Today is the 80th anniversary of a historical moment.

The 26th Cavalry Regiment, consisting mostly of Philippine Scouts, was the last U.S. cavalry regiment to engage in horse-mounted warfare. When Troop G encountered Japanese forces at the village of Morong on 16 January 1942, Lieutenant Edwin P. Ramsey ordered the last cavalry charge in American history. They had long since turned in their sabers and so charged the Japanese forces with 1911 pistols in hand.

A short time later, supply issues forced their command to order the horses killed and used as food for the troops. It is said the 26th refused to eat their mounts.

US soldiers would not enter combat on horseback again 22 October 2001, when members of a 12-man a Green Berets A Team, accompanying members of the Afghanistan Northern Alliance, rode into battle at Cōbaki in Balkh Province, Afgahanistan.

Hooah!