made it possible for the third U. S. Army to advance rapidly across France up to the 

Moselle.” 

 78 
HHT, 4th Squadron and Troops N, O, P, Q, R, S, T: 

Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer Embroidered SOUTHWEST ASIA

By direction of the Secretary of the Army, the Meritorious Unit Commendation is awarded to: 

4th Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry for exceptionally meritorious conduct in performance of 

outstanding service: 

4th Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry distinguished itself by outstanding meritorious performance 

for the period 23 September 1990 to 5 April 1991, while engaged in combat with Iraqi forces. 

The 4th Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry screened the Easter flank of the XVIII Airborne Corps 

and maintained contact with the VII Corps. Throughout the campaign, units of the 4th Squadron were in continuous contact with the enemy as the Regiment plunged over 350 kilometers 

deep into Iraq and the heart of the Republican Guard. In all actions and engagements, the 

troopers of the 4th Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry displayed the true Cavalry spirit, courage, 

and determination to find and defeat the enemy. The accomplishments of the 4th Squadron, 3d 

Armored Cavalry reflects great credit upon themselves and the United States Army. 

Army Superior Unit Award, Streamer Embroidered 1994

By direction of the Secretary of the Army, the Army Superior Unit Award is awarded to: 

4th Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry for outstanding meritorious performance during peacetime 

of a difficult and challenging mission: 

During the period 27 June 1994 to 1 December 1994, the 4th Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry 

distinguished itself by excelling in sustainment and training functions while simultaneously 

planning for and executing major force modernization actions. Challenged with a National 

Training Center rotation and the continued testing of several new air defense command, control, 

communication and intelligence systems, the 4th Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry executed flawless planning and coordination with a spirit, competence and professionalism unequaled in today’s Army. The 4th Squadron, 3d Armored cavalry’s performance of these extraordinarily 

challenging missions, under arduous circumstances, is indicative of the outstanding devotion to 

duty, esprit de corps, selfless service and expertise of its members. The 4th Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry’s testing of the forward area air defense systems command, control, communication and intelligence system significantly impacted upon the entire Army. The outstanding 

accomplishments of the members of the 4th Squadron, 3d Armored Cavalry are in keeping with 

the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon themselves and the United 

States Army.” 

 79 
80 
Appendix D 

REGIMENTAL MEDAL OF HONOR RECIPIENTS 

The Medal of Honor awarded to Corporal Charles A. Bessey.

Fichter, Hermann Private, Company F, 3d U.S. Cavalry. For gallantry in action at 

Whetstone Mountains, Arizona, 5 May 1871. 

Kilmartin, John Private, Company F, 3d U.S. Cavalry. For gallantry in action at 

Whetstone Mountains, Arizona, 5 May 1871. 

Miller, Daniel H. Private, Company F, 3d U.S. Cavalry. For gallantry in action at 

Whetstone Mountains, Arizona, 5 May 1871. 

Mott, John Sergeant, Company F, 3d U.S. Cavalry. For gallantry in action at 

Whetstone Mountains, Arizona, 5 May 1871. 

Yount, John P. Private, Company F, 3d U.S. Cavalry. For gallantry in action at 

Whetstone Mountains, Arizona, 5 May 1871. 

Cody, William F. Civilian Scout, Company B, 3d U.S. Cavalry. For gallantry in 

 81 
action at Loupe Fork, Platte River, Nebraska, 26 April 1872. 

(Medal rescinded by Act of Congress 21 April, 1916. Reinstated 

per findings of EEO Review Board 12 June 1989). 

Foley, John H. Sergeant, Company B, 3d U.S. Cavalry. For gallantry in action at 

Loupe Fork, Platte River, Nebraska, 26 April 1872. 

Strayer, William H. Private, Company B, 3d U.S. Cavalry. For gallantry in action at 

Loupe Fork, Platte River, Nebraska, 26 April 1872. 

Vokes, Leroy H. First Sergeant, Company B, 3d U.S. Cavalry. For gallantry in 

action at Loupe Fork, Platte River, Nebraska, 26 April 1872. 

Glavinski, Albert Blacksmith, Company M, 3d U.S. Cavalry. For gallantry in action at Powder River, Montana, 17 March 1876. 

McGann, Michael A. First Sergeant, Company F, 3d U. S. Cavalry. For gallantry 

 in action at Rosebud Creek, Montana, 17 June 1876. 

Murphy, Jeremiah Private, Company M, 3d U. S. Cavalry. For gallantry in action at 

Powder River, Montana, 17 June 1876. 

Robinson, Joseph First Sergeant, Company D, 3d U.S. Cavalry. For gallantry in 

action at Rosebud Creek, Montana, 17 June 1876. 

Shingle, John H. First Sergeant, Company I, 3d U.S. Cavalry. For gallantry in 

action at Rosebud Creek, Montana, 17 June 1876. 

Snow, Elmer A. Trumpeter, Company M, 3d U.S. Cavalry. For gallantry in 

action at Rosebud Creek, Montana, 17 June 1876. 

