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6th Pennsylvania Cavalry (U.S.)

Historical

6th Pennsylvania Cavalry Guidon

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6th Pennsylvania Cavalry Guidon

image provided by Clay Moss, 7 May 2023

The 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry, known as “Rush’s Lancers," because they were first armed with nine-foot-long lances (later replaced with standard Sharps carbines), used a standard Union swallowtail cavalry guidon. It had a 34-star circular pattern on a blue canton and thirteen alternating red and white stripes. Company “I” had the letter “I” within the center of the star pattern. They later printed the battle honors “Fredericksburg”, “Chancellorsville” and “Gettysburg” in gold lettering on the white stripes below the blue field of stars. The regiment was organized by Richard H. Rush in 1861 from various smaller companies raised in Philadelphia, Montgomery, and Berks counties.

Although only three campaign battle honors appear on the guidon, the 6th Pennsylvania saw action in the Seven Days Battle, Antietam, Brandy Station, Bristoe Station, Cold Harbor, Trevillian Station, Siege of Petersburg, Five Forks, Sayler’s Creek, to name a few. After General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse in 1865 they were ordered to Washington DC where they combined with other Pennsylvania cavalry units to form the 2nd Pennsylvania Provisional Cavalry and ended their Civil War responsibilities in Louisville, Kentucky.
Source: https://iamericasflags.com/6th-pennsylvania-calvary-regiment-3x5-flag/
Image by Clay Moss, based on photo.

Pete Loeser, 7 May 2023