About this Unit
The 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment (3/4th Cavalry) traces its lineage back to the original 4th Cavalry Regiment, which was constituted in 1855 and has served in numerous conflicts throughout American history. The unit has distinguished itself in major campaigns, including the Indian Wars, the Philippine-American War, World War II, and the Vietnam War, where it earned multiple decorations for valor and gallantry. During the Vietnam War, 3/4th Cavalry was renowned for its reconnaissance and security missions with the 25th Infantry Division, often engaging in intense combat operations. Today, 3/4th Cavalry continues its legacy of excellence as a modern armored reconnaissance squadron, maintaining readiness to support U.S. military operations worldwide.
Historical Facts
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Origins in the Old West: The 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment traces its lineage back to the 4th Regiment of Cavalry, constituted in 1855, making it one of the oldest continuously serving cavalry units in the U.S. Army.
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Civil War Service: The 4th Cavalry served with distinction during the American Civil War, participating in major campaigns including the battles of Shiloh, Chickamauga, and Nashville.
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Indian Wars: The unit played a significant role in the Indian Wars, including the pursuit of Geronimo and engagements against the Comanche and Kiowa tribes.
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Spanish-American War: Elements of the 4th Cavalry took part in the Spanish-American War, contributing to the U.S. victory in Cuba.
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World War II: During WWII, the 4th Cavalry was reorganized as a mechanized reconnaissance group and landed on Utah Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944, becoming the first American unit ashore.
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Vietnam War Distinction: 3/4th Cavalry, as part of the 25th Infantry Division, earned 12 campaign streamers in Vietnam and was awarded two Presidential Unit Citations and three Valorous Unit Awards for gallantry.
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Battle of Suoi Tre: In March 1967, Troop C, 3/4th Cavalry played a key role in the Battle of Suoi Tre, earning a Presidential Unit Citation for its actions under heavy attack by North Vietnamese forces.
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Gulf War Service: 3/4th Cavalry deployed with the 25th Infantry Division for Operation Desert Storm, conducting reconnaissance and security missions during the liberation of Kuwait.
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Global War on Terror: The squadron has deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, conducting reconnaissance, security, and combat operations as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
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"MacKenzie’s Raiders": The nickname honors Colonel Ranald S. Mackenzie, a legendary commander of the 4th Cavalry in the Indian Wars, symbolizing the unit’s proud tradition of daring reconnaissance and cavalry action.
