Last U.S. Cavalry Charge (Standard Issue Spurs)

On this date, 16 January 1942, the 26th Cavalry Regiment (Philippine Scouts) conducted the last horse mounted combat charge by an American formation (room for argument exists if SF riding into battle on horseback in 2001 counts as a "charge" -- I say no).

​Click below to read more!

The regular combat use of cavalry quickly fell out of favor on the western front of WW1 where trenches, barbed wire, and machine guns made cavalry charges either impossible or extraordinarily costly. Despite this, armies the world over retained mounted cavalry formations after WW1, in part because mounted elements had greater success in other areas of the conflict where static trench lines had not solidified, and the combat retained a more fluid nature where cavalry could thrive. Add to this an old-guard skepticism about the long-term usefulness of new fangled mechanization / motorization, and the horse was still a key part of military planning.

Following the invasion of the Philippines, the 26th Cavalry assisted in delaying actions against the advancing Japanese. They were primarily utilized for reconnaissance and rear guard skirmishing, a role where cavalry was particularly useful -- especially against an enemy that had little mechanization itself. On 16 January 1942, First Lieutenant Edwin Ramsey was detailed to lead a 27 man advance guard detail, with the goal of securing the village of Moron. Upon entering the village 1LT Ramsey's element came under fire from Japanese troops, and he saw additional enemy troops fording a nearby river. Knowing if those troops managed to cross the river he would be dangerously outnumbered, he seized the initiative and prepared to attack the enemy.
With m1911 pistols drawn, he ordered his element to charge, crashing into the Japanese defenders and throwing them into disarray. His small unit managed to rout the enemy and hold off the Japanese until US reinforcements arrived to secure the village, at the expense of only 3 wounded cavalrymen.

1LT Ramsey and the men under his command likely wore the Model 1911 Spurs pictured here. A simple design, they are relatively plain and unadorned, with the only markings being a US and AB stamped on the inside. The A.B. stands for the manufacturer of this particular pair -- August Buermann. Mr. Buermann, only a few weeks after immigrating to the United States, volunteered for US Army service during the Civil War as a substitute, surviving the war and entering the business world. The only other markings, if you can call them that, are serrations on the end of the shank in place of a rowel or any more elaborate horse prodding system.
While the Army has generally left the horse cavalry far behind, with the exception of some demonstration units, the culture of wearing spurs has remained strong. Members of Cavalry organizations (now motorized, mechanized or aerial) still wear spurs after they have proven themselves in their organizations. Silver spurs are typically awarded after the completion of a "spur ride" demonstrating suitable competence in job related tasks, while gold spurs are awarded following a deployment with a cavalry organization.
​
These particular spurs, while likely over 100 years old, still see occasional formal use. While I change out the russet leather straps for modern black-colored ones, they have been worn to formal balls, weddings, etc. While I'll soon transition out of the Armor / Cavalry branch, I'll be sure to still occasionally rock the spurs in order to confound and irritate the non-Cav folks around me!