Product Details
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Original Items: Only One Grouping Available. The Pancho Villa Expedition—now known officially in the United States as the Mexican Expedition, but originally referred to as the "Punitive Expedition, U.S. Army"—was a military operation conducted by the United States Army against the paramilitary forces of Mexican revolutionary Francisco "Pancho" Villa from March 14, 1916, to February 7, 1917, during the Mexican Revolution of 1910–1920.
Working airplanes were not enough to locate Villa. Although a majority of the Mexican citizens encountered by Pershing's forces wanted Villa captured as much as the Americans did, their hatred for the United States was even stronger, and they gave the U.S. forces few leads. After almost two weeks of pursuing aimless leads and fighting a few minor skirmishes, a squadron of the Seventh U.S. Cavalry fought five hundred Villistas at San Geronimo. There were no American losses, but several of the bandits were wounded. It was thought that Villa was among those wounded, but this proved false.
This uniform and medal grouping belonged to a member of the 7th Cavalry who would have taken part in the Punitive Expedition and would later on fight in the Great War. Sadly we have been unable to locate any names or markings on any piece of the uniforms.
This grouping includes:
-World War 1 Victory Medal: This victory medal is suspended from the correct ribbon and has bars for “St. Mihiel”, “Meuse-Argonne” and “Defensive Sector”.
-World War 1 Victory Medal Without Ribbon
-1914/1918 Croix de Guerre With Bronze Star: a bronze star for those who had been mentioned at the regiment or brigade level. The ribbon retains only about half the original length and has unfortunately deteriorated over the years and is in poor condition.
-New York State WWI Aqueduct Medal - Numbered: This is a New York National Guard "Medal for Guarding Public Property, Public Utilities, or Other Establishments During the World War", also known as the Aqueduct Medal. It was authorized in 1920 for members of the military or naval forces of New York State for more than 10 days service guarding property necessary for the conduct of World War One between February 1917 and February 1919. This medal is engraved with a number on the back which can be easily traced and researched, the number is 3510.
World War 1 Victory Medal Loose Bar Clasps: These are just 2 loose bar clasps for “Ypres-Lys” and “Somme, Offensive”.
-Wool Enlisted Mans Visor: The visor is green, matching the uniform. The maker is Army & Navy Co Uniforms of Newark, NJ. The label is still 100% intact and easily readable. The condition is great but does have cracking in the leather visor and a few small stains on the side of the ridge. The size is approximately 54cm (6 ¾).
-Wool Overseas Cover: A green wool overseas cover in excellent condition, supplied by the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot in Pennsylvania and is approximately a size 54cm (6 ¾)
-Green Wool Tunic: The tunic features the collar discs for Company L of the 7th Cavalry on the left and U.S. on the right. The tunic has all buttons present and in great condition. The overall condition of the tunic is great and shows no signs of damage or stains.
-Green Wool Trousers x2: The trousers show no signs of wear or damage and are completed with all buttons and ties
-Green “lightweight” Trousers: This pair shows signs of being worn and appear to have a few field repairs done to them. There is a small hole on the back by the middle belt loop and another by the left rear pocket. There are no other signs of damage or stains to them.
Overall condition of the uniform grouping is excellent especially because of the age. Do not miss the opportunity to add a beautiful uniform and medals from a very historically significant United States Cavalry unit!
Measurements:
Collar to Shoulder: 9”
Shoulder to Sleeve: 24”
Shoulder to Shoulder: 17”
Chest Width: 16”
Waist Width: 16”
Hip Width: 17”
Front Length: 26”
Inseam: 23”
Waist: 32”
Inseam: 22”
Waist: 32”
Inseam: 30”
Waist: 26”
History of the 7th Cavalry
The 7th Cavalry Regiment is a United States Army cavalry regiment formed in 1866. Its official nickname is "Garryowen", after the Irish air "Garryowen" that was adopted as its march tune.
