545^th Military Police Company

Pomp and Ceremony

 

Prepared by CPT Sam Reinert

As of  March 5, 2010

 

The 545^th MP Company, being a Cavalry Division MP Company has probably participated in more ceremonies than most MP Companies, due not only to the traditions in the Cavalry, but also the fact that both the 545^th MP Company and the 1^st Cavalry Division are highly decorated Army units.  The following is a pictorial history of some of these historical occasions:

 

Fort Bliss, Texas

 

 

Some of the old Cavalry Regiments from Ft Bliss that were later to be integrated into the 1^st Cavalry Division on parade in El Paso, Texas at the end of the Mexican War circa 1914 and you can bet there were some old time “Provost Sergeants” in this formation or keeping order along the parade route.  There were a lot of bars in El Paso at this time and soldiers back then enjoyed a “drink or two” whenever they could get one (keep in mind that you could buy draft beer by the 1 gallon bucket full back then for 10 cents)

 

 

 

The entire 1^st Cavalry Division on mounted parade at Fort Bliss, Texas and yes – the original 1^st Cav MP Platoon took part in this activity

 

 

1^st Cav Division Officers and Staff reviewing the mounted parade and the Division Provost Marshal was probably among those photographed above

 

 

In 1933 the 1^st Cavalry Division officially bid their horses’ farewell and every unit in the division, including the MP Platoon was represented with their colors and guideons, an honor guard and an officer.  There were mixed emotions on this day as they were parting with their trusty steeds who had served them so well for so long and yet they were looking forward to the “New Mechanized” Army of the future and the prospect of new and better things to come.

 

 

Australia

 

 

The entire 1^st Cavalry Division on parade in downtown Brisbane, Australia.  The Aussies gave us a great send off to WW II

 

 

 

Pacific Theatre

 

There are no photos available from the Pacific Theatre at this time and it’s possible that no ceremonies or parades took place during this time frame as the pace of combat operations was quite hectic

 

 

Japan

 

 

 

Major General William C. Chase holds out the Division colors for Gen Eichelberger to attach another unit award for the action taken by the famous “Flying Column” that rushed to Manila and rescued the American POW’s held by the Japanese.  MG Chase commanded this column and the honor guard members in the photo are members of the MP Platoon with their yellow helmets, leggings and gloves. Several of these MP’s were also in the flying column.  This was one of the first ceremonies held in Japan for actions taken in the Pacific Islands during WW II.

 

 

An honor guard formed by every unit in the 1^st Cavalry Division (to include the MP Platoon) for the reopening of the US Embassy in Tokyo after WW II

 

 

The entire 1^st Cav MP Platoon marching through the Emperor’s Garden in the Imperial Palace circa 1946 this action was taken as a show of force for the civilian population of Tokyo so that they might witness the strength and authority of the occupying forces, especially the Military Police.  Notice the M-8 Armored vehicle following behind the formation with the Stars and Stripes and the Division Colors.

 

 

 

The MP Platoon on Parade in Japan

 

 

1SG Turner marching the 1^st Cav MP Platoon smartly in Japan and you will notice that the squads in this platoon were larger than some platoons in the line infantry units.

 

 

General Chase presents Chinese military awards to two division staff officers for services rendered during WW II on the reviewing stand at Camp Drake, Japan on September 27, 1947.  PFC C.D. George (who is a member of our association) is in the foreground – photo right (with garrison cap).

 

 

 

545^th MP Company on parade at Camp Drake, Japan 1949

 

 

 

1^st Cav Division Review at the Imperial Palace Plaza at Camp Drake, Japan and the 545th MP’s providing security for the Secretary of the Army, Mr. Kenneth C. Royall, LTG Walton H. Walker, CG 8^th Army and MG William C. Chase, CG, 1^st Cav 1948 - 1949

 

 

Korea

 

 

Members of the 545^th MP Company Honor Guard greet a VIP in Korea circa 1956

 

 

545^th MP’s at a ceremony at Camp Howze, Korea sometime around 1958 – 1962

 

 

 

On the occasion of the 43^rd anniversary of the 1^st Cavalry Division a ceremony was held in Korea and the 545^th MP Company as usual provided MP’s for the division color guard – note front row with yellow gloves and chrome helmets

 

 

 

545^th MP’s as honor guard at a ceremony held in 1964 honoring a stone monument that marks the third crossing of the 1^st Cavalry Division and the 545^th MP Company of the 38^th parallel during the Korean War 

 

 

SSG John Snook (on the right and not the SSG John Shook we all know) receives a letter of appreciation from LTC John J. Flanagan, 1^st Cav Div Provost Marshal, February 28, 1962.  SSG Snook has served as a non accredited investigator with the Division PMI Section in Korea

 

 

 

545^th MP Company Officers and NCO’s celebrate the MP Birthday in the 545^th MP Co Mess Hall at Camp Custer.  LTC Flanagan is standing at the left rear by the head table 1962

 

 

 

 

