U.S. Army

The 50th Anti-Aircraft Artillery (AAA) Brigade was originally constituted during World War II to provide air defense against enemy aircraft threatening Allied ground forces and strategic assets. Activated in 1943, the brigade was deployed to the European Theater, supporting major operations such as the Normandy invasion and the subsequent advance into Germany. Post-war, the 50th AAA Brigade continued service during the early Cold War period, adapting to evolving aerial threats and transitioning to updated air defense systems. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of broader restructuring, but its legacy endures as a testament to the critical role of air defense in modern warfare.

The 510th Field Artillery Battalion (FA BTN) was activated during World War II to provide crucial artillery support for frontline infantry operations. Throughout the European Theater, the battalion was equipped with 155mm howitzers and played a significant role in major campaigns, including the Normandy landings and the Battle of the Bulge. The 510th earned commendations for its accurate and sustained fire, contributing to the success of Allied offensives. After the war, the battalion was inactivated but was later reconstituted during the Cold War era, serving as part of the U.S. Army’s reserve artillery forces.

The 514th Transportation Company is a unit within the United States Army Reserve, originally constituted during World War II to support logistical operations. Throughout its history, the 514th has been tasked with providing motor transport services, including the movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies in both peacetime and combat environments. The unit has been activated for various missions, including support during Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, showcasing its adaptability and commitment to mission success. Renowned for its professionalism and operational excellence, the 514th Transportation Company continues to play a vital role in ensuring the Army’s logistical readiness.

The **51st Air Defense** unit has played a critical role in protecting airspace and supporting military operations since its establishment. Originally formed during the Cold War era, the unit was tasked with operating advanced radar and missile systems to detect and intercept potential aerial threats. Over the decades, the 51st adapted to evolving technologies, integrating modern air defense platforms and participating in joint exercises with allied forces. Its legacy includes distinguished service in both peacetime vigilance and active conflict zones, underscoring its enduring commitment to national and allied security.

The 520th Medical Clearing Company was a specialized medical unit in the United States Army, activated during World War II. Its primary mission was to provide medical treatment and triage to wounded soldiers near the front lines, stabilizing patients for further evacuation to field hospitals. The company participated in several major campaigns in the European Theater, including the Normandy landings and the subsequent drive across France and into Germany. After the war, the 520th Medical Clearing Company was inactivated as part of the broader post-war demobilization efforts.

The **520th Personnel Services Company (SACS)** was a U.S. Army unit stationed at Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam, during the Vietnam War. Activated in the mid-1960s, the company was responsible for providing administrative and personnel support services to Army units operating in the Bien Hoa region. Its mission included handling records management, mail distribution, casualty reporting, and replacement processing for thousands of soldiers. The 520th played a vital role in maintaining unit readiness and morale by ensuring efficient personnel operations in a challenging and often dangerous environment until the drawdown of U.S. forces in the early 1970s.

The 521st Field Artillery (FA) was constituted during World War II as part of the United States Army’s rapid expansion to meet global combat requirements. Activated in 1944, the unit provided critical fire support during campaigns in the European Theater, notably participating in the Rhineland and Central Europe operations. The 521st FA earned commendations for its accuracy and reliability in supporting infantry advances and neutralizing enemy positions. After the war, the unit was inactivated as part of the Army’s postwar drawdown, but its legacy continues through lineage connections with modern artillery formations.

The 523rd Geodetic Survey Unit was a specialized military unit responsible for conducting precise geodetic and topographic surveys to support military operations. Activated in the mid-20th century, the unit provided essential mapping, positioning, and navigational data crucial for artillery, aviation, and engineering units. Its highly trained teams employed advanced surveying instruments and techniques to establish control points and geodetic networks in both domestic and overseas theaters. The 523rd played a vital role in ensuring the accuracy of military maps and contributed significantly to the success of numerous operations before being inactivated as technological advancements rendered traditional survey methods obsolete.

