The 519th Transportation Association Thailand

The 519th Transportation Battalion adopted a tiger as its symbol, based on the dominant figure on its distinctive crest. Personnel from the battalion participated in the design of the distinctive crest which was approved by the Institute of Heraldry on 31 August 1966.

519th Transportation Battalion Crest

The insignia is a gold metal and enamel device, one and one eighth inches in height. It consists of a brick-red disk edged in gold with three battlements at the top. In the center is a - gold, black striped tiger's head in profile with jagged extremities.

The latter surmount a green wreath in base composed of laurel leaves on one side and palm in the other. On the base and sides of the gold rim is a tri-parted gold scroll inscribed "QUID," "QUANDO," "QUO." in black letters. The motto refers to the battalion's only query when assigned a mission: What is the job? When must the job be done? Where is the job?

The US Army’s 519^th Transportation Battalion was unique. Its location, mission and composition truly made it one of a kind among quartermaster and transportation units that comprise the US Army’s vast inventory.

Its location although in Southeast Asia during the 1960’s & 1970’s was not in the Republic of Vietnam. The unit operated in direct support of US combat forces stationed in the Royal Kingdom of Thailand. The battalions Line of Communication (LOC) was the entire northern section of Thailand. The LOC used a highway net of some 1070 miles over varying road surface conditions. From Sattahip (south of Bangkok) to Korat and Takhli to the north, the roads were primarily 2 lanes with hard surfaces. Going north Past Khon Kaen to Udorn, Sakorn Nakorn, Nakorn Phanom and even west to Ubon a mixture of hard surface and dirt roads existed. This was very hard on the vehicles that traveled those roads.

The battalion established a number of trailer transfer points (TTP) at critical points along the LOC. From Sattahip to Korat and Khon Kaen each TTP was supported by one of the battalion’s truck companies, as well as personnel from the assigned transportation control detachments.

Among the various cargo hauled by the battalion were previously classified as “Project 972”. These were sensitive explosives and / or listening devices that were transported to the USAF so that aircraft could drop them over North Vietnam and Laos.

One problem that faced the US military in Thailand was the timely distribution of dairy products. This was solved when the battalion employed a tactic of General Patton during the Second World War. Known as “Red Ball”, it was a method of expediting sensitive dairy products, so that they were delivered fresh each day.

The battalion had two types of transportation companies in Thailand  (Type-A & Type-B). Type-A units were comprised entirely of US military drivers. Type-B units were made up of both US Military and Thai civilian drivers. 

The following were the Type-B units:

33^rd Transportation Platoon (Reefer) replaced the 313^th platoon at Camp Friendship in Korat,

53^rd Transportation Company at Camp Vayama in Sattahip,

260^th Transportation Company at Camp Samae San in Sattahip,

291^st Transportation Company at Camp Friendship in Korat, and a platoon at Camp Khon Kaen,

313^th Transportation Company at Bangkok, and a platoon at Camp Friendship in Korat, and

505^th Transportation Company at Camp Vayama in Sattahip, with a platoon at Udorn RTAFB line hauling to NKP in 1967.

The only Type-A unit was:

569^th Transportation Company replaced the 291^st platoon at Camp Khon Kaen.

Although these companies came together under the 519^th Transportation Battalion in Thailand, each of them has a distinctive and honored background, in some cases dating back prior to the Second World War. Many of these units served with honor in Europe or in Asia, under combat conditions.

A special survey disclosed that the "Tiger Battalion" has the longest line of communication and largest mission of any battalion of its type in the world.

The following excerpts from an article originally published in the SUPTHAI Sentinel on 26 June 1970 by then Captain Gerald J. Sheehan, as well as historically documentation (Statements of Service) for each unit of the battalion provide a valuable, in-depth look at the 519^th Transportation Battalion (Truck) and its subordinate units.

HHD, 519^th Transportation Battalion – Constituted 1 April 1943, reorganized HHD & A – D as HHD & 302^nd, 303^rd, 304^th, & 305^th Port Companies. Then activated on 25 June 1943 at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, Pennsylvania, as the 519^th Port Battalion, during the start of the Second World War. The unit embarked from Camp Miles Standish in Boston, Massachusetts aboard the E.P. Alexander.

Personnel of the 519^th Port Battalion went through a brief training period in England prior to participating in the invasion of Normandy, going ashore on 7 June 1944. The battalion moved from Normandy to Antwerp, Belgium on 14 November 1944.