MG Ralph J. Butcher, Army Provost Marshal General Shakes hands with the 1^st Cav Division Honor Guard Commander, 1LT Richard G. Franklin of the 545^th MP Co after reviewing the guard.  MG James K. Woolnough, 1^st Cav CG looks on.  The ceremony took place at Brown Field, Camp Howze, Korea, October 31, 1961

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LTC Flanagan, 1^st Cav PM promotes Sp/4 Ayers to SGT with CPT Holt, Co 545^th MP Co looking on at Camp Custer, Korea

 

 

 

 

 

545^th MP Company celebrates the MP Corps Birthday at Camp Custer, Korea

 

This photo was taken before the Army came out with regulations covering the markings on the MP Helmets.  The photo was probably taken at Camp Howze, Korea and you will note the yellow stripe and the 1^st (for 1^st Cav) markings on the Helmet.  Those old OG’s were really sharp (and warm)

 

 

Vietnam

 

 

 

Sp/4 Demarce, 545^th MP receives Bronze Star in Vietnam 1967

 

 

 SFC “Big Ernie” Lozano 545^th MP Co Field First and Operations Sergeant turns the company over to 1SG Bill Sykes in preparation for an awards ceremony 1969

 

 

 

Provost Marshal General, MG Gustafson, SGT Lyons and CPT Reinert at one of the many 545^th MP Co awards Ceremony’s at Phouc Vinh, Vietnam 1969

 

 

PMG Gustafson presenting an ARCOM and an Air Medal to SP/4 Bradley at Phouc Vinh 1969

 

 

Awards ceremony at Phouc Vinh RVN CPT Sam Reinert in front of the formation with

The recipients of the Soldiers Medal standing behind him – from left to right

SSG Mills, SGT Conley and SGT Black

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LTC Rexford, 1^st Cav PM, CPT Marba, CO 545^th MP Co and SFC Byrd, Acting 1SG of the 545^th MP Co with the J.P. Holland Award that the unit had just received that day in Phouc Vinh, Vietnam circa 1970

 

CPT Kociaba, Commander 545^th MP Co at the Division Stand Down Ceremony at Bien Hoa, Vietnam circa 1971

 

 

1^st Cavalry Division Stand down Ceremony in Bien Hoa, Vietnam 1971

 

 

General Putman shaking hands with CPT Kociaba, CO 545^th MP Co at Bien Hoa 1971

 

 

 

Bosnia

 

 

Funeral Detail provided by the 545^th Military Police Company for MP CPL Glen G. Gamroth who died of a heart attack while deployed in that country with the 1^st Cavalry Division

 

 

 

Desert Storm

 

 

The triumphant return of the 1^st Cavalry Division from Iraq and the ticker tape parade down Broadway in New York City where every unit in the Division including the 545^th MP Co was represented with pride. 

 

 

Victory Day parade for the 1^st Cavalry Division down Constitution Avenue in Washington DC

 

 

 

Afghanistan

 

To date there are no photos available for any ceremony’s from Afghanistan

 

 

 

Iraq War

Operation Iraqi Freedom II

 

 

545th MP Co Change of Command Ceremony in Baghdad, Iraq 2004

 

 

 

CPT Mularoni incoming 545^th MP Co Commander, LTC Byrd 1^st Cav Div PM and CPT Townsend, departing 545^th Commander

 

 

 

LTC Byrd passes the guideon from one commander to the next while 1SG Jody George looks on

 

1^st Cav Division CG, MG Chiarelli makes a few remarks to the 545^th troopers at the change of command ceremony

 

 

And outstanding looking bunch of MP Troopers they were, but you would not expect less with a 1SG like Jody George

 

 

The 545^th MP Co guideon with its multitude of awards streamers and campaign participation bands was carried with respect and honor everywhere the unit went including USO Shows and the company guideon bearer always carried it as if he were on parade

 

 

Mother Dorsey who is the inventor/originator of the 1^st Cavalry Division Patch, made it quite clear that the horse should always face forward so a combat patch was made to wear on the right shoulder that had the horse facing forward and these patches were awarded to the 545^th MP Company by the Division Commanding General on July 2004 in Baghdad

 

 

CPT Ian Townsend, SPC Alonzo and 1SG Jody George proudly receive the 1^st Cavalry Division Combat Patch (shown in detail above) in a ceremony held in Baghdad

 

 

545^th MP, SPC Howze is promoted to SGT by SSG Ashcraft with the same stripes that his father wore a generation earlier.  That is definitely MP family tradition

 

 

545^th MP Company Commanders Reunion in Baghdad 2004

From left to right

LTC Jeffery T. Harris who commanded the 545^th in Desert Storm

CPT Ian Townsend who brought the 545^th to Iraq

CPT Matt Mularoni who took the 545^th home to Ft Hood

COL Richard Swengros who commanded the 545^th at FT Hood 1988 – 1989 and later became the Deputy Commandant of the MP School

 

 

 

SGM Green, PMO Sergeant Major is promoted to CSM by the Division CG, MG Chiarelli and the Division CSM Hernandez in Baghdad 2004

 

 

 

