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181st Transportation Battalion

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.

154th Trans Bn History

181st Trans Bn History

41st Trans Co

51st Trans Co

84th Trans Co

108th Trans Co

503rd Trans Co

519th Trans Co

590th Trans Co




 
154th Transportation Battalion History
1951
The 154th Trans Truck Bn was a Pennsylvania NG unit (headquartered at Huntington, Penn) that was ordered to Federal service in 1950 and sent to Europe in October 1951. (STARS & STRIPES, May 27, 1954). (CO of the battalion in May 1954 was Lt Col Ralph J. Keckler.)
1953
(Source: STARS & STRIPES, March 5, 1953)
The 154th Trans Truck Bn has recently assumed the responsibility for the operation of a trailer transfer point (TTP) and marshalling yard at Turley Barracks in Mannheim. CO of the 154th is Lt Col Antonio J. Lawrence.

The function of the new operation is to assemble loaded and empty trailers arriving in Mannheim from various supply installations into convoys.

(Webmaster note: The TTP at Turley would remain in operation until early in 1974 when it was moved to Coleman Bks, Sandhofen.)
 
1955
In January (?) 1955, the 154th Trans Truck Bn was inactivated in Mannheim (returned to PA NG) and the 181st Trans Truck Bn was activated to replace it. The 181st assumed the mission, personnel and equipment of the inactivated 154th. (Article in the March 7, 1955 issue of the S&S confirms that the 154th was replaced by the 181st.)
 
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
In August 1953, the 108th TT Company, Patton Bks, was subordinate to the 154th TT Bn.
In August 1954, the 40th Truck Co at Mannheim was part of the 154th.
 
181st Transportation Battalion History
1955 - 19..
181st Transportation Battalion DUI (worn before COSTAR II)

181st Transportation Battalion DUI (approved Oct 25, 1967)
 
1955 (37th Trans Gp)
(Source: Email from Leslie Herd, 84th Trans Co)
I was quite surprised when I read the article by Stars and Stripes dated Dec. 21, 1956 regarding the 181st Transportation Battalion stationed at Turley Barracks, Mannheim, Germany.

After completing training in the Army School for Wheeled Vehicle Mechanics at Fort Ord, I arrived at Turley Barracks in Sept, 1955 and was assigned to the 84th Transportation Company (MT), part of the 181st Transportation Battalion of the 37th TMTC.

The battalion was made up of 4 companies.  The following information is from the Christmas 1956 menu;
181 Transportation Battalion --
Major John L. Buckley, Commanding
Capt. Robert F. Eisenhauer, Executive Officer
Capt. Francis L. Grice, Adjutant
Capt. David L. Davis, S-3.
Capt. Walter E Krause, Ass’t S-3
CWO Jack Smith, Motor Officer

84th Transportation Company (MT) --
Capt Harry E Jones, Jr. Commanding
2nd Lt. John T Mulgrew, Executive Officer
CWO Norman Rentz, Motor Officer

108th Transportation Company (LT) --
Capt. Aden L Barnes, Commanding
2nd Lt. James F. Kilcoyne, Executive Officer
CWO William E Ray, Motor Officer

503rd Transportation Company (LT) --
1st Lt. James H. Weisflog, Commanding,
2nd Lt. Ralph P. Gentile, Executive Officer,
CWO Thomas F. Anderson, Bn. Maintenance Officer.

519th Transportation Company (Car) --
1st Lt. Kenneth H. Griffith, Commanding
2nd Lt. William H Fischer, Executive Officer
1st Lt. Roland J. Sheret
2Lt Cleo F. Miller, Mess Officer
2nd t. Henry G. Moore, Supply Officer
CWO Robert P. Mills, Maintenance Officer

The 84th Transportation Company had 60 U7144T Autocar 4-5 ton 4X4 cab over engine tractors with single axle box trailers (see Picture #1) plus support vehicles. This is the same vehicle that was shown on the 29 cent postage stamp depicting WWII, 1944, issued in 1991.

Our mission was, in case of an attack, to go to Patton Barracks in Heidelberg, load USAREUR headquarters and head for France.  Our assembly location was the race track at Hockenheim, Germany.

We were assigned to USAREUR most of the time, however we were transferred to COMZ for about six months and then we were transferred back to USAREUR.  While we were assigned to COMZ, we did receive 60 new M52 6x6 tractors (see Picture #2).

The only fuel truck that was assigned to the 84th TTC was a M34  2 and ½ ton truck with a load of 5 gallon “Jeep” cans full of Gasoline (see Picture #3)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Since I wrote my last e-mail to you I found some items that need correction.

When the four Truck Companies (84th,108th, 503rd and 519th Trans Co) were transferred to COMZ, the 181st Transportation Battalion did not transfer with them. Rather, the 181st Transportation Battalion was reassigned to the 7th Army and was assigned four new companies -- the 40th, 41st, 51st and 342nd Trans Companies. (See Bn Sign photo above).