The regiment participated in some of the largest battles of the Indian Wars, including the infamous Battle of Little Bighorn, where its enigmatic commander, Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custer, made his last stand. The 7th Cavalry became part of the 1st Cavalry Division in the 1920s and went on to fight in the Pacific Theater of World War II, and several key battles of the Korean War, in which it committed the No Gun Ri massacre, and participated in the Vietnam War. It distinguished itself in the Gulf War and in the Global War on Terror where its squadrons and battalions now serve as Combined Arms Battalions (involving tanks and mechanized infantry) or as reconnaissance squadrons for Brigade Combat Teams.
At the end of the Civil War, the ranks of the Regular cavalry regiments were thin indeed, as were those of the other Regular regiments. Of the 448 companies of cavalry, infantry, and artillery authorized, 153 were not organized, and few, if any, of those in being were at full strength. By July 1866 this shortage had eased since many of the members of the disbanded Volunteer outfits had by then enlisted as Regulars. By that time, however, it became apparent in Washington that the Army, even at full strength, was not large enough to perform all its duties. Consequently, on 28 July Congress authorized 4 additional cavalry regiments and enough infantry companies to reorganize the existing 19 regiments- then under two different internal organizations- into 45 regiments with 10 companies each. After this increase there were 10 regiments of cavalry, 5 of artillery, and 45 of infantry.
Cavalry companies accounted for 20 percent of the total number of company sized organizations. The Regular Army’s authorized strength of approximately 57,000 officers and men was then more than double what it had been at the close of the war. The whole arrangement was remarkable because it was the first time in the nation’s history that the Regular establishment had been increased substantially immediately after a war. Recruiting, to obtain the increase in manpower force levels, began at once. Emphasis was placed upon securing Veteran Volunteers before they left the service. The officers were selected from both Volunteers and Regulars; each candidate was required to have had at least two years of honorable service in the Civil War.
The new cavalry regiments, numbered 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th, were organized under the same tables as the 6 already in existence. A regiment consisted of 12 companies formed into 3 squadrons of 4 companies each. Besides the commanding officer who was a colonel, the regimental staff included 7 officers, 6 enlisted men, a surgeon, and 2 assistant surgeons. Each company was authorized 4 officers, 15 noncommissioned officers, and 72 privates. A civilian veterinarian accompanied the regiment although he was not included in the table of organization.
Recruits for a regiment of cavalry were concentrated at Fort Riley, Kansas, in August, 1866. On 10 September, the work of organization was inaugurated by Major John W. Davidson of the 2nd Cavalry, and completed by Colonel Smith, on the 22d December. The new regiment was first designated in orders as the “Eighth Cavalry,” but the figure eight subsequently gave way to the cabalistic (mystic) number – “Seven”.
Andrew J. Smith, a Veteran of the Mexican War, who had been a distinguished cavalry leader in the Army of the West during the Civil War, promoted to colonel, took command of the new regiment. The 7th Cavalry Regiment was constituted in the Regular Army on 28 July 1866 at Fort Riley, Kansas and organized on 21 September 1866.
The early history of 7th Cavalry Regiment was closely tied to the movement of people and trade along the southwest and on the western plains.These routes, a result of perceived “manifest destiny”, extended the domination of the United States into the far reaches of a largely unsettled western plains and southwestern territories. More and more wagon trains loaded with settlers, rolling west, were being attacked by Indians. The Army, having large areas of territory to protect, established a number of military posts at strategic locations throughout the West.
The sound of the bugle and the cry of “Charge” sent the thundering hooves of the US Cavalry Troopers, many who had former service in the Civil War, to oversee and protect the western bound settlers in an era when Indians roamed the western frontier and pioneering settlers clung to their land with determination. The 1st, 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th and 10th Cavalry Regiments (all eventually subordinate maneuvering units of the 1st Cavalry Division) clashed with the Sioux, Comanche, Arapaho, Apache and the Indian Nations during the Indian Wars.
