About this Unit
The 1st Cavalry Division, Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), is the command element of the renowned 1st Cavalry Division of the United States Army, originally activated in 1921. The division gained fame during World War II in the Pacific Theater, participating in key campaigns in the Philippines and Japan. During the Vietnam War, it was the first full division to deploy and pioneered the use of air mobility with helicopters, dramatically changing how modern warfare was conducted. In recent decades, HHC has led the division in operations in the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan, continuing its legacy as a premier maneuver unit in the U.S. Army.
Historical Facts
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Formation and WWII Service: The 1st Cavalry Division was activated in 1921. During World War II, the division participated in the Pacific Theater, including the liberation of Manila.
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Transition from Horse to Armor: Originally a horse-mounted unit, the division transitioned to an infantry and later armored division, symbolizing the U.S. Army's adaptation to modern warfare.
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HHC Role: The Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) serves as the command and control element for the division, coordinating operations, intelligence, and administration.
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Korean War: The division was the first to reach the Korean capital of Seoul and played pivotal roles during the Pusan Perimeter defense and the Inchon Landing.
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Vietnam War Innovations: The 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) pioneered the use of helicopters for troop movement and combat, revolutionizing U.S. military tactics.
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Battle of Ia Drang: HHC coordinated operations during the Battle of Ia Drang (1965), the first major engagement between U.S. and North Vietnamese forces, later depicted in "We Were Soldiers."
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Persian Gulf War: The division was among the first to cross into Iraq during Operation Desert Storm, leading the "left hook" maneuver that helped defeat Iraqi forces.
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Distinctive Insignia: The division's patch—a gold background with a black diagonal stripe and horse's head—symbolizes its cavalry heritage and is one of the most recognizable in the U.S. Army.
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Post-9/11 Deployments: The division and its HHC have deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, playing key roles in major operations such as Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
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Famous Members: Notable individuals who have served with the 1st Cavalry Division include General Creighton Abrams and Medal of Honor recipient Bruce P. Crandall.