Kirkwood, John A. Sergeant, Company M, 3d U.S. Cavalry. For gallantry in 

 action at Slim Buttes, Dakota Territory, 9 September 1876. 

Smith, Robert Private, Company M, 3d U.S. Cavalry. For gallantry in action at 

Slim Buttes, Dakota Territory, 9 September 1876. 

Bessey, Charles A. Corporal, Company A, 3d U.S. Cavalry. For gallantry in action 

near Elkhorn Creek, Wyoming, 13 January 1877. 

Lewis, William A. Sergeant, Company B, 3d U.S. Cavalry. For gallantry in action at 

Bluff Station, Wyoming, 20-22 January 1877. 

Morgan, George H. 2d Lieutenant, Company K, 3d U.S. Cavalry. For gallantry in 

 action at Big Dry Wash, Arizona 17 July 1882. 

 82 
Taylor, Charles First Sergeant, Company D, 3d U.S. Cavalry. For gallantry in 

action at Big Dry Wash, Arizona, 17 July 1882. 

Walker, Allen Private, Troop C, 3d U.S. Cavalry. For gallantry in action in 

Texas, 30 December 1891. 

Heard, John W. 1st Lieutenant, 3d U.S. Cavalry. For gallantry in action at the 

mouth of the Manimani River, West of Bahia Honda, Cuba, 23 

July 1898. 

 83 
84 
Appendix E 

REGIMENTAL COMMANDERS 

Persifor Frazer Smith 1st Colonel 1846-1857 

William Wing Loring 2nd Colonel 1857-1860 

John Smith Simonson 3rd Colonel 1860-1861 

Marshall Saxe Howe 4th Colonel 1862-1866 

William Nicholson Grier 5th Colonel 1866-1870 

Joseph Jones Reynolds 6th Colonel 1870-1877 

 