Dave H. Weaver and Bruce C. Kramlich were both assigned to the 519^th Port Battalion during the deployment to England, the Normandy Invasion and at Antwerp Belgium. Here’s what they had to say about their time with the 519^th Port Battalion:

“I was a member of the 304th Port Company, 519th Port Battalion from July 1943. I took Basic and Advanced training at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, Pennsylvania before being stationed at Camp McKay in Boston. We worked in various facilities in the Port of Boston until we departed on 24 March 1944 on the troopship E.P. Alexander and arrived in Liverpool, England on 5 April 1944. We soon moved to Bristol, England where we were billeted in private homes (since all Army installations were bulging with GIs at that time). For two months we worked in the ports of Bristol, Swansea and Newport Wales handling materials destined for the impending invasion of France.

We arrived in Normandy on 6 June 1944, and began unloaded the vessels we arrived on, (one vessel was hit by a dive bomber - killing 20 members of our battalion). We were quartered in an area about 300 yards inland from the seawall, and later in an apple orchard nearby. We worked 12 hour shifts for approximately 5 months unloading all sorts of ships, landing craft, etc.

We were then sent, to the Port of Antwerp, Belgium after it had been taken by Canadian troops, providing better facilities than were available at the beach. We worked in Antwerp (through 175 days of continuous air and V-bomb attacks).

Following V-Day we returned to the US, on a point system. I left Europe on 12 January 1946 and was discharged on 16 February 1946. I served in various capacities in the 304th, primarily as a winch operator.

  

See photo album page for pictures of the Normandy monument list the 490^th Port Battalion, 518^th Port Battalion, and 519^th Port Battalion, all attached to the First Engineers Special Brigade in France.” – Dave H. Weaver

 

“I was a member of the 519^th Port Battalion from July 1943 until I was transferred to the 334^th Harbor Craft Company in December 1945 at Antwerp, Belgium. I was initially a clerk with Headquarters & Headquarters Detachment, 519^th Port Battalion. I was discharged in January 1946” – Bruce C. Kramlich.

 The 519^th Port Battalion remained at Antwerp Belgium until it was inactivated on 3 October 1946. For its service in World War II, the 519^th Port Battalion was awarded the following campaign streamers and decorations: Campaign streamers: Normandy (with arrowhead), Northern France, Rhineland, World War II (embroidered Normandy), Meritorious Unit Commendation embroidered European Theatre, French Croix de Guerra with Silver Palm, and The Order of the Day of the Belgian Army for action at Antwerp.

On 1 February 1956 the unit was reactivated as the 519^th Transportation Battalion (Terminal Service) at Fort Eustis, Virginia. It was assigned the mission of preparing various boat companies and terminal service companies for participation in Project 572-W (the supply of material for the construction of the DEW line in the Artic). Its mission completed, the unit was inactivated on 15 December 1957 at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

On 20 May 1966 the unit was again activated at Fort George G. Mead, Maryland, as the 519^th Transportation Battalion (Motor Transport). Filler personnel were assigned and started arriving in late May. The majority of officers and NCOs were returnees from Europe. The enlisted personnel, for the most part, were fresh out of basic training. By early June, there was sufficient personnel on-hand to begin POR/POM (preparation for overseas movement) training. During its own training phase, the battalion was assigned the responsibility of supervising the training of various Engineer, Quartermaster, Signal, and Transportation units for deployment to the Republic of Vietnam.

Advanced Party elements of the battalion (personnel and equipment) departed from Andrews Air Force Base on 10 December 1966 aboard C130s headed for the Kingdom of Thailand. The remainder of battalion personnel and equipment left on later flights to the west coast, where they were loaded aboard ship. Advanced party elements of the battalion completed its move and closed in Thailand on 17 December 1966. Setting up the battalion headquarters at Camp Charn Sinthope near Phanom Sarakham, southeast of Bangkok.

In February 1967 the headquarters moved to Camp Friendship in Northeastern Thailand, near the town of Nakorn Rachisima (Korat). They remained at Camp Friendship until September 1968, when they returned to Camp Charn Sinthope.

As the only transportation truck battalion in Thailand, the unit mission was the establishment and operation of a truck transportation system along its line of communication (LOC).

In August 1969 the battalion again relocated. This time to Camp Samae San, near the town of Sattahip where they remained until the unit was inactivated on 20 February 1971. For service in Thailand, 519th Transportation Battalion and it's subordinate units were awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) 16 December 1966 – 31 December 1969 - GO 308 dated 14 July 1970.

