ABOUT 14th ARMD CAVALRY BAD KISSINGEN
- Unique Cold War Frontier Duty: The 14th Armored Cavalry Regiment (ACR) was one of the key U.S. Army units stationed along the East-West German border, with its headquarters in Bad Kissingen, Bavaria, during the Cold War. Their primary mission was to patrol and observe the Inner German Border, acting as the "eyes and ears" of NATO.
- Regimental Motto: The motto of the 14th ACR was "Suivez Moi" (French for "Follow Me"), reflecting their cavalry tradition and esprit de corps.
- Origin and World Wars: The 14th Cavalry Regiment was originally constituted in 1901 and served in the Philippines, then in World War I and World War II, before being reorganized as an armored cavalry regiment after WWII.
- Border Tours and Observation: The regiment's soldiers conducted regular "border tours," patrolling in jeeps, M113 APCs, and later M60 tanks, maintaining constant watch on Warsaw Pact forces just across the fence.
- Blackhorse Connection: In 1972, the 14th ACR was inactivated and replaced by the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment ("Blackhorse"), but its legacy remained strong in the region, and many local Germans still remember the 14th's presence.
- Bad Kissingen's Strategic Importance: Bad Kissingen, a spa town, was selected for its proximity to the border and its infrastructure, making it an ideal location for the regimental headquarters and support.
- Unit Emblem and Colors: The 14th ACR's distinctive insignia features a yellow over green shield with a black diagonal stripe and a red horse's head, symbolizing its cavalry roots.
- The "Fulda Gap" Mission: The 14th ACR was tasked with defending the Fulda Gap, a crucial corridor believed to be the likely route for a Soviet armored invasion of Western Europe, making their mission vital for NATO defense planning.
- Community Relations: Soldiers of the 14th ACR became a familiar sight in Bad Kissingen, participating in local events and fostering German-American friendship—many soldiers still return for reunions.
- Border Incidents and Tension: The regiment was involved in several tense moments during the Cold War, including standoffs and observation of Soviet and East German military maneuvers, sometimes coming within meters of enemy troops.