I WAS THERE

This forum is to share stories that are meaningful, or entertaining. The posts can be original stories, stories passed down in a family or a region, they could be based on a person's experience, childhood, or basically on anything. They could even be fictional, or humorous, so long as they are stories.
User avatar
Quick Steel
Bronze Tier
Bronze Tier
Posts: 16953
Joined: Thu Dec 16, 2010 5:39 pm
Location: Lebanon, KY

I WAS THERE

Post by Quick Steel »

According to my records and my memory, I did not previously post this at AAPK. If I am in error I apologize for the repetition.


I WAS THERE

I was there on the day the U.S. Cavalry ceased to exist. It was May 1968 and a rainy morning at Ft. Riley, Kansas. Ft. Riley was an old cavalry post but the horses and stables were long gone, replaced by the horsepower of tanks, helicopters and other implements of the modern battlefield. The only remnant of those vanished days was the stone house used by George Custer and his wife Libby.

There was one other connection with times long past when the trumpet daily sounded “Boots and Saddles.” That connection was Chief, the last surviving cavalry horse on the rolls of the U. S. Army. Horses were steadily used until the beginning of World War II when mechanization quickly replaced the service of horses. The last cavalry unit to fight was in the Philippines against the Japanese.

Most Army horses were retired, adopted, or in some manner put out to pasture. But a few were retained, mostly for tourists and recreational riding. Today there are horses near Washington D.C. for special events but they are not Cavalry horses. They are categorized as a special ceremonial unit. The most famous of these was named Blackjack. Countless millions saw him being led through the streets of Washington as he accompanied the casket of John F. Kennedy. Riding boots were placed in the stirrups in reverse position signifying a fallen rider.

The true cavalry horses, designated as such by the Army, gradually died off until only Chief remained. He was foaled in 1932 and entered the Army at about 8 years of age. He died at 36 years of age. A ripe age for a horse. He was popular with the kids living on post. They would often bring him a carrot or piece of sugar.

On the day in question, I was serving as Battalion Adjutant with my office adjacent to that of the Battalion Commander, Lt. Col Hauser. I had gotten into the office early despite a heavy rainfall. When the CO arrived I was surprised to see him wearing his Class A uniform, not the usual fatigue uniform. He wore the Army raincoat but officers are not allowed to carry or use umbrellas so not surprisingly he was dripping wet.

The Colonel explained that Chief had died during the night and all the battalion and brigade commanders had been required to turn out in the early morning hours for the burial. I would have liked a photograph of so many rain drenched field grade officers.

Chief was buried in a horse hero’s casket, meaning he was buried standing up.

A special ceremony was to be held commemorating the closing of the Army cavalry rolls. Many VIPs would arrive from Washington: generals, Secretary of the Army, Under-secretary of the Defense Department and a variety of politicians. For the following days I was plunged into the planning and preparations for this event along with scores of other staff and command officers. All the battalions would be marching, a “pass in review” as it is termed. With so many VIPs present the marching had better be flawless. So, after days of rehearsal the microphones and amplifiers were set up on the parade ground; a large stage constructed where the invited guests would sit; bunting was draped on stage and bleachers; the parade ground was carefully mowed and trimmed; the marching bands practiced; further, preparations had to be made for a substantial lunch for the VIPs following the ceremony. The Army does indeed “march on its stomach.”

In the military, whenever one is involved in the preparation of such special events, there are only two possible outcomes: either a letter of commendation for a job well done or an evaluation that effectively ends any hope of a career. The Army is not a forgiving institution. To put it another way, if a junior embarrasses his senior...well, you know what they say about karma.

The great day arrived and, to my relief, all proceeded splendidly. But the highlight of the event for me took place just a few minutes before the bands struck up and the battalions began to march behind unfurled flags. There was an elderly gentleman standing in the crowd, he had not made it into the bleachers. He had a neatly trimmed short white beard. But what really caught my attention was his apparel. He was immaculately dressed in a U.S. Cavalry uniform of the 1930s: brown uniform, Sam Brown belt with a supporting belt crossing diagonally from his shoulder to his belt, tall cavalry boots almost up to his knees. His leather and buckles gleamed as did the visor on his cap. His insignia of rank revealed he had been a Lt. Colonel. Nearing 80 years of age he was a living Horse Soldier.

What happened next was especially fine. A 4-star general left the viewing platform and approached the former officer. The general saluted and the old timer rendered a snappy salute. (Normally a junior officer first salutes the senior.) Then the general took the cavalryman by the arm and led him up the stairs onto the stage and introduced him to the other generals and VIPs. Each shook his hand. Then he was made to accept a choice seat in the front row. I believe a Major General gave him his chair and moved to the back.

While the troops marched and the bands played “Gary Owen”, the unit march of the 7th Cavalry, the old officer stood ramrod straight with tears glistening.

