The 112th Cavalry was first organized as the Fifth Cavalry, Second Brigade, Texas National Guard, by order of the Governor of Texas, William P. Hobby, during April, May and June, 1918, per authority of the Honorable Newton D. Baker, Secretary of War. Federal recognition was extended August 28, 1918.

In December, 1920, the Fifth Cavalry was disbanded, due to reorganization. On December 14, 1920, the Texas National Guard was organized as the 36th Division and First Cavalry Brigade (less one regiment), redesignating the Texas Cavalry as the First Cavalry Brigade. On July 20, 1921, the designation of the First Cavalry was changed to the 112th Cavalry.

The following have served as commanders of the regiment: Colonel Thomas H. Barton, First Cavalry Regiment, later reorganized into 56th Cavalry Brigade, May 24, 1919, to January 19, 1921; Colonel Lloyd E. Hill, 112th Cavalry, January 20, 1921, to July 18, 1925; Colonel Eugene DeBegory, 112th Cavalry, July 19, 1925, to November 25, 1927; Colonel Laurence E. McGree, 112th Cavalry, November 26, 1927, to January 20, 1937; Colonel Walter B. Pyron, 112th Cavalry, January 21, 1937, to August 21, 1938, and Colonel Clarence E. Parker, 112th Cavalry, August 22, 1938, to date.

Probably no unit of the guard has seen as extensive martial law duty as has the 112th Cavalry, which participated in the following duties: Longview riot, July, 1918; Galveston strike duty, June 5 to October 10, 1920; Borger martial law, September 28 to October 29, 1928; Sherman riot, May 9-24, 1930; East Texas oil field martial law, August 17, 1931, to July, 1932; New London school disaster, March 18-22, 1938, and Mexia oil field martial law.

In 1929, Brigadier General Jacob F. Wolters, commanding officer, 56th Cavalry Brigade, published a notable book—Martial Law and Its Administration—dealing with the administration in Texas. His dedication is a fine estimate of the service of this regiment: “To the officers and soldiers of the 56th Cavalry Brigade, and of the units it succeeded when organized in December, 1920, who served during days and nights that were hot, cold, dry, dusty, wet and muddy, dealing with people gentle and good, rough and vicious, in districts under martial law, this volume is affectionately dedicated.” The appreciation of law-abiding citizens of all districts so served is truly expressed by an inscription on a loving cup presented to General Wolters by the citizens of Galveston: “An Unpleasant Duty Well Performed.”

The practice of promoting trained and worthy enlisted personnel to be commissioned officers has long been followed in this regiment.

The regimental coat of arms, approved by the War Department—a horse rampant issuing out of sinister base point, sable, langued gules, with its motto, “Raring to Go”—is a worthy symbol of the high morale, fine spirit and verve of the 112th Cavalry, Texas National Guard.