The 106th Cavalry Regiment was a mechanized cavalry unit of the United States Army in World War II recognized for its outstanding action. The group was organized in 1921 as part of the Illinois National Guard and during the Spanish–American War and World War I was known as the 1st Regiment Illinois Volunteer Cavalry. It underwent a number of reorganizations before World War II. Like other Guard units during the inter-war years, the 106th held weekly or monthly drills and yearly training. Readiness for war in 1940 led to the mechanization of the unit and induction into federal service at Camp Livingston, Louisiana on 25 November 1940.
French Croix de guerre of World War II with one gilt palm
The Bantam Jeep came in many configurations. The 106th Bantam vehicles were equipped with .30 caliber machine guns or mortars.
The M8 Greyhound was equipped with a 37 mm gun, three machine guns, and two powerful radios.
M5A1 Stuart Light Tank firing its 37 mm gun.
Illinois Army National Guard
The Illinois Army National Guard is a component of the United States Army and the United States National Guard. With the Illinois Air National Guard it forms the Illinois National Guard. National coordination of various state National Guard units are maintained through the National Guard Bureau. The Illinois Army National Guard is composed of approximately 10,000 soldiers.
Shoulder sleeve insignia of the Illinois Joint Force Headquarters
Image: Ilarngdui