519^th Transportation Battalion (Truck) Unit Histories

 

 

The following unit histories are from official statements of services with narrative about these units during their tenure in Thailand, while assigned to the United States Army Support Command, Thailand (USARSUPTHAI). Documents and photo's have been collected and placed online with The 519^th Transportation Association, Thailand's website by Joseph J. Wilson, Jr. Sergeant First Class, US Army (Retired).

 

World War II

 

The 519^th Transportation Battalion was constituted on 1 April 1943, and re-organized as Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 302^nd, 303^rd, 304^th, and 305^thPort Companies. It was activated on 25 June 1943 at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, Pennsylvania as the 519^th Port Battalion then embarked from Camp Miles Standish in Boston, Massachusetts aboard the E.P. Alexander to England. After a brief training period, the 519^th Port Battalion participated in the invasion of Normandy, going ashore on 7 June 1944. It later moved from Normandy to Antwerp, Belgium on 14 November 1944, where it remained until being inactivated on 3 October 1946.

 

Campaign Participation Credit: World War II (embroidered Normandy) Streamers: Normandy (with arrowhead); Northern France; Rhineland.
Decorations: Meritorious Unit Commendation (embroidered European Theatre); French Croix de Guerra with Silver Palm; Order of the Day of the Belgian Army for action at Antwerp.

Project 572-W

 

On 1 February 1956 the unit was reactivated as the 519^th Transportation Battalion (Terminal Service) at Fort Eustis, Virginia. It was assigned the mission of preparing various boat companies and terminal service companies for participation in Project 572-W (the supply of material for the construction of the DEW line in the Arctic). Its mission completed, the unit was inactivated on 15 December 1957 at Fort Eustis, Virginia.

 

 

Vietnam War

 

On 20 May 1966 the unit was again activated, this time at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland as the 519^th Transportation Battalion (Motor Transport). Filler personnel were assigned and began arriving in late May. The majority of officers and NCOs were returnees from Europe. The enlisted personnel, for the most part, were fresh out of basic training. By early June, there was sufficient personnel on-hand to begin POR/POM (Preparation for Overseas Movement) training in preparation for deployment to the Republic of Vietnam. During its own training phase, the battalion was assigned the responsibility of supervising the training of various Engineer, Quartermaster, Signal, and Transportation units for deployment to the Republic of Vietnam. When orders arrived the unit had been diverted to the Kingdom of Thailand.

 

In 1966, the 519^th Transportation Battalion contained the following companies:

• Headquarters and Headquarters, 519^th Transportation Battalion (20 May 1966)
• 313^th Transportation Company (Refrigerated) (20 May 1966)
• *572^nd Transportation Company (Medium Truck Cargo) (8 July 1966)
• 291^st Transportation Company (Medium Truck Cargo) (1 October 1966)

 

*After loading equipment at the port in Baltimore, Maryland personnel from the 572^nd Transportation Company arrived at the port of San Francisco, California where they boarded the USNS General Alexander M. Patch for the 24-day cruise to the Republic of Vietnam on 6 October 1966.

 

 

Southeast Asia - Thailand

 

On 10 December 1966 advance party elements (personnel and equipment) departed from Andrews Air Force Base aboard C130s headed for the Kingdom of Thailand. The remainder of the battalion under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Harry Frederick Middleton and Sergeant Major James John Milele (both WWII and Korean War veterans) completed its move and closed in Thailand on 17 December 1966.

 

The 519^th Transportation Battalion soon moved north from Sattahip, to Camp Charn Sinthope near Phanom Sarakham, southeast of Bangkok. Although the unit relocated to Camp Friendship in 1968, it soon returned to Camp Charn Sinthope where it remained until August 1969 and was deactivated at Camp Samae San on 20 February 1971.

 

In Thailand the 519^th Transportation Battalion contained the following companies:

 

• Headquarters and Headquarters, 519^th Transportation Battalion

(10 December 1966 Ft Meade, MD - 20 February 1971) - Camps Charn Sinthope, Friendship & Samae San

• 260^th Transportation Company (Petroleum)

(1 June 1966 Ft Riley, KS - 31 October 1975) - Camps Charn Sinthope & Samae San

• 291^st Transportation Company (Medium Truck Cargo)

(1 October 1966 Ft Meade, MD - 30 June 1971) - Camps Friendship & Khon Kaen

• 505^th Transportation Company (Medium Truck Cargo)

