91st Cavalry Regiment
| 91st Cavalry Regiment (Airborne) | |
|---|---|
 Squadron Colors | |
| Active | 1928 |
| Country |  United States |
| Allegiance | Regular Army |
| Branch |  United States Army |
| Type | Light Airborne Reconnaissance |
| Role | Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Targeting Acquisition |
| Part of | 173rd Airborne Brigade |
| Garrison/HQ | Conn Barracks Schweinfurt, Germany |
| Nickname(s) | "The Airborne Cav" |
| Motto(s) | "Alert” |
| Engagements | World War II Operation Enduring Freedom |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | LTC Whit Wright |
| Notable commanders | CPT Harold G. Holt LTC Harry W. Candler LTC Charles A. Ellis LTC H. Bruss LTC Christopher Kolenda LTC Paul W. Fellinger |
| Insignia | |
| Distinctive Unit Insignia |  |
| Beret Flash |  |
| Background Trimming |  |
Template:Cavalry The 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment (Airborne) is a light Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron currently serving as the 173rd Airborne Brigade's Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Targeting Acquisition (RSTA) Squadron based out of Conn Barracks in Schweinfurt, Germany. It is the only U.S. Army Airborne RSTA Squadron within the European, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) area of responsibility. The 91st Reconnaissance Squadron was reactivated, and reorganized and redesignated the 1st Squadron (Airborne), 91st Cavalry Regiment on 8 June 2006, at Conn Barracks in Schweinfurt, Germany. This reactivation was part of the transition of the 173rd Airborne Brigade to the U.S. Army's new modular force structure.
The 91st Reconnaissance Squadron was originally organized as a mechanized cavalry reconnaissance squadron in the 1st Cavalry Division. It was the oldest and most experienced squadron (battalion) size mechanized reconnaissance unit in the Army. It completed six campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy during World War II, while attached to various Infantry and Armored Divisions. The 91st Cav Recon Squadron was a nondivisional unit and reported directly to the Army's II Corps. The unit was deactivated on 23 June 1953. This reactivation was the first time the colors of the 1st Squadron (Airborne), 91st Cavalry Regiment had flown since the end of World War II. Organized as Task Force Saber, 1-91 CAV subsequently deployed twice with the International Security Assistance Force's (ISAF) Regional Command-East. During Operation Enduring Freedom VIII the Squadron deployed troops to the Nuristan, Kunar, Nangarhar, and Paktika Provinces of Eastern Afghanistan. During OEF X, the Squadron deployed troops to the Logar Province about 50 miles South of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan.
History
Activation
Activated 15 February 1928 as Provisional Platoon, 1st Armored Car Troop, Commanded by CPT Harold G. Holt. The platoon strength at this time was one officer and 22 enlisted men. From 1934 to 1937 the unit was used to map and reconnoiter the United States and Mexican border from Yuma, Arizona to Big Bend National Park at Stillwell's Crossing in Texas. On 1 July 1939 the War Department made plans to expand the squadron and redesignated the unit to "A" Troop, 1st Reconnaissance Squadron. Its strength grew to 5 officers and 100 enlisted men. On 31 January 1941, the Squadron was activated as 1st Reconnaissance Squadron, 1st Cavalry Division with a troop strength of 33 officers and 657 enlisted men. It consisted of troops A, B, C, and D. 14 May 1941 the Squadron was again redesignated to the 91st Reconnaissance Squadron.
Pre-War
In December 1941 when war was declared against Japan, the 91st Reconnaissance Squadron was assigned the mission of patrolling the border once again between Nogales, New Mexico to Sierra Blanca, Texas until it was ordered to Indio, California to participate in 2 months of Desert Warefare Training under MG George S. Patton. The Squadron was then ordered to stage at A.P. Hill, Virginia and conduct further rigorous training prior to moving to Ft. Dix, New Jersey for shipment to North Africa. On or about 11 December 1942 the Squadron departed aboard two ships, the SS Sloterdijk (Dutch ship chartered by the British Ministry of War Transport) and the USHS Acadia (which was commissioned as a hospital ship that saw extensive service in the Mediterranean Sea.)
