Active 1940 Branch Armor Motto(s) READY NOW | Branch color Yellow | |
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The 89th Cavalry Regiment is a Regiment of the United States Army first established in 1940.
Contents
Lineage
Constituted 1 June 1940 in the Regular Army as the 10th Antitank Battalion.
Distinctive Unit Insignia
A Silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Azure, semé of caltrops Argent, on a bend of the second an elongated inverted pile of the first. Attached below the shield a Blue scroll inscribed "READY NOW" in Silver letters.
The sprinkling of silver caltrops, an ancient military instrument, sometimes called "cheval trap" (from the French word horse) from its use in impeding the approach of cavalry-is symbolical of the first duty of the Tank Destroyer Battalions, i.e., to stop the advance of enemy tanks by obstacles strewn in their path and sharp attack from all points. The silver bend represents the forward path to be traveled as well as Highway 99, the birthplace of the unit and the scene of their first arduous convoy. The inverted pile shooting forward from this bend further illustrates advance and the penetrating qualities of the battalion toward any obstacle encountered.
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 899th Tank Destroyer Battalion on 6 August 1942. It was redesignated for the 899th Tank Battalion on 25 April 1956. The insignia was redesignated for the 89th Cavalry Regiment on 23 December 2004.
Blazon
Azure, semé of caltrops Argent, on a bend of the second an elongated inverted pile of the first.
On a wreath of the colors Argent and Azure (Ultramarine Blue) upon a geared wheel of a tank track Proper issuant from base a lion passant guardant Or, the dexter forepaw resting on a fleur-de-lis Celeste. Motto READY NOW.
Symbolism
The sprinkling of silver caltrops, an ancient military instrument, sometimes called "cheval trap" (from the French word horse) from its use in impeding the approach of cavalry-is symbolical of the first duty of the Tank Destroyer Battalions, i.e., to stop the advance of enemy tanks by obstacles strewn in their path and sharp attack from all points. The silver bend represents the forward path to be traveled as well as Highway 99, the birthplace of the unit and the scene of their first arduous convoy. The inverted pile shooting forward from this bend further illustrates advance and the penetrating qualities of the battalion toward any obstacle encountered.
World War II campaigns in Europe, Italy and the Rhineland are recalled by the lion; the fleur-de-lis represents campaign participation in Northern France, Normandy and Ardennes-Alsace. The geared wheel refers to Tank Battalion heritage and Tank Destroyer history. Gold symbolizes excellence, the grey and Sable of the wheel denote strength and the determination to prevail.
The coat of arms was originally approved for the 899th Tank Destroyer Battalion on 6 August 1942. It was redesignated for the 899th Tank Battalion on 25 April 1956. The insignia was redesignated for the 89th Cavalry Regiment on 23 December 2004. The coat of arms was amended to add a crest on 9 February 2005.
Current configuration
Campaign Streamers
World War II