U.S. Army

The 50th Airborne Infantry is a distinguished military unit renowned for its expertise in parachute assault and rapid deployment operations. Activated during the mid-20th century, the unit quickly gained a reputation for its rigorous training standards and operational effectiveness. The 50th played pivotal roles in a number of major conflicts, often leading airborne assaults behind enemy lines and securing key objectives. Its soldiers have consistently demonstrated bravery and adaptability, earning numerous commendations and honors throughout the unit’s storied history.

The 50th Engineering unit was established during World War II to provide essential combat engineering support to frontline troops. Throughout its history, the unit has specialized in constructing bridges, clearing minefields, and building fortifications under fire, enabling infantry and armored divisions to advance. The 50th Engineering played a vital role in major operations, including the Normandy landings and campaigns in Western Europe, where their expertise ensured rapid troop movement and supply line maintenance. In the postwar period, the unit continued to serve in various conflicts and humanitarian missions, adapting to modern engineering challenges while upholding a legacy of innovation and courage.

The 50th Signal Battalion, based at Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), North Carolina, is a storied unit within the U.S. Army Signal Corps. Constituted in 1940, the battalion has provided critical communications support during major conflicts including World War II, the Korean War, and operations in the Middle East. As part of the 35th Signal Brigade, the 50th Signal Battalion specializes in tactical communications, ensuring reliable command and control for airborne and special operations forces. The unit continues its legacy today, delivering cutting-edge signal support for rapid deployment missions worldwide.

The 516th Maintenance Company, assigned to the 1st Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (1/43 ADA), has a proud history of providing critical maintenance support to air defense operations. Activated to ensure operational readiness, the 516th has played a vital role in sustaining the battalion’s Patriot missile systems and related equipment. Over the years, the company has deployed in support of major operations, including missions in Southwest Asia and joint training exercises with allied forces. The 516th’s expertise and dedication have been essential to the success of 1/43 ADA’s mission to defend against aerial and missile threats.

The 517th Heavy Equipment Company was activated during the height of the Cold War to provide critical engineering and logistical support to U.S. Army operations. Specializing in operating and maintaining heavy machinery, the unit played a pivotal role in constructing airfields, roads, and base infrastructure in both domestic and overseas assignments. The 517th deployed in support of major exercises and humanitarian missions, demonstrating its versatility in diverse environments. Over its years of service, the company earned recognition for its technical expertise, reliability, and vital contributions to mission success before being deactivated as part of broader Army restructuring efforts.

The 518th Personnel Services Battalion was a unit of the United States Army specializing in human resources and administrative support. Activated during the late 20th century, the battalion provided essential personnel services such as records management, casualty reporting, and postal operations to soldiers and units. The 518th supported major operations and deployments, ensuring readiness and morale by efficiently managing personnel matters. Over its years of service, the battalion earned recognition for its commitment to soldier welfare before its eventual deactivation or reorganization in line with Army restructuring initiatives.

The 538th Transportation Company was activated during the Vietnam War era, serving as a vital logistical unit within the U.S. Army Transportation Corps. The company was primarily responsible for convoy operations, transporting supplies, ammunition, and personnel across challenging and often hostile terrain in South Vietnam. The unit played a critical role in sustaining combat operations by ensuring the steady flow of resources to frontline units. Throughout its deployment, the 538th faced numerous threats, including ambushes and mines, earning a reputation for resilience and dedication under fire.

The **546th Medical Battalion** was a United States Army medical unit activated during World War II. Organized in 1942, the battalion provided essential medical support, including field hospitals and casualty evacuation, for combat units in the European Theater of Operations. The battalion played a crucial role during major campaigns such as the Normandy invasion and the subsequent push across France and into Germany, ensuring wounded soldiers received timely and effective care. After the war, the 546th Medical Battalion was inactivated as part of the postwar drawdown, but its legacy endures through its significant contributions to battlefield medicine during one of history’s most critical conflicts.

