World War II Summary History

Known as the "Little Giant of the Pacific," the 112th Cavalry Regiment, part of the 56th Cavalry Brigade, Texas National Guard, was mobilized for active duty on 18 November 1940. The regiment was stationed at Fort Bliss, El Paso, and in February 1941 was sent to Fort Clark at Bracketville, to relieve the 5th United States Cavalry. The regiment participated in the Louisiana Maneuvers and patrolled the border with Mexico until shipped overseas on 8 July 1942. The regiment disembarked at Noumea, New Caledonia, on 11 August 1942, where it was attached to the Americal Division. The Regiment, after turning in its horses, landed on Woodlark Island without opposition and provided security for Navy Seabees while the Seabees built an airstrip.

In November 1943 the regiment plus the 148th Field Artillery Battalion was designated Director Task Force under Brigadier General Julian W. Cunningham. The 2nd Battalion of the 158th Infantry Regiment as reinforcing element for the task force was dropped in late December. The first action of the regiment was the landing at Arawe, New Britain. After linking up with the 1st Marine Division, the Regiment was sent to Aitape, New Guinea, and attached to the 32nd Infantry Division, where it fought in many battles along the Driniumor River. The new activated (1 October 1944) 112th RCT consisting of the 112th Cavalry Regiment (Special) and the 148th Field Artillery Battalion (105mm Howitzer) departed Aitape for Leyte, Philippine Islands on 31 October 1944 and immediately attached to the 1st Cavalry Division. On 16 January 1945, the 112th RCT moved from Leyte to Luzon in the Philippines, where it fought until the end of the war.

The 112th Cavalry Regiment saw occupation duty in Japan beginning on 3 September 1945, and then was deactivated on 17 January 1946 at Tateyama, Japan. The Regiment was reactivated in the Texas National Guard on 2 July 1946.