The current capability of the 7th Cavalry Regiment has been developed in conjunction with the long history of the 1st Cavalry Division. It is the combination of the experienced training received by each dedicated member of the Team and adherence to the performance level and traditions of the past. Highlights of the many subsequent historical critical missions performed by members of the 7th Cavalry Regiment and the honors they achieved are summarized in the chapters that follow:
On 22 January 1921 the 1st Cavalry Division was constituted in the US Regular Army. On 13 September 1921, with the initiation of the National Defense Act, the 1st Cavalry Division was formally activated at Ft. Bliss, TX and Major General Robert Lee Howze, a Texas native from Rusk County and seasoned Veteran of then Frontier Indian Wars, Spanish American War, Philippines Insurrection, Mexican Expedition, World War I and recipient of the Medal of Honor, was selected as its first Division Commander.
Upon formal activation, the 7th, 8th and 10th Cavalry Regiments were assigned to the new Division. With almost a century of service behind the oldest of its regiments and sixty five years of service for its youngest, the units that had already ridden and fought its way into the pages of history were organized into the newly formed divisional structure. The four regiments were now to fight side by side. Other units initially assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division in 1921 included the 1st and 2nd Machine Gun Squadrons, Weapons Troops, 10th Light Tank Company, 13th Signal Troop, 15th Veterinary Company, 27th Ordnance Company, 43rd Ambulance Company, 82nd Field Artillery Battalion (Horse) and the 1st Cavalry Quartermaster Trains which later was redesignated as the 15th Replacement Company.
Later, on 18 December 1922, the 5th Cavalry Regiment was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, relieving the 10th Cavalry Regiment. It would not be until 03 January 1933 that the 12th Cavalry Regiment, organized in 1901, would join the 1st Cavalry Division, relieving the 1st Cavalry Regiment. and it was not until 15 October, 1957, when the 4th Cavalry Regiment joined with the 1st Cavalry Division as the 2nd Battle Group, 4th Cavalry, (an element) of the Pentomic Division in ceremonies held in Tonggu, Korea when the colors of the 24th Infantry Division were retired and replaced by those of the 1st Cavalry Division.
Working airplanes were not enough to locate Villa. Although a majority of the Mexican citizens encountered by Pershing's forces wanted Villa captured as much as the Americans did, their hatred for the United States was even stronger, and they gave the U.S. forces few leads. After almost two weeks of pursuing aimless leads and fighting a few minor skirmishes, a squadron of the Seventh U.S. Cavalry fought five hundred Villistas at San Geronimo. There were no American losses, but several of the bandits were wounded. It was thought that Villa was among those wounded, but this proved false.
This uniform and medal grouping belonged to a member of the 7th Cavalry who would have taken part in the Punitive Expedition and would later on fight in the Great War. Sadly we have been unable to locate any names or markings on any piece of the uniforms.
This grouping includes:
-World War 1 Victory Medal: This victory medal is suspended from the correct ribbon and has bars for “St. Mihiel”, “Meuse-Argonne” and “Defensive Sector”.
-World War 1 Victory Medal Without Ribbon
-1914/1918 Croix de Guerre With Bronze Star: a bronze star for those who had been mentioned at the regiment or brigade level. The ribbon retains only about half the original length and has unfortunately deteriorated over the years and is in poor condition.
-New York State WWI Aqueduct Medal - Numbered: This is a New York National Guard "Medal for Guarding Public Property, Public Utilities, or Other Establishments During the World War", also known as the Aqueduct Medal. It was authorized in 1920 for members of the military or naval forces of New York State for more than 10 days service guarding property necessary for the conduct of World War One between February 1917 and February 1919. This medal is engraved with a number on the back which can be easily traced and researched, the number is 3510.
World War 1 Victory Medal Loose Bar Clasps: These are just 2 loose bar clasps for “Ypres-Lys” and “Somme, Offensive”.
