11th Armored Cavalry Regiment-Blackhorse

U.S. Army Cpt. Luis J. Rodriguez relinquished command of Maintenance Troop, Regimental Support Squadron, to Cpt. Gerrayl L. Bryson during a Change of Command ceremony at Fritz Field, Fort Irwin, Calif., on December 4, 2020. Cpt. Bryson has previously served with the 73rd Cavalry Regiment, the 407th Brigade Support Battalion, and the 4th Aerial Reconnaissance Battalion (Attack), 2nd Combat Aviation Brigade.

1st Squadron, 11th Cavalry Regiment, left Columbus, New Mexico, for Colonia Dublain, Mexico, where the Mexican Punitive Expedition's Headquarters was to be located on March 17, 1916. The rest of the Regiment followed the day after.

Reminder from Fort Irwin Family and MWR: Tree giveaway in the Samuel Adams parking lot on Thursday, December 3rd from 4p.m. - 5:30 p.m. (while supplies last).

In case you missed it, watch U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Brian Schrader, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment Noncommisioned Officer of the Year, and Sgt. Alexander Byrd, 511th Military Intelligence Company, Regimental Support Squadron, 11th ACR Soldier of the Year, represent the Blackhorse Regiment during this mornings' ESPN First Take: Salute to Service talk show. Our Troopers can first be seen at the 29:45 mark. The show included segments highlighting Soldiers from the National Training Center throughout its entirety. *** Warning*** If you are viewing the link from your phone, you will need to download the ESPN app. https://www.espn.com//id/9b237ba3-1988-4f55-bc5d-3dd4b806a

The Distinguished Service Cross was awarded to Private First Class Lester Gene Kopsolias, United States Army, for extraordinary heroism in action in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with A Troop, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, on Octobe 29, 1968. Private First Class Kopsolias distinguished himself by exceptionally valorous actions on 18 July 1968 while serving as the driver of an armored personnel carrier during a mounted sweep through a rubber plantation near Loc Ninh. His full citation can be found at https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/5142

2020 Veterans Day Letter from the Blackhorse Command Team

In January 1969, the M551 Sheridan began to be issued to units in Vietnam, replacing the M48 Patton and M113 ACAV. 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, and 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, were selected to be the first elements equipped with the new armor. The Sheridan, an Armored Reconnaissance / Airborne Assault Vehicle armed with a 152mm gun launcher, replaced the squadron's ACAVs at a ratio of 3 to 2. source=Mounted Combat in Vietnam, by Gen. Donn A. Starry. p 143

Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey congratulates U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Homer L. Pittman, Jr., Troop K, 3d Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, after presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to him. Sergeant Pittman was cited for extraordinary heroism during a battle between elements of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and the Viet Cong on 21 May 1967. He was serving with Troop K, 3d Squadron, as a vehicle commander and acting platoon sergeant with a resupply convoy when it was attacked by a VC battalion astride Route 1, near Soui Cat. Source: https://mcoepublic.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net//1968Jan-Ju

U.S. Army Sergeant First Class David L. Harper, Jr., of Bronx, New York, reenlisted twice to be with the Blackhorse Regiment. Serving in Vietnam, he held the distinction of being the only Trooper in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment to have served with the unit for seven consecutive years. During this time, the unit had traveled three quarters of the distance around the world. Sgt. Harper was a part of M Company, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. Source: https://mcoepublic.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net//1968Jan-Ju

In May, 1960 the Regiment added a separate Aviation Company, precursor of larger aviation components to follow. In Vietnam, the Air Cavalry Troop utilized UH-1H Hueys, OH-58A Kiowas, and AH-1S(MOD)s Cobras. Source: https://www.blackhorse.org/11th-armored-cavalry-regiment-h/

The photo shows the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment column of tanks, trucks, and armored assault vehicles passes a truck carrying teak logs on Route 13, north of Saigon, a vital link between Saigon and An Loc, struck with Vietcong ambushes on February 25, 1967. Source: https://books.google.com/books

On 1 May, 1967, this photograph of Private First Class Kerry Nelson, taken by Co Rentmeester, was submitted to the 1967 Photo Contest, Color Picture, Singles Category and won 1st prize. Pfc. Nelson was a M48 tank gunner with 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, in Vietnam's 'Iron Triangle' during the Vietnam War. The Squadron was tasked with securing Route 13, a strategic road north of Saigon, which connected the city to An Loc and the Cambodian border. Source: https://www.worldpressphoto.org//35789/1/1967-Co-Rentmeest