Synopses & Reviews
"An incomparable introduction not only to the cavalry but also to the old Army by one of its most distinguished veterans, who also happens to be a very talented writer."—Edward M. Coffman, author of
The War to End All Wars "No part of the American military past can exceed in romantic appeal the history of the Army's old horse cavalry. Truscott writes about the era both lovingly and eloquently."—Russell F. Weigley in the Washington Post Book World
"A personal view of a personal army. Truscott catches the spirit of the U.S. Cavalry, a spirit that survived the change of steeds."—Allan R. Millett, coauthor of For the Common Defense
"An immensely readable memoir of the Old Cavalry and of the old Army, too. General Truscott takes us back to a flourishing world that is now gone."—Martin Blumenson, editor of The Patton Papers
Synopsis
In an age of nuclear deterrence, SDI, and laser technology, it's easy to forget that that the horse soldier played a vital role in the American military until World War II.
The Twilight of the U.S. Cavalry describes life at the old cavalry posts and recaptures the spirit and pace of that time-honored tradition.
General Lucian K. Truscott, Jr. (1895-1965) was, in the opinion of many, the most outstanding U.S. Army combat commander in World War II. He chronicled his wartime exploits in the celebrated Command Missions (1954), which focused on the harsh realities and strategies of battle. By contrast, The Twilight of the U.S. Cavalry recounts the decidedly more tranquil lives of cavalrymen in a peacetime army.
In this warm, nostalgic work, Truscott recalls fondly both the romance and the hard work of cavalry life among the regiments at Camp Jones (Arizona), Schofield Barracks (Hawaii), Camp Marfa (Texas), Ft. Riley and Ft. Leavenworth (Kansas), Ft. Myer (Virginia), Ft. Knox (Kentucky), Ft. Lewis (Washington), and Ft. Bliss (Texas). He describes "the sea of canvas" at Camp Jones, cavalry drills and "saddle technology," rigorous training, colorful commanding officers, cotillion balls, fierce polo and equestrian competitions, fabulous prairie rides, Arlington Cemetery funeral escorts, the tragic "Bonus March" by World War I vets demanding Depression relief, Ft. Knox gold trains, and the looming presence of mechanized armor.
Truscott's special brand of deadpan humor is frequently in evidence. He relates comic episodes about the supply train that lost its way, the officers' wives who tried to swing a local election, and Ft. Leavenworth's scandalous "wife-swapping" incident.
An impressionistic recollection filled with valuable historical detail, The Twilight of the U.S. Cavalry creates a rich and fascinating mosaic that will be treasured by historians and military buffs alike.
Synopsis
"An incomprable introduction to the cavalry by one of its most distinguished veterans, who also happened to be a very talented writer." --Edward M. Coffman, author of The Old Army and The War to End All Wars "No part of the American military past can exceed in romantic appeal the history of the Army's old horse cavalry. Truscott writes about the era both lovingly and eloquently." --Russell F. Weigley in the Washington Post Book World
Synopsis
This book describes life at the old cavalry posts and recaptures the spirit and pace of that time-honored tradition.
Table of Contents
Foreword, by
Edward M. CoffmanEditor's Preface, by Colonel Lucian K. Truscott III
Author's Preface
1. Arizona Days
2. Hawaiian Interlude
3. Back to the Border
4. The Life of Riley
5. Brave Rifles and the Society Circus
6. Ivied Halls on the Wild Missouri
7. Cavalry Horses: Iron and Thoroughbred in the Bluegrass
8. Prelude to War
9. Fiddler's Green
Index