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

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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.

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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.

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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