4th Cavalry Regiment (United States)

4th Cavalry Regiment (United States)
Unit name	4th Cavalry Regiment
Caption	Coat of arms
Dates	1855–present
Country	United States
Branch	United States Army
Type	Armored cavalry
Role	Reconnaissance and security
Size	Regiment
Garrison	Fort Cavazos, Texas
Nickname	"Quarterhorse"
Motto	Prepared and Loyal
Colors	Red and White
Battles	American Civil War, Indian Wars, Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, World War I, World War II, Vietnam War, Gulf War, Iraq War, War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
Decorations	Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation

4th Cavalry Regiment (United States). The 4th Cavalry Regiment is one of the most storied mounted units in the United States Army, tracing its lineage to 1855. Known as the "Quarterhorse" for its speed and agility, the regiment has served in every major American conflict from the American Civil War through the War in Afghanistan (2001–2021). Its history encompasses frontier duty, mechanized warfare, and modern armored reconnaissance missions.

History

The regiment was originally constituted in 1855 as the 1st Cavalry Regiment before being re-designated as the 4th Cavalry in 1861. Its early service was defined by the American Civil War, where it fought in major campaigns like the Battle of Stones River and the Battle of Chickamauga under commanders such as John Hunt Morgan. Following the war, the regiment was deployed westward, engaging in the Indian Wars across the Great Plains and the Southwestern United States, including actions against the Comanche and during the Apache Wars. It later saw action in the Spanish–American War in Cuba and the subsequent Philippine–American War.

Lineage and honors

The regiment's official lineage begins with its organization at Jefferson Barracks, Missouri, in 1855. Its campaign participation credits are extensive, spanning from the Civil War to the Global War on Terrorism. The unit has been awarded multiple Presidential Unit Citations, including for actions at the Battle of Dak To during the Vietnam War and in Operation Iraqi Freedom. It also holds several Valorous Unit Awards and Army Superior Unit Awards, with its coat of arms and distinctive unit insignia reflecting this long heritage of combat service.

Organization and structure

Throughout its history, the regiment has transitioned from horse cavalry to a mechanized and now an armored cavalry formation. Its current structure typically includes a headquarters troop, several reconnaissance squadrons equipped with M3 Bradley Cavalry Fighting Vehicles and other support elements. The regiment has been assigned to various higher commands, including the 1st Infantry Division and the 3rd Cavalry Regiment's brigade combat team structure. Its home station has been Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) in Texas for many years.

Notable campaigns and battles

The 4th Cavalry's battle honors are numerous. In the American Civil War, it participated in the Battle of Shiloh and the Atlanta Campaign. During the Indian Wars, it was involved in the Red River War and the pursuit of Geronimo. In the 20th century, it fought in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive during World War I and saw intense action in the Pacific Theater of World War II, including the Philippines Campaign (1944–1945). In Vietnam, squadrons fought in the Tet Offensive and Cambodian Campaign. More recently, it conducted reconnaissance during the Gulf War's Operation Desert Storm and sustained operations in Baghdad and Mosul during the Iraq War.

Commanders and notable personnel

Prominent commanders have included Civil War officer John T. Wilder and Ranald S. Mackenzie, a famed commander during the Indian Wars. In the modern era, officers who later achieved high rank, such as Frederick Franks Jr., have led the regiment. The regiment counts one Medal of Honor recipient, Samuel M. Sampler, for actions in World War I during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Other distinguished members include James B. Lathan, a notable cavalry officer in the Philippine–American War.

Modern era and current status

In the contemporary United States Army, the 4th Cavalry Regiment serves as the reconnaissance element for the 1st Infantry Division. Its squadrons have been repeatedly deployed to CENTCOM's area of responsibility, conducting security and reconnaissance missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The regiment continues to train at Fort Cavazos and the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, maintaining its readiness for global contingency operations as a key armored cavalry asset.

Category:1855 establishments in the United States Category:Cavalry regiments of the United States Army Category:Military units and formations in Texas