ACAV crew during Operation Toan Thang I

ACAV crew of the 1st Infantry Division near Phuoc Vinh, Vietnam during Operation Toan Thang I, 12 April 1968. Getty/Bettmann
This magnificent photo shows a U.S. Army M113 armored personnel crew of 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment operating near Phuoc Vinh, Vietnam in 1968.

Imitating the first sergeant—a cautionary tale

Soldiers can always find humor in Army life. There's no doubt that soldiering is a tough way to make a living. But it can still be funny, irreverent, and sometimes downright hilarious. It often doesn't seem that way in the moment, but my old battle buddies and I still laugh at some of the ridiculous …

They call themselves Blackhorse sandwiches

... traditions of things endured and things accomplished, such as regiments hand down forever... Col. John Thomason The Vietnam War ranks among the most impactful conflicts in American history. As one of the U.S. Army's premier armored formations, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment performed a crucial role in the war. Serving as a hard-hitting mobile …

Team Yankee–A novel of World War III

"All Bravo 3 Romeo elements, upon impact of friendly artillery, you will commence firing. Maintain fire distribution and good shooting. Romeo 25, out." Team Yankee, page 53 Harold Coyle is a retired armor officer who, among other assignments, served in Desert Storm. Team Yankee was his debut novel, first published in 1987. The story follows …

Podcast – Desert Shield II – Deploying the armored force

Desert Shield Battle Streamer
This is my second podcast taking a look back at Desert Shield, which began in August 1990. I share some of my memories as a veteran of the U.S. Army 1st Infantry Division, the legendary Big Red One.

Boots and Saddles – video tribute to a legendary regiment

Boots and Saddles is a short bugle call to alert cavalry troopers to form up for mounted drill. Although cavalry in the modern era has not used horses for many decades, the armored force is rich with the traditions of that bygone era when trooper and horse fought together in battle. As one of America's …