Scabbard and Blade is a national military honor society founded by five officers at the University of Wisconson. They organized in 1904-1905 what is known as A Company, First Regiment. These five men were Charles A. Taylor, Victor R. Griggs, Albert W. Foster, Harold K. Weld, and Leo Marshall Cook. Founder Cook once pointed out that he well remembered the founding of the society.

"As I remember it, one day after regimental drill, Griggs, Foster, Taylor, Weld, and myself were in the gallery watching company drill. I was talking to Griggs, and I commenced telling him about the organization of a militry society. It was only a few minutes before the five of us were over enthusiastic with regard to the idea of starting the Society."

From the wisdom of these five founders came the establishment of this lasting Society which is recognized locally, state wide and nationally as an organization of high prestige and ideals.

The growth of the Society has been steady in the total number of members and companies. There have been companies established in many leading colleges and universities which have Reserve Officer Training Corps. In 1915 there were approximately 866 members; in 1921, 2,900 members; in 1930, 14,300 members; in 1940, 31,000 members; in 1950, 51,000 members; in 1960, 107,000 members; and as of 1981, approximately 122,722 active and alumni members, and 8,919 honorary and associate members.