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Military unit From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The 1st Squadron, 91st Cavalry Regiment (Airborne) is a light Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron currently serving as the 173rd Airborne Brigade's reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) squadron based out of Tower Barracks in Grafenwöhr, Germany. It is the only Airborne RSTA Squadron within the European, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) area of responsibility.
 | This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (December 2012) |
| 91st Cavalry Regiment (Airborne) | |
|---|---|
 1st Squadron Colors | |
| Active | 1928–45; 1950; 1953; 2006 – present |
| Country |  United States |
| Branch |  United States Army |
| Type | Light Airborne Reconnaissance |
| Role | Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Targeting Acquisition |
| Part of | 173rd Airborne Brigade Combat Team |
| Garrison/HQ | Tower Barracks Grafenwöhr, Germany |
| Nickname(s) | "The Airborne Cav" |
| Motto(s) | "Alert" |
| Engagements | World War II Operation Enduring Freedom |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | LTC John Staeheli |
| Notable commanders | CPT Harold G. Holt MAJ John C. MacDonald COL Eugene A. Regnier LTC Harry W. Candler LTC Charles A. Ellis LTC Hyman Bruss LTC Christopher Kolenda LTC Paul W. Fellinger LTC Whit Wright |
| Insignia | |
| Distinctive unit insignia |  |
| Beret flash |  |
| Background trimming |  |
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 (battalion) 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 (Airborne), 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 (Airborne), 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 (ISAF) Regional Command East in Eastern Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). 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. Most recently in June 2021, a detachment made primarily of members of the dismounted reconnaissance troop (1-91 CAV), deployed in support of the Global War On Terror in Operation Atlantic Sentry.
The 91st Cavalry Regiment was constituted in the Regular Army on 16 October 1928 from the 1st Armored Car Troop as Troop A of the 1st Armored Car Squadron, and assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division. Troop A was transferred to Fort George G. Meade, Maryland, on 29 August 1928, to Fort Holabird, Maryland, on 1 October 1928, and to Fort Bliss, Texas, on 10 November 1928. The remainder of the squadron was assigned to the Eighth Corps Area, and was activated on 30 June 1932 at Fort Bliss, Texas, with Organized Reserve personnel as a Regular Army Inactive (RAI) unit. On 1 March 1939, the squadron was redesignated the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron. On 3 January 1941, the squadron was fully activated and all Reserve personnel were relieved of assignment. It was redesignated the 91st Reconnaissance Squadron on 8 May 1941.[1]
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Major (Infantry) 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.
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