The first recognized medals of the US Army appeared during the American Civil War and were generally issued by local commanders on an unofficial basis. The Medal of Honor was the first award to be established in regulations as a permanent Army decoration, complete with benefits. The Medal of Honor is the only Civil War era award which has survived as a decoration into the modern age.

Furthermore, the US Army mandates that all unit awards will be worn separate from individual awards on the opposite side of a military uniform. The Army is the only service to require this separation between unit and individual decorations. All Army unit awards are worn enclosed in a gold frame.

The Spanish-American War was the first widespread award of campaign medals, both for service in the actual conflict and for participation in subsequent garrison and occupation duty. After the Spanish-American War, however, medals in the US Army fell into disuse and, apart from a few peacetime Medal of Honor decorations, there were no further Army medals created until the First World War. World War I saw the first widespread distribution of medals for combat, as the Medal of Honor returned awarded for bravery in battle against an enemy force. The Distinguished Service Cross was also created for those soldiers who had performed feats of bravery but not to the level required of the Medal of Honor. The only other medal of World War I was the World War I Victory Medal, accompanied by a confusing array of battle clasps to denote combat participation.

In the 1920s and 30s, the US Army issued very few decorations and it was often common for a service member to spend an entire career without receiving a single medal. With the outbreak of World War II, however, the Army began the largest expansion of medals since the Spanish-American War as well as the first wide scale issuance of inter-service awards. In addition, several World War II campaign medals were created for various theaters and a World War II Victory Medal was established at the end of the conflict as well as an occupation medal.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the Army expanded both its number of medals and ribbons, as well as having its service members eligible for several new inter-service campaign and service medals (such as the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the National Defense Service Medal).

In the modern age, members of other military branches serving under an Army command are also eligible to receive Army decorations. All Army service members may receive inter-service awards, international decorations, and authorized foreign medals. The Department of the Army also awards a limited number of civilian awards.

Only time and fate knows the future of peace, wars and the new missions that the subordinate units of the 1st Cavalry Division may be called on to perform. In any situation, they stand ready and can look to its combat record with justifiable pride and hard earned satisfaction. All of the tasks have been tough and they have been done well.

5th Cavalry Regiment Decorations
The following decorations have been earned by the 5th Cavalry Regiment in service for their country. Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered LOS NEGROS ISLAND (5th Cavalry, cited for the period 29 Feb to 04 Mar 1944; DA GO 16, 1949) Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered KOKSU-RI ("L" Co, 3rd Bn, 5th Cavalry, cited for action on 15 Feb 1951; DA GO 36, 1951) Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered TAEGU ("K" and "M" Co, 3rd Bn, 5th Cavalry, cited for action on 06 Sep 1951; DA GO 38, 1952) Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered TAEGU ("M" Co, 3rd Bn, 5th Cavalry, cited for action on 14 to 19th Sep 1951; DA GO 38, 1952) Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered 17 OCTOBER 1944 - 4 JULY 1945 (5th Cavalry, cited; DA GO 47, 1950) Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered WAEGWAN-TAEGU (5th Cavalry, cited for the period 16 Aug to 26 Sep 1950; DA GO 35, 1951) Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered KOKSU-RI ("L" Co, 3rd Bn, 5th Cavalry, cited for action on 15 Feb 1951; DA GO 36, 1951) Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered TAEGU ("K" and "M" Co, 3rd Bn, 5th Cavalry, cited for action on 06 Sep 1951; DA GO 38, 1952) Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered TAEGU ("M" Co, 3rd Bn, 5th Cavalry, cited for action on 14 to 19th Sep 1951; DA GO 38, 1952) Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered KOREA (5th Cavalry and attached units, cited for the period 11 Jul to 01 Oct 1952; DA GO 24, 1954) Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered KOREA 1952 - 1953 (5th Cavalry, cited for the period 11 Jul 1952 to 01 Oct 1953; DA GO 24, 1954) Chryssoun Aristion Andrias (Gold Bravery Medal of Greece), Streamer embroidered KOREA (5th Cavalry, cited for the period of the war in Korea; DA GO 02, 1956)
