About this Unit
The 175th Ordnance Company (175 ORD) is a United States Army unit specializing in the maintenance, supply, and disposal of ordnance materiel. Originally constituted during World War II, the unit provided critical support in the European Theater, ensuring frontline troops were equipped with functional weaponry and ammunition. Over subsequent decades, the 175th has been activated for various conflicts and operations, adapting to technological advancements in military logistics and explosive ordnance disposal. Today, the 175th Ordnance Company continues to serve as a vital component of the Army's sustainment and readiness mission.
Historical Facts
• Origins During World War II: The 175th Ordnance Company (175th ORD) traces its roots to World War II, when it was activated to support the rapidly expanding needs of the U.S. Army’s logistics and munitions operations.
• Korean War Service: The unit played a crucial role during the Korean War, handling ammunition supply and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) operations under extreme battlefield conditions.
• Vietnam War Operations: Members of the 175th ORD were deployed to Vietnam, where they provided vital support in ordnance management, weapon repair, and explosive safety for frontline troops.
• Transition to EOD Specialization: In the 1970s, the unit began focusing more on Explosive Ordnance Disposal, becoming experts in neutralizing unexploded bombs, mines, and improvised explosive devices.
• Cold War Missions: Throughout the Cold War, the 175th ORD participated in NATO exercises and supported U.S. forces stationed in Europe, ensuring munitions readiness against potential threats.
• Humanitarian Efforts: The unit has assisted with humanitarian demining operations worldwide, helping clear landmines in former conflict zones and saving countless civilian lives.
• 9/11 and Homeland Response: After the September 11 attacks, the 175th ORD supported homeland security operations, assisting local law enforcement with bomb threats and suspicious packages.
• Deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan: The unit has been deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, where its expertise in IED detection and disposal has been instrumental in saving both military and civilian lives.
• Training and Innovation: The 175th ORD is renowned for its advanced training programs, often pioneering new EOD techniques and technologies later adopted by other units.
• Decorations and Honors: Over its history, the 175th Ordnance Company has earned multiple unit commendations and awards for outstanding service, bravery, and dedication to duty in both combat and peacetime missions.