-Wool Enlisted Mans Visor: The visor is green, matching the uniform. The maker is Army & Navy Co Uniforms of Newark, NJ. The label is still 100% intact and easily readable. The condition is great but does have cracking in the leather visor and a few small stains on the side of the ridge. The size is approximately 54cm (6 ¾).
-Wool Overseas Cover: A green wool overseas cover in excellent condition, supplied by the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot in Pennsylvania and is approximately a size 54cm (6 ¾)
-Green Wool Tunic: The tunic features the collar discs for Company L of the 7th Cavalry on the left and U.S. on the right. The tunic has all buttons present and in great condition. The overall condition of the tunic is great and shows no signs of damage or stains.
-Green Wool Trousers x2: The trousers show no signs of wear or damage and are completed with all buttons and ties
-Green “lightweight” Trousers: This pair shows signs of being worn and appear to have a few field repairs done to them. There is a small hole on the back by the middle belt loop and another by the left rear pocket. There are no other signs of damage or stains to them.
Overall condition of the uniform grouping is excellent especially because of the age. Do not miss the opportunity to add a beautiful uniform and medals from a very historically significant United States Cavalry unit!
Measurements:
Collar to Shoulder: 9”
Shoulder to Sleeve: 24”
Shoulder to Shoulder: 17”
Chest Width: 16”
Waist Width: 16”
Hip Width: 17”
Front Length: 26”
Inseam: 23”
Waist: 32”
Inseam: 22”
Waist: 32”
Inseam: 30”
Waist: 26”
History of the 7th Cavalry
The 7th Cavalry Regiment is a United States Army cavalry regiment formed in 1866. Its official nickname is "Garryowen", after the Irish air "Garryowen" that was adopted as its march tune.
The regiment participated in some of the largest battles of the Indian Wars, including the infamous Battle of Little Bighorn, where its enigmatic commander, Lieutenant Colonel George A. Custer, made his last stand. The 7th Cavalry became part of the 1st Cavalry Division in the 1920s and went on to fight in the Pacific Theater of World War II, and several key battles of the Korean War, in which it committed the No Gun Ri massacre, and participated in the Vietnam War. It distinguished itself in the Gulf War and in the Global War on Terror where its squadrons and battalions now serve as Combined Arms Battalions (involving tanks and mechanized infantry) or as reconnaissance squadrons for Brigade Combat Teams.
At the end of the Civil War, the ranks of the Regular cavalry regiments were thin indeed, as were those of the other Regular regiments. Of the 448 companies of cavalry, infantry, and artillery authorized, 153 were not organized, and few, if any, of those in being were at full strength. By July 1866 this shortage had eased since many of the members of the disbanded Volunteer outfits had by then enlisted as Regulars. By that time, however, it became apparent in Washington that the Army, even at full strength, was not large enough to perform all its duties. Consequently, on 28 July Congress authorized 4 additional cavalry regiments and enough infantry companies to reorganize the existing 19 regiments- then under two different internal organizations- into 45 regiments with 10 companies each. After this increase there were 10 regiments of cavalry, 5 of artillery, and 45 of infantry.
Cavalry companies accounted for 20 percent of the total number of company sized organizations. The Regular Army’s authorized strength of approximately 57,000 officers and men was then more than double what it had been at the close of the war. The whole arrangement was remarkable because it was the first time in the nation’s history that the Regular establishment had been increased substantially immediately after a war. Recruiting, to obtain the increase in manpower force levels, began at once. Emphasis was placed upon securing Veteran Volunteers before they left the service. The officers were selected from both Volunteers and Regulars; each candidate was required to have had at least two years of honorable service in the Civil War.
The new cavalry regiments, numbered 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th, were organized under the same tables as the 6 already in existence. A regiment consisted of 12 companies formed into 3 squadrons of 4 companies each. Besides the commanding officer who was a colonel, the regimental staff included 7 officers, 6 enlisted men, a surgeon, and 2 assistant surgeons. Each company was authorized 4 officers, 15 noncommissioned officers, and 72 privates. A civilian veterinarian accompanied the regiment although he was not included in the table of organization.
