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VII Corps
Seventh Army
Looking for more information from military/civilian
personnel assigned to or associated with the U.S. Army
in Germany from 1945 to 1989. If you have any
stories or thoughts on the subject, please contact me .
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| VII
Corps History |
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| (Source: The Stuttgart Citizen, March 22, 1992) |
| VII Corps Commanders (after corps arrived in Germany in Oct 1951) |
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June 1951 - December 1952 |
Maj. Gen. Withers A. Buress |
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December 1952 - March 1954 |
Maj. Gen. James A. Gavin |
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March 1954 - February 1955 |
Lt. Gen. Henry I. Hodes |
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February 1955 - May 1956 |
Lt. Gen. George H. Decker |
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June - July 1956 |
Maj. Gen. Halley G. Maddox |
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August 1956 - August 1958 |
Lt. Gen. John F. Uncles |
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September 1958 - October 1959 |
Lt. Gen. Gordon B. Roger |
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October 1959 - January 1961 |
Lt. Gen. Guy S. Meloy Jr. |
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January 1961 - April 1962 |
Lt. Gen. John C. Oakes |
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April 1962 - August 1963 |
Lt. Gen. C.H. Bonesteel III |
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September 1963 - July 1965 |
Lt. Gen. Louis W. Truman |
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July 1965 - May 1968 |
Lt. Gen. Frank T. Mildren |
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June 1968 - September 1969 |
Lt. Gen. Donald V. Bennett |
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October 1969 - February 1971 |
Lt. Gen. George G. O'Connor |
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February 1971- March 1973 |
Lt. Gen. Filmore K. Mearns |
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March 1973 - June 1975 |
Lt. Gen. George S. Blanchard |
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July 1975 - October 1976 |
Lt. Gen. Frederick J. Kroesen |
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October 1976 - October 1978 |
Lt. Gen. David E. Ott |
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October 1978 - June 1981 |
Lt. Gen. Julius W. Becton Jr. |
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June 1981 - July 1983
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Lt. Gen. William J. Livsey |
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July 1983 - February 1985
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Lt. Gen. John R. Galvin |
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February 1985 - July 1987
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Lt. Gen. Andrew P. Chambers |
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July 1987 - August 1989
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Lt. Gen. Ronald L. Watts |
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August 1989 - June 1991
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Lt. Gen. Frederick M. Franks Jr. |
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August 1991 - present
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Lt. Gen. Michael F. Spigelmire |
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| 1951 |
| (Source: STARS & STRIPES, November 21, 1951) |
A brief article in the Nov 21 issue stated that VII Corps was now operational in Europe.
The corps is under the command of Maj Gen Withers A. Burress. Top staff officers of the corps at Stuttgart include Brig Gen Robert G, Gard, Corps Arty CG, and Brig Gen Hammond M. Monroe, chief of staff.
(Webmaster note: In November 1951, headquarters of VII Corps was set up at Helenen Kaserne. In 1952 Helenen Kaserne was renamed Kelley Barracks in honor of Staff Sergeant Jonah E. Kelley, of the 78th Infantry Division, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions occurring during WWII.
VII Corps was assigned to Seventh Army on November 2, 1951 - source:
US Army Border Operations in Germany, 1945-1983, by William E. Stacy.) |
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| (Source: STARS & STRIPES, November 21, 1951) |
VII Corps assigned units:
 Hq Company, VII Corps
 Hq & Hq Battery, VII Corps Artillery
 321st Signal Battalion
 29th Transportation Truck Company
 66th Engineer Topographic Company
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| 1954 |
| (Source: Seventh Army Annual History) |

VII Corps Organization, June 1954 (Walter Elkins) |
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| 1956 |
| (Source: Walter
Elkins) |
Gen
George H. Decker
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Recently,
I was able to procure a series of 35mm slides that - apparently
- had been taken during the change of command ceremonies
held at Nellingen Airfield in 1956.
Gen.
George H. Decker was commander of VII Corps in Stuttgart,
Germany from February 1955 to June 1956. |
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Gen George H. Decker
CG, VII Corps |
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1.
