About this Unit
The 2nd Cavalry Division was a unit of the United States Army first activated in 1941. Originally organized as a segregated African American cavalry division, it was comprised largely of the 9th and 10th Cavalry Regiments, known as the "Buffalo Soldiers." Despite its formation during World War II, the division primarily served stateside, training at Fort Clark, Texas, and was never deployed overseas in combat. The division was inactivated in 1944, as the Army shifted away from horse-mounted units toward mechanized and armored forces.
Historical Facts
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Formation and World War II Service: The 2nd Cavalry Division was first activated in 1941, primarily as a cavalry unit made up of African American soldiers.
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Buffalo Soldiers Heritage: The division’s troops included units known as “Buffalo Soldiers,” continuing the legacy of Black cavalry regiments from the post-Civil War era.
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Short-Lived Existence: The division existed for only a few years (1941–1944) and never saw combat as an entire division during World War II.
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Training at Fort Riley: The 2nd Cavalry Division was primarily stationed and trained at Fort Riley, Kansas, before being re-deployed.
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Role in North Africa: The division’s units were deployed in support roles in North Africa, with some elements being used for logistical and security duties.
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Deactivation and Reorganization: In 1944, the division was deactivated, and its personnel were reassigned to other units, including the formation of service and engineer units.
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Segregation Era: The unit was one of the few African American divisions in the segregated U.S. Army, facing both racial discrimination and limited combat opportunities.
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Mounted and Mechanized: The division began as a horse-mounted unit but later incorporated mechanized elements as the Army modernized.
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Distinctive Insignia: The 2nd Cavalry Division had a unique shoulder sleeve insignia featuring a yellow shield with a black horse’s head, symbolic of its cavalry heritage.
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Legacy: Though short-lived, the 2nd Cavalry Division’s history highlights the contributions and challenges of African American soldiers in World War II, forming an important chapter in U.S. military history.
