About this Unit
**61st Military Police Company / C Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Division**
The 61st Military Police Company, also known as C Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, boasts a proud history of service within the U.S. Army. Activated during World War II, the unit provided critical military police support during campaigns in Europe, ensuring discipline, security, and mobility for combat forces. In the decades that followed, the company participated in numerous operations, including deployments during the Cold War and peacekeeping missions. Its legacy continues as a vital element within the 4th Infantry Division, upholding the highest standards of military law enforcement and support operations in both training and combat environments.
Historical Facts
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Origins of the 61st Military Police Company: The 61st MP Co was first constituted during World War II, originally activated on 10 June 1942 at Fort Custer, Michigan, providing vital law enforcement and security services for the U.S. Army.
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Vietnam War Service: The 61st MP Co deployed to Vietnam and played a significant role in providing security, convoy escorts, and law enforcement, particularly in the Central Highlands region.
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Attached to the 4th Infantry Division: During Vietnam, the 61st MP Co was attached to the 4th Infantry Division, supporting its operations and often working closely with infantry units, including C Company, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry.
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Combat Action: Members of the 61st MP Co often found themselves in combat situations, facing ambushes and attacks while escorting convoys or securing bases such as Camp Enari and Pleiku.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The 61st MP Co wore the green and gold colors of the Military Police Corps, with their insignia symbolizing law and order and the unit’s proud heritage.
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Operation Cedar Falls: Elements of the 61st MP Co participated in Operation Cedar Falls in 1967, supporting large-scale search and destroy missions against Viet Cong strongholds.
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Civic Action and Community Relations: The 61st MP Co was involved in civic action programs, helping to build schools and provide medical assistance to Vietnamese civilians in the areas they operated.
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Decorations and Honors: The unit received multiple commendations, including Meritorious Unit Commendations, for its actions in Vietnam and subsequent operations.
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Post-Vietnam Service: After Vietnam, the 61st MP Co continued to serve in various assignments, including Cold War garrison duties and deployments during Operation Desert Storm.
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Legacy and Reunion: Veterans of the 61st MP Co and C Co, 1st Battalion, 4th Infantry, regularly hold reunions and maintain strong bonds, preserving the legacy of their service and sharing stories from their time in combat and peacekeeping missions.