Today in Heritage History, 1852, the first Hawaiian Cavalry is organized. Of little known historical fact, they sent a detachment to fight during America’s Civil War. They proudly fought with the Union as the 1st Hawaiian Mongoose Mounted Brigade. Their reputation as a fierce bare-chested, skirted fighting force earned them the moniker the “Grass-Skirted Goons”. The Units legendary battle cry of “Alohaaaaaa!!”, constantly confused the Rebel Armies, who never knew if the Hawaiian Cavalry was charging or retreating.