Thomas Casimer Devin 7th Colonel 1877-1878 

Washington Lafayette Elliot 8th Colonel 1878-1879 

Albert Gallatin Brackette 9th Colonel 1879-1891 

Albert Payson Morrow 10th Colonel 1891-1892 

Anson Mills 11th Colonel 1892-1895 

Guy Vernor Henry 12th Colonel 1895-1897 

Samuel Baldwin Marks Young 13th Colonel 1897-1900 

Wirt Davis 14th Colonel 1900-1901 

Albert Emmett Woodson 15th Colonel 1901-1903 

Joseph Haddox Dorst 16th Colonel 1903-1911 

Hugh Lennox Scott 17th Colonel 1911-1913 

Augustus Perry Blocksom 18th Colonel 1913-1917 

Francis Henry Beach 19th Colonel 1917-1918 

Lloyd Milton Brett 20th Colonel 1919-1920 

 85 
William Cannon Rivers 21st Colonel 1920-1923 

Hamilton Smith Hawkins 22nd Colonel 1923-1926 

William Jefferson Glasgow 23rd Colonel 1926-1927 

Guy Vernor Henry Jr. 24th Colonel 1927-1930 

Harry Newton Cootes 25th Colonel 1930-1933 

Kenyon Ashe Joyce 26th Colonel 1933-1936 

Jonathan Mayhew Wainwright 27th Colonel 1936-1938 

George Smith Patton, Jr. 28th Colonel 1938-1940 

William Whitelain Gordon 29th Colonel 1940-1941 

Howell M. Estes 30th Colonel 1941-1942 

Frederick Weed Drury 3lst Colonel 1943-1944 

James H. Polk 32nd Colonel 1944-1945 

Walter Burnside 33rd Colonel 1946 

C. H. Valentine 34th Colonel 1946-1947 

Charles A. Sheldon 35th Colonel 1947-1949 

Samuel L. Myers 36th Colonel 1949-1951 

James Owen Curtis, Jr. 37th Colonel 1951-1952 

Clay F. Bridgewater 38th Colonel 1952-1953 

Edward W. Williams 39th Colonel 1954 

Clyde L. Layne 40th Colonel 1954-1955 

William A. Hamberg 41st Colonel 1955-1956 

Robert Edward McCabe 42nd Colonel 1956-1957 

Douglas P. Frazier 43rd Colonel 1957-1958 

 86 
Emmet Robert White 44th Colonel 1958-1960 

John B. Maxwell, III 45th Colonel 1960-1961 

Donald H. Cowles 46th Colonel 1961-1963 

John R. Barclay 47th Colonel 1963-1964 

William J. Boehmer 48th Colonel 1964-1966 

Thomas J. Hanifen 49th Colonel 1966-1967 

Gerald V. Reberry 50th Colonel 1967-1968 

Sidney Hack 51st Colonel 1968-1970 

Kenneth W. Kock 52nd Colonel 1970-1972 

Walter W. Plummer 53rd Colonel 1972-1973 

David K. Doyle 54th Colonel 1973-1975 

John M. Shea 55th Colonel 1975 

Grail L. Brookshire 56th Colonel 1975-1977 

Joseph C. Lutz 57th Colonel 1977-1978 

Richard G. Cardillo 58th Colonel 1978-1980 

William A. Fitzgerald, Jr. 59th Colonel 1980-1983 

James B. Taylor 60th Colonel 1983-1985 

James M. Lyle 61st Colonel 1985-1987 

Jarret J. Robertson 62nd Colonel 1987-1989 

Douglas H. Starr 63rd Colonel 1989-1991 

Robert R. Ivany 64th Colonel 1991-1993 

Robert M. Young 65th Colonel 1993-1994 

Robert Wilson 66th Colonel 1994-1996 

 87 
Martin E. Dempsey 67th Colonel 1996-1998 

Christopher L. Baggot 68th Colonel 1998-2000 

Anthony W. Harriman 69th Colonel 2000-2002 

David A. Teeples 70th Colonel 2002-2004 

H. R. McMaster 71st Colonel 2004-2006 

Michael A. Bills 72nd Colonel 2006- 

 88 
 89 

Appendix F 

REGIMENTAL COMMAND SERGEANTS MAJOR 

Ambrose R. Winans I RCSM 1972-1974 

Charles Bolling II RCSM 1974-1975 

Jacinto Vasquez III RCSM 1975-1978 

Elton R. Allen IV RCSM 1978-1980 

Jack H. Schmidt V RCSM 1980-1982 

Guenter H. Heibich VI RCSM 1982-1984 

Harvey L. Reed VII RCSM 1984-1985 

Bennie R. Causey VIII RCSM 1985-1987 

Howell W. Ramsey IX RCSM 1987-1989 

Dennis E. Worley X RCSM 1989-1992 

Tommy E. Nester XI RCSM 1992 

Dennis E. Webster XII RCSM 1992-1994 

Robert A. Murphy XIII RCSM 1994-1998 

Timothy R. Steiner XIV RCSM 1998-2001 

David A. Hartzell, Jr. XV RCSM 2001-2002 

John R. Caldwell XVI RCSM 2002-2005 

William J. Burns XVII RCSM 2005- 
 90 
Appendix G 

COMPLETE TEXT OF GENERAL SCOTT’S 

REMARKS TO THE REGIMENT AT CONTRERAS 

 

“When the Mounted Rifles reached Contreras on August 19 and 20, they began a battle 

which became a 17-minute dart from the rear and ended in the capture of Contreras and all it 

contained.... Sergeant Hiram Dryer and the other men – dirty, hungry, and tired – threw 

themselves on the ground to rest. Then General Scott rode up! Of course, every man in the 

Regiment, with cap off, was on his feet in a moment. Immediately, a shout was heard that 

would have delighted the heart of any true soldier, no matter what his rank. When quiet was 

restored, the general addressed the men: 

Brave Rifles, veterans – you have been baptized in fire and blood and come out 

steel. Where bloody work was to be done, “the Rifles” was the cry, and there they 

were. All speak of them in terms of praise and admiration. What can I say? What 

shall I say? Language cannot express my feelings of gratitude for your gallant conduct in the terrible conflict of yesterday and this morning. But, my brave boys, in 

the course of one hour more you will be engaged in a more sanguinary engagement 

than the one you have just passed through, and I hope and trust that you will take the 

same noble stand you did yesterday and this morning. And now, men of the Rifle 

Regiment, you may rest assured that a grateful country will reward you for your gallant deeds through this campaign. Goodbye for the present, and God bless you all. 

 First Sergeant Sam McCurdy

 Company D, Mounted Rifles 

 91 
92
93 

Appendix H 

UNITS ATTACHED TO TASK FORCE RIFLES 

DURING OPEATION IRAQI FREEDOM I 

A Company, 122 Engineer Battalion 

A Company, 224th MI BN (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) 

A Company (detachment), 325th Military Intelligence Battalion 

A Company, 411th Civil Affairs Battalion 

B Company, 16th Signal Battalion, 3rd Signal Brigade 

B Company, 202nd Military Intelligence Battalion, 504th MI BDE 

B Company (detachment), 323rd Military Intelligence Battalion 

B Company, 325th Military Intelligence Battalion 

C Company, 2nd Battalion, 6th Infantry 

C Company, 16th Signal Battalion, 3rd Signal Brigade 

C Company, 890th Engineer Battalion 

F Company, 106th Aviation Battalion 

G Company, 285th Air Traffic Services 

HHC, 122 Engineer Battalion 

1st Platoon, B Company, 489th (M) Engineers 

1st Platoon, 151st Adjutant General Company (postal) 

1st Company, 1st Peacekeeping Battalion, Azerbaijani Special Brigade 

1st Battalion, 124th Infantry 

Detachment 1, 2nd BN, 116th Field Artillery (FIST) 

2nd Platoon, E Company (LRSD), 51st Infantry (ABN) 

2nd PLT, D Company, 1st BN, 94th Field Artillery (Acquisition Radar) 

2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery 

3rd Bn, 187th Inf, 101st Airborne Division (AASLT) 

54th Engineer Battalion 

94th Military Police Company 

141st Military Intelligence Battalion (detachment) 

