Search

The Online Encyclopedia and Dictionary

 
     
 

Encyclopedia

Dictionary

Quotes

   
 

2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment

The Regimental Motto: Toujours Pret - Always Ready. The fleur-de-lis on the crest commemorates the Regiment's service in France during WWI. The Palmetto Leaf symbolizes the campaign against the Seminole Indians. The eight-pointed shield represents the original badge of a Dragoon as does the color, orange.

The 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment (2nd ACR) —established by President Andrew Jackson on May 23rd, 1836 as the Second Regiment of Dragoons. Two squadrons were originally raised, one in Florida and one at Jefferson barracks, Missouri to combat the Seminole Indians.The first Colonel of the Regiment was David Emmanual Twiggs. The Regiment fought in the Mexican War, the Indian Wars and was recalled to the East and redesignated the Second U.S. Cavalry at the onset of the Civil War. The 2nd Cavalry deployed during the War with Spain to Cuba, joining Teddy Roosevelt and the Rough Riders, fighting at El Canay, San Juan Hill, Aquadores, and Santiago. The Regiment remained in Cuba on pacification duty for the next three years. From Cuba, the Regiment deployed to the Philippines, participating in the Cavite Campaign as well as fighting the Moro in 1911 and 1912. During WW I,the Regiment 'saddled up' again, this time under General Pershing in Europe, participating in several battles, including the Aisne-Marne Offensive. Troops B,D,F,and H became the last elements of the Regiment to ever engage the enemy as mounted horse cavalry. During WW II, the Regiment (this time under the designation of '2nd Cavalry Group, Mechanized') landed in France in July 1944, becoming part of General Patton's Third Army. During this period, the Regiment became known as the 'Ghosts of Patton's Army' due to their ability to conduct reconnaissance, materializing at will behind German lines. The Regiment made the deepest penetration of the war, arriving in Czechoslovakia before finally linking up with Russian forces heading west. Under the leadership of COL Charles H. Reed, the Regiment conducted a raid behind Soviet lines to rescue the famous Lippinzaner Stallions. At the end of the war, the unit was redesignated, yet again, as the 2nd Constabulary Regiment, and eventually the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment in 1948. During the Cold War the Regiment was responsible for guarding the Iron Curtain, acting as a tripwire for the long expected but never materializing, Russian invasion of Western Europe. The fall of the [[Berlin Wall] and the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe meant the Regiment had to now redefine it's role. During this process, the Regiment was alerted for deployment to Saudi Arabia in response to the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq. The regiment spearheaded the VII Corps end-run deep into Iraq. Returning from the Gulf, the Regiment was relocated from Germany to Fort Lewis, Washington. From here, the Regiment deployed in support of Peace keeping operation in Haiti during 1995-6. After this mission, the Regiment relocated once again, this time to Fort Polk, Louisiana where the unit remained until deployed again to the Gulf, this time for Operation Iraqi Freedom, remaining for a total of 14 months. On its' return from combat operations, the Regiment found itself heading back to Fort Lewis, Washington. In December, 2004, the Regiment became the Second Cavalry Regiment, and is in the process of becoming the United States' Army's newest Stryker Brigade.

The 2nd ACR has the distinction of being the longest continuously serving unit in the United States Army.

Remember your Regiment and follow your Officers

External links

Last updated: 05-21-2005 05:27:46