HHC 5:46th Inf

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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.