4:12 Cav 5th Inf Div

• Origins: The 4th Squadron, 12th Cavalry Regiment (4/12 Cav) traces its lineage back to the 12th Cavalry Regiment, which was constituted in 1901 and served in early 20th-century campaigns including the Philippine Insurrection. • Vietnam War Service: 4/12 Cav was activated as part of the 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) and deployed to Vietnam in July 1968, serving primarily in the Quảng Trị Province near the DMZ. • Mechanized Cavalry: The unit was unique among most Vietnam-era cavalry squadrons as it was mechanized, operating M113 Armored Personnel Carriers and M551 Sheridan light tanks. • Firebase Fuller: 4/12 Cav played a key role defending Firebase Fuller during repeated North Vietnamese Army (NVA) attacks in 1971, contributing to the firebase's legendary status. • Operation Lam Son 719: Elements of 4/12 Cav provided security, reconnaissance, and fire support during this major 1971 incursion into Laos, which aimed to disrupt the Ho Chi Minh Trail. • Decorations: The squadron earned a Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism during operations in Quảng Trị Province. • Medal of Honor: Specialist Four Raymond R. Wright of Troop E, 4/12 Cav, was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on May 2, 1967, in Vietnam (prior to 4/12 Cav's assignment to 5th Inf Div, but still part of the unit lineage). • “Red Devils” Nickname: As part of the 5th Infantry Division, 4/12 Cav shared the division’s nickname, the “Red Devils,” reflecting their aggressive combat style. • Post-Vietnam Service: After Vietnam, the 4/12 Cav went through several reorganizations, inactivations, and reactivations, reflecting the changing structure of the U.S. Army during the Cold War and post-Cold War eras. • Veterans’ Legacy: Former members of 4/12 Cav maintain an active association, preserving the unit’s history through reunions, memorials, and contributions to military museums and oral history projects.