The main speaker pointed out that the day’s ceremony was not primarily about Chief, rather it was fitting to mark the official closing of an important era, important not only for the Army but an important era for our nation as well. And so it was: the Cavalry was no more, the Horse Soldiers were no more, and Chief was no more.
User avatar
gsmith7158
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 8548
Joined: Fri Dec 25, 2015 7:25 pm
Location: Canton, Ga. 100% of the time
Contact:

Re: I WAS THERE

Post by gsmith7158 »

QS what a beautiful rendition of that ceremony! As we all know time and technology marches on but such a storied unit as the calvary will not be forgotten.
------------------

Greg

IF YOU AIN'T BUYING OR LOOKING AT A KNIFE THEN YOU AIN'T LIVING.
Always looking to buy good quality Empire knives.

PROUD MEMBER AAPK, NRA.
User avatar
Quick Steel
Bronze Tier
Bronze Tier
Posts: 16953
Joined: Thu Dec 16, 2010 5:39 pm
Location: Lebanon, KY

Re: I WAS THERE

Post by Quick Steel »

Well said Greg.
User avatar
philco
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 14949
Joined: Sat Mar 22, 2008 9:32 pm
Location: Kentucky (Wildcat Country)

Re: I WAS THERE

Post by philco »

QS you paint quite a vivid picture with your words. I read this and could see it in my minds eye. Well done. ::tu::
Phil
AAPK Administrator

Jesus died for you. Are you living for Him?

"Buy More Ammo!"
Johnnie Fain 1949-2009
User avatar
Quick Steel
Bronze Tier
Bronze Tier
Posts: 16953
Joined: Thu Dec 16, 2010 5:39 pm
Location: Lebanon, KY

Re: I WAS THERE

Post by Quick Steel »

Thank you Phil. I appreciate your very kind feedback.
User avatar
jerryd6818
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 39165
Joined: Sun Jan 04, 2009 5:23 am
Location: The middle of the top of a bastion of Liberalism.

Re: I WAS THERE

Post by jerryd6818 »

Excellent Garry. Just bloody excellent.
Forged on the anvil of discipline.
The Few. The Proud.
Jerry D.

This country has become more about sub-groups than about it's unity as a nation.

"The #72 pattern has got to be pretty close to the perfect knife."
--T.J. Murphy 2012
User avatar
royal0014
Bronze Tier
Bronze Tier
Posts: 6305
Joined: Sun Jun 17, 2012 8:21 pm
Location: ♥Sweet Home Alabama♥

Re: I WAS THERE

Post by royal0014 »

A well told and beautiful story.
Thank You
Chris
i woke last night to the sound of thunder
how far off i sat and wondered
started humming a song from nineteen sixty two
aint it funny how the night moves
User avatar
RobesonsRme.com
Posts: 9887
Joined: Wed Jan 28, 2009 3:44 pm
Location: The Heart of Dixie.
Contact:

Re: I WAS THERE

Post by RobesonsRme.com »

When I was growing up, my Dad was a gun trader. One of his local fellow traders was a man named John Cook. Our families were close. I dated his daughter for a while. Our parents thought we would marry, but that didn't happen. ::ds::

Mr. Cook was a former cavalryman. He still had his uniforms, belts, spurs, etc.

He used to tell stories about how immaculate they had to be for inspection, including the horses, of course, and there had better not be any fecal matter anywhere near the horse's rear end.

He had lost a leg somewhere, but I do not think it was due to a war injury.

That was a beautiful story Quick Steel. Your telling about the old Lt Col made me think of Mr. Cook.

Thanks for that memory. ::tu::

Charlie Noyes
DE OPPRESSO LIBER

"...Men may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments, despise our persons ___but they are helpless against our prayers. "

Sidlow Baxter
User avatar
Quick Steel
Bronze Tier
Bronze Tier
Posts: 16953
Joined: Thu Dec 16, 2010 5:39 pm
Location: Lebanon, KY

Re: I WAS THERE

Post by Quick Steel »

Most welcome. With the cavalry the horses always came first whether in garrison or on campaign: wiped down, watered, fed. Heaven help the horse soldier who was found taking care of himself before his horse.
User avatar
carrmillus
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 6293
Joined: Sun Nov 14, 2010 9:22 pm
Location: tupelo, miss.

