About this Unit
The 725th Maintenance Battalion was originally constituted on 26 August 1941 as the 725th Ordnance Light Maintenance Company and activated at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. The unit provided critical maintenance and logistical support for the 25th Infantry Division during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, ensuring operational readiness of vehicles and equipment. Over the decades, the battalion underwent several reorganizations, reflecting changes in Army structure and technology, and was redesignated as the 725th Support Battalion. Today, the unit continues its legacy of excellence as part of the 25th Infantry Division, supporting operations and deployments worldwide.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Early Service: The 725th Maintenance Battalion was originally constituted as the 725th Ordnance Light Maintenance Company on 26 August 1941 and activated on 1 October 1941 at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.
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Pearl Harbor Survivor: The unit was stationed at Schofield Barracks during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, making it one of the few maintenance units to see action during the attack.
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World War II Campaigns: The 725th supported the 25th Infantry Division in major WWII Pacific campaigns, including Guadalcanal, Northern Solomons, and Luzon, ensuring equipment was operational in harsh jungle environments.
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Korean War Contributions: Redesignated as the 725th Ordnance Maintenance Company in 1949, the unit landed in Korea in July 1950 and provided crucial maintenance support throughout the conflict, often close to the front lines.
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Vietnam War Innovation: The battalion pioneered rapid-recovery and repair techniques for armored vehicles and helicopters in Vietnam, drastically reducing vehicle and aircraft downtime.
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Meritorious Unit Commendations: The 725th has received multiple Meritorious Unit Commendations for its outstanding support during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
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Transformation to a Brigade Support Battalion: In 2005, the 725th was reorganized and redesignated as the 725th Support Battalion (Brigade Support Battalion), reflecting its expanded logistical mission.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom: The unit deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, providing maintenance and logistical support in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion's insignia features a gear wheel and lightning bolt, symbolizing mechanical skill and swift support, along with a taro leaf representing Hawaii and the 25th Infantry Division.
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Legacy of "Lightning Supporters": As part of the 25th Infantry Division, the 725th’s motto "Lightning Supporters" reflects its legacy of rapid, effective support enabling the division’s operational success for over 80 years.