(KB)
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2. Aerial
view of parade (KB)
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3. Aerial
view of parade (KB)
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4. (KB) |

5. (KB) |

6. (KB) |
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7. (KB) |

8. (KB) |

9. (KB)
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10. (KB) |

11. (KB) |

12. (KB) |
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13. (KB) |
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| 1966 |
| (Source: FM 100-15
Change 1, Field Service Regulations, Larger Units, March 1966) |
Type
Corps, FM 100-15 C1
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The
Type Corps organization shown on the left represents an
example of how a corps could be tailored (in the mid 1960s)
for combat on a large landmass such as Europe when serving
as part of a US Army Field Army (Seventh Army).
The corps is a task force of combined arms and services
with a composition that is not fixed. Some units (such
as the HHC and the Sig Bn) are habitually assigned to
provide the means needed to facilitate command and control.
The Field Army assigns or attaches other units to the
corps. The type and number of troop units assigned or
attached to the corps are based principally upon the corps
mission, the characteristics of the area of operations,
the availability of units, the enemy situation, and the
type of opertations contemplated.
In Europe during the mid-1960s, VII Corps performed a
peacetime mission and was organized with the following
units: |
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| VII CORPS ORGANIZATION
- 1966 |
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HQ
Company Corps |
HQ/HQ
Company, VII Corps |
Kelley
Bks, Möhringen |
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ASA
Bn Attached |
318th
ASA Bn ? (507th ASA Gp) |
Herzo
Base, Herzogenaurach |
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FASCOM
Units in support |
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Corps
Support Bde |
3rd
Support Bde |
Grenadier
Ksn, Stuttgart |
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MP
Bde elements |
793rd
MP Bn (15th MP Bde) |
W.O.
Darby Ksn, Fürth |
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Trans
Bde elements |
4th
Trans Bn ? (107th Trans Bde) |
Flak
Ksn, Ludwigsburg |
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Ammo
Bde elements |
101st
Ord Bn (Ammo) (57th Ammo Bde) |
Badenerhof
Ksn, Heilbronn |
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Medical
Bde elements |
30th
Med Gp (7th Med Bde) |
Krabbenloch
Ksn, Ludwigsburg |
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Corps
Artillery
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HQ/HQ
Company |
HHB,
VII Corps Artillery |
Kelley
Bks, Möhringen |
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FA
Tgt Acq elements |
Btry
A, 2nd Bn (TA), 25th Arty |
Warner
Bks, Bamberg |
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Btry
C, 2nd Bn (TA), 25th Arty |
Bleidorn
Ksn, Ansbach |
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Avn
Btry Corps Arty |
Btry
D, 25th Arty |
Kelley
Bks, Möhringen |
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FA
Groups |
35th
FA Group |
Warner
Bks, Bamberg |
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72nd
FA Group |
Peden
Bks, Wertheim |
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210th
FA Group |
Barton
Bks, Ansbach |
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Signal
Bn |
34th
Sig Bn |
Kelley
Bks, Möhringen |
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Aviation
units |
67th
Avn Co (Corps) |
Echterdingen
AAF, Stuttgart |
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Engineer
units |
540th
Engr Gp (Cbt) |
Ludendorff
Ksn, Kornwestheim |
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320th
Engr Co (Topo) |
Ludendorff
Ksn, Kornwestheim |
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Air
Defense Artillery |
69th
AD Group (32nd AADCOM) |
Emery
Bks, Würzburg |
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Divisions |
3th
Inf Div |
Leighton
Bks, Würzburg |
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24th
Inf Div |
Flak
Ksn, Augsburg |
