Lieutenant Ramsey’s War by Edwin Price Ramsey
Ramsey, as a young cavalry lieutenant, led the last horse cavalry charge in American history when his platoon of the 26th Cavalry Regiment (Philippine Scouts) fought the Japanese on Bataan, 1941-42. The story becomes even more remarkable as Ramsey eludes capture and becomes an important leader of
the resistance movement until liberation of the Philippines in 1945.

The Twilight of the U.S. Cavalry by Lucian K. Truscott, Jr.
General Lucian Truscott was one of the most respected American commanders in World War II. This book recounts the beginnings of his army career in the inter-war years with the U.S. Cavalry. An interesting view of the clannish, pre-war Army, this book also shows clearly how unprepared the United States was for World War II.

Chasing Villa by Frank Tompkins
Originally published in 1934, this book documents the last campaign of the U.S. Horse Cavalry. Colonel Tompkins lead the first pursuit of the Villistas after the Columbus raid and later led a regiment in the Punitive Expedition. This book is therefore both a first person account and a documentary history written from original U.S. Army sources of the events on the border in 1916.

The Horse Solider, 1776-1943 by Randy Steffen
This important, four-volume work covers uniforms, equipment, weapons and tack of the US Cavalry in great detail. Volume 1: 1776-1850, Volume 2: 1851-1880, Volume 3: 1881-1916, and Volume 4: 1917-1943. With numerous excerpts from manuals and regulations plus excellent illustrations, this is the starting point for any serious cavalry collector or reenactor.

United States Military Saddles, 1812-1943 by Randy Steffen
Another of Steffen’s detailed and well-illustrated books, this volume focuses on the evolution of saddles and associated tack of the cavalry. A particularly good book for the collector interested in restoration of saddles and other leather goods.

Shavetails and Bell Sharps by Emmett M. Essin
The last U.S. Army mules were formally mustered out of the service in 1956, ending 125 years of military reliance on the virtues of this singular animal. From the Mexican War through World War II mules were an indispensable adjunct to army movement. The author has exhaustively researched the ubiquitous and yet nearly invisible army mule. Through his work we learn a great deal about military procurement, transport, and supply, the bedrock on which military mobility rests.

War Horse by Phil Livingston and Ed Roberts.
The subtitle of this book is "Mounting the Cavalry with America' Finest Horses". Early in the 20th Century, the Army realized that they could not rely on procurement of horses from civilian breeders to obtain the quality mounts needed for the Army. This book traces the origins and history of the US Army Remount Service from 1908-1948, including the development of top-quality mounts for the US Olympic Teams during this time.

Monterey: Presidio, Pueblo and Fort by J.D. Conway.
The author is a good friend to the 11th Cavalry (Commemorative) and has written a succinct and readable history of the Monterey, California area including the Presidio which was the home of the 11th Cavalry for many years.

For original military issue books and manuals about the cavalry use the search engine at the ABE Books Web Site.