524th Personnel Service Company (524 PSC) is a U.S. Army unit whose primary mission centered on providing personnel, administrative, and human resources support to soldiers and units within its operational area. The unit has historically been assigned to support larger formations, such as divisions or corps, ensuring critical functions like casualty reporting, awards processing, and mail distribution. During its service, the 524 PSC has deployed in support of major operations, including those in Southwest Asia, where it played a vital role in sustaining force readiness. The unit is recognized for its professionalism and the essential behind-the-scenes contributions that keep military organizations functioning effectively.

The 526th Combat Communications Squadron (526 CC&S), originally activated during the Cold War, has played a crucial role in providing deployable communications and air traffic services for U.S. Air Force operations. Stationed at various times in Europe and the United States, the squadron supported both contingency and peacetime missions, ensuring command and control capabilities for air operations. Throughout its history, the 526th participated in key exercises and deployments, including support for NATO operations and rapid response during crises. Its legacy is marked by adaptability, technological expertise, and a commitment to mission success in diverse environments.

The 528th Medical Laboratory was a specialized unit within the United States Army, originally activated during World War II. Its primary mission was to provide medical laboratory services, including disease diagnosis and environmental health analysis, in support of combat and garrison operations. The unit played a critical role in ensuring troop health by identifying infectious agents and analyzing samples from the field. Over the years, the 528th Medical Laboratory supported various overseas operations and was recognized for its technical excellence and adaptability in diverse environments.

The 528th Military Intelligence Battalion (Interrogation) traces its lineage to the U.S. Army’s efforts to provide specialized intelligence support to special operations forces. Activated in the late 20th century, the unit became a crucial component of the 528th Sustainment Brigade (Special Operations) (Airborne), providing dedicated human intelligence (HUMINT) and interrogation capabilities. The battalion supported operations in conflicts such as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, where its interrogators played vital roles in gathering actionable intelligence from detainees. Known for their advanced training and integration with special operations, the 528th MI’s interrogation teams have contributed significantly to mission success in sensitive and high-risk environments.

The 52nd Combat Aviation Battalion (52CAB), operating under the 361st Aviation Wing Company (AWC), was an escort aviation unit active during the Vietnam War. Tasked primarily with providing armed helicopter escort for troop transport and supply missions, the unit played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of convoys and airmobile operations in contested areas. The 52CAB/361AWC utilized UH-1 Hueys and AH-1 Cobra gunships, often flying dangerous missions under enemy fire to protect friendly forces. Their efforts significantly contributed to mission success rates and the reduction of casualties during critical operations throughout their deployment.

The 52nd Security Force Infantry was established in 1942 as part of the rapid expansion of ground forces during World War II. Initially tasked with protecting vital supply lines and key military installations, the unit distinguished itself in the European theater, particularly during the defense of the Ardennes in the winter of 1944. In the postwar era, the 52nd adapted to new security challenges, providing support for peacekeeping operations and counterinsurgency missions. Today, the unit remains a key component of military security operations, upholding its legacy of vigilance and readiness.

The 537th Topographic Survey Battalion was a specialized unit within the United States Army responsible for providing critical mapping, surveying, and geodetic support to military operations. Activated during World War II, the battalion played a key role in producing accurate topographic maps and conducting surveys essential for planning and executing campaigns, particularly in the European and Pacific Theaters. After the war, the 537th continued its technical mission, supporting both peacetime and combat operations by updating maps and geographic data for the Army. The unit’s expertise ensured that commanders had the precise terrain information necessary for strategic and tactical decision-making throughout its active years.

The 53rd Armored Infantry Battalion was an element of the United States Army that served during World War II as part of the 4th Armored Division. Activated in 1942, the battalion trained extensively before deploying to the European Theater, landing in France shortly after D-Day. It played a crucial role in the rapid armored thrusts across France, participating in the liberation of towns and the relief of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. The 53rd Armored Infantry Battalion continued its advance into Germany, contributing to the eventual Allied victory in Europe before being inactivated after the war’s end.

