1:7 Air Cav

• Origins in World War II: The 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment (1/7 Cav) traces its lineage back to 1866 but became part of the 1st Cavalry Division in 1921 and saw notable service in World War II, participating in the Admiralty Islands, Leyte, and Luzon campaigns in the Pacific. • Famed for Air Cavalry in Vietnam: During the Vietnam War, 1/7 Cav became one of the first units to employ helicopters en masse, revolutionizing battlefield mobility and earning the "Air Cav" nickname. • Battle of Ia Drang: The battalion is best known for its pivotal role in the Battle of Ia Drang in November 1965, the first major battle between U.S. troops and North Vietnamese forces, later immortalized in the book and film "We Were Soldiers Once... And Young." • Melvin Brown’s Heroism: Sergeant Major Basil L. Plumley and Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore, both of 1/7 Cav, became legendary for their leadership during Ia Drang, with Moore later retiring as a lieutenant general. • "Garryowen" Motto: The battalion’s regimental song, "Garryowen," is a traditional Irish tune that became synonymous with the unit and is still used as their official march. • First to Cross into Iraq (Gulf War): During Operation Desert Storm, elements of 1/7 Cav were among the first to cross into Iraq, leading the ground assault and helping to liberate Kuwait. • Symbolic Unit Crest: The battalion’s crest features a gold and black shield with a horse’s head, symbolizing the cavalry heritage, and is worn with pride by its members. • Continued Modern Deployments: 1/7 Cav has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in the 21st century, participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. • Medal of Honor Recipients: Multiple soldiers from the battalion have been awarded the Medal of Honor, including Bruce P. Crandall and Ed Freeman for their heroic helicopter missions in Vietnam. • Legacy in Pop Culture: The exploits of 1/7 Cav, particularly in the Vietnam War, have been depicted in books, movies, and television, cementing their legacy as one of the most storied units in U.S. Army history.