air cavalry

noun

1. an infantry or reconnaissance unit transported by air to combat areas.

Word History and Origins

Origin of air cavalry¹

An Americanism dating back to 1915–20

Example Sentences

John C. Bahnsen Jr., a retired Army brigadier general who was awarded 19 decorations for valor during the Vietnam War, mostly for his swashbuckling, hands-on command of an air cavalry troop that saw heavy combat, died on Feb. 21 at his home in Rochelle, Ga. He was 89.

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His father also served in the First Air Cavalry Division as an infantryman in the Vietnam War.

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He served two tours in Vietnam - first in the infantry, then in the air cavalry.

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He served two tours in Vietnam — first in the infantry, then in the air cavalry.

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One of the most compelling stories in “The Fighters” is that of Chief Warrant Officer Michael Slebodnik of the Air Cavalry, pilot of a Kiowa Warrior helicopter who flew missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

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