21st Transportation

• Origins: The 21st Transportation unit traces its lineage back to World War II, originally activated as the 21st Quartermaster Truck Regiment in 1942. • European Theater: During WWII, the unit played a significant role in the Red Ball Express, a famed supply route that kept Allied forces fueled and equipped after the Normandy invasion. • Korean War Service: The 21st Transportation Company was reactivated for the Korean War, providing critical logistical support in challenging terrain and weather conditions. • Vietnam War Contributions: The unit participated in major logistical operations throughout the Vietnam War, ensuring the steady flow of supplies to American and allied troops. • Desert Storm: Elements of the 21st Transportation were deployed during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, moving vast quantities of materiel across the deserts of Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. • Global Reach: The unit has participated in numerous humanitarian and peacekeeping missions, including disaster relief in Haiti and logistical support in the Balkans. • Modernization: The 21st Transportation has transitioned through various vehicle technologies, from the iconic WWII GMC “deuce and a half” to today’s advanced tactical trucks and fuelers. • Distinctive Insignia: The unit’s crest features a wheel with wings, symbolizing its mission of swift and reliable transportation support. • Nickname: The 21st Transportation is sometimes referred to as the “Wagonmasters,” a nod to both its heritage and its pivotal logistics role. • Enduring Motto: The unit’s motto, “Wheels of the Army,” highlights its essential function in sustaining Army operations anywhere in the world.