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Squadron A

The Squadron A Fund illustration of a man on horseback. His flag has "A" letter at the top, and on a second line, it has "N.G.N.Y."
The Squadron A Fund

Preserving the heritage of an elite cavalry troop.

In the summer of 1884, during the Blaine-Cleveland presidential campaign, a mounted political club was formed that made quite a hit in the pre-election parades. When the election was over and there was no reason for the club to continue, the members decided to form an exclusive troop of cavalry. Eighteen enthusiastic horsemen gathered for weekly drills at Dickel’s Riding Academy, 130 West 56th Street, and the New York Hussars (later named the First Hussars) came into being in 1885.

Three years later, 12 members entered the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden (then at Madison Avenue and 26th Street), thus beginning the squadron’s long association with the National Horse Show.

In the Fall of 1888, a young West Pointer named Charles F. Roe, who had served for 16 years in the cavalry, joined as captain of what became known as the “First Dragoons.” Capt. Roe (later Maj. Gen. Roe) is truly the father of Squadron A, for it was under his leadership that 53 Troopers were mustered into the National Guard of New York State on April 2, 1889, as Troop A, NGSNY, the first cavalry arm of the state.

Because of the equestrian skills and the prestige of its members, Squadron A was often called out to act as escort for presidents, vice presidents, governors, and foreign dignitaries.

A group shot of the men on horseback, with the Squadron Commander at Head of Column.
Squadron Commander at Head of Column

Squadron A first saw military service when a troop of volunteers was sent to Puerto Rico in 1898 to serve in the Spanish-American War. The entire squadron was called into federal service in 1916 to patrol the Mexican Border, and again was mustered into service as the 105th Machine Gun Battalion of the 27th Division in World War I. Squadron A brought home three Congressional Medals of Honor, 17 French Legion of Honor awards, and 24 Croix de Guerre. Between World War I and World War II, the squadron became the Manhattan units of the 101st Cavalry NYNG and was famous for appearances at parades and ceremonial occasions, polo matches, and social events at the Armory on Madison Avenue at 94th Street.

Jeeps and armored cars replaced horses when the squadron was federalized as a mechanized unit on January 27, 1941. Its members became part of the crack 101st Cavalry Group, code name “Wingfoot,” which fought gallantly in Germany and Austria. Members of the squadron earned a Congressional Medal of Honor, 32 Croix de Guerre, 5 French Legion of Honor awards, 5 Most Excellent Order of the British Empire awards, and 10 Distinguished Flying Crosses.

When the Armory on Madison Avenue was slated for demolition in 1965, the 101st Cavalry Units moved to Staten Island.

A row of men on horseback in uniform in a barren field, with a row of frees in the background. There are to rows, the first for has three men on horseback on the lead. The row behind them is a full row. Squadron A at the Mexican Border in 1916.
Squadron A at the Mexican Border in 1916.

The heritage of Squadron A is carried on by the Association of Ex-Members of Squadron A (now known as Squadron A Association) with headquarters at 3 West 51st Street, where the association maintains the Squadron A Room, an attractive dining room where the squadron’s memorabilia are displayed.

The board of governors of the Squadron A Association invites members and friends to contribute to the perpetuation of the spirit and traditions of Squadron A by donating to the Squadron A Fund in The New York Community Trust.

A letter from President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908, and another letter from Henry L. Timson, Secretary of War, from the War Department in Washington in 1943.
In 1908, a letter from President Theodore Roosevelt; and in 1943, a letter from Henry L. Timson, Secretary of War, from the War Department in Washington in 1943.

 

November 30, 1908
THE WHITE HOUSE
Washington

My dear Mr. Terry:

I wish I could be present at your anniversary dinner. As I cannot, I wish to send you just these few words of hearty greeting and good will. I have a peculiar feeling for Troop A of the New York Volunteer Cavalry. I saw much of it while Governor, and it has furnished again and again the guard of honor for me—when I was inaugurated as Vice President, and inaugurated as President. I have also felt a peculiar pride in what the troop did in the Spanish War.

If ever there should be a war in which this country was engaged, and I was still in physical trim, I should certainly try to raise either a brigade, or, if I was permitted, a division, of cavalry composed of regiments such as that I commanded at Santiago. In that event I should instantly endeavor to get all of your men that I could possibly get. From my own standpoint I can pay you no more practical compliment.

Sincerely yours,

Theodore Roosevelt

 

January 28, 1943
WAR DEPARTMENT
Washington

Dear Colonel Ordway:

I am very much touched by your letter inviting me to come to the meeting of the Squadron A veterans at the Army and Navy Club next Tuesday, February second.

. . . Squadron A was a wonderful organization and exercised a most wholesome influence and carried high the flag of soldierly duty on the part of the citizen during years when it was most needed. I remember it as one of the best and most interesting influences in my life.

Very sincerely yours,

Henry L. Stimson
Secretary of War