North Africa
The 91st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (CRS) arrived in Casablanca, Morocco on 24 December 1942 and was requested by MG George S. Patton to provide security and reconnaissance for II Corps. The Squadron was assigned by MG Patton to provide security and honor guard for the Casablanca Conference from 14-24 January 1943. Additionally, it provided airport security and liaison with President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Secret Service during the conference. The 91st also provided convoy security for Winston Churchill and President Roosevelt from the airport to Casablanca and then later to Marrakesh, Morocco. Concluding this mission, the Squadron was sent to Petit jean, French Morocco to conduct patrols along the border with Spanish controlled Morocco. On 1 April 1943 the Squadron was ordered to move to Tebessa, Algiers under the control of II Corp and then further attached to 9th Infantry Division. The 91st marched 1,083 miles in 5-1/2 days stopping at Roumes Souk. The 91st then moved again on 17 April to Djebel Tabouna, about 10 miles east of Djebel El Abiod. The 91st saw its first combat on 18 April 1943 east of Abiod, Tunisia where it made contact with the German Barenthin Regiment. From this day until the closure of the campaign the 91st Reconnaissance Squadron maintained continuous contact with German forces.
- Battle of “About Face Hill”
Following an all night forced march, C Troop was ordered to support the U.S. 9th Infantry Division’s flank and close the gap created by the German breach along the II Corps line of defense. C Troop was ordered to dismount with their light machine guns and equipment, and advance forward to close the gap. Drivers were ordered to remain with their vehicles for security. The Troop began its advance on 23 April and on 28 April encountered a German patrol within a draw, while moving to envelop the German strong point and opened fire. MAJ John B. Donnell, the Squadron S-2/3, while operating a light machine gun, killed 5 German soldiers and wounded several others. The lead platoon was then taken under fire by German machine guns killing SGT Nelson and wounding MAJ Donnell. C Troop later ran into serious opposition when they reached the first heights of the hill on 30 April. German infantry with machines guns were emplaced on a ridge in a couple of stone huts covering C Troops advance. It was the strongest offensive they had encountered up to that point of the campaign. They were under constant mortar and artillery barrages, which brought their attack to a halt. C Troop failed to take their objective on the first day, April 30. C Troop began to dig-in defensive positions and move up heavy machine guns (.50 cal) believing they would be able to support the following days attack. On 1 May, suffering from exhaustion and fatigue, C Troop was ordered to attack again. By this time the German defensive line moved back to a second line of defense on higher ground to cover C Troops advance over open ground. After repeated attempts to gain ground, C Troop was turned back for a second time. On the night of 1-2 May, the Squadron Commander, LTC Harry W. Candler moved to the stalled C Troop sector and issued the C Troop Commander an order to begin his assault at 0400 rather than at day break as they had done the two days before. His men were to rearm and resupply, then get some rest before H-hour. The Troop Commander's reply was that his men were exhausted and needed a day of rest before they could continue. The Troop Commander and three other Senior Noncommissioned Officers were subsequently arrested for disobeying the order. LTC Candler drew a line in the sand and said, “All those men who are going to take the hill at 0400 hours, cross the line. Those who refuse to obey my command, remain where you are.” Shortly before 0400, the Troop formed a single, one-man deep, skirmish line behind the Squadron Commander. Under the cover of darkness, the line crept forward until the commander signaled their final halt using his "cricket". When the command of "Charge" was given, the Troop began their attack advancing with "rebel yells" in order to psychologically demoralize the unsuspecting German defenders. The troops advanced so quickly and within the final lines of fire that the German mortars had to stop firing, because they were firing on their own line. As daylight broke and the battle died down, the Germans began a full retreat to Mateur and then on to Bizerte. Later in the day, C Troop was later relieved and sent to the rear to refit and reorganize before continuing on to their next objective.
