US Cavalry Association

📜 Monday Museum Moment: The Original Air Assault Badge 📜

Sometimes history reveals itself through collaboration.

After sharing this insignia from the Rozanski collection, a fellow historian identified it as the first U.S. Army Air Assault Badge, originally introduced in 1964 by the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).

The badge's design tells the story of a revolutionary period in Army history. Its wings symbolize aviation, while the lightning bolts represent the speed and mobility made possible by helicopter operations. At the center, the shield reflects military service and readiness.

During the 1960s, the Army was developing new ways to fight on the modern battlefield. The 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) became the proving ground for helicopter warfare, allowing soldiers to move rapidly across difficult terrain and respond to enemy threats with unprecedented speed. The Air Assault Badge recognized those trained in these pioneering tactics.

In the years that followed, the Army adopted a different Air Assault Badge design, making this early version a fascinating reminder of the origins of airmobile operations and the innovations that transformed military warfare during the Vietnam era.

History is often a team effort, and we're grateful when knowledgeable members of our community help us better understand the artifacts entrusted to our care.

What Happened Wednesday ⚔️🐎

May 27, 1864 | U.S. Cavalry Crosses the Pamunkey River

On May 27, 1864, Union cavalry under Maj. Gen. Philip Sheridan crossed the Pamunkey River at Hanovertown during General Ulysses S. Grant’s Overland Campaign. Brig. Gen. George A. Custer’s cavalry brigade helped secure the crossing by driving back Confederate cavalry pickets, allowing Union engineers to construct pontoon bridges for the advancing army. These operations led directly to the cavalry fighting at Haw’s Shop and the larger battles around Totopotomoy Creek as Union forces continued their movement toward Richmond.

The actions on May 27 demonstrated the growing effectiveness of U.S. Cavalry operations during the Civil War, where mounted troops carried out reconnaissance, screening, rapid maneuver, and combat missions that were critical to army movements and battlefield success.

Did you know you can see many of these correspondences, historical records, and research materials at the US Cavalry Association Museum, Archives, and Library? The museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and use of the archives and library is free during research hours.

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