The 558th U.S. Army Artillery Group (USAAG) was a United States Army unit stationed in Elevsis, Greece during the Cold War. Established as part of NATO commitments, the 558th USAAG was responsible for the custody and control of U.S. nuclear warheads assigned to Greek missile units, ensuring their security and readiness. The unit played a crucial role in maintaining deterrence and supporting allied defense strategies in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The 558th USAAG was deactivated following the reduction of U.S. military presence in Greece and changes in NATO’s nuclear posture during the late 1980s.

The 55th Combat Camera Company (55th COMCAM CO) is a specialized unit in the United States Army responsible for providing visual documentation of military operations. Activated during World War II, the company has played a vital role in capturing imagery and video for operational analysis, historical records, and public affairs. Over the decades, the 55th has deployed alongside combat and humanitarian missions worldwide, supporting both peacetime and wartime efforts. The unit’s work enhances situational awareness, informs decision-makers, and preserves the visual history of the Army’s actions.

The 56th Aviation Detachment (56 Avn Det) was a United States Army aviation unit activated during the Vietnam War era. Tasked primarily with providing aerial reconnaissance, command and control, and logistical support, the detachment operated a variety of rotary-wing aircraft, including the UH-1 Huey. Throughout its service in Vietnam, the 56 Avn Det supported ground operations by transporting troops, supplies, and conducting medevac missions under challenging combat conditions. The unit's contributions were instrumental in enhancing the mobility and effectiveness of U.S. Army operations in Southeast Asia.

The 562nd Maintenance Company is a United States Army unit specializing in maintenance support operations. Activated during the Cold War era, the company provided critical repair and recovery services for vehicles and equipment, ensuring the operational readiness of combat units. Over its history, the 562nd has supported various major exercises, deployments, and contingency operations, including service in Southwest Asia during Operation Desert Storm. The company is recognized for its technical proficiency and adaptability, maintaining a reputation for excellence in logistical and maintenance support within the Army’s sustainment community.

The 563rd Transportation Company is a unit of the United States Army with a distinguished history of providing transportation and logistical support. Activated during World War II, the company played a crucial role in moving troops, equipment, and supplies across the European Theater. Over the decades, the 563rd has supported numerous operations, including deployments during the Vietnam War, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terrorism. Renowned for its adaptability and professionalism, the unit continues to serve as a vital component of military mobility and sustainment operations worldwide.

The 56th Transportation Helicopter Support unit was established in the early 1960s to provide critical aerial resupply and logistical support for ground forces during rapidly evolving military operations. Initially activated during the Vietnam War, the unit played a vital role in moving equipment, ammunition, and personnel to remote and hard-to-reach locations under hostile conditions. Over the decades, the 56th continued to adapt to new technologies and participated in major operations, including humanitarian relief missions and deployments in the Middle East. Renowned for its reliability and versatility, the unit has earned multiple commendations for distinguished service and continues to support both combat and peacetime missions today.

The 578th LEM Company (Light Equipment Maintenance) was a United States Army support unit primarily activated during the Vietnam War era. Its main mission involved providing maintenance, repair, and logistical support for engineering equipment used in construction and combat operations. The 578th LEM Co operated in various locations throughout Vietnam, supporting both engineering battalions and other combat units by ensuring the constant readiness of critical machinery. The unit played a vital role in infrastructure projects such as road construction, base development, and recovery of damaged vehicles, contributing significantly to overall mission success.

The 578th Signal Company, stationed at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, is a key communications unit within the U.S. Army. Historically, the company has provided reliable strategic and tactical signal support for United States European Command (EUCOM) and other allied operations in the region. The unit is responsible for maintaining advanced communications infrastructure, ensuring secure and effective command and control across multiple missions. Over the years, the 578th Signal Company has played a vital role in NATO exercises, crisis response, and ongoing support to U.S. and partner forces throughout Europe.

