Verdell Jackson

The 24th Infantry Division is a mechanized infantry division of the United States Army. It was originally activated in 1941 during World War II and has since been reactivated several times. The division has a rich history, having participated in numerous campaigns and conflicts, including the Korean War and Operation Desert Storm. Today, the 24th Infantry Division remains a crucial component of the Army's force structure, ready to deploy and engage in operations around the world.

The 1st Battalion, 35th Field Artillery (1/35th FA) was constituted on 5 July 1918 in the National Army and assigned to the 12th Division, though it was demobilized shortly after World War I ended. Reactivated during World War II, the battalion served with distinction in the European Theater, providing critical fire support in campaigns across France and Germany. In the postwar era, 1/35th Field Artillery saw further service during the Korean War and later in Vietnam, where it supported infantry operations with powerful and accurate artillery barrages. Over its long history, the unit has exemplified the motto “Honor, Duty, Country” through its commitment to excellence and its vital role in supporting U.S. and allied ground forces.

The 11th Signal Battalion is a distinguished communications unit within the United States Army, originally constituted during World War II to provide critical signal support for combat operations. Activated in 1942, the battalion played a key role in maintaining communications across the European Theater, supporting command and control for Allied forces. Over the decades, the 11th Signal Battalion has served in numerous conflicts, including the Cold War, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, continually adapting to advances in military communications technology. Today, the battalion remains a vital component of the Army's signal corps, enabling seamless information flow and cyber capabilities on modern battlefields.

The 9th Infantry Division Chemical section has its roots in the broader history of divisional chemical units in the U.S. Army, which were first established to provide defense against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. During World War II, the 9th Infantry Division's Chemical Section was tasked with training soldiers in gas defense, maintaining chemical equipment, and supporting operations with smoke and decontamination capabilities. The unit continued to evolve during the Cold War and Vietnam War, adapting to new chemical warfare threats and technologies. Today, divisional chemical elements like the one in the 9th Infantry Division remain crucial for ensuring the safety and readiness of troops in the face of evolving CBRN challenges.

The 59th Military Police Company (59th MP Co) has a distinguished history within the United States Army, originally constituted during World War II. Activated in 1942, the unit provided critical military police support in both the European and Pacific Theaters, ensuring order, security, and traffic control for combat forces. Over the decades, the 59th MP Co has deployed in support of various operations, including peacekeeping missions and contingency operations in areas such as the Balkans and the Middle East. Renowned for its professionalism and adaptability, the company continues to serve as a vital asset in both garrison and deployed environments, upholding the Army’s law enforcement and security mission.

Pirmasens PSC (Personnel Support Center) was a key administrative and logistical support unit for U.S. military personnel stationed in and around Pirmasens, Germany, during the Cold War and post-Cold War periods. Established to provide essential services such as personnel processing, records management, and family support, the PSC played a vital role in maintaining unit readiness and morale for both soldiers and their dependents. The center worked closely with nearby U.S. Army installations, including Husterhoeh Kaserne, supporting thousands of American troops deployed to Europe as part of NATO obligations. As U.S. military presence in Germany was reduced in the 1990s and early 2000s, the Pirmasens PSC was eventually deactivated, marking the end of an era for American military operations in the region.

The 73rd Chemical Detachment was a specialized U.S. Army unit tasked with chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) detection and decontamination missions. Activated during the Cold War era, the detachment provided crucial support to larger formations by conducting reconnaissance and identifying hazardous agents on the battlefield. The unit played a vital role in developing and refining chemical defense procedures, ensuring American forces maintained readiness against unconventional threats. Throughout its service, the 73rd Chemical Detachment participated in numerous exercises and operations, contributing significantly to the Army’s overall CBRN defense capabilities.