LAST RIDE OF THE 26TH   December 25th, 1941 -

The Japanese had already established a strong beachhead the previous day, and
now were ready to begin their conquest of the Philippines. Near the town of
Binalonan, the U.S. 26th Cavalry Regiment made a stand. The 26th was the last
U.S. Army unit that was still equipped with horses. Throughout the day, the
cavalrymen of the 26th were slowly pushed back. Japanese armor and air power
had taken its toll on the men. For the rest of the campaign, the 26th Cavalry 
Regiment would continue to harass the Japanese. With the fall of Bataan in 
April 1942, the U.S. horse cavalry would pass away into history.
