2:12th Cav

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Branch

U.S. Army

Members

About 2:12th Cav

The 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment (2/12th Cav) is a distinguished unit of the United States Army with a history dating back to its activation in 1901. The battalion saw extensive combat during the Vietnam War as part of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), participating in major campaigns such as the Battle of Ia Drang and Operations Pershing and Pegasus. In the decades that followed, 2/12th Cav continued to serve with distinction, deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan during the Global War on Terrorism. Today, the unit remains an integral part of the 1st Cavalry Division, upholding a proud legacy of service and sacrifice.

Unit Members

Danny Uptain

U.S. Army

2:12th CavView Profile

Henry Rader

U.S. Army

2:12th CavView Profile

Photos

Boot Camp

Company C 1st Bn. 38th Inf. Regt. • U.S. Army • 1989

1980

101st airborne division • U.S. Army

U.S. Army

New uniform for wedding

82nd Airborne • U.S. Army • 2018

About 2:12th Cav

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Origins: The 2nd Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment (2/12th Cav) is part of the historic 1st Cavalry Division, first constituted in 1901 as part of the Regular Army. • World War II Service: The 12th Cavalry served in the Pacific during World War II, participating in campaigns in the Admiralty Islands, Leyte, and Luzon. • Vietnam War Deployments: 2/12th Cav was deployed to Vietnam in 1965, participating in major battles such as the Ia Drang Valley and the Tet Offensive. • Battle of Hue (1968): The unit played a crucial role in the Battle of Hue during the Tet Offensive, engaging in intense urban combat and house-to-house fighting. • Transition to Armor: After Vietnam, 2/12th transitioned from an infantry battalion to an armored (tank) battalion, reflecting evolving Army doctrine. • Operation Desert Storm: Elements of the 2/12th participated in the liberation of Kuwait in 1991, conducting armored assaults as part of the "left hook." • Return to Iraq: The battalion deployed multiple times to Iraq in the 2000s, operating in Baghdad and other key locations during Operation Iraqi Freedom. • Decorations: 2/12th Cav has received numerous unit citations, including Presidential Unit Citations and Valorous Unit Awards for gallantry in combat. • Modern Structure: Today, 2/12th Cav is an armored battalion within the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, based at Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), Texas. • Motto: The battalion’s motto is "ThunderHorse," reflecting its enduring spirit and cavalry heritage.