142nd Combat Support Battalion 

165th Military Intelligence Battalion (detachment) 

223rd Military Intelligence Battalion (detachment) 

234th Field Artillery Detachment 

274th Quartermaster Company (Shower, Laundry, Clothing Repair) 

297th Quartermaster Company (Rough Terrain Cargo Handler) 

323 Engineer Detachment (Fire Fighting) 

432nd Civil Affairs Battalion (detachment) 

502nd Personnel Service Detachment 

528th Quartermaster Company (Fuel System Supply Point) 
761st Ordnance Company (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) 

936th Forward Surgical Team 

974th Quartermaster Company 

1270th Tactical Pysops Detachment 

1308th Engineer Detachment (Topographic) 

2133rd Transportation Company 

94 
Appendix I 

TASK FORCE RIFLES PERSONNEL WHO DIED 

DURING OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM I 

PFC Vorn J. Mack HHT, 1/3d ACR 

1LT Michael Adams A Troop, 1/3d ACR 

SGT Michael E. Dooley B Troop, 1/3d ACR 

SSG Daniel Bader ADA Btry, 1/3d ACR 

SPC Brian H. Penisten ADA Btry, 1/3d ACR 

SSG Andrew R. Pokorny ADA Btry, 1/3d ACR 

CPT Joshua T. Byers HHT, 2/3d ACR 

SPC Stephen M. Scott HHT, 2/3d ACR 

SGT Thomas F. Broomhead E Troop, 2/3d ACR 

SSG William T Latham E Troop, 2/3d ACR 

SSG Michael B. Quinn E Troop, 2/3d ACR 

PFC Justin W. Pollard. G Troop, 2/3d ACR 

PFC Jesse A. Givens H Company, 2/3d ACR 

SPC Darius T. Jennings How Btry, 2/3d ACR 

PV2 Benjamin L. Freeman K Troop, 3/3d ACR 

SSG Frederick L. Miller, Jr. K Troop, 3/3d ACR 

PFC Armando Soriano How Btry, 3/3d ACR 

CW2 Matthew Laskowski O Troop, 4/3d ACR 

CW2 Stephen Wells O Troop, 4/3d ACR 

SPC Michael A. Diraimondo 571st Medical Co, 4/3d ACR 

SPC Christopher A. Golby 571st Medical Co, 4/3d ACR 

CW2 Hans N. Gukeisen 571st Medical Co, 4/3d ACR 

SGT Richard A. Carl 571st Medical Co, 4/3d ACR 

CW2 Phillip A. Johnson 571st Medical Co, 4/3d ACR 

CW2 Ian D. Manuel 571st Medical Co, 4/3d ACR 

CW3 Brian K. Van Dusen 571st Medical Co, 4/3d ACR 

SGT Ernest G. Bucklew HHT, Support Squadron/3d ACR 

MAJ Mathew E. Schram HHT, Support Squadron/3d ACR 

SPC Rian C. Ferguson S & T Troop, Support Squadron/3d ACR 

SGT Taft V. Williams Maintenance Troop, “ “ 

SSG Stephen A. Bertolino AVIM Troop, Support Squadron/3d ACR 

SPC Spencer T. Karol E Company (LRSD), 51st IN (ABN) 

SGT Joel Perez A Battery, 2nd BN, 5th Field Artillery 

SSG Joe N. Wilson A Battery, 2nd BN, 5th Field Artillery 

SGT Keelan L. Moss B Battery, 2nd BN, 5th Field Artillery 

SPC Steven D. Conover C Battery, 2nd BN, 5th Field Artillery 

SPC Rafael L. Navea C Battery, 2nd BN, 5th Field Artillery 

SGT Ross A. Pennanen C Battery, 2nd BN, 5th Field Artillery 

95 
SGT Paul F. Fisher F Company, 106th Aviation Battalion 

1LT Brian D. Slavenas F Company, 106th Aviation Battalion 

CW4 Bruce A. Smith F Company, 106th Aviation Battalion 

SGT Paul F. Velazquez F Company, 106th Aviation Battalion 

PFC Karina S. Lau B Company, 16th Signal Battalion 

PFC Anthony D. D’Agostino D Company, 16th Signal Battalion 

SSG Richard S. Eaton, Jr. B Company, 323rd MI BN, 205th MI BDE 

SPC Francis M. Vega 1st PLT, 151st AG Company (Postal) 

PFC James A. Chance III C Company, 890th Engineer Battalion 

PFC David M. Kirchoff 2133rd Transportation Company 

SPC Aaron J. Sissel 2133rd Transportation Company 

96 
Appendix J 

UNITS ATTACHED TO THE 

3d ARMORED CAVALRY REGIMENT 

DURING OPEATION IRAQI FREEDOM III 

2nd Battalion, 70th Armor, 1st Armored Division 

2nd Squadron, 14th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division 

2nd Battalion, 325th Infantry (Airborne), 82nd Airborne Division 

AOB 390, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Special forces Group 

