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VII
Corps |
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| VII Corps History | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1951 - 199. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Source: The JAYHAWK, Second Anniversary Issue, January 22, 1953) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1966 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Source: 48th
Anniversary. The JAYHAWK Anniversary Issue, August 19, 1966 - Information
submitted by Dave Guilliams, 67th Aviation Company, Jun 1966 - Nov
1968) In 1966, VII Corps is comprised of the following units: |
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| (Source: STARS & STRIPES, Jan 7, 1967) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HQ VII Corps has been reorganized -- units that formerly were attached directly to HQ are now reassigned to the newly formed VII Corps Special Troops (Provisional). Five companies, a platoon and a detachment now make up the provisional battalion. One of the changes included the reassignment of the attached US Air Force Weather detachment to the 16th Aviation Battalion. |
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| VII Corps Commanders (after corps arrived in Germany in Oct 1951) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| The following
changes were noted by Dave while reviewing the 49th Anniversary issue
(published on Aug 18, 1967): 82nd Army Band now assigned to VII Corps Special Troops VII Corps Aviation now comprised of ...  16th Avn Bn with
HHC located at Nellingen Ksn67th Avn Co, reassigned
to the 16th Aviation Bn (as of 1 Dec 1966); troops billeted at Nellingen
Ksn4th Avn Co, located
at Nellingen Ksn/AAF349th Avn Co, Katterbach
AAF (this unit was formerly Co A, 504th Avn Bn)
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| (Source: FM 100-15 Change 1, Field Service Regulations, Larger Units, March 1966) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| VII CORPS ORGANIZATION - 1966 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| The above list is not complete. I will update periodically as I gather more details. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| (Source: Email from Bob Lipscomb, SIC, S-2, HQ VII Corps Artillery, 1965-66) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| I was stationed
at Kelley Barracks for part of 1965 and all of 1966. I was with SIC
(Survey Information Center).
This section was under S-2 and I distinctly remember a Sgt. Major
Wright being in S-2. The purpose or mission statement for SIC was never discussed but one job we had was to keep surveys all over Germany current. i.e., units below us would send in surveys and would keep us posted as to what survey points were still usable and which were not. In other words, there may have been a survey that took a telephone pole as one of its headings. That pole may have been knocked down or removed completely. We would receive a survey record that noted the changes. We would then mark a large map with a variety of colored map pins to note the various survey changes. I had a secret clearance but couldn't go into a safe room where a Top Secret clearance was needed. Unless of course there was an alert at which time all bets were off and the Sgt. Mgr. would tell me and some other poor soul to go in there and get the trunk of vital documents and load it onto the truck. As for a story or remembrance... At one point in time, close to my departure date, a few vehicles (Jeep, two 3/4 Ton Trucks, 2 Deuce and a half trucks) went missing. This was the total issue of vehicles to our small section of 7 or 9 men (during Vietnam we weren't getting replacements in certain slots). I was senior NCO (E-5 with 5 or 6 days in grade, ha!) and I had signed for those vehicles. After much wrangling over this the accuser and the accused (me!) went to the motor pool and there sat all five vehicles. I deligently pointed out the Jeep, two 3/4 ton trucks, two deuce and a halfs to the accuser who proceeded to tell me that those weren't VII Corps Arty. trucks those were trucks from a battalion level outfit and they weren't to be counted with the others. I quickly pointed out to the numbscull accuser that our SIC section had been reassigned on paper but maintained residence at Kelley. The truck bumpers in question had been repainted to reflect our new assignment designation. The confusion was too much for the accuser and he left, shaking his head and muttering something about taking it up with his superior. Bob Lipscomb |
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| (Source: The Jayhawk, Special Supplement, Aug 19, 1969) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| The JAYHAWK - Some of the issues published while in Germany | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| In addition,
Dave has the following comments in regards to the 50th Anniversary
issue (published on Aug 16, 1968): 3rd Brigade, 24th Inf Div remains in Germany; 1st and 2nd Brigades have been returned to the US "for training" (REFORGER); they will be redeployed to Germany if they are needed 2nd Sq, 14th Armd Cav Regt is designated to reinforce 2nd Armd Div The 540th Engr Gp has a Topographical company (no numerical designation given, but probably the 524th Engr Co (Topo)(Corps)) |
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| (Source: 52nd Anniversary, 1918 - 1970. The JAYHAWK Anniversary Issue, August 19, 1970.) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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On
January 22 1951, VII Corps was reactivated at Fort George G. Meade,
Maryland.