- Attack on Djebel Ichkeul
After arriving in Mateur on 4 May, the 91st CRS was detached from the 9th Infantry Division and further attached to the 1st Armored Division. On the morning of 5 May, the Squadron was ordered to clear the 1,500 foot hill mass of Djebel Ichkeul for the division artillery. LTC Candler ordered B and C Troops to reconnoiter the route towards the hill and be prepared to begin the attack on the morning of 6 May. Both troops were to conduct a dismounted attack, abreast of each other, from West to East. The troop’s 81mm mortar sections, 37mm AT guns (headquarters), and a battery of division artillery would provide indirect fire support on the Southern slope for the attack. During the attack, C troop found early success by surprising and capturing 30 German prisoners and then advancing along the Northern slope of the hill mass. B Troop experienced stiff resistance and soon followed C Troop’s axis of advance to continue the momentum of the attack. Fighting continued throughout the day and after dusk the C Troop commander, CPT Douthitt, reported that the only remaining resistance was coming from a few scattered German snipers. LTC Candler then ordered B Troop to remain in position and continue the fight until relieved by A Troop, while C Troop was ordered to return to their vehicles to consolidate and reorganize. A Troop later relieved B Troop to continue the fight and clear the remaining German forces. A Troop would not complete its mission until 11 May when the Germans finally surrendered. Later it was discovered that the troops on Djebel Ichkeul were elements of the Herman Goering Division. Subsequently, Troops B and C were ordered to rejoin the Squadron at the Michaud assembly area and prepare for the march towards Ferryville, Tunisia.
On 7 May the Squadron began its advance towards Ferryville where it met stiff artillery, anti-tank, and small arms resistance.
Invasion of Sicily
Elements landed as part of Operation Husky on Sicily on 10 July 1943 attached to 1st Infantry Division, and squadron remained so attached through campaign. Nicosia to Gagliano and C Troops mission Battle of Troina
Italy
Arrived in Italy in early November attached to II Corps. Entered Rome on 4 June, one of many units to claim first honors.
- Missing information of Battles
Battle of Monte Cassino Battle of Liri Valley The Gothic Line Earned French Croix de Guerre with the 88th Infantry Division Crossed the Arno River on 2 September, then held defensive positions during the winter. Fought all the way up Italy The death of Mussolini, insert Image Operated mostly with the 10th Mountain Division during the April 1945 offensive; entered Milan on 29 April. Ended war near Turin on 3 May.
Lineage
- 1st Armored Car Squadron (1928-1939)
- 1st Reconnaissance Squadron (1939–1941)
- 91st Reconnaissance Squadron (1941-1945)
- 91st Reconnaissance Battalion (1950)
- 91st Armored Cavalry Reconnaissance Battalion (1953)
- 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment (ABN) (2006-Present)
- Constituted in the R.A. on 16 October 1928 as the 1st Armored (Armd.) Car Squadron (Sq.), and assigned to the 1st Cav. Division (Div.). Concurrently, the 1st Armd. Car Troop (organized as Provisional Platoon, 1st Armd. Car Troop at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD, on 15 February 1928; redesignated 1st Armd. Car Troop on 10 June 1928) redesignated Troop A, 1st Armd. Car Sq. Remainder of squadron allotted to the Eighth Corps Area. Troop A transferred to Fort George G. Meade, MD, on 29 August 1928; to Fort Holabird, MD, on 1 October 1928; and finally to Fort Bliss, TX, arriving there on 10 November 1928. The squadron, less Troop A, was organized on 30 June 1932 with Organized Reserve (O.R.) personnel as an RAI unit with HQ at Fort Bliss. Reserve officers assigned to the squadron conducted summer training with Troop A at Fort Bliss. Redesignated 1st Rcn. Sq. on 1 March 1939. The remainder of the squadron was activated on 3 January 1941, less Reserve personnel, at Fort Bliss. Redesignated 91st Rcn. Sq. on 8 May 1941. Location 7 December 1941—Fort Bliss, TX.