The 57th Ordnance Brigade is a United States Army unit with a distinguished history dating back to its origins in World War II. Initially activated in 1942, the brigade has primarily been responsible for the management, maintenance, and security of U.S. Army munitions, including nuclear and conventional ordnance, particularly in the European theater. During the Cold War, the brigade played a vital role in NATO defense by overseeing the storage and readiness of nuclear weapons in Germany. Reactivated in 2012, the 57th Ordnance Brigade now serves as the proponent for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) training at Fort Gregg-Adams, Virginia, ensuring readiness and expertise for future military operations.

The 5th Engineers is a distinguished unit in the history of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, originally constituted in 1901. The unit first saw significant action during World War I, providing critical combat engineering support on the Western Front, including constructing trenches, roads, and fortifications. During World War II, the 5th Engineers participated in major campaigns across Europe, aiding in river crossings, mine clearing, and infrastructure repair. In the decades since, the unit has continued to serve with distinction in various conflicts and humanitarian missions, both at home and abroad, demonstrating expertise in mobility, countermobility, and survivability operations.

The 5th Medical Battalion is a United States Marine Corps unit that provides medical support to Marine forces in combat and humanitarian operations. Activated during World War II, the battalion played a crucial role in treating casualties during key battles in the Pacific Theater, including the Battle of Okinawa. Over the decades, the 5th Medical Battalion has deployed in support of operations around the globe, offering medical care, evacuation, and health service support. The unit continues to maintain readiness to respond rapidly to both combat and humanitarian missions as part of the Marine Logistics Group.

The 5th Transportation Battalion is a unit of the United States Army with a distinguished history of providing logistical and transportation support in various military operations. Activated during World War II, the battalion played a crucial role in moving troops, equipment, and supplies across the European Theater. Over the decades, the 5th Transportation Battalion has supported operations in Korea, Vietnam, Southwest Asia, and more recent conflicts, adapting to evolving military needs. Its commitment to ensuring operational mobility and sustainment has earned it multiple commendations and a reputation for excellence in transportation and logistics.

The 6th Battalion, 12th Artillery (6/12th Artillery) was a United States Army unit activated during the Vietnam War. Assigned to the 23rd Artillery Group and later attached to various infantry and armored brigades, the 6/12th provided crucial fire support for ground operations throughout the Central Highlands and northern provinces of South Vietnam. Equipped primarily with 155mm self-propelled howitzers, the battalion participated in major campaigns such as the Tet Offensive and the defense of Fire Support Bases. The 6/12th Artillery earned multiple commendations for its service before being inactivated following the drawdown of U.S. forces in Vietnam.

The 600th Quartermaster Company is a support unit within the United States Army specializing in supply and logistics operations. Activated during World War II, the unit played a key role in managing the distribution of essential supplies such as food, fuel, and equipment to front-line troops in both the European and Pacific Theaters. Over the decades, the 600th Quartermaster has supported numerous military operations, including deployments during the Korean War, Operation Desert Storm, and various humanitarian missions. Today, the unit continues to provide vital logistical support, ensuring the operational readiness of U.S. Army forces at home and abroad.

The 611th Ordnance Company was originally activated during World War II to provide critical ordnance maintenance and supply support to frontline units. Over the decades, the unit has served in various theaters, offering expertise in ammunition handling, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), and munitions management. The 611th has supported major U.S. Army operations, including deployments during the Korean War and in later contingency operations. Today, the company remains a vital component of the Army’s logistical and EOD capabilities, ensuring the safe and effective handling of ordnance wherever deployed.

The 615th Military Police Company was a United States Army unit stationed in Fürth, Germany, during the Cold War era. Activated as part of the U.S. Army Europe, the company was responsible for law enforcement, security, and force protection duties within the American military community in the region. Throughout its tenure in Fürth, the 615th MP Company supported both routine policing operations and contingency missions, including exercises and heightened alert postures during periods of East-West tension. The unit played a vital role in maintaining order and discipline among U.S. forces and contributed to the overall security of the American presence in southern Germany until its eventual inactivation as part of post-Cold War restructuring.