1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment Decorations
The following decorations have been earned by the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment in service for their country. Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered LOS NEGROS ISLAND (5th Cavalry, cited for the period 29 Feb to 04 Mar 1944; DA GO 16, 1949) Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered LEYTE ("A" Trp, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 29 Nov to 02 Dec 1944; DA GO 47, 1945) Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered KAMYANG JANG-NI ("A" and "B" Co, 5th Cavalry, cited for action on 30 Jan 1951; DA GO 36, 1951) Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered PLEIKU PROVINCE, 1st Bn, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 23 Oct to 26 Nov 1965; DA GO 40, 1967) Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered HOA HOI ("A" and "C" Co, 1st Bn, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 02 to 03 Oct 1966; DA GO 47, 1968) Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered TAN AM ("A" Co", 1st Bn, 5th Cavalry, cited for action for action on 20 Mar 1967; DA GO 73, 1968) Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered FISH HOOK (1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 01 May to 29 Jun 1970; DA GO 43, 1972) Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered QUANG TRI ("D" Co, 1st Bn, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 27 to 28 Jun 1969, DA GO 28, 1969) Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered IRAQ (1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 15 to 25 Feb 1991; DA GO 27, 1994) Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered 17 OCTOBER 1944 - 4 JULY 1945 (5th Cavalry, cited; DA GO 47, 1950) Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered WAEGWAN-TAEGU (5th Cavalry, cited for the period 16 Aug to 26 Sep 1950; DA GO 35, 1951) Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered KOREA (5th Cavalry and attached units, cited for the period 11 Jul to 01 Oct 1952; DA GO 24, 1954) Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered KOREA 1952 - 1953 (5th Cavalry, cited for the period 11 Jul 1952 to 01 Oct 1953; DA GO 24, 1954) Chryssoun Aristion Andrias (Gold Bravery Medal of Greece), Streamer embroidered KOREA (5th Cavalry, cited for the period of the war in Korea; DA GO 2, 1956) Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1965 - 1969 (1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 09 Aug 1965 to 19 May 1969; DA GO 59, 1969) Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1969 - 1970 (1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period May 1969 to Feb 1970; DA GO 11, 1973, amended DA GO 42, 1972) Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1970 - 1971 (1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 21 Feb 1970 to 28 Feb 1971; DA GO 42, 1972) Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM (1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 01 Jan 1969 to 01 Feb 1970; DA GO 42, 1972) Navy Unit Commendation, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1968 (1st Batallion, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 06 to 08 May 1968; DA GO 32, 1973)
2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment Decorations
The following decorations have been earned by the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment in service for their country. Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered LOS NEGROS ISLAND (5th Cavalry, cited for the period 29 Feb to 04 Mar 1944; DA GO 16, 1949) Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered KAMYANG JANG-NI ("A" and "B" Cos, 5th Cavalry, cited for action on 30 Jan 1951; WD GO 36, 1951) Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered PLEIKU PROVINCE, (2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 23 Oct to 26 Nov 1965; DA GO 40, 1967) Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered BONG SON COSTAL PLAIN (2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, cited for action on 11 Mar 1967; DA GO 54, 1968) Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered FISH HOOK (2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 01 May to 29 Jun 1970; DA GO 43, 1972) Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered QUANG TRI ("C" Co, 2nd Bn, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 27 to 28 Jun 1969, DA GO 28, 1969) Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered SOUTHWEST ASIA (2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Brigade, cited for the period 16 Sep 1990 to 15 Mar 1991; DA GO 27, 1994) Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered 17 OCTOBER 1944 - 4 JULY 1945 (5th Cavalry, cited; DA GO 47, 