About this Unit
The 299th Support Battalion was originally constituted on 23 March 1966 in the Regular Army and activated at Fort Benning, Georgia. The unit provided vital logistical and maintenance support to the 1st Infantry Division during the Vietnam War, earning multiple campaign streamers and commendations for its service. After deactivation and several redesignations, the battalion was reactivated at Fort Riley, Kansas, where it continues to support brigade combat teams with supply, transportation, and medical services. The 299th has participated in numerous operations, including Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, maintaining a proud legacy of dependable support on and off the battlefield.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The 299th Support Battalion was originally constituted as the 7th Medical Battalion on 23 March 1925, before being redesignated as the 7th Medical Battalion in 1941 and serving with the 7th Infantry Division during World War II.
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Pacific Theater Campaigns: The battalion participated in several major Pacific campaigns during WWII, including the Aleutian Islands, Leyte, Ryukyus (Okinawa), and the assault on Kwajalein.
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Korean War Service: The 7th Medical Battalion (later the 299th) provided critical combat medical support during the Korean War, supporting the 7th Infantry Division in major battles such as Inchon, Pusan Perimeter, and Chosin Reservoir.
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Vietnam War Deployments: The unit was reorganized and redesignated as the 299th Support Battalion in 1966 and deployed to Vietnam, where it earned several campaign streamers and commendations for its support operations.
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Meritorious Unit Commendations: Throughout its history, the battalion has received multiple Meritorious Unit Commendations for outstanding service, including actions in Vietnam and later in Iraq.
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Cold War Realignments: The battalion was inactivated and reactivated multiple times during the Cold War, reflecting changes in Army structure and the evolving needs of combat support units.
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Reactivation at Fort Riley: In October 2004, the 299th Support Battalion was reactivated and assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas, as part of Army modular reorganization.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom: The battalion deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, providing logistics, maintenance, and medical support to combat forces.
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Nickname and Motto: The 299th Support Battalion is nicknamed "Lifeline Battalion" and uses the motto "On Call To Serve," reflecting its critical role in sustaining frontline combat units.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion's distinctive unit insignia features a cross and a sword, symbolizing both the medical and combat support functions of the unit throughout its history.
