35th S&S Battalion

• Origins in WWII: The 35th Supply and Service Battalion (35th S&S) was originally constituted during World War II, playing a vital logistics role in supporting US and Allied operations. • Vietnam War Service: The battalion was reactivated and deployed to Vietnam, where it supported U.S. forces with supply, maintenance, and transportation from 1966 to 1972. • Nicknamed "The Red Ball Express": The unit's logistics prowess earned it the unofficial nickname "The Red Ball Express," referencing the famous supply convoy system of WWII. • Massive Supply Operations: During its Vietnam service, the 35th S&S Battalion managed depots and distributed millions of tons of supplies, including food, ammunition, and fuel, under challenging combat conditions. • Award-Winning Unit: The battalion received multiple unit commendations for exceptional service, including the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. • Innovative Water Purification: The 35th S&S Battalion pioneered the use of mobile water purification units in Vietnam, ensuring clean water for thousands of troops in the field. • Symbolic Insignia: The unit’s distinctive insignia features a "wheel and wing" motif, symbolizing mobility and logistics support, and is still worn by alumni with pride. • Post-Vietnam Missions: After Vietnam, the battalion supported Operation New Life, aiding in the resettlement of Vietnamese refugees at US bases in 1975. • Modern Deployments: Elements of the 35th S&S lineage have supported operations in the Middle East, including missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, under reorganized logistics commands. • Veteran Community: The 35th S&S Battalion maintains a strong community of veterans who hold reunions, share stories, and preserve the unit's legacy through oral histories and digital archives.