173d Airborne Brigade Separate - Yearbook (Okinawa, Japan)

Text from Pages 1 - 88 of the 1964 volume:

V ■  ' -£. — •w ! ; tjfe. ■ W Z5tf£ I : $ « • «;: -x... wey -SsaipWl u i ft DEDICATION JOH FITZGERALD KENNEDY. THIRTY-FIFTH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, IS DEAD. NO OTHER PRESI- DENT ' S DEATH HAS SO DEEPLY TOUCHED THE HEARTS OF ALL MILITARY FORCES— FOR THEY KNEW HD AS A STAUNCH FRIEND. INDEED, HE WAS A MILITARY FAMILIES ' PRESIDENT. IT IS TO HIM AND TO THE INS IRA- TION WHICH HE LEAVES. THAT WE RESPECTFULLY DEDICATE THIS BOOK IN HIS MEMORY. ' ASK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU BUT WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY v BRIGADIER GENERAL ELLIS W. WILLIAMSON Commanding Officer COMMANDING GENERAL ' S MESSAGE I wish to express my sincere appreciation to each of you for providing the initiative, en- thusiasm, and professional skill to make this past year a memorable one for the 173d Airborne Brigade. Your spirit of determination and leadership ability that I have observed throughout the past year never fails to renew my confidence that our great nation will continue to be a leader in the free world. In this yearbook you will find many pictures which depict the type of activities we have ex- perienced together. Our training in various types of terrain, under many different situations, is invaluable to us as an airborne unit that is fully prepared to get the job done. I congratulate each of you for a job well done and for making this a most memorable and worthwhile year. Airborne, All the Way ELLIS W. WILLIAMSON Brig. Gen., U.S. Army Commanding I •.- IV I 1 TT1 Asms ORNE BRIGADE (SEPARATE) On 25 June 1963 there occurred a new developmenl in the structure of the United States Airborne forces with the ac- tivation of a separate airborne brigade on Okinawa. Initial reorganization began in March of 1963 when Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the new brigade was formed. Activation brought a new concept to today ' s modern Army: formation of a force augmented not only in manpower but in mobility and firepower. One dominant feature remains unchanged — the will to win. Subordinate units of the 173d are the 1st and 2nd Battalions (Airborne), 503d Infantry; 3d Battalion (105MM Towed), 319 Artillery; the 173d Support Battalion; and separate units consisting of the Head- quarters and Headquarters Company, 173d Airborne Brigade (Sep); 173d Engineer Company; Troop E, 17th Cavalry; and D Company, 16th Armor. Each of the infantry battalions is composed of three rifle companies and a headquarters company, while the 3d Battalion, 319th Artillery has three firing batteries with six 105MM Howitzers each and a headquarters service battery. The 173d Support Battalion is com- posed of Company A (Administrative), Company B (Medical), Company C (Supply and Transportation), and Company D (Maintenance). Located within Company C(S T) is the Air Equipment Support Platoon containing the brigade ' s organic parachute packers and riggers. As indicated by their designations, com- panies of the support battalion provide the brigade with supply, field maintenance, medical service, para- chute and aerial delivery support, administrative and miscellaneous services for all assigned or attached elements. Q Co |173 D AIRB0RNE BRIGADE(SEP)s THE HEAD OF THE BEST HHC, 173D ABN. BDE. (SEP) The Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) contains the personnel and equipment to the Brigade Commander for command and control of a complex fighting force. Within this company organization are located the staff officers who advise the commander within their area of responsibility; a communications platoon to ex- tend the voice of the commander to subordinate and higher organizations; an aviation platoon to give him mobility on the battlefield; a military police platoon to preserve law and order; and a security platoon to protect his com- mand post. Its motto of Ahead of the Best exemplifies its spirit and awareness of mission. vi- j - ■( jjjj a D COMPANY, 1 6th ARMOR. Company D, 16th Armor is the anti-tank protection for the 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate). This completely mobile and hard-hitting company has the capability of destroying any enemy tank in exist- ence today with its high velocity guns. Additionally, it can provide close fire support to the infantry by en- gaging o her targets with its destructive fire power. The fu racked vehicle with its 90MM guns are air deliverable by parachute and will accompany the brigade inl uemy held territory in the event of a parachute assault. Artillery — King of Battle Mission to support the other combal arms In fire. vita] component