AOB 530, 1st Battalion, 5th Special forces Group 

80th Area Support Team 

98th Area Support Team 

97 
98 
Appendix K 

PERSONNEL ASSIGNED OR ATTACHED TO THE 3d ACR 

WHO DIED DURING OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM III 

 PFC Joseph L. Knott RHHT, 3d ACR 

 MAJ Douglas A. La Bouff RHHT,3d ACR 

 MAJ Michael R. Martinez RHHT, 3d ACR 

 2LT Charles R. Rubado C Troop, 1/3d ACR 

 SPC Joshua T. Brazee How Btry, 1/3d ACR 

 SGT Stephen P. Saxton ADA Btry, 1/3d ACR 

 SGT Charles T. Wilkerson ADA Btry, 1/3d ACR 

 SGT Denis J.Gallardo E Troop, 2/3d ACR 

 CPL Joseph L. Martinez E Troop, 2/3d ACR 

 SGT Tyrone L. Chisholm F Troop, 2/3d ACR 

 SGT Jacob M. Simpson F Troop, 2/3d ACR 

 SPC Hoby F. Bradfield, Jr. G Troop, 2/3d ACR 

 PFC Robert W. Murray, Jr. G Troop, 2/3d ACR 

 SPC Ricky W. Rockholt, Jr. G Troop, 2/3d ACR 

 PFC Eric P. Woods G Troop, 2/3d ACR 

 SSG Brian L. Freeman I Troop, 3/3d ACR 

 CPL Jared W. Kubasak I Troop, 3/3d ACR 

 SFC Christopher W. Phelps I Troop, 3/3d ACR 

 CPL Robert C. Pope II I Troop, 3/3d ACR 

 PFC Mario A. Reyes I Troop, 3/3d ACR 

 1LT Justin S. Smith I Troop, 3/3d ACR 

 SPC Ernest W. Dallas, Jr. K Troop, 3/3d ACR 

 SSG Jason W. Montefering K Troop, 3/3d ACR 

 SGT Milton M. Monzon, Jr. K Troop, 3/3d ACR 

 PFC Ramon A. Villatoro, Jr. K Troop, 3/3d ACR 

 SPC Ronnie D. Williams K Troop, 3/3d ACR 

 SPC Eric J. Poelman L Troop, 3/3d ACR 

 SPC Brian S. Ulbrich L Troop, 3/3d ACR 

 SSG Justin L. Vasquez L Troop, 3/3d ACR 

 SFC Eric P. Pearrow M Company, 3/3d ACR 

 SGT Timothy J. Sutton M Company, 3/3d ACR 

 SSG Scottie L. Bright How Btry, 3/3d ACR 

 CPL Lyle J. Cambridge How Btry, 3/3d ACR 

 SPC Robert A. Swaney How Btry, 3/3d ACR 

 SSG Jeremy A. Brown 66th MI Company, 3/3d ACR 

 1LT Joseph D. deMoors 66th MI Company, 3/3d ACR 

 CW2 Dennis P. Hay P Troop, 4/3d ACR 

 SGT Timothy R. Boyce Maintenance Troop, Supt/3d ACR 

 

99 
 CPL Jeffrey A. Williams Medical Troop, Supt/3d ACR 

 SFC Brett E. Walden 1st Battalion, 5th Special Forces Group 

 LTC Terrance K. Crowe 98th AST Military Transition Team 

 SFC Robert V. Derenda 80th AST Military Transition Team 

 SGT Ivan V. Alarcon 473rd Quartermaster Company 

 

100 
Appendix L 

LETTER FROM MAYOR NAJIM TO PRSIDENT BUSH 

101 

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR 

CI'IY OF TALL' AFAR 

In 1he Name of Allah. The Merciful God. 

Otar President Bush. 

In my name and on behalf of the people of 1he city Tall'afar. Iraq. would like to extend 

the utmost thanks. and respect to you and the peoples of 1he United States of America for lhe 

sacrifices you have made for our city and all of Iraq 10 esiablish a basis of dernocracy, justice. and 

freedom. 

Mr. President. I am wri1ing this letter for you on behalf of 250.000 men. women, and 

children tha1 have been granted 1hcir freedom by the 3"' Armored Calvary Regiment, which is pan 

of your great Army, after it was the second base. ifnol the first base for infamous Abu Musa·ab 

Al Zarl(awi in Northwes1 Iraq. This ci1y was eompletely held hostage at 1he hands of terrorislS 

with an average of 6 innocenl people being killed. and 20 injured every day. For months 1he sky 

was raining bullets and mortars until the city became a ghost 1own. Schools and ci1y offices were 

clos..>d, and even the hospi1al was inaccessible. The terrorist's atrocities went so far as to kill 

patients in lhe hospiial. fill lheir bodies with explosives. and lhrow them in 1hc streets 10 kill more 

people. Parents were looking a1 their bloody children in the streeis and were helpless to do 

anything abou1 iL This was the si1uation in our city, sir. uniil the 3"' Annor1.-d Cavalry Regionen1 

wilh Heroic Colonel McMaster and Heroic Lieutenant Colonel Hickey arrived accompanied by 

brave officers and soldiers, working side by side with me. the Iraqi Am1y. and 1he Iraqi Police. 

holding high morals and strong conviction. ,-hich made us able 10 dcs1roy the will lo fighl of the 

terrorist and then destroyed 1he lerrorist themselves through a unique military opcra1ion in 

Seplember of 2005. which I consider. the cleanest and mos1 successful operation in Iraq and 

probably all his1ory of war. In that operation. more than 150 terrorists wcrc killed. over 600 were 

captured, and lhe rest ned like rats. Immediately after that operation, we have siarted 1he process 

of healing this injured city. rcs1oring lhc services, and recons1ruc1i11g 1hc infrasiructure. 

