Soldiers of the 1st Squadron, 32nd Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, have rejuvenated the Cavalry esprit de corps within their squadron by holding their first Order of St. George Ceremony on March 31.

“The Order of St. George is an award specific to the armor branch that is used to recognize outstanding contributions from tankers, cavalrymen and supporting Soldiers,” said Maj. Nathan Redden, S3. “It’s an award a Soldier can cherish forever that shows pride in the branch and they also become a member of this honored organization.”

Captain Robert Quint was presented an Order of the St. George Bronze Medallion and Lt. Battle Ewing and Staff Sgt. Nathaniel Wilson were presented the Order of St. George Black medallion. These ceremonies identify the very best Cavalryman and those leaders and supporters who work ensure the mission is successful.

Lt. Col. Douglas Vincent, battalion commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Andrew Barteky, battalion command sergeant major, have been in the constant state of branding in the Bandit Squadron.

Bandit Squadron works hard to continue the traditions and ceremonies of the cavalrymen.

“As active duty Soldiers, it’s our turn to withhold the traditions of our predecessors. Every branch has its own symbolism and pride, and it’s important for us to pass that along to current and future armor Soldiers,” said Redden.

Filled with a sense of duty, 1st Sgt. Guithues introduced the ceremony to the brigade to reward those most deserving.

“The reason I have started this is because we have outstanding junior and senior Soldiers in our brigade who are deserving of these types of rewards,” said Guithues. Somebody, once upon a time, put me in for this award without my knowledge and that was a great honor.”

St. George was born about 280 A.D. in the region of Greece known as Cappadocia, where he was known as the “Nestor of Cappadocia,” and was a member of the Roman Emperor’s mounted guard. In 303 A.D., the Emperor issued a decree to destroy all Christian churches and sacred writings while outlawing the Christian faith. Nestor, a recent convert to the faith, tore down the written order and stood against the Emperor. For his act of bravery and defiance, he was imprisoned, tortured, and finally executed. After word of his sacrifice spread, early Christians changed the Nestor’s name to St. George, a saint that would symbolize bravery, dedication to faith and decency.

Later in the 12th Century, more than 1,000 years after his execution, the citizens of a small Italian village claimed to have seen him appear suddenly out of the mist to slay a fierce dragon that had been tormenting them. This heroic image of St. George defeating the dragon symbolizes the gallantry and righteous bravery of mounted warriors and the ultimate victory of good over evil. Throughout history, warriors of many nations have related accounts of St. George appearing on battlefields to help the righteous achieve victory.

“To me what’s so significant about St. George is that of all the patron saints the Army has adopted. St. George is the one who is depicted as mounted,” said Redden. “It symbolizes the unique aspects of armor, which is mounted warfare, speed, audacity, shock effect and more.

His name has been linked to famous battles, military orders, and cavalry forces around the world. In 1986, the United States Armor Association established the Honorable Order of St. George to recognize the very best tankers and cavalrymen among its members.