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4th
Armd Div |
Cooke
Bks, Göppingen |
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Armored
Cav Regt |
2nd
Armd Cav Regt |
Merrell
Bks, Nürnberg |
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MI
units |
207th
MI Detachment (Corps) |
Kelley
Bks, Möhringen |
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| The above list is not complete. I will update periodically as I gather more details. |
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(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: |
UNIT DESIGNATION |
LOCATION |
COMMENTS |
| Corps Headquarters |
Kelley Bks, Stuttgart |
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| 3rd Infantry Division |
Leighton Bks, Würzburg |
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| 24th Infantry Division |
Flak Ksn, Augsburg |
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| 4th Armored Division |
Cooke Bks, Göppingen |
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| VII Corps Artillery |
Kelley Bks, Stuttgart |
Avn Det aircraft based at Echterdingen AAF |
35th Field Artillery Group |
Warner Bks, Bamberg |
175mm and 8inch self propelled howitzers |
72nd Field Artillery Group |
Peden Bks, Wertheim |
175mm and 8inch self propelled howitzers |
210th Field Artillery Group |
Herzo Base, Herzogenaurach |
175mm and 8inch self propelled howitzers |
| VII Corps Special Troops |
Kelley Bks, Stuttgart |
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HHC, VII Corps |
Kelley Bks, Stuttgart |
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67th Aviation Company |
Echterdingen AAF |
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110th MP Platoon |
Kelley Bks, Stuttgart |
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C Co (LRP), 58th Inf |
Nellingen Ksn, Stuttgart |
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C Co, 35th Supply & Svc Bn |
Kelley Bks, Stuttgart |
2½-ton and 5-ton trucks, International tractor trailer |
527th Trans Co (Car) |
Kelley Bks, Stuttgart |
sedans and vehicles up to ¾-ton |
16th Trans Det |
Kelley Bks, Stuttgart |
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207th MI Det (66th MI Gp) |
Kelley Bks, Stuttgart |
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Det 6, 7th Weather Sqdn (USAF) |
Echterdingen AAF |
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| 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment |
Merrell Bks, Nürnberg |
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| 34th Signal Battalion |
Krabbenloch Ksn, Ludwigsburg |
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| 540th Engineer Group |
Ludendorff Ksn, Kornwestheim |
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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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| 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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MISCELLANEOUS
(Source: The Jayhawk, Special Supplement, Aug 19, 1969)
Lt Gen Donald V. Bennett, Commanding General, VII Corps
In 1969, VII Corps was comprised of the following units:
3rd Inf Div
4th Armd Div
3rd Bde, 24th Inf Div (Fwd)
35th FA Gp
72nd FA Gp
210th FA Gp
2nd Armd Cav Regt (reinf by 2nd Sq, 14th ACR)
34th Sig Bn
16th Avn Bn
7th Engr Bde (new)
VII Corps Support Command (COSCOM) (new)
VII Corps Special Troops
7th Engr Bde - formed through the consolidation of the 540th and 555th Engineer Groups. The brigade is comprised of six battalions and several separate companies.
16th Avn Bn - the 16th has been supporting VII Corps since 1966. Headquarters is located at Nellingen with component units located at Ansbach and Echterdingen.
The 67th Avn Co at Echterdingen furnishes both fixed wing as well as helicopter support for VII Corps headquarters. Its primary mission is to provide transportation support to the VII Corps CG and his staff. Other missions include observation and utility support.
The 349th Avn Co at Ansbach (Katterbach) provides light helicopter troop and cargo transportation.
COSCOM - this new command succeeds the former 3rd Brigade, 7th Army Support Command. Scattered throughout southern Germany, the command's nine battalions provide ordnance, maintenance, suppy and service support.