Our city started brealhing again, life is being restored slowly. and security is improving. 

The people ofTall'afar have grown to lo,·e the heroes of 3'' Armored Ca,alry Regiment and have 

started social relationships with them. At the same lime. many soldiers have forged many 

friendships and social relations with the citizens ofTall'afar. Our city is in intensive care and 

h~ling from what ii has suffered at lhc hands of the terrorists. In this critical slate we arc 

shocked to learn the 3,. Armored Cavalry Regiment will leave after all 1hese great 

accomplishments. 

Mr. President, we are asking for your compassion. 1c, dday the re-deploymenl of this 

brave uni1 until our city is completely healed, his the hope of all 1he citizens ofTall'afar tha1 you 

will respond favorably 10 our requesl. We are asking you, Mr. Presiden1. and the c iti,.ens of 1he 

United S1a1cs. to a llow the 3'' Armored Cavalry Regiment and the citizens ofTall' afur to have 1he 

opportunity 10 complete the stabilization of the city. 

Once again, we are very thankful to you and all our American friends, and special thanks 

and respect for the families of these heroes' who present freedom to Iraq and humanity in general. 
102 
Appendix M 

LETTER OF APRECIATION FROM MG KHORSHEED, 

COMMANDING GENERAL OF THE 3RD IRAQI 

ARMY INFANTRY DIVISION, TO THE 

3d ARMORED CAVALRY REGIMENT 

103 

BY THE NAME OF GOD, THE MOST GRACIOUS, 

THE MOST MERCIFUL 

FROM: 3RD IRAQI ARMY INFANTRY DIViSION HEADQUARTERS IN AKMTB 

TO: 3RD ARMORED CAVALRY REGIMENT HEADQUARTERS 

BRAVERY, STRENGTH, DETERMINATION, CORRECT THOUGHT, FLEXIBILITY, KNOWLEDGE, AND IMPARTIALITY. THESE ARE THE 

FEATURES OF YOUR REGIMENT'S LEADERSHIP THAT ARE DISPLAYED THROUGH PARTICIPATION WITH OUR DIVISION 

HEADQUARTERS, OUR TROOPS, AND THEIR UNITS IN ALL THE DAILY OCCASIONS. YOUR WISE DAILY, OPERATIONAL, AND 

SUCCESSFUL LEADERSHIP WAS THE DECISIVE FACTOR IN ACHIEVING VICTORY. WE NOTICED CLEARLY THE MAIN FEATURES 

FOR VICTORY IN YOUR LEADERSHIP. THEY ARE THE SAME FOR EACH PEOPLE OR ARMY WHO ARE LOOKING FOR VICTORY, AND 

IT IS THE COMMON PURPOSE OF YOUR TROOPERS AND FAITH IN THEIR GOAL ALONG WITH THEIR PRINCIPLES, HIGH MORALS 

AND FOCUS ON THEIR MISSION, COUPLED WITH PERFECT LOGISTICS SUPPORT AND IMPARTIALITY AND SINCERE LEADERSHIP 

THAT MAKES YOU THE RIGHT PEOPLE FOR THIS MISSION. 

YOUR ABILITES TO PLAN, THE EXCELLENT COORDINATION, THE OVERALL SUPERVISING AND THE RIGHT DECISIVE DECISIONS 

AL,ONG WITH YOUR GREAT LEADERSHIP HAVE HELPED US TO BUILD UP THE INDIVIDUAL SOLDIER AND INCREASE HIS ABILITIES 

AS WELL AS THOSE FOR THE PLATOONS, COMPANIES, BATTALIONS, BRIGADES AND DIVISION. IT IS SAID THAT HEAPS OF 

CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS CANNOT BUILD A HOUSE AND THE GATHERED PEOPLE CANNOT BE CONSIDERED AN ARMY. YOUR 

LEADERSHIP AND DEVOTION TO DUTY HAVE HELPED US FORM AN ARMY FROM THE GATHERED PEOPLE. 