(11 November 1966 Ft Benning, GA- 30 December 1971) - Camp Vayama, with a platoon at Udorn RTAFB in 1967

• 313^th Transportation Company (Reefer)

(10 December 1966 Ft Meade, MD - 31 March 1972) - Bangkok and Camp Friendship

• 53^rd Transportation Company (Medium Truck Cargo)

(10 April 1967 Okinawa - 30 December 1970) - Camp Vayama

• 569^th Transportation Company (Medium Truck Cargo)

(1 May 1967 Ft Meade, MD - 1 April 1970) - Camp Khon Kaen

• 33^rd Transportation Platoon (Reefer)

(25 August 1967 Fort Lewis, WA - 1 April 1970) - Camp Friendship

• 254^th Transportation Detachment (Trailer Transfer Point Operating)

(30 November 1967 Fort Lewis, WA - 30 June 1971) - Camps Charn Sinthope, Friendship & Khon Kaen

 

The 260^th Transportation Company (Petroleum) initially was issued M51 5-ton dump trucks and attached to the 44^th Engineer Group where they assisted with highway and road construction until such time as M52 5-ton truck tractors and M131 5,000 gallon fuel trailers were available for issue. The unit was based at Camp Samae San in Sattahip.

 

The 260^th Transportation Company (Petro) - Constituted in July 1923 in the Organized Reserves as the 935^th Motor Transport Company. Re-designated as Company K, 513^th Quartermaster Truck Regiment on 1 July 1936 then activated as D, 513^th Quartermaster Truck Regiment on 1 April 1943 at Fort Custer, Michigan. Reorganized and re-designated as the 3890^th Quartermaster Truck Company on 15 December 1943 and inactivated in France on 25 June 1946. On 1 August 1946, converted and re-designated as the 3890^th Transportation Corps Truck Company. On 13 February 1948, re-designated as the 260^th Transportation Company and activated on 1 March 1948 at Fort Myer, Virginia. On 25 March 1948, Organized Reserves re-designated as the Organized Reserve Corps, then on 9 July 1952 as the Army Reserve. On 9 August 1960 inactivated at Fort Myer, Virginia. Withdrawn on 23 March 1966 from the Army Reserve and allotted to the Regular Army; concurrently re-designated as the 260^th Transportation Company and activated on 1 June 1966 at Fort Riley, Kansas, then inactivated at Camp Samae San, Thailand on 31 October 1975.

Campaign Participation Credit: World War II-EAME, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe.
DECORATIONS: Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) Streamer (embroidered SOUTHEAST ASIA).

The 291^st Transportation Company (Medium Truck Cargo) was based at Camp Friendship in Nakorn Ratchasima (Korat) where they transported cargo to northerly US bases. One platoon opened Camp Khon Kaen in northern Thailand. The unit also transported cargo from Camp Friendship to Ubon RTAFB.

 

The 291^st Transportation Company - Constituted on 10 November 1942 as D, 467^th Quartermaster Truck Regiment and activated at Fort Custer, Michigan on 10 December 1942. Reorganized and re-designated as the 3622^nd Quartermaster Truck Company on 16 December 1943, and inactivated in France on 25 June 1946. On 1 August 1946, converted and re-designated as the 3622^nd Transportation Corps Truck Company.  Re-designated as the 291^st Transportation Amphibious Truck Company on 13 January 1948 and allotted to the Organized Reserves. It activated on 22 January 1948 at Portland, Maine. On 25 March 1948, Organized Reserves re-designated as the Organized Reserve Corps, then on 9 July 1952 as the Army Reserve. On 1 February 1950 inactivated at Portland, Maine. Withdrawn on 1 October 1966 from the Army Reserve and allotted to the Regular Army; concurrently re-designated as the 291^st Transportation Company and activated at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland. On 30 June 1971 inactivated at Camp Samae San, Thailand.

Campaign Participation Credit: World War II-EAME, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe.
DECORATIONS: Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) Streamer (embroidered SOUTHEAST ASIA).

The 505^th Transportation Company (Medium Truck Cargo) was based at Camp Vayama in Sattahip and was the initial line haul operational unit from Sattahip to Takhli RTAFB, and Camp Friendship/Korat RTAFB. One platoon operated from a rail-head at Udorn RTAFB, transporting construction and airfield supplies in the buildup of the Nakon Phanom RTAFB (NKP) near the Laotian border in early 1967.

