U.S. Army

The 162nd Assault Helicopter Company (AHC), known as the “Vultures,” was activated in Vietnam in 1965 as part of the U.S. Army’s expansion of airmobile operations during the Vietnam War. Based primarily at Can Tho in the Mekong Delta, the 162nd AHC provided critical airlift, resupply, and close air support for ground troops, often operating in challenging terrain and under heavy enemy fire. The unit flew UH-1 “Huey” helicopters and was renowned for its bravery and effectiveness in supporting both U.S. and allied forces, including the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) and Australian units. The 162nd AHC was deactivated in Vietnam in 1972 as U.S. involvement in the conflict wound down.

The 1st Battalion (Airborne), 509th Infantry Regiment traces its lineage to the 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion, activated in 1941. During World War II, the unit became the first American airborne unit to conduct a combat jump, parachuting into North Africa during Operation Torch in November 1942. The battalion participated in several key campaigns, including those in Italy and Southern France, earning multiple decorations for valor. Today, the 1-509th Infantry (Airborne) serves as the Opposing Forces (OPFOR) at the Joint Readiness Training Center, Fort Johnson, Louisiana, providing realistic training for deploying Army units.

The 2nd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment (2/187th), known as the "Rakkasans," is a distinguished airborne infantry unit with a storied history. Originally formed during World War II as part of the 187th Glider Infantry Regiment, the unit participated in the Pacific Theater, notably in the Philippines and Okinawa. The battalion later served in the Korean War, making combat jumps and earning numerous decorations for valor. In more recent history, 2/187th has deployed in support of Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, upholding its reputation as part of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

The 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment (2-43rd ADA) boasts a distinguished history within the U.S. Army's air defense community. Originally constituted in 1918 as part of the Coast Artillery Corps, the unit has undergone several redesignations and reorganizations, ultimately becoming a key Patriot missile battalion. The 2-43rd ADA has participated in multiple operations, including Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing vital air and missile defense for coalition forces. Stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, the battalion remains an integral component of the Army's modern air defense capabilities.

The 214th Aviation Regiment traces its lineage to the Vietnam War era, where it was first constituted and activated to provide essential aviation support. Over the decades, the regiment has served in numerous conflicts, including Operation Desert Storm and the Global War on Terror, providing air assault, transport, and logistical support. The unit is known for its expertise in operating helicopters such as the CH-47 Chinook, contributing to rapid deployment and sustainment of ground forces. Today, the 214th Aviation Regiment continues to uphold its tradition of excellence, supporting U.S. Army operations both at home and abroad.

The 232nd Signal Company has a distinguished history of providing critical communications support to U.S. Army operations. Activated during World War II, the unit played a vital role in establishing and maintaining secure lines of communication across the European Theater. Over the decades, the 232nd Signal Company has adapted to advancements in technology, supporting missions in Korea, Vietnam, and the Middle East. Today, the unit continues to ensure reliable and secure communications for command and control, reflecting its enduring commitment to mission readiness and operational excellence.

The 23rd Ordnance Company is a distinguished unit within the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps, specializing in ammunition supply, explosive ordnance disposal (EOD), and munitions maintenance. Originally activated during World War II, the company provided vital support in the European Theater, ensuring frontline units received timely and safe munitions. Over the decades, the 23rd Ordnance Company has participated in numerous conflicts, including the Korean War and Operation Iraqi Freedom, adapting to evolving technologies and threats. Today, the unit continues its mission of ordnance support, upholding a legacy of technical expertise and operational excellence.

The 24th Quartermaster was a logistics and supply unit of the United States Army, originally activated during World War II. Tasked with providing essential supplies, transportation, and fuel, the unit played a vital support role during major campaigns in the European Theater. The 24th Quartermaster ensured frontline troops received the necessary equipment, rations, and petroleum products, contributing significantly to operational success. Following the war, the unit continued to uphold its mission of logistical excellence in subsequent conflicts and peacetime operations before eventual deactivation or reassignment under Army restructuring.

