USARSUPTHAI ASSOCIATION

In March 1962, Detachment 1, 9th Logistical Command (B) prepared to deploy a support package, including a terminal service battalion, a terminal service company, a light truck company and a medium truck company to Thailand in support of SEATO Exercise Air Cobra.

5th Transportation Battalion (Movement Control) (March 1962 – June 1962)

On 10 May 1960, the 5th Transportation Battalion (Movement Control) was activated on Naha, Okinawa and placed under the 9th Logistical Command (B) as elements prepared for deployment from Okinawa to Thailand in support of SEATO Exercise Air Cobra. The 5th was among those first army transporters to deploy to Thailand, arriving at Camp Suranari (later renamed Camp USARTHAI), in Korat, Thailand and setting up local haul cargo transport operations on Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base.

Specialist Five William Sanford (12 April 1962 – 13 Sep 1962) – “I worked Movement Control. Specifically I worked mostly loading and unloading C-124's and C-130's. I operated a forklift and I drove every vehicle from a jeep to a deuce and a half to move what came in to Korat. I spent a lot of time traveling from the AirHead to the RailHead in the city of Korat. I don't remember what all we moved because if we were told to move it--got moved. I remember cans, barrels, boxes, crates, vehicles, equipment and supplies coming in constantly. I was pretty damn good at backing those trucks and trailers up the ramps since I was raised on a farm driving farm tractors and four wheel trailers. I was a 20 year old Spec 5 that had been gone from my Mississippi home for more than a year and a half and I just wanted to do my job and get my ass back home. I now realize how close to danger we were then and even more so shortly after I was gone.”

5th Transportation Battalion (Movement Control) Inactivated

On 25 June 1963, the 5th Transportation Battalion (Movement Control) returned to Naha, Okinawa and was deactivated.

5th Transportation Battalion (Movement Control)

The fleur-de-lis and tower represent the Battalion’s honors for campaign service in Europe during World War II for which it was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation inscribed with European Theater. The V-shaped wings refer to the special aircraft maintenance and supply mission of the Battalion and its nickname, the Flying Fifth. It is also indicative of the numerical design of the Battalion.

Motto: “BEST BY PERFORMANCE”

5th Transportation Battalion (Movement Control) became the 526th Support Battalion

526th SUPPORT BATTALION LINEAGE AND HONORS

Constituted 17 June 1943 in the Army of the United States as Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 5th Quartermaster Troop Transport Battalion

Activated 25 August 1943 at Camp Swift, Texas

Reorganized and redesignated 23 November 1943 as Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 5th Quartermaster Battalion, Mobile

Inactivated 30 September 1946 in Germany
Converted and redesignated 1 October 1946 as Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 5th Transportation Corps Truck Battalion

Redesignated 20 November 1950 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Transportation Truck Battalion, and allotted to the Regular Army

Activated 22 December 1950 at Fort Eustis, Virginia

Reorganized and redesignated 1 September 1952 as Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 5th Transportation Amphibious Truck Battalion

Reorganized and redesignated 5 December 1952 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Transportation Battalion

Inactivated 27 June 1955 at Fort Eustis, Virginia

Redesignated 3 May 1960 as the 5th Transportation Battalion

Activated 10 May 1960 on Okinawa

Inactivated 25 June 1963 on Okinawa

Redesignated 1 July 1968 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 5th Transportation Battalion, assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, and activated in Vietnam (organic elements concurrently constituted and activated)

Inactivated 18 September 1986 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky

Converted and redesignated 16 April 1994 as the 526th Support Battalion, and activated at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, as an element of the 101st Airborne Division

Relieved 16 September 2004 from assignment to the 101st Airborne Division, and assigned to the 2d Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division

CAMPAIGN PARTICIPATION CREDIT

                                                World War II                                    
                                                Northern France               
                                                Rhineland                
                                                Ardennes-Alsace                              
                                                Central Europe
                                               
                                                Vietnam                                                   
                                                Counteroffensive, Phase V               
                                                Counteroffensive, Phase VI
                                                Tet 69/Counteroffensive
                                                Summer-Fall 1969
                                                Winter-Spring 1970
                                                Sanctuary Counteroffensive
                                                Counteroffensive, Phase VII
                                                Consolidation I
                                                Consolidation II

                                                War on Terrorism
                                                      Iraq:
                                                Iraqi Governance
                                                National Resolution

                                                (Additional campaigns to be determined)