 

The 505^th Transportation Company - Constituted on 26 November 1943 as 3640^th Quartermaster Truck Company, activated on 10 December 1943 and inactivated on 8 September 1945 in Italy. Converted and re-designated on 1 August 1946 as the 3649^th Transportation Corps Truck Company concurrently activated at Fort Riley, Kansas. On 7 March 1947 re-designated as the 505^th Transportation Corps Truck Company and re-designated on 15 July 1947 as the 505^th Transportation Truck Company. On 5 January 1949 allotted to the Regular Army. On 1 April 1954, reorganized and re-designated as the 505^th Transportation Company, then inactivated in Japan on 25 March 1956. On 23 May 1957 it activated at Fort Benning, Georgia and deployed to Thailand, arriving on 11 November 1966, then inactivated at Camp Vayama, Thailand on 30 December 1971. On 20 September 1990 it activated, then inactivated in Korea on 17 March 1991.

Campaign Participation Credit: World War II-EAME, Naples-Foggia, Rome-Arno, North Apennines, Po Valley. Korean War: UN Offensive, CCF Intervention, First UN Counteroffensive, CCF Spring Offensive, UN Summer-Fall Offensive, Second Korean Winter, Korea, Summer-Fall 1952, Third Korean Winter, Korea, Summer 1953.
DECORATIONS: Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) Streamer (embroidered EUROPEAN THEATER); Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) Streamer (embroidered KOREA); Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) Streamer (embroidered SOUTHEAST ASIA).

It's interesting to note that in 1990, during Operation Desert Shield, the 505^th Transportation Company (Medium Truck Cargo) was once again activated on 20 September 1990 and inactivated in Korea on 17 March 1991.

 

The 313^th Transportation Company (Refrigerated) was based in Bangkok where they transported all refrigerated products throughout US military units in Thailand.

 

The 313^th Transportation Company - Constituted on 9 April 1943 as D, 510^th Port Battalion and activated on 15 July 1943 at Indiantown Gap Military Reservation, Pennsylvania as 313^th Port Company. On 30 June 1946 inactivated in the Philippine Islands, then re-designated on 13 June 1947 as the 313^th Transportation Port Company and allotted to the Organized Reserves. On 21 June 1947 activated at New York, New York. On 25 March 1948, Organized Reserves re-designated as the Organized Reserve Corps, then on 9 July 1952 as the Army Reserve. Ordered into active military service on 11 September 1950 at New York, New York; released from active military service on 15 September 1954 reverting back to reserve status. On 15 November 1954 reorganized and re-designated as the 313^th Transportation Company and inactivated on 15 May 1959 at New York, New York. Withdrawn on 23 March 1966 from the Army Reserve and allotted to the Regular Army. On 20 May 1966 activated at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland and inactivated at Camp Samae San, Thailand on 31 March 1972.

Campaign Participation Credit: World War II-AP, Bismarck Archipelago, Luzon, Southern Philippines.
DECORATIONS: Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) Streamer embroidered SOUTHEAST ASIA.

 

The 53^rd Transportation Company (Medium Truck Cargo) was based at Camp Vayama in Sattahip and operated port clearance operations at Camp Samae San and the deep water port at Camp Vayama.

 

The 53^rd Transportation Company - The parent unit organized March 1943 as 2638th Quartermaster Truck Battalion (Provisional) in North Africa. The 54^th Quartermaster Truck Battalion constituted on 28 May 1943 in the Army of the United States. On 7 July 1943 was re-designated as 54th Quartermaster Truck Battalion. Company C reorganized and re-designated on 3 November 1943 as 3355^th Quartermaster Truck Company. Concurrently, the remainder of the battalion reorganized and re-designated as follows: Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment as Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 54^th Quartermaster Battalion (Mobile). Companies A, B, & D as 3353^rd, 3354^th, & 3356^th Quartermaster Truck Companies, respectively with separate lineages. On 12 April 1946 the 3355^th Quartermaster Truck Company inactivated at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey. On 1 August 1946 converted and re-designated as the 3355^th Transportation Corps Truck Company. Re-designated as the 103^rd Transportation Truck Company and allotted to the Regular Army on 1 September 1948. First activated on 10 September 1948, then inactivated on 15 December 1948 at Fort Lewis, Washington. On 1 June 1949 activated at Fort McKinley in the Philippine Islands, then inactivated on 22 July 1949 at Fort Stotensburg in the Philippine Islands. Re-designated as the 53^rd Transportation Heavy Truck Company on 12 September 1952, and activated on 25 October 1952 at Camp Roberts, California. It participated in Operation Desert Rock in Nevada. On 20 June 1953, re-designated 53^rd Transportation Company and participated in Operation Fort Irwin in California on 30 June 1953. It participated in Operation Fort Irwin in California on 1 August 1961. Assigned to Okinawa on 24 September 1965, then reassigned to the 519th Transportation Battalion on 10 April 1967 serving at Camp Vayama until being inactivated on 30 December 1970 in Thailand.

