United States 1st Cavalry Division Memorial

'May 1943 - January 1944

In 1943 the United States Army 1st Cavalry Division, 15000 strong, built Camp Strathpine in then rural Pine Rivers Shire of 4700 population. Advised by combat experienced Australian Servicemen, the Division rigorously trained here for amphibious and jungle combat. Partially covered today by Lake Samsonvale, this mountain to sea terrain stretching from Toorbul Point on the east to the rain forested D'Agulier Ranges on the west toughened the Division for hard actions in the Admiralty Islands, Leyte, Samar and Luzon. First in the race to liberate Manilla, the Division was chosen to escort General MacArthur into Tokyo and became known as the "First Team". After 28 years of continuous service in the far east, including combat in Korea and Vietnam, the Division returned to the United States. We remain continually grateful to the Shire and all Australia for training, tolerance, hospitality, comradeship, understanding and support. Your land and people live in our hearts and are cherished in our memories. May God grant us continuing friendship in eternal freedom. 

1st Cavalry Division Association, 1 May 1988 
Pine Rivers Shire Australia Bicentenial 

1943 ACTIVITY AREAS PINE RIVERS SHIRE 
1st CAVALRY DIVISION UNITED STATES ARMY'

[map of Pine Rivers Shire showing 1st Cavalry Division activity areas in 1943]