The 5th Pennsylvania Cavalry was organized at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania beginning in July 1861 as the "65th Volunteers" and mustered in for three years service under the command of Colonel Max Friedman.

The regiment was attached to Smith's Division, Army of the Potomac, to March 1862.

Unattached, IV Corps, Army of the Potomac, to December 1862.

West's Advance Brigade, IV Corps, Department of Virginia, to June 1863.

2nd Brigade, 1st Division, IV Corps, Department of Virginia, to July 1863.

District Currituck, Department of Virginia and North Carolina, to January 1864.

Heckman's Division, XVIII Corps, Department of Virginia and North Carolina, to April 1864.

2nd Brigade, Cavalry Division, Department of Virginia and North Carolina, Army of the James, to May 1864.

1st Brigade, Kautz's Cavalry Division, Department of Virginia and North Carolina, to April 1865.

Reconnaissance from Yorktown to Gloucester, Matthews, and King and Queen Counties July 7–9 (Companies B, E, L, and M).

Reconnaissance from Yorktown to Gloucester, Matthews, King and Queen, and Middlesex Counties December 11–15.

Expedition to West Point and White House January 7–9, 1863 (detachment).

Reconnaissance through Gates County and down Chowan River June 5–13.

Expedition from White House to Bottom's Bridge July 1–7.

Expedition from Norfolk to South Mills, Camden, etc., N.C., December 5–24.

Ballahock on Bear Quarter Road and Deep Creek February 29-March 1.

Ballahock Station near Dismal Swamp Canal March 1.

Siege operations against Petersburg and Richmond June 1864 to April 1865.

Wilson's Raid on South Side & Danville Railroad June 22-July 2.

Staunton River Bridge or Roanoke Station June 25.

Demonstration north of the James at Deep Bottom July 27–29.

Duty at Richmond, Va., and in District of Henrico, Department of Virginia, to August.