Campaign Participation Credit: World War II-EAME, North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, Belgium, Antwerp "St Albans Victory".
DECORATIONS: Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) Streamer embroidered SOUTHEAST ASIA.

 

The 569^th Transportation Company (Medium Truck Cargo) was based at Camp Khon Kaen where they replaced the platoon of the 291^st Transportation Company in the delivery of cargo to Udorn RTAFB, Ubon RTAFB, NKP RTAFB, and Camp Rum Chit Chi in Sakon Nakon. It was the only class B unit in the 519^th Transportation Battalion, with all US military drivers.

 

The 569^th Transportation Company - Constituted on 1 January 1942 as D. 399^th Quartermaster Battalion. On 10 February 1942 activated at the San Francisco Port of Embarkation, California. On 31 July 1942 converted and re-designated as D. 399^th Port Battalion, Transportation Corps then reorganized and re-designated as the 569^th Port Company On 25 January 1944 and inactivated on 17 September 1945 at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey. Re-designated on 5 January 1955 as the 569^th Transportation Company and allotted to the Regular Army.  First activated on 24 February 1955 and inactivated on 15 December 1958 at Fort Eustis, Virginia. Next activated on 25 June 1950, then inactivated on 25 March 1963 at Camp Leroy Johnson, Louisiana. On 1 May 1967, activated at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland and inactivated at Camp Khon Kaen, Thailand on 1 April 1970.

Campaign Participation Credit: World War II-EAME, Algeria-French Morocco, Rome-Arno, Southern France, Rhineland.
DECORATIONS: Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) Streamer (embroidered SOUTHEAST ASIA).

 

The 33^rd Transportation Platoon (Refer) was based at Camp Friendship in Nakorn Ratchasima (Korat) where they augmented with the 313^th Transportation Company in the delivery of refrigerated cargo to all US military units throughout Thailand.

 

The 33^rdTransportation Platoon (Reefer) - Constituted 10 May 1967 and activated on 25 August 1967 at Fort Lewis, Washington. Serving as a valuable element of the 519th Transportation Battalion operating from the Bangkok cold storage facility until the unit was inactivated on 1 April 1970.

DECORATED: Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) Streamer (embroidered SOUTHEAST ASIA).

 

The 254^th Transportation Detachment (Trailer Transfer Point Operating) was split into three teams based at Camp Charn Sinthope near Phanom Sarakham where they were attached to the 519^th Transportation Battalion, Camp Friendship in Korat where they were attached to the 291^st Transportation Company, and Camp Khon Kaen where they were attached to the 569^th Transportation Company. The 254^th Transportation Detachment was responsible for operating the Trailer Transfer Points along the 519^th Transportation Battalions line haul operating area.

 

 

 

Units of the 519^th Transportation Battalion had the unique mission of transporting cargo classified as 972 from December 1966 until December 1969 in support of US air operations in Laos and Vietnam. Operation 972 was sensitive explosives and listening devices commonly called Igloo White or known as the "McNamara Line of Defense" and was instrumental in detecting enemy troop movement along the Ho Chi Minh Trail and especially around the troops besieged at Kha Sanh.

 

Another unique mission of the 519^th Transportation Battalion was the timely distribution of dairy products to US forces throughout Thailand. Employing a tactic of General Patton during the Second World War, the 313^th Transportation Company dubbed it �Red Ball Revived� thereby ensuring that sensitive dairy products were expedited and delivered fresh each day.

 

Although these companies came together under the 519^th Transportation Battalion in Thailand, each of them has a distinctive and honored background, in some cases dating back prior to the Second World War. Many of these units served with honor in Europe or in Asia, under combat conditions.

A special survey disclosed that the "Tiger Battalion" has the longest line of communication and largest mission of any battalion of its type in the world.

 

For service in Thailand, 519^th Transportation Battalion and its subordinate units were awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army) 16 December 1966 - 31 December 1969 - GO 308 dated 14 July 1970, and although the documentation became lost over time, Department of the Army issued GO 29 on 30 December 2001 officially recognizing the accomplishments of this great transportation unit and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.