About this Unit
The 99th Support Battalion was constituted on 1 May 1936 in the Regular Army as the 99th Quartermaster Battalion and activated on 1 June 1941 at Camp Blanding, Florida. During World War II, the battalion provided vital logistical and supply support to combat units in the European Theater, including during the Normandy Campaign and the Battle of the Bulge. After the war, the unit underwent several redesignations, becoming the 99th Support Battalion in 1962. The battalion continued its legacy of support through deployments in Vietnam and later in Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom, ensuring sustained operational readiness for supported units.
Historical Facts
•
World War II Origins: The 99th Support Battalion traces its lineage back to World War II, originally constituted as the 99th Quartermaster Battalion on 23 February 1943 and activated on 25 May 1943 at Camp Maxey, Texas.
•
European Campaigns: The battalion participated in several major European campaigns during WWII, including Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
•
Battle of the Bulge: Elements of the 99th played a critical support role during the Battle of the Bulge, ensuring frontline troops had essential supplies during the harsh winter of 1944-1945.
•
Post-War Redesignation: After WWII, the unit was inactivated and redesignated multiple times, reflecting changes in its mission and structure, including as the 99th Supply and Transportation Battalion.
•
Vietnam War Service: The battalion was reactivated and served in Vietnam, where it provided logistical support to combat units, facing the challenges of jungle warfare and long supply lines.
•
Decorations: The 99th Support Battalion has earned several unit awards, including Meritorious Unit Commendations for its service in Vietnam and other campaigns.
•
Cold War Era: During the Cold War, the 99th was stationed in Germany as part of U.S. Army Europe, supporting NATO operations and exercises.
•
Modern Reorganizations: In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the battalion underwent further redesignations and reorganizations, reflecting the evolving needs of the U.S. Army’s modular force structure.
•
Support to the 1st Infantry Division: The 99th Support Battalion became a key support element for the 1st Infantry Division, "The Big Red One," providing logistics, maintenance, and supply.
•
Legacy of Service: Across its history, the 99th Support Battalion has exemplified the Army values of service and support, ensuring frontline troops have the resources needed to accomplish their missions, from WWII to modern deployments.