Honors
Medal of Honor Recipients
- 1LT Gerry H. Kisters - 31 July 1943, Nicosia, Gagliano, Italy
- (From Citation) "...On 31 July 1943, near Gagliano, Sicily, a detachment of one officer and nine enlisted men, including Sergeant Kisters, advancing ahead of the leading elements of U.S. troops to fill a large crater in the only available vehicle route through Gagliano, was taken under fire by two enemy machineguns. Sergeant Kisters and the officer, unaided and in the face of intense small arms fire, advanced on the nearest machinegun emplacement and succeeded in capturing the gun and its crew of four. Although the greater part of the remaining small arms fire was now directed on the captured machinegun position, Sergeant Kisters voluntarily advanced alone toward the second gun emplacement. While creeping forward, he was struck five times by enemy bullets, receiving wounds in both legs and his right arm. Despite the wounds, he continued to advance on the enemy, and captured the second machinegun after killing three of its crew and forcing the fourth member to flee."
- 1LT Gerry H. Kisters was the first serviceman to be awarded both the Congressional Medal of Honor and the Distinguished Service Cross during World War II.
Distinguished Service Cross Recipients
- 1LT Gerry H. Kisters - 7 May 1943, Ferryville, Tunisia
- (From Citation) "...In May 1943, Ferryville, Tunisia, Sergeant Kisters made several individual reconnaissance missions, returning each time with timely and valuable information concerning location of artillery emplacements. Alone, and while subjected to enemy heavy artillery and concentrated machine gun fire, and individual rifle fire, Sergeant Kisters crept forward on an artillery piece which was firing on our forces. By the effective use of his hand grenades and rifle fire, Sergeant Kisters wiped out the entire crew."
- SGT Peter T. Perkins - 3 Aug 1943, Sicily, Italy
- (Synopsis, Citation Needed) "...Sergeant Peter T. Perkins (ASN: 18009273), United States Army, was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving with the 91st Reconnaissance Squadron, in action against enemy forces on 27 July 1943. Sergeant Perkins' intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty at the cost of his life, exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."
- LTC Charles A. Ellis - 2-3 July 1944, Serrazzone, Fonano, Italy
- (Synopsis, Citation Needed) "...The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Charles A. Ellis, Lieutenant Colonel (Cavalry), U.S. Army, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy in action against enemy forces on 2 and 3 July 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Ellis' intrepid actions, personal bravery and zealous devotion to duty exemplify the highest traditions of the military forces of the United States and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army."
Unit Decorations
| Ribbon | Award | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) | 2007-2008 | for service in Afghanistan |
|
|
Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) | 2009-2010 | for service in Afghanistan |
|
Valorous Unit Award (Army) Anvil Troop Only | 2007-2008 | for service in Afghanistan |
|
French Croix de guerre, World War II (with Palm) | 1943 | embroidered CENTRAL ITALY |
Campaign Streamers
| Conflict | Streamer | Year(s) | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| World War II | Tunisia | 17 Nov 1942 - 13 May 1943 | 
|
| World War II | Siciliy | 09 Jul 1943 - 17 Aug 1943 | 
|
| World War II | Naples-Foggia | 09 Sep 1943 - 21 Jan 1944 | File:Naples-Foggia 1943-1944 Campaign Streamer.jpg |
| World War II | Rome-Arno | 22 Jan 1944 - 09 Sep 1944 | File:Rome-Arno 1944 Campaign Streamer.jpg |
| World War II | North Appenines | 10 Sep 1944 - 04 Apr 1945 | |
| World War II | Po Valley | 05 Apr 1945 - 08 May 1945 | File:Po Valley 1945 Campaign Streamer.jpg |
| Operation Enduring Freedom | Afghanistan | 12 May 2007 - 31 Jul 2008 | |
| Operation Enduring Freedom | Afghanistan | 18 Dec 2009 - 18 Nov 2010 |
- European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign (EAME). There were 16 campaigns in the EAME Theater. The EAME streamer is green with a brown stripe on each edge. The center has a narrow blue, white and red stripe. On the upper portion is a narrow white and red stripe with a narrow white, black and white stripe on the lower portion. The brown color is representative of the sands of Africa and the green color for the green fields of Europe. The central blue, white, and red stripes taken from the American Defense Medal ribbon refers to the continuance of American Defense after Pearl Harbor. Green, white, and red are the Italian colors, and the white and black colors refer to Germany.