Fort Hood, Texas

 

 

1Lt Nance, CO 545^th MP Co receiving a reenlistment award from the 1^st Cav Div Commander General Shoemaker 1973

 

 

 

CPT Sullivan and 1SG Vansickle promoting SP/4 Williams at Ft Hood 1975

 

 

BG Horton, ADC 1^st Cav presents 1Lt Nance, CO of the 545^th MP Company with the III Corps Superior Unit Award Streamer at Ft Hood, Texas, 1973

 

 

 

BG Mapp reenlists SP/4 Hampton at FT Hood, Texas 1976

 

 

BG Stacker, ADC 1^st Cav Div awards the ARCOM to 545^th MP PFC Lyons for rescuing a dependant wife from drowning at FT Hood, Texas 1975

 

 

COL Hyden presents 545^th MP Craddock an award at FT Hood, Texas 1974

 

 

MG Todd CG, 1^st Cav presents 545^th MP PFC Duncan the Trooper of the Day Award at Ft Hood, Texas October 1978

 

 

 

Military Police Association Humanitarian Award presented by COL Hyden to 545^th MP’s SSG Dawson, PVT Craddock and PFC Kubit

 

 

CPT Sullivan, CO 545^th MP Co awards SGT Wade 1^st Place trophy in the unit pool tournament 1978.  That was the main pastime in the company day room in those days and you could still get beer in the vending machine in the day room!

 

 

CPT Jeff Harris, CO 545^th MP Co receiving a unit reenlistment award from the Division CG 1989

 

 

545^th MP Co unit formation for the Superior Unit Award at Ft Hood, Texas, 1975

 

 

 

2^nd Platoon, 545^th MP Co in formation at Ft Hood Texas for an awards ceremony (note the military bearing of the Engineer Plt on their left) 1978

 

 

CPT Michael L. Sullivan, CO 545^th MP Company is congratulated by MG Robert M. Shoemaker, FIRST TEAM Commander, after accepting the III Corps and Fort Hood Superior Unit Award for his company.  The unit has received the award three times in as many years

 

 

Dedication Ceremony of the 1^st Cav Memorial at Ft Hood, Texas 2005

This is the bronze statue of the 545^th MP’s who under fire, protected and treated Iraqi children in Baghdad and was cast from the bronze taken from the toppled statue of Saddam Husain in Baghdad

 

 

Retirement ceremony for LTC Scott Torgerson

Provost Marshal

1^st Cavalry Division

July 2003

LTC Torgerson is a member of our association

 

 

 

Other Locations

 

 

CPT Bartlett, CO 545^th MP Co presents a Memorial Plaque to MG Granger, Commandant of the MP Corps at Fort McClellan, Alabama in memory of the 545th troopers who died in combat.  This plaque hangs in the memorial grove at Fort Leonard Wood today

 

 

Promotion ceremony for Jeffery T. Harris to full Colonel

by BG Johnson the PMG.  COL Harris commanded the 545^th MP Company in Desert Storm and while his wife pins one of his eagles on his shoulder, his hand is being shaken by the Provost Marshal. General, BG Rodney L. Johnson, who as a young Captain also commanded the 545^th MP Co at Fort Hood in the 1980’s

BG Johnson and COL Harris are members of our Association

 

LTC Robert K. Byrd who served in the 545^th MP Co as 2^nd PLT Leader during Desert Storm and later as Div PM in OIF assumes command of the 503^rd MP BN (ABN) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina

 

 

 

COL Jeffery T. Harris (photo right) assumes command of the 202^nd MP Group (CID) in Germany, August 2007 and in the center of the photo is BG Rodney Johnson, the PMG who also commanded the 545^th MP Co at Ft Hood in the 1980’s

 

 

 

If you are a 545^th veteran – who better to promote you than the PMG himself as seen here where the PMG, BG Rodney L. Johnson promotes MAJ Ross T. Guieb to LTC.  LTC Guieb was the Deputy 1^st Cav PM during OIF in Iraq.  PMG Johnson commanded the 545^th MP Co at Ft Hood, Texas in the 1980’s

 

 

BG R. Johnson (PMG) and SGM Deorocki (PMG SGM) attend the grand opening of the 545^th MP Company Exhibit at the MP Museum, April 2008

 

BG Phillips, Post Commander and Past MP School Commandant is made a Lifetime Honorary Member of the 545th MP Company Association at the MP Museum, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, in front of our unit exhibit, March 3, 2010
545th MP Co Association Honor Guard members in attendance (from left to right) 2LT Sessler, MSG Stone, SFC C. Killea, SFC F. Killea and SSG Sessler
BG Phillips on the far right with his new 545th Cavalry Stetson

 

SSG Sessler reads the Citation while SFC F. Killea holds the General’s hat

 

SSG Sessler presents the Citation to BG Phillips

 

 

Prepared by:

CPT Sam Reinert

Founder

545 MP Co Association

Richmond, Indiana   47374

765 962 4627 phone & FAX

samreinert1@545thmpcoassn.org

http://545thmpassn.org/