1950) Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered WAEGWAN-TAEGU (5th Cavalry, cited for the period 16 Aug to 26 Sep 1950; DA GO 35, 1951) Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered KOREA (5th Cavalry and attached units, cited for the period 11 Jul to 01 Oct 1952; DA GO 24, 1954) Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered KOREA 1952 - 1953 (5th Cavalry, cited for the period 11 Jul 1952 to 01 Oct 1953; DA GO 24, 1954) Chryssoun Aristion Andrias (Gold Bravery Medal of Greece), Streamer embroidered KOREA (5th Cavalry, cited for the period of the war in Korea; DA GO 02, 1956) Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1965 - 1969 (2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 09 Aug 1965 to 19 May 1969; DA GO 59, 1069) Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1969 - 1970 (2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period May 1969 to Feb 1970; DA GO 11, 1973, amended DA GO 42, 1972) Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1970 - 1971 (2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 21 Feb 1970 to 28 Feb 1971; DA GO 42, 1972) Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1965 - 1972 (2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 17 Sep 1965 to 29 Jun 1972; DA GO 54, 1974) Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1970 ("C" Co, 2n Bn, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 01 Mar to 30 Oct 1970; DA GO 55, 1971) Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1969 - 1970 (2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 01 Jan 1969 to 28 Feb 1970; DA GO 42, 1972)
3rd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment Decorations
The following decorations have been earned by the 3rd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment in service for their country. Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered LOS NEGROS ISLAND (5th Cavalry, cited for the period 29 Feb to 04 Mar 1944; DA GO 16, 1949) Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered DONG AP BIA MOUNTAIN (3rd Sqn, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 10 to 21 May 1969; DA GO 09, 1979, amended 16, 1972) Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered AP BAU BANG (Headquarters Section, 3rd Sqn, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 19 to 20 Mar 1967; DA GO 03, 1969) Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered AP BAU BANG (Ground Surveilance Section, 3rd Sqn, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 19 to 20 Mar 1967; DA GO 03, 1969) Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered AP BAU BANG (Medical Pltn, 3rd Sqn, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 19 to 20 Mar 1967; DA GO 03, 1969) Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered AP BAU BANG ("A" Trp, 3rd Sqn, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 19 to 20 Mar 1967; DA GO 03, 1969) Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered AP BAU BANG (1st Pltn, "B" Trp, 3rd Sqn, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 19 to 20 Mar 1967; DA GO 03, 1969) Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered AP BAU BANG (3rd Pltn, "C" Trp, 3rd Sqn, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 19 to 20 Mar 1967; DA GO 03, 1969) Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered QUANG TRI (Headquarters and Headquarters Trp, 3rd Sqdn, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 27 to 28 Jun 1969, DA GO 28, 1969) Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered BIEN HOA AIR BASE ("A" Trp, 3rd Sqn, 5th Cavalry, cited for action on 31 Jan 1968, DA GO 05, 1969) Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered BIEN AN ("A" and "B" Trp, 3rd Sqn, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 27 to 28 Jun 1969, DA GO 28, 1969) Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered XUAN LOC ("C" Trp, 3rd Sqn, 5th Cavalry, cited for action on 02 to 03 Feb 1968, DA GO 01, 1969) Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered SAIGON ("D" Trp, 3rd Sqn, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 06 to 12 May 1969, DA GO 43, 1970) Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered IRAQ 1991 (3rd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 03 Jan to 15 Jun 1991; DA GO 14, 1997) Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered 17 OCTOBER 1944 - 4 JULY 1945 (5th Cavalry, cited; DA GO 47, 1950) Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered WAEGWAN-TAEGU (5th Cavalry, cited for the period 16 Aug to 26 Sep 1950; DA GO 35, 1951) Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered KOREA (5th Cavalry and attached units, cited for the period 11 Jul to 01 Oct 1952; DA GO 24, 1954) Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered KOREA 1952 - 1953 (5th Cavalry, cited for the period 11 Jul 1952 to 01 Oct 