Re: I WAS THERE

Post by carrmillus »

..this WAS a great story!!....thanks for posting it, QS!!!!......... ::tu:: ::tu:: ::tu:: ..........
User avatar
Quick Steel
Bronze Tier
Bronze Tier
Posts: 16953
Joined: Thu Dec 16, 2010 5:39 pm
Location: Lebanon, KY

Re: I WAS THERE

Post by Quick Steel »

Carmillus you and all the guys are so generous in your comments. Gracias.
User avatar
Colonel26
Bronze Tier
Bronze Tier
Posts: 10322
Joined: Sun Jul 01, 2012 3:35 am
Location: Kentucky

Re: I WAS THERE

Post by Colonel26 »

QS, that was fantastic. Wow! Thank you so much for sharing that.
“There are things in the old Book which I may not be able to explain, but I fully accept it as the infallible word of God, and receive its teachings as inspired by the Holy Spirit.”
Robert E. Lee
Ribbit
Posts: 129
Joined: Wed Nov 19, 2014 1:26 am

Re: I WAS THERE

Post by Ribbit »

Quick Steel-
Thank you very much for sharing that.
I sincerely appreciate each and every person who has served our nation.
Thank you especially for passing along a real piece of American History.
I'll say a pray for you and all who have made my life, and the life of my children and grandchildren, blessed.
Ribbit
Posts: 129
Joined: Wed Nov 19, 2014 1:26 am

Re: I WAS THERE

Post by Ribbit »

Just my humble opinion, but this should be a permanaent fixture.
User avatar
Quick Steel
Bronze Tier
Bronze Tier
Posts: 16953
Joined: Thu Dec 16, 2010 5:39 pm
Location: Lebanon, KY

Re: I WAS THERE

Post by Quick Steel »

Ribbit, Just in case you may be unaware of it, there is a permanent thread for those who would like to share some story or experience. Near the bottom of the main Forum page is a thread titled Mostly True Stories. Here you and others can contribute anything you wish that might be of interest to others. And a big thank you for your prayers. ::tu::
User avatar
DM11
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 7196
Joined: Tue Feb 21, 2017 4:46 am
Location: Kansas

Re: I WAS THERE

Post by DM11 »

QS, I'm almost speechless. Thank you for sharing!
David
User avatar
Quick Steel
Bronze Tier
Bronze Tier
Posts: 16953
Joined: Thu Dec 16, 2010 5:39 pm
Location: Lebanon, KY

Re: I WAS THERE

Post by Quick Steel »

I appreciate that David. Thank you.
User avatar
peanut740
Gold Tier
Gold Tier
Posts: 7575
Joined: Fri Jan 23, 2009 2:32 pm
Location: Ohio, along the river
Contact:

Re: I WAS THERE

Post by peanut740 »

Outstanding!
Roger
User avatar
CheckSix
Posts: 1644
Joined: Tue Aug 09, 2016 1:08 pm

Re: I WAS THERE

Post by CheckSix »

Sorry for being late! But I have to also say... Garry, I was riveted reading this! Just excellent! Thank you for sharing and I don't mind admitting, my eyes were moist.
Dave - the new guy. :lol:
NRA Life/Endowment
User avatar
Quick Steel
Bronze Tier
Bronze Tier
Posts: 16953
Joined: Thu Dec 16, 2010 5:39 pm
Location: Lebanon, KY

Re: I WAS THERE

Post by Quick Steel »

Thank you so much.
User avatar
terryl308
Bronze Tier
Bronze Tier
Posts: 1521
Joined: Sun Apr 14, 2013 2:24 pm
Location: Lodgepole, Ne

Re: I WAS THERE

Post by terryl308 »

Very nice! and interesting to say the least, I love stories like this. good job QS thanks for sharing, sincerely Terry Landenberger army Vet. ::handshake::
If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
Adog
Posts: 130
Joined: Sun Apr 30, 2017 4:04 am

Re: I WAS THERE

Post by Adog »

Thanks for the wonderful story. Made me remember my Shetland Pony . Well told story brought a tear to my eyes. Adog
User avatar
Quick Steel
Bronze Tier
Bronze Tier
Posts: 16953
Joined: Thu Dec 16, 2010 5:39 pm
Location: Lebanon, KY

Re: I WAS THERE

Post by Quick Steel »

I appreciate your comment Adog. You were blessed to have your own pony.
User avatar
Black Lion
Posts: 123
Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2016 4:55 pm
Location: Illinois

Re: I WAS THERE

Post by Black Lion »

Well told story. Reminded me of the days I spent teaching Mr. Ed to talk. Had to keep the sessions short so he wouldn't become...hoarse. :roll:

This brings to mind...is there anything truly "Custer" left anywhere? The Custer house at Fort Riley is only one that was similar due to the actual house burning down and the other "Custer house" at Fort Abraham Lincoln (State Park) is a rebuild as is the whole fort there.
Attachments
The horse going hoarse of course, of course.
The horse going hoarse of course, of course.
User avatar
Quick Steel
Bronze Tier
Bronze Tier
Posts: 16953
Joined: Thu Dec 16, 2010 5:39 pm
Location: Lebanon, KY

Re: I WAS THERE

Post by Quick Steel »

The joke at Ft. Riley was that when Custer left to travel further west he said, "Don't do anything until I get back." And nobody has.
Post Reply

Return to “Mostly True Stories”