1:9th Cavalry

• Origins in World War II: The 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry Regiment (1/9th Cavalry) traces its lineage to the 9th Cavalry Regiment, one of the original "Buffalo Soldier" regiments formed in 1866. However, the 1/9th Cavalry as a modern unit was activated in 1942. • Vietnam War "Air Cav" Pioneers: The 1/9th Cavalry was one of the first units to fully utilize helicopters for reconnaissance and combat, earning the nickname "First Team" and "Headhunters." • Impressive Combat Record: During the Vietnam War, 1/9th Cavalry was credited with finding more enemy and capturing more weapons than any other single unit in Vietnam. • Distinctive Callsigns: The unit's Troops (companies) used distinctive callsigns such as "Cav," "Saber," "Longknife," and "Headhunter" which became legendary in Army aviation. • High Casualty Rate: The 1/9th Cavalry suffered significant casualties in Vietnam, leading to the nickname "The Suicide Squad," reflecting its dangerous reconnaissance missions. • Decorations and Honors: The unit was awarded numerous decorations, including Presidential Unit Citations and multiple Valorous Unit Awards for extraordinary heroism in combat. • Role in "We Were Soldiers": The unit, as part of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), played a prominent role in the Ia Drang Valley campaign, depicted in the book and film We Were Soldiers Once… And Young. • Innovations in Air Mobility: The tactics and organization developed by 1/9th Cavalry during the Vietnam War became the blueprint for modern air cavalry operations. • Legendary Squadron Patch: The squadron's patch features the famous crossed sabers, symbolizing its lineage to the cavalry traditions of the U.S. Army. • Modern Service: Today, the 1/9th Cavalry continues its legacy as a reconnaissance and security squadron, having served in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of the Global War on Terrorism.