91st Cavalry Regiment


The 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment is a light Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron currently serving as the 173rd Airborne Brigade's Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Targeting Acquisition Squadron based out of Tower Barracks in Grafenwöhr, Germany. It is the only Airborne RSTA Squadron within the European, Middle East, and Africa area of responsibility.
The 91st Reconnaissance Squadron was originally organized as a mechanized cavalry reconnaissance squadron in the 1st Cavalry Division. It was the oldest and most experienced squadron sized mechanized reconnaissance unit in the US Army. It completed six campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, and Italy during World War II, while attached to various infantry and armored divisions. The 91st Cavalry Recon Squadron was a non-divisional unit and reported directly to the Army's II Corps. The unit was deactivated on 23 June 1953.
The 91st Reconnaissance Squadron was re-activated, re-organized, and re-designated the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment on 8 June 2006, at Conn Barracks in Schweinfurt, Germany. This reactivation was part of the transition of the 173rd Airborne Brigade to the U.S. Army's new modular force structure. This reactivation was the first time the colors of the 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment had flown since the end of World War II.
Organized as ″Task Force Saber″, 1-91 CAV has subsequently deployed three times to the International Security Assistance Force's Regional Command East in Eastern Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. During OEF VIII 2007-08, the Squadron deployed troops to Nuristan, Kunar, Nangarhar, and Paktika Provinces. During OEF X from 2009–10, and OEF XII-XIII from 2012–13, the Squadron deployed to Logar Province.
Soon after returning to Germany from OEF XIII in March 2013, 1-91 CAV moved from Conn Barracks in Schweinfurt to Tower Barracks in Grafenwöhr due to a Brigade realignment and the imminent closure of USAG Schweinfurt. After moving to Tower Barracks, 1-91 CAV shifted focus from the OEF mission to Airborne proficiency, and NATO support and tactical reassurance. Since 2013, 1-91 CAV has conducted operations in Poland, the Czech Republic, Italy, France, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Romania, and Israel in addition to its German home. Most notably, 1-91 CAV represented the United States in several internationally recognized NATO exercises to include: Operation Steadfast Jazz, Operation Atlantic Resolve and Operation Saber Junction.

Lineage

Medal of Honor Recipients

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Major Thomas Gordon Bostick, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States while serving as the Commanding Officer of Troop B, 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment, 173d Airborne Brigade, on 27 July 2007 in Afghanistan. When he was advised by friendly foreign forces that an enemy element was approaching his position, Major Bostic rapidly employed mortar fire and close air support on the approaching enemy to suppress them. While directing fire, his position came under enemy small arms fire, nevertheless, he continued to direct fire until the enemy was defeated. When the immediate threat was neutralized, Major Bostic maneuvered his quick reaction force to a forward position to retrieve three casualties. After a lull in the battle, the enemy reinforced their attack and engaged Major Bostick and the forward elements from three sides. Once again, he employed direct and indirect fire on the enemy positions and enabled the lead element to begin to move to more defensible positions. As the fire on his position intensified, Major Bostick positioned himself between the enemy and his own exposed Soldiers who were navigating the mountainous terrain and engaged the enemy with accurate fire. While in this exposed position and under continuous small arms and rocket propelled grenade fire, he was mortally wounded. Major Bostick's selfless actions ensured his Soldiers had sufficient time to retreat through the hazardous terrain in order to seek cover and survive the attack. Major Bostick's actions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 91st Cavalry Regiment, and the United States Army.

Silver Star Recipients