8th Cavalry Regiment, US Army

8TH CAVALRY REGIMENT, US ARMY

History : Constituted 28 July 1866 as 8th Cavalry. Organized 21 September 1866 at Angel Island, Calif. Reorganized as Infantry 20 July 1945. Reorganized 15 October 1957 to conform with the Combat Arms Regimental System.

(Coat of Arms)

(Distinctive Unit Insignia)

Official blazon

Shield : Azure, on a fess or eight mullets pierced of the field, a demi-horse rampant issuant argent.
Crest : Ona wreath of the colors (or and azure), a grizzly bear passant sable.
Motto : Honor and Courage

Origin/meaning

Blue and Gold was the unofficial Regimental Colours. The Eight Mullets symbolises the Cavalry traditions, and the Regimental Number. The Horse is a further symbol for Cavalry. The Grizzly Bear symbolizes California, where the Regiment was organized in 1866.

Literature: Armor-Cavalry Historical Services Division Office of the Chief of Military History, Department of the Army.