It traced its history back to the 303rd Cavalry Regiment, a reserve unit that existed during World War I and the interwar period.

The 303rd Cavalry was constituted shortly after the United States entered World War I on 18 May 1917, part of the National Army.

The regiment's first executive officer was future World War II general Terry de la Mesa Allen.

[4] After the United States entered World War II, it was disbanded on 18 October 1943[1] due to most of its officers being called up for active duty.

It was reorganized and redesignated the 461st Armored Car Squadron on 1 July 1929, and became the 64th Tank Destroyer Battalion on 30 January 1942 before its disbandment on 11 November 1944.

The distinctive unit insignia consisted of a 1+1⁄8 inches (2.9 cm) circular blue garter with a gold edge depicting the regimental motto, Toujours Pret et Audacieux, meaning "Always Ready and Fearless".