A Company

• Universal Designation: “A Company” is almost always the first company in a battalion, and is usually the first to deploy and set the example for the rest of the unit. • Historic D-Day Role: During the Allied invasion of Normandy on D-Day, 6 June 1944, A Company of the 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division, was among the first to land at Omaha Beach, suffering heavy casualties. • Band of Brothers: The famous “Easy Company” from the book and series Band of Brothers was actually E Company, but A Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment also parachuted into Normandy and fought in the same campaigns. • First into Combat: In many historical battles, A Company was used as the “point” or advance element, often engaging the enemy first and clearing the way for the rest of the battalion. • British Army Tradition: In the British Army, A Company is traditionally known as the senior rifle company and often bears additional ceremonial duties within the regiment. • Vietnam War: A Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment, was one of the first U.S. companies to land in the Ia Drang Valley in 1965, marking one of the earliest major battles between American and North Vietnamese forces. • Special Operations Roots: Many special operations units, such as the SAS and Rangers, have their roots in traditional line companies. A Company, 2nd Ranger Battalion, led the Pointe du Hoc assault on D-Day. • Decorated Unit: A Company, 1st Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment, earned the United States Presidential Unit Citation during the Korean War for its actions at the Battle of Kapyong. • First Female Commander: In 1989, Captain Linda L. Bray became the first woman to command American troops in battle as the commander of A Company, 988th Military Police Company, during Operation Just Cause in Panama. • Symbolism: A Company’s position as the first company often symbolizes leadership, courage, and tradition within the military, setting the standard for discipline and performance in the battalion.