The origin of the 8th Cavalry Regiment can be traced back to 28 July 1866 and the constitution of Company C, 8th Cavalry in the Regular Army and its subsequent organization on 27 October 1866 at Angel Island, California.
In the many decades since that time, the Regiment has taken part in the Indian Wars (eight campaigns), World War II (four Asiatic-Pacific campaigns, one with Arrowhead for an assault landing), Korean War (nine out of the ten campaigns), and the War on Terrorism, in which it has participated in at least four Iraqi campaigns (National Resolution, Iraqi Surge, Iraqi Sovereignty, New Dawn). Regimental decorations include four Meritorious Unit Commendations, two Presidential Unit Citations, a Valorous Unit Award, a pair of Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations, a Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, and a Greek Cross of Valour for the Korean War, more than living up to the Regimental motto of “Honor and Courage.”
Today, the Regiment comprises the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Battalions—all assigned to Brigade Combat Teams of the 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Cavazos, Texas—and the 6th Squadron of the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia.
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Also known as a unit crest or DUI, a Distinctive Unit Insignia is worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been authorized to be issued the device. It is worn centered on the shoulder loops of the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) and the blue Army Service Uniform (ASU, Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.