I do not know what happened to the original truck companies that had been the 181st after they were transferred to COMZ. 

After about six months we were reassigned to USAREUR and I though we were still in the 181st Battalion. We always wore the Battalion crest that we wore when we were in the 181st. The inspecting officer never mentioned we were wearing unauthorized insignia during the inspection. This is unusual as their sole purpose was to chew out a soldier for anything that was wrong. I was still wearing the crest when I returned to the States in February 1957. 

The photo I sent of the M-52 (Photo #3 below) was taken while we were with COMZ.  The other photos were taken while still with the 181st Battalion.

1. 4-to 5-Ton 4x4 Tractor Truck (Autocar Model U-7144T) (KB)
2. Close up Autocar Model U-7144T (KB)
3. M52 6x6 tractors (KB)		  

4. 84th TC's Fuel truck (KB)		      
1956 (Project MASS)
(Source: STARS & STRIPES, Dec 21, 1956)
Army Truckers Keep Project MASS Rolling 
 

 
The wheels have been rolling night and day for the 181st Trans Bn based in Mannheim, Germany ever since last May when this organization was chosen to provide transportation logistical support to 7th Army's Project MASS (Modern Army Supply System).

Designed to speed up the provision of repair and replacement parts to front line units, Project MASS has been in the experimental stage with 7th Army in Europe for more than six months.

Although the supply items involved make up only 20 percent of the overall Army supply system, parts ranging from transistors to tank treads are essential to the effective operation of a field army. Formerly, the bulk stockage of these items resulted in the need for large warehouse space and in a certain amount of loss of equipment through deterioration.

Most important, however, was the length of time it took to obtain a spare part from a Stateside warehouse. According to Lt Col Elmore P. Moore, CO of the 181st Trans Bn, the old style supply system required between 30 says to three months from the time of request to the time of receipt of a spare part. Under the MASS system, says Mooore, the time element can be as short as 10 days and usually never extends beyond one month.

But just as old soldiers will say, that no matter how modern warfare becomes, nothing can replace the infantryman, it appears that no matter how modern the Army supply system becomes, the truck driver will still play an important part in the operation. And the continuing success of the MASS experiment here, says Moore, is in no small part due to the men who drive the trucks in his battalion.

Briefly, the MASS operation is one of electronic communication. When a unit in the field needs, for example, a tank engine, a request is transmitted to the 7th Army stock control center, where in a matter of minutes it is known if the part is in Europe. If the part is not available, a TWX is sent immediately to the Overseas Supply Agency (OSA) in the U.S., where the part is obtained.

Requested items are categorized according to their need. Code 1 items are shipped back to Europe by plane. Receipt of Code 2 items takes a minimum of 20 days from the time of request to the time of arrival. Code 3 items with no urgency involved take at least 30 days to arrive in the command and usually are transported by ship.

No one has discovered a way to transport the items electronically. Once the shipment arrives in Europe, the job of bringing the supplies to the direct support unit falls to Moore and his hard driving men.

"The success of our mission depends on the individual driver," Moore says.

Noting that "We rise or fall on the driver's ability to deliver," Moore pointed out that a special driver training shool is conducted and each member of the battalion is required to attend.

Three light transportation truck companies using 180 M34 2½ -ton vehicles are involved in the MASS operation -- the 41st, 51st and 342nd Trans Truck (Light) companies. In addition the 40th Trans Co (Medium Trk)(Petroleum) provides 10 semitrailers for the operation.
 
The job is continuous and runs around the clock. A shortage of drivers adds to the burden and in most cases means that a driver coming off a long haul one evening must leave on another trip the following morning. There isn't much time off.

In one day, for example, the 41st had 16 trucks available but only 7 drivers, the 51st had 22 trucks and 9 drivers while the 342nd had 14 trucks and 7 drivers.

MASS drivers are given logistical support from all units along their route. The little red sign on the front of each truck bearing the letters MASS serves as an entry to any Army post and every mess hall. Although night driving is discouraged it sometimes becomes necessary, when a driver is caught between two distant Army posts.

Each man is required to carry winter equipment and emergency repair equipment in cases of breakdown on deserted roads or all night driving.
The responsibilities are many. Their trucks are loaded with supply parts for several direct support units. The truck itself is valued at $4,500. The cost of the five tons of cargo varies but runs as high as $50,000 for a helicopter tail assembly quick-change kit.

Since the MASS experiment began last May, trucks of the 181st have hauled 349,634 pieces of cargo totaling 16,341 tons over 1.5 million miles of road.