YOUR BEHAVIOUR AND YOUR ACTIONS HAVE BUILT STRONG FRIENDSHIPS THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME. YOUR BEHAVIOUR IS A 

FEATURE OF THE WISE LEADERSHIP, WHICH IS THE TREE AND THE REPUTATION YOU LEAVE BEHIND IS THE SHADOW OF THE 

TREE. SO WE PRESENT OUR HEARTFELT THANKS, APPRECIATION AND RESPECT TO YOU AS WE TOUCHED DURING THIS PAST PERIOD 

OF COOPERATION AND COORDINATION AND FIGHTING SIDE BY SIDE. WE ALSO OFFER THE THANKS OF THE DIVISION'S STAFF, 

NCOS, AND ENLISTED. YOU WILL DISAPPEAR FROM OUR EYES, BUT YOU WILL STAY IN OUR HEARTS. 

WE SEND OUR GREETINGS TO THE 3RD ACR FIGHTERS AND TO THEIR FAMILIES AND WE WISH ,...,_--.,,,, .. _ _., 

SA.FEL Y UNDER VICTORY'S fLAG. 
104 
Appendix N 

CURRENT ORGANIZATION OF THE REGIMENT 

Configuration of Maneuver Squadrons 

Armored Cavalry Squadrons Aviation Squadron

Headquarters and Headquarters Troop Headquarters and Headquarters Troop 

Cavalry Troop Attack Troop 

Cavalry Troop Attack Troop 

Cavalry Troop Attack Troop 

Tank Company Lift Troop 

Self-propelled Howitzer Battery Aviation Unit Maintenance Troop 

Attachment(s)* Aviation Intermediate Maintenance Troop

 

3d Armored Cavalry (Brave Rifles) Regiment

Regimental Headquarters and Headquarters (Remington) Troop 

1st (Tiger) Squadron 2nd (Saber) Squadron

Headquarters (Roughrider) Troop Headquarters (Rattlers) Troop 

A (Apache) Troop E (Eagle) Troop 

B (Bandit) Troop F (Fox) Troop 

C (Crazyhorse) Troop G (Grim) Troop 

D (Dragon) Company H (Heavy) Company 

Howitzer (King) Battery Howitzer (Red Lions) Battery 

 43rd Engineer (Sapper) Company* 

 3rd (Thunder) Squadron 4th (Long Knife) Squadron 

Headquarters (Havoc) Troop Headquarters (Headhunter) Troop 

I (Ironhawk) Troop N (Nomad) Troop 

 K (Killer) Troop O (Outlaw) Troop

 L (Lightning) Troop P (Pegasus) Troop

M (Mad Dog) Company S (Stetson) Troop 

Howitzer (Regulator) Battery T (Tomahawk) Troop 

66th (Ghost Rider) Military Intelligence Company* AVUM Troop 

 AVIM Troop 

 105 
Support (Mule Skinner) Squadron

Headquarters (Bullwhip) Troop 

Supply and Transportation (Packhorse) Troop 

Medical (Scalpel) Troop 

Maintenance (Blacksmith) Troop 

89th Chemical (Chemdawgs) Company 

 

Weapons Systems and Aircraft 

M1A2 SEP Abrams main battle tank 41 per squadron (1st, 2nd, 3rd) 

M3A3 Bradley cavalry fighting vehicle 41 per squadron (1st, 2nd, 3rd) 

M109A6 Paladin 155mm self-propelled howitzer 6 per squadron (1st, 2nd, 3rd) 

M121 120mm mortar carrier 6 per squadron (1st, 2nd, 3rd) 

AH-64D Apache attack helicopter 8 per troop (N, O, P) 

UH-60L Blackhawk utility helicopter 10 per troop (S) 

Traditional Cavalry Missions 

Reconnaissance Operations Security Operations

Zone Reconnaissance Screen 

Area Reconnaissance Guard 

 Cover 

 106 
,,.. 

'- ,~~~ 

AI-EE-YAHi 
State of the Regiment 

 Upon returning from deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 04-06 in 

March of 2006 to Fort Carson, CO, the Regiment underwent dramatic changes to its 

organization. Before the changes would take place, the Regiment would be recognized by 

President George W. Bush, in a 90 minute speech in March. The President lauded the 

Regiment for its body of work in Tall Afar, Iraq, as an example of executing the clear, 

hold and build concept as a success. In May, the Regiment officially celebrated its return 

home from OIF III at Fort Carson. Joining the Regiment in its celebration was Mayor 

Najiim Abdullah Al-Jibouri’s of Tall Afar, Iraq, whose letter to President Bush and 

General George Casey, Commander of Troops in Iraq, praised the troopers for their 

courage and bravery in freeing his city from the fear of insurgents. Mayor Najiim’s visit 

was highlighted by his moving speech during the dedication of the Regiment’s Memorial 

monument to its fallen troopers from OIF III. The Regiment with its place in history 

intact for their efforts during OIF III begins its transformation. Predator Battery was 

deactivated and LONGKNIFE Squadron reflagged as another unit. As the Regiment 

prepared for a BRAC move to Fort Hood, many Troopers remained behind to form the 

nucleus of a new brigade belonging to the 4th Infantry Division. On 13 July, 2006, 3d 

ACR uncased its colors at Fort Hood, opening a new chapter in the Regimental history. 

