407th Forward Support Battalion
This article includes a improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (December 2012) ) |
407th Brigade Support Battalion | |
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Operation Iraqi Freedom | |
Commanders | |
Current commander | Lt. Col. Charles M. Diggs |
Notable commanders | Lt. Col. Ann E. Dunwoody |
Insignia | |
Distinctive unit insignia | |
Unit beret flash | |
Unit background trimming |
The 407th Forward Support Battalion is part of the
History
World War I
Originally designated the 407th Supply Train (Motor), the unit was activated on 5 August 1917 at
After the
World War II
Following the attack on
When the division went into Normandy, the 407th arrived there with the glider forces and the seaborne forces. The 407th also participated in the glider assault into the Netherlands. For these two operations, the 407th is credited with two arrowheads (initial assault) on its battle streamers.
In the years after World War II, the 407th finally became a full battalion.
Post World War II
On 1 September 1957, the unit reorganized as the 407th Supply and Transportation Battalion. In this configuration, the 407th served in the Dominican Republic for Operation POWER PACK in Grenada for Operation URGENT FURY, in Panama for Operation Just Cause, and in Saudi Arabia and Iraq for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Post 1990
On 22 October 1993, the unit took its present-day form as the multi-functional 407th Forward Support Battalion. In this configuration, the unit provides all direct support logistical needs as part of the Division's 2d Brigade Task Force. During
From January until September 2017, 407th Brigade Support Battalion (led by LTC Elizabeth H. Curtis) deployed to Kuwait and Iraq as a part of Task Force Falcon (led by COL J. Patrick Work) in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. They played a critical role in the advise and assist efforts that led to the liberation of Mosul on 20 July 2017. Of note, LTC Curtis was the second female battalion commander in the history of the unit (the first was Ret. Gen. Ann Dunwoody) and the first woman to lead the organization through a combat deployment.
The soldiers of the 407th perform many tasks: pumping fuel from a forward area refueler, transporting critical ammunition, issuing food and supplies, fixing damaged vehicles, maintaining the brigade's weapons systems, issuing repair parts, or treating and evacuating casualties from the drop zone.
Past commanders
- Lieutenant Colonel Ann E. Dunwoody
- Lieutenant Colonel Raymond Mason
- Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Rogers
- Lieutenant Colonel William Hughes
- Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Douville
- Lieutenant Colonel F.D. (SAM) Samonte
- Lieutenant Colonel Robert (Bob) Cursio, Jr.
- Lieutenant Colonel Terry Juskowiak
- Lieutenant Colonel James Jennings
- Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Shatzkin
- Lieutenant Colonel Shawn Schuldt
- Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Bresko
- Lieutenant Colonel Elizabeth H. Curtis
- Lieutenant Colonel Steven M. Dubuc
- Lieutenant Colonel Charles M. Diggs
- (Current) Lieutenant Colonel K. Felix
Coat of arms
The griffin (a composite of eagle and lion) symbolizes the coordinated campaign of the Allies. The five hills represent the liberation of the city of Nijmegen. The roundel, simulating a wheel, alludes to the Quartermaster and Transportation Corps. The parachute with its nine cords refers to the nine campaigns in which the parent unit participated during World Wars I and II. The colors commemorate the decorations awarded the 407th: red and green for the
The two divisions of the shield are used to denote service during World Wars I and II. The fleurs-de-lis symbolize the original organization's action during World War I in Lorraine, Saint Mihiel and Meuse-Argone, France. The rampant lion, suggested by the coat of arms of Belgium and the Netherlands, alludes to the former organization's drive during World War II to stem the invading enemy; and the wavy bar alludes to the wavy bend on the arms of Rhineland signifying the sweep through that province during the same campaign. The engrailed border represents a parachute and symbolizes that unit's service with the 82d Airborne Division.