The battalions include:
Personnel & Administrative Bn
1st Maintenance Bn
71st Maintenance Bn
303rd Maintenance Bn
101st Ordnance Bn
4th Transportation Bn
35th Supply & Service Bn
95th Supply & Service Bn
242nd Supply & Service Bn |
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| 1970 |
| (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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UNIT
DESIGNATION
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LOCATION |
COMMENTS |
| Corps
Headquarters |
Stuttgart |
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| 3rd
Infantry Division (Mech) |
Würzburg |
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| 4th
Armored Division |
Göppingen |
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| 35th
Field Artillery Group |
Bamberg |
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| 72nd
Field Artillery Group |
Wertheim |
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| 210th
Field Artillery Group |
Herzogenaurach |
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| 2nd
Armored Cavalry Regiment |
Nürnberg |
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| 34th
Signal Battalion |
Ludwigsburg |
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| 16th
Aviation Battalion |
Nellingen |
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| 7th
Engineer Brigade |
Kornwestheim |
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| VII
Corps Support Command |
Nellingen |
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| The past year
saw the 24th Infantry Division (Forward) redesignated as the forward
element of the 1st Infantry Division. |
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| (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 |
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An 8" towed howitzer of 3rd Bn, 37th Arty at Schwaebisch Hall, early 1960s (Richard Martin) |
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1952 |

Headquarters VII Corps Artillery Christmas Menu w/ Roster |
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| 1956 |
| (Source: USAREUR STATION LIST, 31 March 1956) |
| VII CORPS ARTY ORGANIZATION - 31 MARCH 1956 |
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SERGEANT missile launcher of 5th MSL Bn, 73rd Arty at Erlangen, 1965 (Ed Burns) |
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| 1967 |
| (Source: USAREUR STATION LIST, June 30, 1967) |
| VII CORPS ARTY ORGANIZATION - 30 JUNE 1967 |
UNIT DESIGNATION |
LOCATION |
COMMENTS |
| HHB, VII Corps Arty |
Kelly Bks, Moehringen |
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D Btry (Avn), 25th FA |
Kelly Bks, Moehringen |
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3rd Bn, 37th FA (8in SP) |
Eastman Bks, Munich |
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| 35th FA Gp |
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HHB, 35th FA Gp |
Warner Bks, Bamberg |
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6th Bn, 10th FA (175mm SP) |
Warner Bks, Bamberg |
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Btry, 2nd Bn, 25th FA Bn (Tgt Acq) |
Warner Bks, Bamberg |
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1st Bn, 36th FA Bn (8in SP) |
Wiley Bks, Neu Ulm |
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5th Bn, 73rd FA Bn (SGT) |
Bismarck Ksn, Schwaeb. Gmuend |
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1st Bn, 75th FA Bn (8in SP) |
Warner Bks, Bamberg |
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| 72nd FA Gp |
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HHB, 72nd FA Gp |
Peden Bks, Wertheim |
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3rd Bn, 21st FA Bn (HJ) |
Larson Bks, Kitzingen |
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3rd Bn, 35th FA Bn (8in SP) |
Peden Bks, Wertheim |
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2nd Bn, 37th FA Bn (155mm SP) |
Daley Bks, Bad Kissingen |
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| 210th FA Gp |
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HHB, 210th FA Gp |
Barton Bks, Ansbach |
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3rd Bn, 17th FA Bn (8in SP) |
Merrell Bks, Nuernberg |
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Btry, 2nd Bn, 25th FA Bn (Tgt Acq) |
Peden Bks, Wertheim |
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2nd Bn, 28th FA (175mm SP) |
Bleidorn Ksn, Ansbach |
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1st Bn, 33rd FA Bn (HJ) |
Barton Bks, Ansbach |
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2nd Bn, 34th FA Bn (155mm SP) |
Merrell Bks, Nuernberg |
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1st Bn, 68th FA Bn (SGT) |
Dolan Bks, Schwaeb. Hall |
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| 1968 |
| (Source: STARS & STRIPES, Aug 28, 1968) |
Army Training Tests
VII Corps artillery units are currently taking their annual Army Training Tests at Grafenwoehr. The ATT's began July 1 and will continue through the middle of December. All VII Corps artillery battalions are tested once a year under the eyes of VII Corps umpires to determine their state of readiness.
Units must prove their proficiency in conducting fire missions and in survey, communications, tactics, special weapons, maintenance, code of conduct and CBR training. The big test of the ATT's is setting up firing positions, moving from one location to another, dry firing and completing several other training projects. |
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M110 8" SP howitzers of 3rd Bn, 17th FA from Nuernberg, early 1970s (Rick Landrum) |
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| 1971 |
| (Source: STARS & STRIPES, Jan 11, 1971) |
35th Artillery Group to be Inactivated
The 35th Arty Gp at Warner Barracks, Bamberg, will be inactivated on Jan 15 in a move to streamline VII Corps artillery command and control headquarters.
Artillery battalions currently controlled by the 35th group will be reassigned to the remaining corps artillery groups, the 72nd Arty Group in Wertheim and the 210th Arty Group in Ansbach.
