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In March 2003, the 1st Squadron, 10th
United States Cavalry (the 4th ID's Cavalry Squadron) deployed to the
Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Squadron crossed
the border into Iraq in the early dawn hours of 14 April 2003 leading
the 4th Infantry Division north from Kuwait. The Squadron led the
division up Highway 1 through Baghdad, Taji, and on to Saddam Hussein's
hometown of Tikrit, destroying resistance from Iraqi forces. They
secured and held multiple airfields and military complexes for later use
by follow-on forces as far north as K2 Airfield near Bayji.
In June, the Squadron conducted a grueling forced march of nearly 200
kilometers from K2 airfield to the Iran-Iraq border to stop Iranian
infiltration into Iraq, demonstrating remarkable endurance. Cavalry
troops occupied the border cities, destroying enemy resistance and
conducted civil military operations, assuming responsibility for 336.5
km of the border, a Brigade sized area, with a third of the equipment
and personnel. Over the next four months the Squadron stood up, trained,
and equipped Iraq Border Police and other security forces, 1600 Iraqis
in all. The 10th Cavalry troopers screened the inhospitable border
region, providing medical care, food, and water to over 27,000 pilgrims
in a massive humanitarian undertaking.
In October, the Squadron conducted air combat operations across the
division's area, launching Scout/Attack helicopter teams in support of
divisional units during Operation IVY TYPHOON. In this operation, 1-10
CAV helicopters-patrolled HWY 1 from Taji to outside Tikrit dramatically
reducing lED emplacements along this major highway. The helicopters flew
more combat hours than any other unit in the Iraqi Theater of
Operations.
In November 2003, the Commanding General of 4TD(M) ordered the Squadron
to conduct strike force operations and moved the Squadron to the Tikrit
area to stop guerilla activity. They quickly captured the terrorist ring
that had shot down two Blackhawk helicopters prior to their arrival. In
less than a month, the Squadron stopped all guerilla activity in Eastern
Tikrit. On the night of 13 December, the Squadron along with the 1st
Brigade participated in a short-notice operation south of FOB Saber,
near the town of Ad Dawr named Operation Red Dawn, the mission that
captured Saddam Hussein.
In January, the CG 41D(M) ordered the Squadron to move to the Balad area
to conduct further strike force operations securing the largest
concentration of soldiers in Iraq-LSA Anaconda. Once again, the Squadron
quickly stopped enemy activity in the area and captured the ringleader
of indirect fire attacks on US forces.
In operations throughout northern Iraq, the Squadron conducted thousands
of raids and patrols, and captured or killed nearly a thousand enemy
combatants: in short, no other unit in the 4th Infantry Division moved
or fought in more locations than the 1st Squadron, 10th United States
Cavalry.
Today, the Buffalo Soldiers of the 1st Squadron, 10th US Cavalry
stationed at Fort Hood, TX, are beginning the process of converting the
Squadron into the Army's 1st Armored Reconnaissance Squadron under the
new modularity concept. Whatever the configuration of forces, this
formation, like its fore-bearers, stand ready to defend the homeland and
to extend the frontiers of liberty to all who seek its blessing. With
the colors unfurled and sabers drawn, the troopers of the 1st Squadron,
10th United States Cavalry are, and will always be "Ready and Forward". |
