Talk:5th Regiment, US Cavalry (Regular Army)

The 5th Regiment, U,S. Cavalry was organized pursuant to authorization by Congress to create two regiments of cavalry, in 1855, as the 2d Regiment U.S. Cavalry. It's first commander was Col. Albert Sidney Johnston, and it's second commander was Lt. Col. R.E. Lee who resigned from its command upon secession of Virginia from the Union. After organization at Louisville, Kentucky, the regiment served in 13 campaigns against Indians in in the West from 1855 to 1861. In 1861 the 1st, 2d, and 3d Dragoons (mounted Infantry) were redesignated as cavalry and as the senior units became the 1st, 2d, & 3d U.S. Cavalry. Consequently the original 2d Cavalry was redesignated the 5th U.S. Cavalry with full entitlement to the lineage and honors of its time as the 2d U.S. Cavalry. During the Civil War the 5th Cavalry Regiment was part of the Army of the Potomac and its most significant accomplishment during that war was in saving the Union artillery in the Battle of Gaines Mill.