About this Unit
The 385th Military Police Battalion was first constituted on 28 October 1944 and activated at Ft. Custer, Michigan, during World War II. Tasked with providing military police support, the battalion served in the European Theater, where it played a vital role in law enforcement, security, and prisoner-of-war operations. After the war, the unit was inactivated and later reactivated in the Army Reserve, continuing its mission of supporting military operations both at home and abroad. Over the decades, the 385th MP Battalion has participated in numerous deployments, including operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, upholding its legacy of service and discipline.
Historical Facts
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World War II Formation: The 385th Military Police Battalion was constituted on 28 October 1942 in the Army of the United States and activated on 30 October 1942 at Camp Shelby, Mississippi.
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European Theater Service: During World War II, the battalion was deployed to the European Theater, supporting operations in France and Germany.
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Normandy Campaign: The 385th MP Battalion landed in Normandy shortly after D-Day and played a critical role in traffic control, security, and POW operations.
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Rhineland and Central Europe: The battalion earned campaign streamers for its service in the Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns as Allied forces advanced into Germany.
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Post-War Occupation Duties: After the end of hostilities, the 385th performed occupation duties, including law enforcement and maintaining order among displaced persons in Germany.
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Deactivation and Reactivation: The unit was inactivated on 25 November 1945 in France. It was later allotted to the Organized Reserve Corps and reactivated on 31 January 1948 in Baltimore, Maryland.
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Modern Era Deployments: In recent decades, the 385th MP Battalion has supported operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, providing critical law enforcement and security missions.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion's distinctive insignia features a green and gold color scheme, symbolizing the Military Police Corps, and includes a key and sword representing security and military readiness.
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Training and Readiness: The 385th is known for its rigorous training exercises, including detainee operations, convoy security, and law enforcement, often working alongside local and international partners.
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Legacy of Service: The 385th MP Battalion's long history and multiple campaign honors reflect its dedication to supporting both combat operations and peacekeeping missions, embodying the motto "Order and Security."
