1:10th Cav (Gun Platoon)

• Origins: 1st Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment ("1/10th Cav") traces its lineage to the original 10th Cavalry, one of the famed African American "Buffalo Soldier" regiments established in 1866. • Vietnam War Service: 1/10th Cav served with distinction in Vietnam, primarily as a reconnaissance ("scout") and armored cavalry unit with the 4th Infantry Division. The Gun Platoon provided critical fire support with helicopters and armored vehicles. • "Gun Platoon" Nickname: The Gun Platoon typically referred to the heavily armed section of the cavalry troop, often flying UH-1 Hueys or AH-1 Cobras equipped with rockets, miniguns, and grenade launchers. • First Combat Use of Air Cavalry: 1/10th Cav was among the first U.S. Army units to implement the "air cavalry" concept—using helicopters to scout, insert troops, and provide gunship support during the Vietnam conflict. • Valor Awards: Members of the 1/10th Cav Gun Platoon and Troop received numerous decorations for valor, including Silver Stars, Bronze Stars, and Distinguished Flying Crosses, for their actions in Vietnam. • Notable Engagement—Chu Pa Mountain: In 1969, 1/10th Cav's Gun Platoon played a decisive role in the fierce fighting around Chu Pa Mountain, providing close air support and extraction under fire. • Regimental Motto: "Ready and Forward," a testament to the unit's reconnaissance and rapid response mission, has been the enduring motto of the 1/10th Cavalry. • Modern Deployments: The 1/10th Cav has participated in recent operations, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, adapting modern reconnaissance and gun support roles with advanced technology. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The 10th Cavalry's crossed sabers and buffalo symbol are worn proudly by 1/10th Cav troopers, honoring their Buffalo Soldier heritage. • Legacy of Brotherhood: Veterans of the 1/10th Cav Gun Platoon maintain a strong association, sharing stories and camaraderie through reunions and online forums, preserving the legacy of their unique combat experiences.