History of Company B-9 The Pershing Rifles unit at the University of Colorado was established in 1950. As a special drill team, it participated in several important drill meets and sponsored several itself until interest in precision drill declined in the late 1950's. After the Regimental Headquarters was moved to the University of Colorado in 1958, the new Headquarters of Ninth Regiment again resumed the sponsorship of the Mile High Drill Meet, now recognized as one of the finest drill meets in the western United States. With the decline of interest in drill competition in the late 1950's, Headquarters Company changed its training to emphasize tactics. Later, the entire Regiment shifted to programs that put emphasis on tactics as the vehicle for teaching teamwork and leadership. In 1980, the Ninth Regiment was the only regiment in the National Society of Pershing Rifles that was specifically designated as a tactical regiment. In 1995 Company B-9 won the first annual National Postal PT Match.

Company B-9 Pictures

History of the National Society of Pershing Rifles

History of the Ninth Regiment

 

History of the National Society of Pershing Rifles--- Top

In 1891 Lieutenant Pershing took up duties as Professor of Military Science and Tactics at the University of Nebraska. It was here, in 1893, that Company A, the special drill team, became the fraternal organization bearing the name Varsity Rifles. In honor of Lieutenant Pershing, the organization changed its name to Pershing Rifles in 1894.

When Pershing left Nebraska in 1895, he at the request of a committee gave the company a pair of his cavalry breeches. These breeches were cut into small pieces and were worn on the uniform as a sign of membership. These "ribbons" were the first service ribbons ever worn in the United States.

During the Spanish-American War, 30 members of Pershing Rifles enlisted in the 1st Nebraska Volunteers, commanded by Colonel W.H. Ourv, a former Pershing Rifles Captain. Every one of the 30 distinguished himself in the ensuing battle.

From 1900 to 1911, Pershing Rifles reached the height of its existence prior to World War I. Membership was a great military honor. After 1911, however, the influence of Pershing Rifles in the military department declined. Its activities suddenly seemed to cease and the organization was disbanded and its records burned.
In 1920, Pershing Rifles was again formed. Its growth was as remarkable as its decline. Special drill teams all over the country began to seek admittance into Pershing Rifles.

Ohio State University was the force that recreated the National Honorary Society of Pershing Rifles. In 1922, they formed "The President's Guard" and sought affiliation with Pershing Rifles in 1924. Their new application was approved and dates May 13, 1925. This inaugurated a new policy in Pershing Rifles.
The University of Tennessee was next in 1927 and was designated Company C. In 1928, the National Headquarters was established at the University of Nebraska. Pershing Rifles at Nebraska then even surpassed its Spanish-American War greatness.

Today, Pershing Rifles is still a vital, active national honorary society for outstanding cadets, midshipmen, and civilians. As of spring 1985, there were 112 active units and nine regimental headquarters, with the national headquarters still located at the University of Nebraska.

History of the Ninth Regiment --- Top

With its headquarters originally located at the University of Denver, the Ninth Regiment was responsible for Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, and part of Texas and Idaho. In the spring of 1958, the Ninth Regimental Headquarters was moved from the University of Denver to the University of Colorado at Boulder.

In May of 1965, the Ninth Regiment absorbed the territory and companies of the Eleventh Regiment. This extended its area of responsibility to cover the states of Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Arizona, and New Mexico.

In 1996, the regimental system was disbanded by Headquarters and all Companies now report directly to the National Commander.