After a summer and early autumn of training in the United States, VII Corps moved to Germany to join Seventh Army and NATO. Since that time, the mission of VII Corps has been to maintain combat readiness and establish cordial relationships with our NATO Allies. In 1970, the Jayhawk team is comprised of the following units: |
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| The past year saw the 24th Infantry Division (Forward) redesignated as the forward element of the 1st Infantry Division. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Source: Email from Craig M. Clarkson) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Visited the web site for Kelley Barracks for the first time this a.m. and enjoyed reading its history. It brought back memories for this old man.
When I arrived at Kelley I had just turned 20. I was assigned to the clerical staff where I worked under the direction of (if memory serves me) Col Humprey and a LTC Dubois. When LTC Dubois learned that I spoke German he asked me if I would like to be re assigned to the office of BG Alan Ross Toffler and LTG Georgle S. Blanchard. I said yes and the rest is history.
I worked directly for BG Toffler and I truly enjoyed it. I remember his kindness very well. In the year that I worked in the office - LTG Blanchard never once spoke to me. I do remember that when people came into the area it was considered the "hush" "hush" section. I also remember that it was in Administration Support. Thank you again for having the site available. I learned recently that it is still an active duty base and maybe within the next few years I will return to Germany and re visit it.
By the way, I still have contact with several members who were there during that time period - to include my supervisor. I was in MN in Nov 04 making a visit to Michael L. Stevens who (at the time) was the base photographer.
I lost contact with Gary L. Fitch who was my roomate...Should you or have you heard from him I would like you to pass my address onto him.
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| VII Corps Artillery | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Source: USAREUR/Seventh Army STATION LIST, 1 June 1976) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| VII CORPS ARTY ORGANIZATION - 1 JUNE 1976 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| The Artillery of the VII US Corps supports what is currently the largest maneuver corps in the Free World. Headquarters, VII Corps Artillery; its 13 battalions and 3 Field Artillery brigade headquarters; the artilleries of the 1st Armored and the 3d Infantry Divisions; the 2d Battalion, 5th Field Artillery of the 1st Infantry Division Forward; the howitzer batteries of the 2d Armored Cavalry Regiment, and the artillery of the 12th German Panzer Division form our remarkable Field Artillery Community. During the past year, the leadership of these fine units have taken advantage of new equipment and organizations to improve the quality and quantity of fire support to the VII Corps. Several of our specific initiatives in force modernization, training, command and control, and deep operations are particularly noteworthy. Force Modernization The main thrust of VII Corps Artillery force modernization effort has been increased firepower. Implementation of Division 86 and the Army of Excellence designs has resulted in an increase in the number of cannon tubes within the Corps. Specifically, our up-gun program consists of 3 parts. • Conversion of all 155-mm battalions from the 3x6 to 3x8 format. • Conversion of 8-inch battalions from the 3x4 and 3x6 formats to the 3x8 organizations. • Conversion of the divisional 8-inch and multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) battalions to separate MLRS batteries. |
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| 2nd Observation Battalion, 25th Artillery | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 2nd Observation Battalion, 25th Artillery DI (?) |
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| (Source: STARS & STRIPES, March 1, 1968) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Btry "A," 2nd TAB Bn, 25th Arty is assigned to 35th Arty Group in Bamberg. TAB Battery is commanded by 1st Lt Jack J. Campbell. Whenever one of the field artillery battalions of the 35th Group moves out for live fire training, elements of the TAB Btry go along to serve as the eyes of the artillery. In addition to a headquarters and a communications platoon, the Battery consists of several other platoons that specialize in flashing, survey, sound, radar and meteorological operations. During field exercises, the Flash Platoon mans several observations posts to plot the impact of artillery rounds. They report the plots back to the TAB's Flash Central. The Survey Platoon uses the new DME (Distance Measuring Electronically) equipment to conduct surveys measurements. The DME equipment replaces the 30-meter metal tapes used previously. |
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| VII Corps Special Troops Battalion | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Source: 52nd Anniversary, 1918 - 1970. The JAYHAWK Anniversary Issue, August 19, 1970.) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The VII Corps