 When the Regiment moved from Fort Carson to Fort Hood, the foremost concern 

was personnel; after all, the Regiment brought only 550 Troopers down from Colorado. 

After the uncasing ceremony, the Regiment began receiving new Troopers in bulk. 

SABRE received initial priority for 19K and 19D MOS Troopers, as they were slotted to 

undergo NET first. In conjunction with the uncasing ceremony, 1-1 Aviation reflagged 

as 4/3 ACR, the new LONGKNIFE. The inflow of personnel remained constant enough 

to where now the Regiment is at 99% of its authorized strength and ready to conduct the 

extensive collective training of the 3rd Quarter. 

 The Regiment arrived at Fort Hood with almost no equipment. The primary 

combat systems, the M1 Abrams and M3 Bradleys, had been left in Kuwait when the 

Regiment was redeploying. Thus began an intensive effort to outfit 3d ACR with all of 

the newest gear the Army had to offer. Starting in September, 2/3 ACR fielded the first 

M1A2 SEPv2 tanks, the latest iteration of the extremely successful tank model. In 

October, SABRE received the Regiment’s first M3A3 Block 2 Cavalry Fighting Vehicles. 

Now, in March, the Regiment is fully fielding with its 123 tanks and 125 Bradleys. In 

addition to these critical platforms, 4/3 ACR has been completely outfitted with the latest 
AH-64D Apache Longbow attack helicopters, with its three Troops replacing the 

previous three Troops of OH-58D Kiowa Warriors. The Regiment recently completed 

the fielding and certification of its indirect fire assets, both M109A6 Paladin and M1064 

120mm mortar systems. The Regiment is as lethal now as ever before, ready to tackle the 

missions ahead. 

The above fielding only covers the most visible equipping of the Regiment. 

Inside the vehicles are the latest Command and Control systems and communications 

devices that bring the Regiment on-line with other “digitized” units. The Future Battle 

Command Brigade and Below (FBCB2) system is now hard-wired into the fleet of 

tactical vehicles, providing the commanders with extraordinary situational awareness 

with regards to both friendly and enemy forces. Combined with the extensive fielding of 

Army Battle Command Systems, from Maneuver Control Stations to monitor and control 

the ground squadrons, to the All-Source Analysis System, an intelligence data base 

structure designed to facilitate pattern and link analysis of enemy actions, the Regimental 

Commander now has unprecedented resources at his disposal to plan and execute 

missions. 

 Once the Regiment had the personnel and equipment it needed, extensive training 

became possible. While waiting on equipment fielding, the Troopers were able to refine 

their skills with their individual and crew served weapons, as well as Warrior Tasks and 

Battle Drills Training. Beginning with Gunnery exercises in November and culminating 

in platoon and troop situational training exercises starting in the 2nd Quarter, the 

Regiment is intent on building the small level units; the lethal and agile teams, squads 

and platoons that will be so crucial to success if called upon to deploy. The capstone 

event of the 3rd Quarter collective training period is 3d ACR’s Cavalry Table XIII 

Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX) that provides Troop and Company 

Commanders the opportunity to maneuver their units in a permissive range environment 

while simultaneously coordinating Artillery, Mortars, AH-64D Attack Helicopters and 

USAF Fixed wing CAS. This exercise brings all the assets of the 3d Armored Cavalry to 

bear against a simulated enemy armored attack across a notional international border. 

Department of Defense announced in May, 2007, that the Regiment would be deploying 

to Iraq in the fall of 2007. Starting at the higher levels, the Regiment conducted a 

COMMEX during the first week of May to exercise the new Command and Control 

systems, and construct the framework of information flow and control of maneuver 

formations prior to deployment to the National Training Center. 

The Regiment already poised for their National Training Center rotation in June, 

took the news as a sense of motivation to ensure it would be ready by distinguishing itself 

at NTC. The Regiments movement to the National Training Center was the first time the 

Regiment deployed with all of its equipment and personal to a combat training center in 

preparation for their eventual deployment to Iraq. During the Regiments 07-09 rotation, 

officials at NTC noted that it was the best rotation they had witnessed versus 23 previous 

rotations. The Regiment set a new record at NTC for miles installment of all its combat 

vehicles a record that may stand for a long time. Prior to the Regiment’s return to Fort 

Hood; key leaders participated in the prestigious Luck 16 ceremony with leaders from 

11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. 
When the 3d Cavalry joined the 2d and 11th in the General Defense Plan of 

Europe, the regiments became known as the "Lucky 16." Whenever two of the Lucky 16 

Regiments are in the same location the Lucky 16 convenes. 

 The Regiment’s move to NTC in June served as an exciting opportunity to 

exercise all of the new equipment in a multi-echelon, full-spectrum environment. Based 

on past experiences in Iraq and anticipated future missions, the rotation should prove to 

be challenging, but extremely constructive to the fighting capabilities of the Regiment. 

After the NTC rotation, the Regiment will be effectively poised for world-wide 

deployment, ready to execute missions when called upon, and prepared to add additional 

honors to an already storied unit. BRAVE RIFLES!