1st Cavalry Division (United States)

1st Cavalry Division (United States)
United States Army · Public domain · source
Unit name	1st Cavalry Division
Caption	Shoulder sleeve insignia
Dates	1921–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Combined arms
Role	Armored warfare
Size	Division
Garrison	Fort Cavazos, Texas
Nickname	"The First Team"
Motto	"Live the Legend"
Battles	World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq War, War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
Current commander	MG Kevin D. Admiral
Notable commanders	Robert L. Eichelberger, Hobart R. Gay, John J. Pershing, William Westmoreland

1st Cavalry Division (United States) is a combined arms division and one of the most decorated U.S. Army formations. Known as "The First Team," it was activated in 1921 and has served in every major conflict from World War II to the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021). The division is distinguished by its distinctive Cavalry heritage and its current role as an armored force, headquartered at Fort Cavazos.

History

The division was formally activated at Fort Bliss, Texas in 1921, tracing lineage to the 1st Cavalry Regiment formed in 1855. It transitioned from horse-mounted units to a dismounted infantry configuration for service in the Pacific Theater of World War II, where it fought in the Admiralty Islands campaign and the liberation of the Philippines. During the Korean War, the 1st Cavalry Division made the first United Nations counteroffensive at the Battle of Pusan Perimeter and later participated in the Battle of Inchon and the drive toward the Yalu River. In the Vietnam War, it was one of the first full divisions deployed, operating extensively in the II Corps Tactical Zone and the Cambodian campaign. The division later saw combat in Operation Desert Storm, the Iraq War during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and multiple rotations in Operation Enduring Freedom.

Organization

The division's current structure reflects its transformation into a modern heavy brigade combat team (HBCT) formation. It is organized under the division headquarters at Fort Cavazos and consists of three armored brigade combat teams: the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Brigade Combat Teams. These brigades are equipped with M1 Abrams main battle tanks and M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. The division also includes a combat aviation brigade, a division artillery headquarters, and a sustainment brigade, providing comprehensive combined arms capabilities.

Insignia and traditions

The division's shoulder sleeve insignia, a black shield with a diagonal yellow stripe and a horse's head, is one of the most recognized in the U.S. Army. The distinctive Stetson hat and cavalry spurs remain key parts of its ceremonial dress, honoring its mounted origins. The official song is "Garryowen," a traditional Irish air adopted by the 7th Cavalry Regiment. The division's motto, "Live the Legend," and its nickname, "The First Team," are central to its identity, with the 1st Cavalry Division Museum at Fort Cavazos preserving its extensive history.

Campaigns and honors

The 1st Cavalry Division has been awarded numerous campaign streamers and unit decorations. It has received three Presidential Unit Citations for actions in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Its campaign participation credits include the New Guinea campaign, Leyte campaign, UN Offensive, 1950, Tet Offensive, Defense of Saudi Arabia, and Liberation and Defense of Kuwait. The division also holds a Valorous Unit Award for the Battle of 73 Easting and multiple Meritorious Unit Commendations for service in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Notable members

Many distinguished soldiers have served with the division, including General of the Armies John J. Pershing, who was its first honorary commander. General William Westmoreland commanded the division before serving as U.S. commander in Vietnam. Medal of Honor recipients from the division include James L. Stone from the Korean War and Robert F. Foley from the Vietnam War. Other notable members are General Robert L. Eichelberger, Lieutenant General Hobart R. Gay, and Secretary of State Colin Powell, who served as a major in the division.

Current status

As of 2023, the 1st Cavalry Division is a premier armored force within the III Armored Corps and is based at Fort Cavazos, Texas. It maintains a high state of readiness for global deployment, regularly participating in exercises like Operation Atlantic Resolve in Europe and rotations to the Korean Peninsula. The division continues to modernize, integrating new technologies and preparing for large-scale combat operations as part of the U.S. Army's focus on multi-domain operations.

Category:Armored divisions of the United States Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1921