| 5th Regiment New York Volunteer Cavalry | |
|---|---|
 5th NY Cavalry monument at Gettysburg | |
| Active | November 18, 1861, to July 19, 1865 |
| Country | United States |
| Allegiance |  Union New York |
| Branch | Union Army |
| Type | Cavalry |
| Size | Regiment |
| Engagements | American Civil War 1862: Battle of Front Royal (2 co.), First Battle of Winchester, First Battle of Rappahannock Station, Second Battle of Bull Run 1864: Battle of the Wilderness, Battle of Spotsylvania Court House, Battle of Cold Harbor, Battle of Sappony Church, First Battle of Ream's Station, Third Battle of Winchester, Battle of Tom's Brook, Battle of Cedar Creek |
| Commanders | |
| Colonel | Othniel De Forest 1861–1862 |
| Lt. Colonel | Robert Johnstone 1862–1863 |
| Colonel | John Hammond 1863–1864 |
| Lt. Colonel | William P. Bacon 1864 |
| Major | Abram H. Krom 1864 |
| Captain | Elmer J. Barker 1864 |
| Lt. Colonel | Theo. A. Boice 1864 |
| Colonel | Amos H. White 1864-1865 |
| New York U.S. Volunteer Cavalry Regiments 1861-1865 | ||||
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The 5th New York Cavalry Regiment, also known as the 5th Regiment New York Volunteer Cavalry and nicknamed the "1st Ira Harris Guards", was a cavalry regiment of the Union Army during the American Civil War. The regiment had a good fighting reputation, and had important roles in the Battle of Hanover and the Battle of the Wilderness. It was present at nearly 175 battles and skirmishes, including Gettysburg, Opequon, and Cedar Creek. A majority of its fighting was in Virginia.
The regiment was formed in New York City by Othniel De Forest. Training began in New York before the regiment moved to Annapolis, Maryland. The regiment was originally involved with the defense of Washington, and subsequently served in the Army of the Potomac and then the Army of the Shenandoah. John Hammond began as a captain and finished his military career as commander of the regiment, leading the regiment in battles such as Hanover, Williamsport, the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Cold Harbor.
The regiment had 8 officers and 93 men killed or mortally wounded. Disease killed 3 more officers and 222 more enlisted men. Among the prisons where captured members of the regiment were kept were Libby Prison in Richmond and Andersonville Prison in Georgia. The regiment was commanded by eight different men, although two were in command for only a few days. The Medal of Honor was awarded to six of the regiment's soldiers.