The 53rd Engineer Battalion (Security), North Dakota, U.S. Army, has a distinguished history of service dating back to its initial activation during World War II. Originally organized to provide critical engineering and security support, the battalion was tasked with constructing and maintaining vital infrastructure, such as bridges, roads, and fortifications, often under hazardous conditions. Throughout its existence, the 53rd Engr Bn SEC has participated in both domestic and overseas operations, contributing to disaster response, homeland security, and combat engineering missions. The unit’s dedication to excellence and adaptability has made it a vital asset within the United States Army’s engineering and security operations.

The 53rd Rifle Company was established during World War II as part of a broader mobilization of infantry units. It was initially assigned to the 17th Rifle Regiment and took part in several key engagements on the Eastern Front, including the defense of strategic supply routes. Throughout the war, the 53rd Rifle Company earned recognition for its resilience and effective small-unit tactics during both offensive and defensive operations. After the war, the company was reorganized as part of postwar military restructuring, with many of its veterans honored for their service.

The 54th USASA Field Station (United States Army Security Agency Field Station) was a specialized signals intelligence (SIGINT) unit during the Cold War era. Activated in the 1950s, it operated primarily in Germany, tasked with intercepting and analyzing communications of potential adversaries in the European theater. The unit played a crucial role in gathering intelligence on Warsaw Pact activities, contributing to NATO’s situational awareness. The 54th USASA Field Station was eventually reorganized or redesignated as part of the broader restructuring of Army intelligence operations in the late 1970s and 1980s.

**54th Separate Reconnaissance Battalion (54 ORB / 54РМТМЦ)** The 54th Separate Reconnaissance Battalion (54 ORB, Ukrainian: 54-й окремий розвідувальний батальйон, військова частина А2077, also known as 54РМТМЦ) is a Ukrainian military unit specializing in reconnaissance and intelligence operations. Established as part of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, the battalion has been actively engaged in the defense of Ukraine since the outbreak of the war in Donbas in 2014 and has played a critical role in gathering intelligence, conducting special operations, and supporting frontline units. The battalion has participated in numerous key operations in eastern Ukraine, demonstrating high mobility and adaptability in complex combat environments. Members of the 54 ORB are recognized for their professionalism, bravery, and significant contributions to Ukraine's military efforts.

The 54th Signal Battalion was a United States Army communications unit that served in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, with its headquarters located at Nha Trang. Activated to provide critical signal support, the battalion was responsible for maintaining and operating communication lines that facilitated command and control for U.S. and allied operations throughout II Corps Tactical Zone. At Nha Trang, the 54th Signal Battalion managed various communication systems, including teletype, radio, and telephone networks, ensuring uninterrupted information flow during combat and logistical missions. Their efforts were vital in supporting tactical operations and coordinating multiple units across the region, contributing significantly to the overall effectiveness of U.S. military operations in Vietnam.

The 555th Ambulance Company, part of the 70th Medical Depot, served as a vital medical support unit during World War II. Activated in the early 1940s, the company provided frontline ambulance services, evacuating wounded soldiers from combat zones to field hospitals across the European Theater of Operations. Their operations were crucial during major campaigns, including the Normandy invasion and the subsequent push across France and Germany. The dedication and efficiency of the 555th contributed significantly to the survival and recovery of countless Allied troops throughout the conflict.

The 557th Transportation Company Detachment (557 TC DET) is a U.S. Army unit specializing in transportation and logistical support. Activated during a period of increased operational demand, the detachment has provided essential movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies for both stateside and overseas missions. Throughout its history, the 557 TC DET has supported training exercises, humanitarian missions, and contingency operations, often working alongside other units to ensure mission readiness and sustainment. Known for its adaptability and professionalism, the detachment continues to play a vital role in sustaining Army operations wherever it is deployed.

The 55th Ordnance Company, later part of the 83rd Ordnance Battalion, has a distinguished history of providing ordnance support to U.S. Army operations. Originally activated during World War II, the 55th Ordnance served in the European Theater, delivering critical munitions and maintenance services. During the Cold War, as part of the 83rd Ordnance Battalion, it was stationed in Germany, supporting NATO forces with ammunition supply and explosive ordnance disposal. The unit continued its legacy of logistical excellence through subsequent operations, adapting to evolving technologies and missions in support of U.S. Army readiness.