Webmaster note: Artillery units attached to 35th Arty Gp (Sept 1970) (1):
Btry A, 2nd Bn, 25th FA (Tgt Acq), Warner Bks, Bamberg
3rd Bn, 17th FA (8in SP), Merrell Bks, Nürnberg
3rd Bn, 37th FA ( 8in SP), Eastman Bks, Dachau
1st Bn, 75th FA (8in SP), Warner Bks, Bamberg
(1) Source: USAREUR STATION IST (30 Sept 1970) |
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| 1976 |
| (Source: USAREUR STATION LIST, 1 June 1976) |
| VII CORPS ARTY ORGANIZATION - 1 JUNE 1976 |
UNIT DESIGNATION |
LOCATION |
COMMENTS |
| HHB, VII Corps Arty |
Kelley Bks, Möhringen |
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| 72nd FA Gp |
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HHB, 72nd FA Gp |
Peden Bks, Wertheim |
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6th Bn, 10th FA (175mm) |
Warner Bks, Bamberg |
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3rd Bn, 35th FA (8in) |
Peden Bks, Wertheim |
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2nd Bn, 42nd FA (LANCE) |
McKee Bks, Crailsheim |
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1st Bn, 75th FA (8in) |
Warner Bks, Bamberg |
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1st Bn, 80th FA (LANCE) |
Fiori Bks, Aschaffenburg |
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Btry C (TAB), 25th FA |
Peden Bks, Wertheim |
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| 210th FA Gp |
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HHB, 210th FA Gp |
Herzo Base, Herzogenaurach |
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3rd Bn, 17th FA (8in) |
Merrell Bks, Nürnberg |
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2nd Bn, 28th FA (175mm) |
Bleidorn Ksn, Ansbach |
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1st Bn, 36th FA (8in) |
Reese Bks, Augsburg |
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3rd Bn, 37th FA (8in) |
Herzo Base, Herzogenaurach |
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2nd Bn, 377th FA (LANCE) |
Herzo Base, Herzogenaurach |
(1) |
Btry A (TAB), 25th FA |
Herzo Base, Herzogenaurach |
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2nd Bn, 34th FA (155mm) |
Ft. Knox, KY |
REFORGER unit |
2nd Bn, 37th FA (155mm) |
Ft. Sill, OK |
REFORGER unit |
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(1) Source: Email from Rob Allen
Correction: 2nd Bn 377th (LANCE) later became 2-12th FA (LANCE). It stayed with VII Corps with a general support mission with tactical range rockets facing the Soviet threat with nuclear capability until 1992 at the casing of the VII Corps colors.
Then 2-12th FA was reassigned to V Corps at that time, still located at Herzo Base, Germany, until LANCE deactivation a few years later as a SALT and START treaty stipulation.
I was a battery commander and Ops officer in the 2-12th FA (LANCE) during that time. |
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| 1986 |
| (Source: FAMAG, Nov-Dec, 1986) |
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. |
VII Corps Arty Upgun Program
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So far 3 155-mm battalions have undergone conversion. The coming year will witness the upgunning of 11 more. In 1987, 2 divisional 155-mm battalions will convert to the 3x8 design, 2 divisional composite battalions will deactivate, and 7 8-inch battalions will become 3x8 organizations. Overall, by the end of the 8-inch conversion in fiscal year 1988, VII Corps will have received 12 more 155-mm howitzers and 36 more 8-inch howitzers. By fiscal year 1990, VII Corps will have 240 155-mm howitzers organized in 60 battery computer system-equipped firing platoons and 168 8-inch howitzers in 42 4-howitzer platoons.
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| In the areas of mobility and transportability, VII Corps Artillery recently began to improve its cargo fleet with the initial fielding of the M984 and M977 heavy expanded mobility tactical truck (HEMTT). Each of these 10-ton trucks will replace 2 5-ton trucks for ammunition transport in the cannon battalions. Our MLRS units received the M985 model HEMTT for ammunition hauling and handling. Modernization of the Corps Artillery's survey capabilities also continued with the fielding of 9 additional position and azimuth determining systems. |
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| 1988-89 |
| (Source: Field Artillery Professional Bulletin, Dec 1988 & Dec 1989 - website) |

Redbook Issue, Dec 1988 |
Redbook Issue, Dec 1989 |
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| Target Acquisition Units |
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| 2nd Observation Battalion, 25th Artillery |
2nd Observation Battalion, 25th Artillery DI (?) |
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| 1967 |
| (Source: STARS & STRIPES, March 1, 1968) |
The CO of Btry "D," 25th Arty, VII Corps' artillery aviation battery, has devised an airborne radio complex that allows the extension of the range line-of-sight radio communications between ground stations. The two set radio complex is installed on a U-6 BEAVER, dubbed "Jayhawk Satellite." When the plane is airborne, the radio operator on board establishes contact with ground stations which then transmit through the aircraft's equipment. Operating normally at a ceiling of 8,500 feet, the range of the airborne radio relay is approx. 200 miles - about the same range as four or five ground stations.
