About this Unit
The Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) & Band, 7th Infantry Division Support Command was a key element in providing command, control, and morale support to the 7th Infantry Division, particularly during its active years at Fort Ord, California. The HHC coordinated administrative, logistical, and operational support for subordinate units, ensuring the division’s readiness and effectiveness. The Band played a crucial role in boosting troop morale and representing the division at ceremonial events, both on post and in the surrounding community. Throughout its service, HHC & Band maintained high standards of professionalism and contributed significantly to the division’s legacy until the inactivation of the 7th Infantry Division at Fort Ord in the mid-1990s.
Historical Facts
•
Origins in the Korean War: The 7th Infantry Division Support Command, including its Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) and Band, traces its lineage to the Korean War, providing vital logistical and morale support during combat operations.
•
Fort Ord Legacy: The 7th Infantry Division Support Command was once stationed at Fort Ord, California, where the HHC & Band played a key role in ceremonial functions and base morale until the post's closure in the 1990s.
•
Distinctive Unit Insignia: The HHC & Band wore the distinctive 7th Infantry Division shoulder patch, featuring the iconic hourglass design, a symbol recognized throughout the U.S. Army.
•
Vietnam Era Support: While the 7th Infantry Division did not deploy to Vietnam, its Support Command trained and prepared soldiers who would serve as replacements and support troops in Southeast Asia.
•
Band’s Musical Excellence: The 7th Infantry Division Band earned accolades for musical excellence, performing at official Army ceremonies, public events, and for visiting dignitaries, representing the division’s spirit.
•
Humanitarian Missions: The Support Command, including HHC, participated in disaster relief and humanitarian missions, such as providing aid after the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake in California.
•
Transition to Light Infantry: In the 1980s, the 7th Infantry Division transitioned to a light infantry division, and the Support Command adapted its logistics and support mechanisms to match the new operational requirements.
•
Operation Just Cause: Elements of the 7th Infantry Division, with support from HHC and logistical units, participated in Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989, supporting combat and stability operations.
•
Band’s Final Performance at Fort Ord: Before Fort Ord’s closure, the 7th Infantry Division Band held a memorable final concert, attended by soldiers, families, and community members, marking the end of an era.
•
Legacy of Service: Although the Support Command and its Band were inactivated in the 1990s, many veterans from HHC & Band, 7th Inf Div Support Command continue to hold reunions and share stories, preserving their unit’s proud legacy.