of the 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) is the 3d Bat- talion, 319th Artillei . The 319th trace- its histor) and traditions to Camp Gordon, Georgia, where it was formed in 1917 for action in France during WWI. It organizational colors bear streamers denoting action at Lorraine. St. Michael, and Meuse-Argonne. As a part of the famed 82nd Airborne Division dur- ing WWII, the 319th participated in the invasion of Sicily and the subsequent campaign up the Italian peninsula. Action on D-Day in Normandv. the air- borne invasion of Holland, and the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes contributed more battle stream- ers to the colors of the 319th. Units of the 319th are Headquarters and Service Battery, A Battery, B Battery, and C Battery. 173d Support Battalion — the only unit of its kind in the United States Army. This battalion has the mission of providing administrative, medical, logistical, transportation, and main- tenance support to the 173d Air- borne Brigade (Separate). It also is responsible for packing and maintaining the parachutes and air items for the entire brigade. All of the technicians and spe- cialists required to operate and maintain the complex equipment of a modern Army, as well as chaplains, doctors, and administra- tive personnel, are concentrated within this battalion. These ded- icated personnel perform those es- sential functions which keep the combat soldier the best supplied and equipped in the world. Units of the 173d Support Bat- talion are A Company (Adminis- trative), B Company (Medical). C Company (Supply and Transporta- tion), and D Company (Mainte- nance). 173 RD AIRBORNE BRIGADE(SEP) UTM(£ 1 73D ENGINEER COMPANY Let Us Try is the motto of the 173d Engineer Company of 173d Airborne Brigade. Whether there is an airfield to build, a demolitions task to be accomplished, streams or rivers to be crossed, roads or trails to be hacked out of the dense jungle, a minefield or barrier to be layed or erected or perhaps a schoolhouse to be built for the local people; it can and will be done by the 173d Engineer Company along with its other various missions. As can be seen this small but vital portion of the 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) stands prepared and willing to execute any and all missions. Its reservoir of ingenuity and professional know- how contributes to the success of the brigade combat elements and the Engineers history is replete with occasions when it also fought as combat infantry. TROOP E 17th CAVALRY Troop E, 17th Cavalry has inherited the history and dash of the United States Cavalry which subdued the wild West after the Civil War. The present eyes and ears of the Brigade Commander was originally formed in July, 1916. More recently, this cavalry squadron was designated by the United States Army to provide security for a division. It provides reconnaissance; offensive and defensive action; and to conduct independent action as required. This is the unit of the brigade which with its complete mobility ranges ahead and to the flanks to find the enemy and to report his location nd strength. A comb, ;ion of individual initiative, resourcefulness, thorough knowledge of scouting and patrolling and a toughness of ] and physique are prerequisites for duly with Troop E. 1 1 BATTPLION (HBN) 503 ' INFR NTRy COfTlBAT JUmPS MARKHAM VAULT NOEMFMR ISLAND CORREGIDOR Y -( nO cnmPMEis NEW GUINEA LEYTE • LUZON SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES 2 D BN ABN 503D IMt § V BATTLE PARTICIPATIONS jt COMBAT JUMPS J MARKHAM. N0EMF00R ISLAND CORREGIDOR Al RLAN D ED HOLLANDIA. NEW GUINEA AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULTS LEYTE. MINDORO. NEGROS f i± The 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 503d Infantry are the lineal descendants of the WWII 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment of Corregidor Fame. These Battalions continue the traditions of that famous regiment. The 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment was the first regiment of paratroopers formed in the United States Army in August 1941 at Fort Benning, Georgia. This is the only airborne regiment with a memorial at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. During WWII the 503d Parachute Infantry Regiment participated in numerous campaigns in the Pacific area of operations which culminated with the renowned parachute and capture of the fortress island of Corregidor in the Philippines in April, 1945. This island stronghold was bitterly defended by the fanatical Japanese and was only secured by the 503d after two weeks of bloody fighting. After this battle the 503d turned the island over to the command of