1953; DA GO 24, 1954) Chryssoun Aristion Andrias (Gold Bravery Medal of Greece), Streamer embroidered KOREA (5th Cavalry, cited for the period of the war in Korea; DA GO 02, 1956) Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1971 (3rd Sqdn, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 08 Feb to 30 Apr 1971; DA GO 42, 1972) Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1966 - 1968 (3rd Sqdn [less "D" Trp],5th Cavalry, cited for the period 1 Dec 1966 to 15 Feb 1968; DA GO 43, 1970, amended DA GO 31, 1969) Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1966 - 1968 ("D" Trp, 3rd Sqdn, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 01 Dec 1966 to 30 Jun 1968; DA GO 43, 1970, amended DA GO 31, 1969) Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1969 - 1970 ("D" Trp, 3rd Sqdn, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 15 Dec 1969 to 10 Oct 1970; DA GO 52, 1971) Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1969 ("D" Trp, 3rd Sqdn, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period Jan to Jun 1969; DA GO 43, 1970, amended DA GO 59, 1969) Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1966 - 1968 (3rd Sqdn, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 19 Dec 1966 to 15 Feb 1968; DA GO 43, 1970, amended DA GO 59, 1969) Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, First Class, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1966 - 1968 ("D" Trp, 3rd Sqdn, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 19 Dec 1966 to 28 Jun 1969; DA GO 59, 1969)
"D" Troop, 5th Cavalry Regiment Decorations
The following decorations have been earned by "D" Troop, 5th Cavalry Regiment in service for their country. Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered LOS NEGROS ISLAND (5th Cavalry, cited for the period 29 Feb to 04 Mar 1944; DA GO 16, 1949) Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered 17 OCTOBER 1944 - 4 JULY 1945 (5th Cavalry, cited; DA GO 47, 1950) Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered WAEGWAN-TAEGU (5th Cavalry, cited for the period 16 Aug to 26 Sep 1950; DA GO 35, 1951) Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered KOREA (5th Cavalry and attached units, cited for the period 11 Jul to 01 Oct 1952; DA GO 24, 1954) Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered KOREA 1952 - 1953 (5th Cavalry, cited for the period 11 Jul 1952 to 01 Oct 1953; DA GO 24, 1954) Chryssoun Aristion Andrias (Gold Bravery Medal of Greece), Streamer embroidered KOREA (5th Cavalry, cited for the period of the war in Korea; DA GO 02, 1956)
5th Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment Decorations
The following decorations have been earned by the 5th Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment in service for their country. Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered LOS NEGROS ISLAND (5th Cavalry, cited for the period 29 Feb to 04 Mar 1944; DA GO 16, 1949) Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered IRAQ 1991 (5th Battalion, 5th Cavalry, cited for the period 04 Jan to 15 Jun 1991; DA GO 14, 1997) Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered 17 OCTOBER 1944 - 4 JULY 1945 (5th Cavalry, cited; DA GO 47, 1950) Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered WAEGWAN-TAEGU (5th Cavalry, cited for the period 16 Aug to 26 Sep 1950; DA GO 35, 1951) Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered KOREA (5th Cavalry and attached units, cited for the period 11 Jul to 01 Oct 1952; DA GO 24, 1954) Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered KOREA 1952 - 1953 (5th Cavalry, cited for the period 11 Jul 1952 to 01 Oct 1953; DA GO 24, 1954) Chryssoun Aristion Andrias (Gold Bravery Medal of Greece), Streamer embroidered KOREA (5th Cavalry, cited for the period of the war in Korea; DA GO 02, 1956)
"F" Troop, 5th Cavalry Regiment Decorations
The following decorations have been earned by "F" Troop, 5th Cavalry Regiment in service for their country. Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered LOS NEGROS ISLAND (5th Cavalry, cited for the period 29 Feb to 04 Mar 1944; DA GO 16, 1949) Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered 17 OCTOBER 1944 - 4 JULY 1945 (5th Cavalry, cited; DA GO 47, 1950) Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered WAEGWAN-TAEGU (5th Cavalry, cited for the period 16 Aug to 26 Sep 1950; DA GO 35, 1951) Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered KOREA (5th Cavalry and attached units, cited for the period 11 Jul to 01 Oct 1952; DA GO 24, 1954) Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered KOREA 1952 - 1953 (5th Cavalry, cited for the period 11 Jul 1952 to 01 Oct 1953; DA GO 24, 1954) Chryssoun Aristion Andrias (Gold Bravery Medal of Greece), Streamer embroidered KOREA (5th Cavalry, cited for the period of the war in Korea; DA GO 02, 1956)