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ABOUT C Company 193rd Airborne 5th Infantry Division Ft Kobie Canal Zone Panama
- Unique Unit Location: C Company, 193rd Infantry was one of the few U.S. Army airborne infantry units stationed in the Panama Canal Zone, primarily at Fort Kobbe, providing a rapid-response force in the region.
- Strategic Mission: The company was integral to the defense of the Panama Canal, a vital U.S. strategic asset, and frequently conducted jungle warfare training and patrols in tropical environments.
- Jungle Warfare Expertise: Soldiers in C/193rd were trained in advanced jungle warfare, survival, and counterinsurgency techniques at the Jungle Operations Training Center (JOTC) at Fort Sherman.
- Operation Just Cause: In December 1989, the company participated in Operation Just Cause, the U.S. invasion of Panama to depose Manuel Noriega, conducting airborne assaults and urban combat missions.
- Humanitarian Efforts: In addition to combat roles, C Company took part in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance missions throughout Central and South America.
- International Training Exercises: The company frequently worked alongside Latin American military units, fostering regional cooperation and sharing expertise in jungle operations.
- Distinctive Patch: The 193rd Infantry Brigade wore the unique red and blue "Canal Zone" shoulder patch, symbolizing their special mission and location.
- Legacy of the Red Devils: The nickname "Red Devils" was often used by members of the 193rd, referencing both their patch and their aggressive fighting spirit.
- Evacuation and Drawdown: As the U.S. prepared to hand over the Panama Canal in the 1990s, C/193rd was one of the last combat units to leave, marking the end of an era for U.S. military presence in the Canal Zone.
- Veterans' Stories: Former members of C Company recall stories of rigorous training, camaraderie, and unique experiences living overseas, forming a tight-knit brotherhood that continues to reunite at unit gatherings.