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6TH CAVALRY REGIMENT
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Distinctive Unit Insignia


Description/Blazon
A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/4 inches (3.18 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Azure, a unicorn rampant, Or.

Symbolism
The Regiment took part in the eastern campaigns of the Civil War, its outstanding feats being at Williamsburg, Virginia, 1862, when it assaulted intrenched works, and at Fairfield, Pennsylvania, 1863. At Fairfield the unit engaged two enemy brigades of cavalry, completely neutralizing them and saving the supply trains of the Army, but in the process was literally cut to pieces. This is symbolized by the unicorn, held to represent the knightly virtues and, in the rampant position, a symbol of fighting aggressiveness, combined with speed and activity. The shield is blue, the color of the Federal uniform in the Civil War.

Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 6th Cavalry Regiment on 11 August 1922. It was redesignated for the 6th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized) on 24 July 1944. It was redesignated for the 6th Constabulary Squadron on 21 January 1948. It was redesignated for the 6th Armored Cavalry Regiment on 18 March 1949. The insignia was amended to delete the motto on 23 May 1957. The insignia was redesignated for the 6th Cavalry Regiment on 9 September 1974.




Coat of Arms


Description/Blazon

Shield

Azure, a unicorn rampant Or.

Crest

On a wreath of the colors Or and Azure an imperial Chinese dragon rampant Or lined Azure, grasping in its dexter claw four arrows Sable, armed and feathered Gules.

Motto

DUCIT AMOR PATRIAE (Led By Love Of Country).

Symbolism

Shield

The Regiment took part in the eastern campaigns of the Civil War, its outstanding feats being at Williamsburg, Virginia, 1862, when it assaulted intrenched works, and at Fairfield, Pennsylvania, 1863. At Fairfield the unit engaged two enemy brigades of cavalry, completely neutralizing them and saving the supply trains of the Army, but in the process was literally cut to pieces. This is symbolized by the unicorn, held to represent the knightly virtues and, in the rampant position, a symbol of fighting aggressiveness, combined with speed and activity. The shield is blue, the color of the Federal uniform in the Civil War.

Crest

The Chinese dragon represents the Regiment's entrance into the Forbidden City in Peking in 1900. The arrows symbolize service in the Indian Wars.

Background
The coat of arms was originally approved for the 6th Cavalry Regiment on 3 March 1921. It was amended to add a motto on 4 August 1922. It was redesignated for the 6th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized) on 24 July 1944. It was redesignated for the 6th Constabulary Squadron on 18 December 1946. It was redesignated for the 6th Armored Cavalry Regiment on 17 March 1949. The insignia was amended to revise the symbolism on 27 June 1960. The coat of arms was redesignated for the 6th Cavalry Regiment on 9 September 1974.





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