The Essex Troop

In 1925, there was published a "History of the Essex Troop, 102d Cavalry, N.G.N.J". The foreword was by Maj. Gen. James G. Harbord. In part he said: "There is probably no single factor more important in inspiring pride in young soldiers than their membership in an organization which can point to an honorable history". And the battle history of the Essex Troop, as an element of the 29th Division, was written on the Vosges front, the Verdun sector, and in the great Meuse-Argonne offensive in World War 1.

When the Essex Troop was called up in this war, the young soldiers had before them this "honorable history". How well these sons of the Argonne veterans have responded to the Troop tradition is revealed by The News correspondent who is reporting the exploits of our New Jersey men in the European theater. Ever since our landing craft grounded on the Normandy beaches the home folk have been reading of the adventures and accomplishments of a mysterious "cavalry reconnaissance outfit". Now censorship has been lifted. This well covered unit stands revealed as the Essex Troop.

True, replacements have been made; some officer transfers have been necessary, but at the core this "cavalry reconnaissance outfit" is the fighting Essex Troop. The Western Front is the same on which it marched and fought 26 years ago. And new honors have been added at Isigny, St. Pierre, St. Lo, Caumont and now the Siegfried Line. Citations for courageous and effective duty have come to the Troop from three American generals. And so, when time and peace permit, the Troop Historian will add new place names and fresh commendation to its triumphs of the past - and new names to the rolls of its honored dead.