U.S. Army Philippine Department Shoulder Insignia

The 26th Cavalry (P.S.) was organized in 1922 at Fort Stotsenburg, Philippine Islands from personnel transferred from the 25th Field Artillery (P.S.) and the 43rd Infantry (P.S.). The regiment was a non-divisional element of the U.S. Army's garrison in the Philippines. Prior to the beginning of World War II the regiment was permanently garrisoned at Ft. Stotsenburg, adjacent to Clark Field.

At the beginning of World War II the 26th participated in the withdrawal of the Filipino and American forces on Luzon to the Bataan Peninsula. In a series of actions in December 1941 and early January of 1942, the regiment was essentially destroyed as an effective fighting force. It participated in the last horse-mounted cavalry pistol charge by any American cavalry regiment.  All other cavalry units in the U.S. Army were dismounted and converted to infantry, armor or service units prior to entering combat.

With the surrender of American forces on Bataan in April 1942 the 26th Cavalry Regiment ceased to exist with most of the survivors becoming prisoners of war. Individual American officers and Filipino enlisted personnel continued to fight against the Japanese forces throughout the the war.

The regiment earned the Philippines Islands campaign streamer and four Presidential Unit Citations for World War II.

BLAZONRY Shield - Azure a sun in splendor with 12 wavy rays or. Crest - On a wreath of the colors a black horse's head charging erased at the neck bridled and a dexter cubit arm raised erased habited olive drab the hand grasping a saber at the charge all proper. Motto - Our strength is in loyalty. Distinctive Unit Insignia - The insignia is the crest and motto of the regiment. Source - QM 424.5 EP dated August 20, 1924. A letter to the Commanding Officer of the 26th Infantry from the Quartermaster General.

(Background picture is of the 26th Cavalry passing a tank of the 192nd GHQ Tank Battalion on Bataan)