Unit History

The following unit history was taken in it's entirety from a "Resume of Unit History" report dated 10 July 1969 by 1st Lt. Thomas J. Bruner, then commanding officer of the 172nd. Lt. Bruner went on to become a Brigadier General in the army and is now retired. Many thanks to 172nd veteran Tom Bruner for providing this important historical data on the unit and for his many years of service to our country.

"In January 1968, the 172nd Transportation Company received orders designating it as a part of the Strategic Reserve Forces (SRF). It was to be prepared to assume a SRF posture by 1 May 1968. Training, to achieve this end, began on 1 February 1968.

On 11 April 1968, the 172nd received orders alerting it for active duty to begin on 13 May 1968 with an arrival date at Fort Lewis, Washington of 20 May 1968.

While at Ft. Lewis, the unit went from eleven 5 ton tractors and one trailer to a 100% TOE strength unit. From 20 May 1968 to 29 August 1968, the unit underwent BUT and AUT culminating with an ATT for which the unit received an over-all rating of excellent and commendation from the post commander, Major General Beverly.

The unit's equipment was shipped on 23 September 1968 aboard the Copper State, followed by the main body on 8 October 1968 via Seaboard Airlines, arriving in Cam Ranh Bay on 10 October 1968.

The unit became 100% operational within seven days of arrival in-country. The 172nd was assigned the mission of port and beach operation with a gradual break-in on short line haul convoys. Within thirty days, the 172nd was committed to line haul throughout the Central Highlands of Vietnam.

During the ensuing months, an enviable record was set by the men of the 172nd. To date, just under 600,000 miles have been driven and 80,000 short tons have been hauled.This is outstanding because for a period of three months, 21 tractors were on hand receipt and a shortage of 10 tractors existed for four months, However, this unit accomplished its mission in spite of the shortage of vehicles. During the month of November, the unit hauled 22,739 tons and drove 109,616 miles.

The average deadline rate of 5.9% organizational and total deadline rate of 11.6% is commendable as the unit deployed with 39 gas model 5 ton tractors with an average age of eight years. Initially, no PLL or ASL was available upon arrival in Cam Ranh Bay, causing a major parts problem. Through hard work and initiative, maintenance was continued with a minimum of deadline.

While maintaining a combat mission of line haul convoys, unit administration was not ignored as evidenced by the excellent rating received during the AIG inspection conducted on 12 May 1969. Several areas received no shortcomings. One of these was weapons maintenance. The unit received the highest of praise from the Cam Ranh Bay Support Commander as a result of the AIG inspection.

The transition from a civilian status reserve unit to an active army unit involved in combat operations was accomplished without a flaw. Upon arrival, the men accepted conditions of next to impassable roads, dense dust, monsoon rains and extreme heat. These obstacles were surmounted through dedication to duty, the will to do, and exceptionally fine teamwork. Drivers and maintenance personnel worked hand-in-glove in the performance of first and second echelon maintenance. Thus, insuring that a maximum number of vehicles were constantly available for convoy duty. This required long arduous hours for both maintenance and driver personnel. The morale and esprit de corps during this period of time was at the highest peak.

During the periods indicated above, the unit was undergoing an infusion that extended from February through April. The turmoil created by infusion in no way interfered with the accomplishment of the assigned mission. Enlisted reservist personnel were selected for assignment throughout the higher commands in Cam Ranh Bay. These individuals were placed in key positions within their respective headquarters and are currently performing their duties in an outstanding manner. Unit commanders within the 36th Transportation Battalion are unanimous in their praise of personnel infused to their commands.

Further recognition of the outstanding job performance of this unit is evidenced by the recommendation and nomination for the National Defense Transportation Association Award which has been submitted by the 36th Transportation Battalion."