About this Unit
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Battalion, 46th Infantry Regiment (HHC 5/46th Inf) was constituted during the expansion of the U.S. Army’s infantry force for service in the Vietnam War. Reactivated in 1967, the 5/46th Infantry was assigned to the Americal Division (23rd Infantry Division) and operated primarily in the Quang Ngai province, engaging in search-and-destroy missions and counterinsurgency operations. The battalion earned campaign participation credit for several major operations, including the Tet Counteroffensive and other phases of the Vietnam conflict. Following the drawdown of U.S. forces, the unit was inactivated in 1971 as part of the Army’s post-war reduction.
Historical Facts
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Activation and Origins: The Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Battalion, 46th Infantry (HHC 5/46th Inf) was originally constituted on 15 May 1917 in the Regular Army as Company E, 46th Infantry.
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World War II Service: The 46th Infantry Regiment, including elements that would later become part of the 5th Battalion, served in the European Theater, fighting in campaigns such as Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
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Vietnam War Deployment: The 5th Battalion, 46th Infantry was reactivated and served in the Vietnam War as part of the 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, entering Vietnam in 1967.
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Firebase Mary Ann Incident: On 28 March 1971, HHC 5/46th Inf was present during the infamous Viet Cong sapper attack on Firebase Mary Ann, resulting in one of the most serious base camp penetrations during the war.
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Decorations: The unit and its parent elements received several decorations for their service in Vietnam, including the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm.
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Post-Vietnam Service: After the Vietnam War, the 5th Battalion, 46th Infantry was inactivated but later reactivated at Fort Knox, Kentucky, as part of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command.
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Training Mission: While at Fort Knox, HHC 5/46th Inf was responsible for training new armor and infantry recruits, playing a crucial role in shaping the modern U.S. Army.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The 46th Infantry Regiment is known for its blue and white insignia, featuring a six-pointed star, symbolizing the unit’s original assignment to the 6th Infantry Division.
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Commemoration and Reunions: Veterans of HHC 5/46th Inf and its associated units hold frequent reunions and maintain active online communities to preserve their shared history and camaraderie.
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Legacy: The HHC 5/46th Infantry’s legacy continues through published memoirs, historical accounts, and ongoing veteran support, ensuring the sacrifices and achievements of its members remain recognized.