There have been only 88 breakdowns and 41 accidents. And as one officer of the battalion explained, "Everytime a bike scratches one of our trucks that is parked, we count that as an accident. At least half of the accidents we record are not the fault of our drivers."
 
1959
(Source: STARS & STRIPES, July 16, 1959)
The 181st Trans Bn delivers technical services maintenance orders from warehouses primarily in the Mannheim area to direct support units anywhere in southern Germany between the French and Czech borders. This mission is part of Project MASS - 7th Army's logistics system that was implemented in July 1956.

When MASS orders are placed with a storage depot, warehouse personnel "flash" a message to the Operations Room of the 181st. Then, a driver of the subordinate 41st, 51st or 342nd Trans Co receives a route order and he is on his way. When the driver is transporting regular orders, he is limited to driving only during daylight hours. However, when driving "Blue Streak" orders (priorty items), the driver rolls around the clock. Three daily air routes deliver Blue Streak items.

Vehicles of the 181st travel on average about 250,000 miles a month.

CO of the 181st Trans Bn is Maj Robert W. Shidier.
1970
(Source: STARS & STRIPES, August 4, 1970)
The 181st Trans Bn is located at Turley Barracks, Mannheim. With a fleet of some 200 2½-ton trucks and 5-ton tractor trailers the battalion covers more than 200,000 miles a month as it fulfills its mission of providing direct and general motor transport support to USAREUR and Seventh Army units. (The tractor trailer rigs consist of 5-ton tractors and 12-ton stake and platform trailers.)

The 500-man unit comprises three transportation companies:
41st Trans Co (Light/Medium)
590th Trans Co (Light/Medium)
51st Trans Co (Medium)

In addition to the three truck companies, the 340th QM Detachment (Parachute) is also attached to the 181st.

Missions are assigned by V COSCOM (Corps Support Command) in Frankfurt and TASCOM's Central Highway Operations Center (CHOC) in Kaiserslautern. The Battalion Operations Section is notified each day by CHOC of the missions assigned to the battalion for the next day. The section in turn decides on which units will provide the trucks for each mission. Once a truck company learns of its assigned missions, the unit's CO selects the drivers. The missions include hauling everything from spare parts, clothing, rations, and ammo to small tracked vehicles.

Before starting on a run, each driver checks his vehicle for leaks, loose nuts, strange noises, fuel oil, water and makes sure that all instruments are working correctly. A trained mechanic also inspects the vehicle under the supervision of an officer.

The driver also supervises the loading of his vehicle and is responsible for the cargo during the mission.

The battalion has around 100 vehicles on the road each day. About 75 vehicles leave the kaserne every morning, the remainder are usually still on the road on previous missions.

Maintenance support is provided by the school-trained mechanics assigned to each truck company as well as by a five-man team from C Company, 51st Maint Bn (they perform field-level repairs).

41st Transportation Company (Lt/Med) -- during the week (Mon-Fri), the company runs a high priority express service with three 2½-ton trucks out of the Kaiserslautern Army Depot. This door-to-door service delivers urgently needed parts and supplies to units along routes that go to Munich, Nuernberg and Giessen.

340th QM Det (Parachute) -- this small unit has a strength of 6 (1 warrant officer, 5 EMs). Its mission is to provide maintenance support for air equipment. This includes almost 900 emergency type parachutes for all Army aircraft in V Corps and the Martin-Baker ejection seats used on the Mohawk aircraft.
 
590th Transportation Company (Lt-Med Trk)
1972
(Source: Email from James A. Rung, 590th Trans Co, 1972-74)

I was stationed with the 590th Trans Co. in the 181st Trans. Battalion, from May 1972 - Dec. 1974.  

Back then we were considered a light/medium trucking co. with only 8 or 10 five-ton tractor /trailers. These were all driven by the men in the 3rd Squad of 3rd Platoon. We had to earn that right to go to what was considered the “Elite squad”. There were less of us than there were 2½-ton trucks (1st and 2nd Platoons and the 1st and 2nd Squads of 3rd Platoon). We seldom had to worry about being able to find a load going somewhere. We did a lot of what was called “line hauling” in support of the 37th Group.

Our main mission back then was to move the IG building out of Frankfurt, to the field when ever we were put on “alert”.  I can honestly say that I would do it all over again if I were given the chance.

When I left Germany to ETS after approx. 29 months on the road, I think I had something like 36,000 accident free miles.

I had a 12 year beak in service before I went back into the reserves into the 365th Evacuation Hosp. where I served in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, in Oman

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
There were three transport companies in the 181st Battalion. The 41st was a light truck comapny; the 51st was a heavy truck company; and the 590th was a light/medium truck company.

We did a lot of over the road trips that the tractor/trailer unit from 37th Group couldn't handle and then the rest of our commitments came from 7th Army.

I remember driving all the way to Bremerhaven up north and down to Garmisch, and all points in between.
 
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