Recruits for a regiment of cavalry were concentrated at Fort Riley, Kansas, in August, 1866. On 10 September, the work of organization was inaugurated by Major John W. Davidson of the 2nd Cavalry, and completed by Colonel Smith, on the 22d December. The new regiment was first designated in orders as the “Eighth Cavalry,” but the figure eight subsequently gave way to the cabalistic (mystic) number – “Seven”.
Andrew J. Smith, a Veteran of the Mexican War, who had been a distinguished cavalry leader in the Army of the West during the Civil War, promoted to colonel, took command of the new regiment. The 7th Cavalry Regiment was constituted in the Regular Army on 28 July 1866 at Fort Riley, Kansas and organized on 21 September 1866.
The early history of 7th Cavalry Regiment was closely tied to the movement of people and trade along the southwest and on the western plains.These routes, a result of perceived “manifest destiny”, extended the domination of the United States into the far reaches of a largely unsettled western plains and southwestern territories. More and more wagon trains loaded with settlers, rolling west, were being attacked by Indians. The Army, having large areas of territory to protect, established a number of military posts at strategic locations throughout the West.
The sound of the bugle and the cry of “Charge” sent the thundering hooves of the US Cavalry Troopers, many who had former service in the Civil War, to oversee and protect the western bound settlers in an era when Indians roamed the western frontier and pioneering settlers clung to their land with determination. The 1st, 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th and 10th Cavalry Regiments (all eventually subordinate maneuvering units of the 1st Cavalry Division) clashed with the Sioux, Comanche, Arapaho, Apache and the Indian Nations during the Indian Wars.
The current capability of the 7th Cavalry Regiment has been developed in conjunction with the long history of the 1st Cavalry Division. It is the combination of the experienced training received by each dedicated member of the Team and adherence to the performance level and traditions of the past. Highlights of the many subsequent historical critical missions performed by members of the 7th Cavalry Regiment and the honors they achieved are summarized in the chapters that follow:
On 22 January 1921 the 1st Cavalry Division was constituted in the US Regular Army. On 13 September 1921, with the initiation of the National Defense Act, the 1st Cavalry Division was formally activated at Ft. Bliss, TX and Major General Robert Lee Howze, a Texas native from Rusk County and seasoned Veteran of then Frontier Indian Wars, Spanish American War, Philippines Insurrection, Mexican Expedition, World War I and recipient of the Medal of Honor, was selected as its first Division Commander.
Upon formal activation, the 7th, 8th and 10th Cavalry Regiments were assigned to the new Division. With almost a century of service behind the oldest of its regiments and sixty five years of service for its youngest, the units that had already ridden and fought its way into the pages of history were organized into the newly formed divisional structure. The four regiments were now to fight side by side. Other units initially assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division in 1921 included the 1st and 2nd Machine Gun Squadrons, Weapons Troops, 10th Light Tank Company, 13th Signal Troop, 15th Veterinary Company, 27th Ordnance Company, 43rd Ambulance Company, 82nd Field Artillery Battalion (Horse) and the 1st Cavalry Quartermaster Trains which later was redesignated as the 15th Replacement Company.
Later, on 18 December 1922, the 5th Cavalry Regiment was assigned to the 1st Cavalry Division, relieving the 10th Cavalry Regiment. It would not be until 03 January 1933 that the 12th Cavalry Regiment, organized in 1901, would join the 1st Cavalry Division, relieving the 1st Cavalry Regiment. and it was not until 15 October, 1957, when the 4th Cavalry Regiment joined with the 1st Cavalry Division as the 2nd Battle Group, 4th Cavalry, (an element) of the Pentomic Division in ceremonies held in Tonggu, Korea when the colors of the 24th Infantry Division were retired and replaced by those of the 1st Cavalry Division.