Special Troops Bn is commanded by Lt
Col Julian H. Smith, who replaced Lt Col Ernest M. Breuer in July. The Battalion participated in a reduced-distance Command Post Exercise at Kelley Barracks prior to Exercise Front Centre '70 to identify and eliminate problem areas. During the exercise, the battalion was responsible for the movement of Corps Headquarters to and from the exercise area, arrangement of Corps Headquaters elements and logistical support. Subordinate units are: Headquarters and
Headquarters Company, VII CorpsCo C, 35th Supply
and Service Bn82nd Army Band527th Transportation
Co 207th Military Intelligence
Det110th Military Police
(Pltn) |
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| (Source: Anselmo "Sam" Rodriguez, Co. C (LRP) 58th Inf. (1966-1968), and the VII Corps LRRP (ABN) Assn.) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
VII CORPS LRRP (ABN) CO. Co. C (LRP) 58th Inf. Nellingen, Germany B Co. 75th Rangers Ft. Riley , KS |
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A History compiled by Anselmo Rodriguez Excerpts of the history courtesy Anselmo Rodriguez and the VII Corps LRRP Association. For more details and contact information please see the web site. |
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| With the takeover of these barracks, the pre-WWII building was now the new home of the VII Corps LRRP Company. –Major Maltese and 1Sgt Flynn now began the search for suitable personnel, and a call went out for volunteers. Many of those who responded were veterans of WWII and/or the Korean conflict. Some had already served in the Army’s Special Forces. Others were American or German Ranger qualified. Still others were veterans of other US armed forces; a few had served in foreign armies or had been born and raised overseas and were fluent in other languages. Many of these men were former Army Paratroopers who saw an opportunity to get back on jump status by volunteering for the new company of LRRPs. The “Assignments NCO” at VII Corps would give Major Maltese a call once a month and say, “I’ve got a list of people you might be interested in.” Major Maltese would go over the list and pick out the ones he wanted. “We had a full company - it really filled up well. We got permission to recruit - most of them came from the “505”. I remember old Herb something from B Co 505, he tried to discourage them, called us a bunch of candy-asses, so I went up there - hell, I'm about forty-one years old, but in pretty good shape, and I said, “I'll take you out and we'll see who comes back.” “That was the end of that discussion.” –Col. Maltese |
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| THE MISSION “To conduct combat surveillance and target acquisition operations behind enemy lines in the VII Corps area of influence.” –Company SOP Fact Sheet - Co. C (LRP) 58 th Inf. 1966 (LRRP CD) “The LRRPs (LRP after 1965 and Army Rangers after 1969) must not be confused with the well-recognized reconnaissance patrol that normally proceeds to an objective area to acquire certain information and then returns upon the accomplishment of the specific mission. Patrols are to see but not be seen. Their movements are restricted to periods of limited visibility or hours of darkness. During these periods they can expect to receive instructions to move and check suspected areas for command posts or large supply installations in their vicinity and to report on possible obstacles for future offensive plans along a route in their area of operation.” –Major Hunt “The primary mission of the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol Company was to enter patrols into specified areas within enemy held territory to observe and report enemy dispositions, installations, and activities.” – Col Bingham An infantry Long Range Patrol is a specially trained military unit organized and equipped for the specific purpose of functioning as an all weather information-gathering agency responsive to the intelligence requirements of the tactical commander. These patrols consist of specially trained personnel capable of performing reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition within the dispatching unit’s area of interest. Normally the LRRP (patrol) is placed in a position (within enemy held territory) to maintain surveillance over routes, areas, or specific locations for extended periods, reporting all sightings of enemy activity (along with strengths and weaknesses) within the area of observation. A LRRP patrol must be self-sufficient, operate effectively, and accomplish their assigned information gathering mission for extended periods with minimal or no outside support or re-supply. LRRPs originally operated in four-man patrols increasing to five-men after the LRP TOE was issued in mid-1965. SETAF used six-man patrols in Italy, as did the later LRRP units in Vietnam. Twelve-man combat or heavy patrols were put together for specific tasks. –Robert Murphy, V Corps LRRP Insertion methods varied. Patrols could be committed in planned