About this Unit
The 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (2/11th ACR), known as the "Eaglehorse," has a distinguished history within the U.S. Army. Activated in 1901, the 11th ACR served in the Philippines, patrolled the Mexican border, and earned fame for its armored reconnaissance role during World War II in Europe. During the Vietnam War, 2/11th ACR provided security, reconnaissance, and combat operations, notably participating in major campaigns such as the Tet Offensive and the Cambodian Incursion. In recent decades, the squadron has been a vital component of the Opposing Force at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, honing the skills of U.S. and allied units for modern warfare.
Historical Facts
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Unit Designation: The 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (2/11th ACR), known as the "Eaglehorse," is a cavalry squadron of the US Army with a storied history.
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Vietnam War Service: The 2/11th ACR served extensively in Vietnam from 1966 to 1972, conducting reconnaissance, security, and combat operations throughout the conflict, often in challenging terrain and against determined enemy forces.
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Blackhorse Regiment: The 11th ACR is nicknamed the "Blackhorse Regiment," and 2nd Squadron’s call sign is “Eaglehorse,” symbolizing strength and mobility.
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Battle of An Loc: Elements of the 2/11th ACR played a significant role in the relief of An Loc in 1972, one of the largest sieges of the Vietnam War, helping to break the North Vietnamese encirclement.
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Cold War Service: After Vietnam, the 2/11th ACR was stationed in Germany as part of the U.S. Army’s forward presence, patrolling the East-West German border during the Cold War.
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Patrolling the Fulda Gap: The squadron’s mission in Germany included patrolling the Fulda Gap, a key strategic corridor that was anticipated to be a major invasion route if the Warsaw Pact attacked NATO forces.
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Transition to Training: In 1994, the regiment moved to Fort Irwin, California, where the 2/11th ACR became the Opposing Forces (OPFOR) at the National Training Center, providing realistic training for U.S. Army units.
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Decorations: The 2/11th ACR has received numerous unit citations and awards, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Valorous Unit Award, for extraordinary heroism and gallantry in action.
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Modernization: The squadron has evolved over the decades, transitioning from M113 Armored Personnel Carriers and M551 Sheridan tanks in Vietnam to modern M1 Abrams tanks and M2 Bradley fighting vehicles.
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Regimental Legacy: The 2/11th ACR’s legacy is celebrated annually at reunions and regimental events, where veterans and current troopers honor the squadron’s distinguished service and shared camaraderie.
