4:7 Cavalry

• Origins in the Old West: The 4th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment (4/7 Cavalry) traces its lineage to the 7th Cavalry Regiment, famously associated with General George Armstrong Custer and the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876. • Vietnam War Deployments: 4/7 Cavalry played a crucial reconnaissance and security role in Vietnam, operating as part of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), and earning distinction in several major operations. • First to Use Air Cavalry Tactics: The unit was among the first to pioneer modern air cavalry tactics, using helicopters extensively for scouting, inserting troops, and rapid mobility during the Vietnam War. • Decorated for Valor: During the Vietnam War, the 4/7 Cavalry earned numerous awards for valor, including Presidential Unit Citations and Valorous Unit Awards, for exceptional performance in combat. • Gulf War Service: 4/7 Cavalry was deployed during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, performing reconnaissance and screening missions for the 3rd Armored Division. • Korean DMZ Patrols: After the Korean War, the unit was stationed along the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in Korea, conducting border security and reconnaissance operations to deter North Korean aggression. • Modernization and Transition: The unit has evolved from horse-mounted troops to mechanized and armored cavalry, and today operates with modern vehicles like the M3 Bradley Cavalry Fighting Vehicle. • Nickname "Garryowen": The 7th Cavalry Regiment, including 4/7 Cavalry, is nicknamed "Garryowen" after an Irish tune adopted as the regiment's marching song in the 19th century. • Operation Iraqi Freedom: Elements of 4/7 Cavalry deployed to Iraq during the 2000s, performing reconnaissance and security missions in support of coalition operations. • Long-Standing Motto: The unit’s motto, “Ready and Forward,” reflects its rapid deployment capability and readiness to serve at the front lines in any conflict.