The 264th Transportation Company is a unit within the United States Army known for its critical role in providing transportation and logistical support. Activated during World War II, the company contributed to various overseas operations, ensuring the efficient movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies. Over the decades, the 264th has participated in numerous campaigns and missions, including deployments in support of Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. Today, the unit continues to uphold its tradition of excellence, playing a vital role in sustaining Army operations both at home and abroad.

The 271st Combat Aviation Company was activated in 1965 to provide helicopter support during the Vietnam War. Assigned primarily to the 1st Aviation Battalion, the unit operated UH-1 Huey helicopters for troop transport, resupply missions, and medevac operations across South Vietnam. The 271st played a critical role in major campaigns, including the Tet Offensive, often flying under hostile fire to support ground forces. After distinguished service, the company was inactivated following the drawdown of U.S. forces in Southeast Asia.

The 27th Transportation Battalion was originally constituted on 1 May 1936 in the Regular Army as the 27th Quartermaster Regiment. It was reorganized and redesignated several times, ultimately becoming the 27th Transportation Battalion in 1952. The unit has supported a variety of major U.S. military operations, including service in World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Throughout its history, the 27th Transportation Battalion has provided vital logistical and transportation support, earning multiple unit commendations for its service.

The 411th Combat Engineer Battalion is a unit within the United States Army Reserve, originally constituted during World War II. Activated in 1943, the battalion provided critical engineering support in the European Theater, including constructing bridges, clearing obstacles, and maintaining supply routes under combat conditions. Following the war, the 411th continued to serve in various capacities, supporting both training and real-world missions. In recent years, the battalion has deployed in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, where it has played a key role in route clearance and infrastructure rebuilding efforts.

The 442nd Infantry Battalion was a distinguished unit formed during World War II, primarily composed of Japanese American soldiers. Activated in 1943, it became part of the larger 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which earned fame for its valor in the European Theater, particularly in Italy and France. The battalion participated in key battles, including the rescue of the "Lost Battalion" in the Vosges Mountains, displaying extraordinary bravery and determination. The 442nd became one of the most decorated units for its size and length of service in U.S. military history, symbolizing loyalty and patriotism amid adversity.

The 47th Combat Support Company was activated during the latter years of the Cold War to provide critical logistical and operational support to frontline combat units. Stationed at various points in Europe and the United States, the company specialized in supply distribution, transportation, and field maintenance, ensuring that infantry and armored divisions maintained their combat effectiveness. Over the years, the 47th participated in numerous training exercises and deployments, including support roles during Operations Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom. The unit is recognized for its adaptability and dedication, exemplifying the vital role of combat support in modern military operations.

**519th Military Intelligence Battalion (519th M.I.)** The 519th Military Intelligence Battalion (519th M.I.) was originally constituted on 15 October 1948 and has served in various intelligence and reconnaissance roles within the United States Army. The battalion has participated in numerous operations, including the Vietnam War, Operation Just Cause in Panama, Operation Desert Storm, and the Global War on Terrorism, notably in Afghanistan and Iraq. Renowned for its expertise in human intelligence (HUMINT), signals intelligence (SIGINT), and counterintelligence, the 519th M.I. supports Army and joint operations with actionable intelligence. The unit has earned multiple commendations for its operational excellence and adaptability across diverse combat environments.

The 528th Engineer Battalion is a unit of the Louisiana Army National Guard, headquartered in Monroe, Louisiana. It traces its lineage to earlier engineer units in the Louisiana Guard, supporting both state and federal missions. The battalion has provided critical engineer support during domestic emergencies, such as hurricanes and floods, as well as overseas deployments in support of operations like Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. The 528th Engineer Battalion specializes in construction, route clearance, and infrastructure repair, playing a vital role in both combat and humanitarian missions.

