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

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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.

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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

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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.