locations behind enemy lines by stay-behind methods (A means of emplacement where a patrol would dig in and allow an overrun by enemy forces.) or delivered by land, water, or air, to include parachute. Night parachute insertion from large fixed wing aircraft such as C-124s and C-130s was considered normal. Small fixed wing aircraft such as L-20s or U1A Otters and CH-34 or CH-37 helicopters were also used. THE CZECH BORDER “In 1963, the company was given the mission to provide foot patrols along the Czech Border, along with the 2nd ACR. The LRRP patrols were able to get closer to the border than the vehicle-bound 2nd ACR. VII Corps G-2 confirmed that the border intelligence provided by the LRRP patrols was of strategic value to the US military and NATO. In a similar exercise, the employed LRRP patrols were pitted against the Army’s new airborne Side Looking Radar (SLR) system. The outcome: LRRP patrols averaged getting the information back to the VII Corps’ TOC twenty minutes to one hour before the SLR information was received. This record made a believer of the Corps’ G-2 Section and General Bonesteel, who was already an avid supporter of the LRRP concept .” – Col Bingham Several of the LRRPs who were involved in foot patrols along the heavily guarded West German Czech border have come forward with special memories. Pat Smith, a former Marine, recalls one border patrol in the early 60’s where he and Joe Chetwynd, VII Corps LRRP Assn. founder and first Assn. President, found that they were both on the Czech side. Before they could get back, a Czech two-man patrol with a dog came between them and the West German border. With the need to get back to the “West,” Joe decided that the best way to get out of this situation was to just walk over to the guards and ask for a match to light a cigarette. Needless to say, Pat thought it wasn’t a good idea but Joe, with the typical LRRP confidence, walked right up to the guards, and with their dog going nuts, asked for the match. A situation solved with a bit of LRRP bravado. John Wood , B Co 75 th Ranger and decorated Vietnam Veteran, provided another bit of information regarding patrols along the Czech border in the late 60’s and early 70’s. John’s comments were “However, as LRRPs/Rangers we did do some really hairy things. I wish you could get a hold of Sp/4 James, from Michigan somewhere. He had photographs of Russian guards looking through the fence at the West. Only thing was he was behind them when he took the photo, and the photograph was taken from the ground looking up. Sp/4 James had crawled up behind them and taken their photo. Not to mention how he got on the “Commie” side. But that picture will be in my memory forever. I knew I was with the right guys after that.” Photographs of the LRRPs on patrol along the Czech border can be found in the LRRP CD. For additional information regarding the “LRRP Organization and Employment Concept” check the LRRP CD for Major Hunt’s personal notes and Briefing. THE SECRET MISSION In the event of hostilities, NATO forces would need time to mobilize before confronting invading Soviet Armor. A 10:1 advantage in tanks ensured an initial Soviet advance. To slow the Soviet Armor, Corps devised a “top-secret” plan to use LRRP patrols to emplace small tactical nuclear weapons. These early large suitcase-sized nuclear devices were known as T-4 Small Atomic Demolition Munitions (SADM). “An SADM would be placed by LRRPs at important bridges and other choke points for the specific purpose of slowing the advance of invading Soviet Armor.”–Robert Murphy, V Corps LRRP “The atomic targeting mission was the reason the unit was a double volunteer organization. To minimize this threat to the patrols, the location of all known caves was maintained in Corps G-2 and LRRP Operations.” –Col. Ellis D. Bingham Selected patrols received specialized training for missions requiring emplacement of tactical nuclear weapons. For these missions, a former LRRP Officer, LTC Ed Mitchell (ret), then a 1LT who had come over from 3 rd Inf. Div LRRP, provided the following comment that “It was his job to select LRRP personnel who could do the job, but who were considered expendable”. He also remembers, “We were testing drops and jumps with ADMs and SADMs in the summer of ‘62 around Crailsheim and flying out of Schwabisch Hall in CH-21s and Otters.”SGM Rowe Attaway (ret) also added that “Patrols would be provided with seven days LRRP rations, expected to perform their assigned mission, and would then be written off the books.” Only those with a “need to know” were aware of this mission and the special training required. Those who did know would not discuss or confirm the mission until almost forty years later. |
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| Related Links: VII Corps LRRP (ABN) Association - website for former members of LRRP assigned to VII Corps at Nellingen 75th RANGER REGIMENT ASSOCIATION - very nice website also includes LRRP units assigned to V and VII Corps LRRP Company, 3rd Infantry Division - page on the SuaSponte web site (www.SuaSponte.com) |
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