About this Unit
Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment (C Co, 2/5 Cav), is a distinguished unit within the 1st Cavalry Division of the United States Army. The 5th Cavalry Regiment, originally formed in 1855, has participated in major conflicts from the Indian Wars through World War II, Vietnam, and modern operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. During the Vietnam War, C Co, 2/5 Cav was heavily engaged in major campaigns such as the Battle of Ia Drang and Operation Pegasus, earning a reputation for bravery and effectiveness. In recent decades, the company has deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, continuing its proud tradition of service and sacrifice.
Historical Facts
•
Historic Unit Lineage: Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment (C Co, 2/5 Cav), is part of the legendary 1st Cavalry Division, whose roots date back to 1855, making it one of the oldest and most storied regiments in the U.S. Army.
•
WWII Pacific Campaigns: The 2/5 Cav landed on Los Negros Island in 1944, launching the first amphibious assault in the Southwest Pacific and earning a Presidential Unit Citation for their actions.
•
First into Manila: In February 1945, 2/5 Cav was among the first Allied units to enter Manila, helping to liberate the city from Japanese occupation during WWII.
•
“First Team” Vietnam Legacy: C Co, 2/5 Cav, deployed to Vietnam in 1965 as part of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), pioneering the use of helicopters for rapid troop movement in combat.
•
Battle of Ia Drang: The battalion played a critical role in the Battle of Ia Drang in 1965, the first major battle between U.S. and North Vietnamese forces, later depicted in the book and movie We Were Soldiers Once… and Young.
•
Decorated for Valor: C Co, 2/5 Cav, and its parent battalion have earned multiple Presidential Unit Citations, Valorous Unit Awards, and foreign decorations for their gallantry in combat.
•
Desert Storm Participation: During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, 2/5 Cav was part of the “left hook” maneuver that helped encircle and defeat Iraqi forces.
•
Operation Iraqi Freedom: The company participated in the 2003 invasion of Iraq and subsequent operations, including the Battle of Najaf and the occupation of Baghdad.
•
Modern Deployments: C Co, 2/5 Cav has deployed multiple times to both Iraq and Afghanistan in the Global War on Terror, often operating in high-threat environments and conducting counterinsurgency operations.
•
“Garryowen!” Motto: The 5th Cavalry Regiment is famous for its regimental motto and song, “Garryowen,” a tune adopted from Irish cavalrymen in the 1800s and still used for esprit de corps today.