General Douglas MacArthur. thus helping to enable him to keep his vow to the Philip- pine people: I Shall Return. In June 1960, the 2nd Airborne Battle Group, 503d Infantry arrived on Okinawa from the 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to become the forward striking element of the United States Army in the Pacific. It was subsequently reorganized into two Airborne Infantry Battalions of the 173d Airborne Bri- gade. Each Battalion has a headquarters and headauarters company and three rifle companies. COMMANDING GENERAL ARRIVES GENERAL ELLIS U LLIAMSON Brigade (Separate! pas in Review. Left) and COLONEL ROBERT L. ROWAN salute the colors as the 173d Airborne 1 73D ON PARADE CG reviews troops at NCO parade — On line f 111: ... IS .. Ill ... Ill n- -- The Colors are presented to the CG 44 PASS IN REVIEW A - .4- ■• t n-r. MHI  IBM KDHMUm EMM 9 m ■HDBHUH Armored Personnel Carriers Pass in Review as Minute Man flag unfurls ( rear I ' 4.2 Mortars ( left ) and Medic Vehicles. The 173d ' s power punch — 105MM Towed Howitzers. i hi 1 1 1 1 1 1 — ii ii ■mi ii imairi m ii m - -■ • A f°f e -s. - Away she goes ' -T jr ' • -4r • 4 •. • ♦. ' One thousand, two thousand m On the way-down ' ' Where ' s the May 1 - m t y M   Mm ♦ i ■ ■ t i - 4 1 9 I  1 • • - A  f • BST S • Slip over, will ya! c o be q o 3 O H J 4 4 I 4 U 4 4 i J ' I 4 4 4 1 4 cgi Mr j I i • . 4 a - ' 4 • 4 -A ' • i j -■■ ' ■■ ' ;: . ■■•1 p 1 V ' ¥§ c — C C 5 re — — ■ .• • ■ «. a IM a c o — o I • I • V I t 31 ' «• f ' I got mine out. MX ■ ' ■ MB ' Those blasted twisted risers. I I Cl Ti f l t -% ?% rfiK « SliSr 13 vw% ' ' Prepare to land. Y ii . . ' V . C .5 f ' ' ' m m ?.■■ ' ■ t d What I ' d give for a nice sandy Drop Zone. 4fe ¥ The smoke was there, too. 4fft ■ • ' Love that concrete. fhey call this tactical m k ' Was it n ; :-i - « V fseC- This landed softly. ' Two to one it doesn ' t open ' St reamer These Aggressors weren ' t so lucky. tvJt u m ,y- ?AW ffc£ ' Infantry — Walk, walk, and more walking. ; l I A little People to people ' I  W «t. ■ JO Affc - C V WWW t f  « 4. • mkx p f ft- FOR THE LATE PRESIDENT MWtWW ' -y - f ' - ; ' « 4 ,V-.v •• u ■ l l ' H Mf L .« — a t } hks ib w , i •• v ■ COMMAND INSPECTION Vim Hfe rZ. OF THE 1 73D The Command Inspection X p tf 1 was held during the month of December. The inspecting of- I Ffll ficer was Lt. Gen. Paul W. ' I j$l i ' Caraway, Commanding Gen- eral-U SARYIS and IX M ' CORPS. All phases of units m were inspected. if OUR FRIENDS IN DEFENSE Mount Fuji Tokyo Tower -id Korean Papa-san Korea Hong Kong « , 0 m - ' Hong Kong Chinese lass IV itains of Taiwan Taiwan village i The Philippines ■ ' imm;m$ i -  V l. J% . The Philippines j m- M. i •• iV . 1M VjjU M - - The ROCK Corregidor 1 r ftlffll rt M 630 ■« .. mmmv ,,:■;■ ' , .,«« Government transportation i i. ' m ss k w 4S35f r .  I know how a sardine feels. ,5 V V O Tent City -A. 7 T .e ! £■ 1 -- w W H Off to training The classroom i M : ♦ K fc borne MS Automatic D, ar darling Si n ' 9 0 t Hold on ' v ; 6 7 ¥ Nighl river crossing H 7W. (The bat.) lii f Pf ' rT ? irfrili 1G presents I  ys collected by the men of the 173d Airborne Brigade (Separate) I A X ARMED FORCES DAY ACTIVITIES  , Portable flame thrower Kiddie mortar range Machine-gunners — All Turn me loose Kiddies — Airborne too ! ! ■■■■■Ill Hand to hand demonstration Kiddie grenade range 1 73 D SPORTS fi f$ft K% ■ p i J V 4 1 to imrtqwmmmmm rdltei SEATO Headquarters— LIGTAS t • ■ - ; USARt - fit r£ M - With the parachutes, came the rain. ■ ' ALL People to people •: -.- I ' ' k . mj mmhi Philippine ground I . £ m ,■ - wqggar Heavy Drop— A ' 0. K. The I l Punch. Bye, Bye-Blood!!!!! SMILE! You ' re on Candid Camera. ' ■ ' £ •- V, 71 .2 -m • ■■■■■l HHn Insll mw w mir TTTT WOW! he ' sheaw M ive ou t Sergeant? Yo, ho ho heave ho : 1 Not my good Jump Boots. I ■ft ■■I 9 IP- What a way to earn a living. SMILE I - 1 k I M «2S-I«-3R « 7 ' ttlA 4 ARMED FORCES PUBLICATIONS TAYLOR PUBLISHING COMPANY DALLAS • USA OKINAWA-RY Olcin awa Los Angeles Seattle Denver Phoenix Chicago Houston New York Miami Miles— 7 AM Mon 7,300 Miles— 2 PM Sun 8,300 Miles— 3 PM Sun 9,300 Miles— 4 PM Sun 10,000 Miles— 5 PM Sun EAST CHINA SEA Manila— I Shall Return 1,031 Miles Hong Kong — Go Broke on Bargains 996 Miles Moscow — Not Far Enough 8,36?. Miles Paris— City of Lights 8,477 Miles Red China — Too Close 465 Miles % C A . BUCKNER BAY % $ fc • KYU ISLAND PACIFIC OCEAN BLACKIEThePh, ' Box 62 Koza, Okinawa fe« tM«C Mitt iMMt iim an MMaii«  .-ar a M«M V «r«ww I! Length of Island 66 Miles Width — Widest Point 19.7 Miles Narrowest Point 2 Miles Area — Okinawa Rhode Island 593 Square Miles 1,214 Square Miles Population Density 890,000 People 1 ,504 Persons Per Square Mile