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

Page 8 text:

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.

Page 7 text:

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.

Page 9 text:

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(£