The retransmitter usually operates on two networks: a command net, where artillery commanders can talk to other commanders; and a fire direction net, which aids in the direction of artillery fire. |
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| 1968 |
| (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 NCO Academy (PLDC) |
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VII
Corps NCOA
Pocket Patch
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Need information on mission, organization, history of
the VII Corps NCO Academy,
Augsburg
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| 602nd Air Support Operations Center (ASOC) |
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602nd Air Support Operations Center |
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On 15 Feb 1965, the 601st Tactical Control Gp was activated at Sembach AB, Germany. Concurrently, DASS Detachments were formed:
Det 1 at Stuttgart
Det 2 at Mannheim
Det 3 at Koblenz
Det 4 at Frankfurt
On 1 October 1969, Det 1 (Frankfurt) and Det 2 (Stuttgart) of the
601st DASS were redesignated as Detachments 41 and 42 respectively.
These two detachments would later evolve into into the two Air Support
Operations Center Squadrons (ASOCS).
1 Jan 72 Dets 41 and 42 began conversion to the AN/TSQ-93 operations
central. |
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| 1967 |
| (Source: STARS & STRIPES, April 25, 1967) |
Detachment 2, 601st Direct Air Support Sq, Robinson Barracks, Stuttgart, is responsible for providing VII Corps air support in the event of hostilities. Det commander is Col Paul L. Park.
Det 2's mission consists of (1) providing VII Corps with advice on tactical air reconnaissance through liaison officers and (2) operating a highly mobile air support center.
The Direct Air Support Center (DASC) is designed for control and direction of close air support and other direct air support operations. It is located at Robinson Bks and is manned by Army and Air Force personnel. The Army personnel are from the VII Corps G-3 Air Section branch. They receive air support requests from Army units under VII Corps and decide if the requests should be granted. If so, the request is passed on to the Air Force personnel of the DASC who then determine the requirements, the number of aircraft, types of armament needed and the flying unit that will perform the mission.
Air support requests are relayed to the DASC by an Air Liaison Officer (ALO) who is part of a tactical air control party (TACP). TACPs are attached to division and brigades. (Division-level TACPs consist of two ALOs and one airman; brigade-level TACPs have one ALO and an airman.) The ALO making the request (transmitted through an AN/MRC-107) then acts as the Ground Liaison Officer who guides the aircraft tasked with the mission to their targets. |
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| 1980 |
| (Source: Email from Joseph Long) |
I was station at Kelley Barracks 1980 thru 1982 in the Air Force assigned to the 602 ASOC (Air Support Operations Center). Our Commander reported directly to the Corps Air Liaison Officer or ALO.
Air Power was requested through the Corps Tactical Operations Center (CTOC) and the AF ASOC personnel processed the requests and got the air power to front lines as needed.
I had just enlisted in the AF and this was my first assignment after Tech School. I can tell you it was the best assignment a brand new AF kid could have had, and that's said after doing 26 years active duty.
Julius Becton (CG VII Corps) and William Livsey (succeeded Becton as CG, VII Corps in June 1981) were some tough Generals for a bunch of Air Force guys to be around all the time. I can remember being in the small AAFES Theater after a NATO TACS Eval inspection (That the ASOC didn't fair to well in) and General Becton standing up there and calling us his Air Force.
Any history you could find and add to your website about the 602 ASOC formerly 602 DASC, formerly 602 DASS OL-A would be very interesting. |
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| Miscellaneous |
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| ADDITIONAL
PATCHES |
Honor
Guard
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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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601st DASS, OL42 - a personal page by Winston Rogers on his assignment to Operating Location 42K at Aschaffenburg in support of 3rd Brigade, 3rd Inf Div (Mech). |
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