The 53rd Signal Battalion is a distinguished unit of the United States Army, established during World War II in 1942 to provide robust communications support across the European Theater. The battalion played a vital role in maintaining secure lines of communication during major campaigns, including the Normandy invasion and the advance into Germany. Reactivated in the modern era, the 53rd Signal Battalion now specializes in satellite communications, delivering global connectivity for U.S. Army operations worldwide. Its continued mission ensures that warfighters have reliable, secure, and resilient communications in both peacetime and conflict.

The 557th Light Maintenance Company was an integral support unit within the United States Army, primarily responsible for providing organizational and direct support maintenance to various combat and support units. Activated during World War II, the 557th played a crucial role in maintaining vehicles, weapons, and equipment, ensuring operational readiness on the front lines in the European Theater. In subsequent decades, the unit continued to serve in various capacities, adapting to evolving Army structures and missions during the Cold War and beyond. The 557th’s legacy is marked by its technical expertise and steadfast support, which greatly contributed to the effectiveness and mobility of the units it served.

The 569th Personnel Service Company was a U.S. Army unit responsible for providing personnel and administrative support to military forces. Activated during the Cold War era, the company played a crucial role in managing records, processing replacements, and handling casualty reporting for deployed units. The 569th supported various operations, including deployments to Europe and the Middle East, ensuring that soldiers’ administrative needs were efficiently met in both garrison and combat environments. Over its years of service, the company earned recognition for its professionalism and dedication before being inactivated as part of Army restructuring efforts.

The 6th Battalion, 56th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (6/56th ADA) traces its lineage to the longstanding air defense traditions of the 56th ADA, originally constituted in the early 20th century. Reactivated and reorganized multiple times, the 6/56th ADA served prominently during the Cold War, providing air defense coverage in Europe as part of the United States Army’s efforts to counter potential Soviet aerial threats. Equipped with systems such as the Nike Hercules and later modern air defense platforms, the battalion played a crucial role in safeguarding NATO’s northern flank. The unit was eventually inactivated as air defense strategies evolved and newer technologies emerged, but its legacy endures in the proud history of the 56th Air Defense Artillery Regiment.

The 604th Transportation Detachment is a specialized logistics unit within the United States Army, primarily tasked with providing transportation and movement control support. Activated during the Vietnam War era, the detachment played a vital role in ensuring the timely and efficient movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies across various operational theaters. Over the decades, the 604th has supported numerous military operations, including humanitarian missions and overseas deployments. Its commitment to excellence in transportation services has earned it recognition and commendations within the Army’s logistics community.

The 611th Transportation Company was originally constituted during World War II to support logistical operations for U.S. Army forces. Activated in 1943, the unit played a crucial role in transporting troops, equipment, and supplies across key theaters of operation. Throughout its history, the 611th has consistently provided vital transportation support during major conflicts, including the Korean War and subsequent overseas deployments. The unit’s dedication to mission accomplishment and adaptability has made it a valued asset within Army transportation and sustainment operations.

The 63rd Engineer Battalion was originally constituted on 10 July 1942 in the Army of the United States and activated at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana. During World War II, the unit served in the European Theater, providing essential combat engineering support during the campaigns in Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe. After the war, the battalion was inactivated and later reactivated several times, adapting its mission to meet the needs of various conflicts and peacetime operations. The 63rd Engineers have a distinguished record of service, contributing construction, mobility, and support to U.S. Army operations both at home and abroad.

The 63rd Transportation Company, originally constituted during World War II, has a storied legacy supporting U.S. Army operations. Activated in 1941, the unit provided vital logistics and transportation services in the European Theater, moving troops, equipment, and supplies across challenging terrain. Postwar, the 63rd supported various missions, including deployments to Korea and Vietnam, ensuring the rapid mobility of combat forces. Today, the 63rd Transportation Company continues to serve as a key logistical asset, embodying adaptability and dedication in both peacetime and contingency operations.