Distinctive Unit Insignia
- Description
- A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Per bend wavy Or and Sable, a motor wheel with speed lines in chief and a horseshoe points in chief, counterchanged. Attached below the Shield a Gold scroll bearing the motto “ALERT” in Black letters.
- Symbolism
- The shield includes yellow, the color of the Cavalry, thus denoting the origin of the organization in that service. The horseshoe also carries out the same idea. The speeding wheel, enhanced by speed lines, creates the impression of the lightning speed of the modern armored force. The motto “Alert” is appropriate, and fittingly expresses the sentiments of the unit.
- Background
- The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 91st Reconnaissance Squadron on 6 August 1942. It was redesignated for the 91st Reconnaissance Battalion on 25 May 1950. The insignia was redesignated for the 91st Armored Cavalry Reconnaissance Battalion on 22 October 1953. The insignia was redesignated for the 91st Cavalry Regiment, with the description and symbolism updated on 1 March 2006.
Coat Of Arms
Blazon
- Shield
- Per bend wavy Or and Sable, a motor wheel with speed lines in chief and a horseshoe points in chief, counterchanged.
- Crest
- From a wreath Or and Sable, in front of a sun in splendor Proper, a stylized spearhead point down of the second bearing a parachute Argent superimposed by wings conjoined of the first, surmounted by a saber palewise Gules, point down, thereon a bayonet and arrow in saltire of the last.
- Motto
- "ALERT"
Symbolism
- Shield
- Yellow is the color of the Cavalry and denotes the origin of the organization in that branch of the service. The horseshoe also carries out the same idea. The speeding wheel, enhanced by speed lines creates the impression of the lightning speed of the modern armored force.
- Crest
- The sun in splendor symbolizes the hot, dry desert that covers much of northern Africa, denoting the unit’s campaign in Tunisia. The lone parachute and spearhead suggest the unit being the first into battle to spearhead the way for others to follow. It also alludes to the lineage as the First Armored Car Troop and the unit’s World War II campaign. The wings refer to the freedom the Regiment protects. The arrow, saber, and bayonet represent strength, teamwork, and cohesion, signifying a combined arms organization.
- Background
- The coat of arms was originally approved for the 91st Reconnaissance Squadron on 6 August 1942. It was redesignated for the 91st Reconnaissance Battalion on 25 May 1950. The insignia was redesignated for the 91st Armored Cavalry Reconnaissance Battalion on 22 October 1953. It was redesignated for the 91st Cavalry Regiment and amended to include a crest on 3 April 2006.
World War II Configuration
- 91st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (1941-1943)
- Headquarters Troop
- A Troop (Recon, Scout Car)
- B Troop (Recon, Scout Car)
- C Troop (Recon, Bantaam)
- E Troop (Light Tank)
- 91st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (1943-1945)
- Headquarters Troop, with Pioneer and Demolitions Platoon
- A Troop (Recon, Scout Car)
- B Troop (Recon, Scout Car)
- C Troop (Recon, Bantaam)
- D Troop (Support Troop)
- E Troop (Light Tank)
- F Troop (Heavy Guns)
Current configuration
- 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment (Airborne)
- HHT Troop (CMD GRP, MED, COMMO, FIST)
- A Troop (Recon Scout)
- B Troop (Recon Scout)
- C Troop (Infantry, Sniper, Mortar)
- D Troop (Support, Maintenance/Transportation)
See also
- United States Army branch insignia
- Coats of arms of U.S. Armor and Cavalry Regiments
- Cavalry (United States)
References
This article incorporates public domain material from 91st Cavalry Regiment. United States Army Institute of Heraldry.
- Historical register and dictionary of the United States Army, from ..., Volume 1 By Francis Bernard Heitman [1]
- Encyclopedia of United States Army insignia and uniforms By William K. Emerson (page 51).[2]
- http://homepage.mac.com/yeide/SquadronAndBattalionHist.htm
External links
- http://www.history.army.mil/html/forcestruc/lineages/branches/ar/default.htm
- http://www.history.army.mil/html/forcestruc/lineages/branches/cav/default.htm
- http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/1-91cav.htm
