Captain Gerry Sheehan, in his article "From Normandy to Thailand," has provided the following history about the creation of the "Tiger Battalion's" unit crest.

    The battalion has adopted a tiger as its symbol, based on the dominant figure on its distinctive crest. Personnel of the battalion participated in the design of the distinctive crest, which was approved by the Institute of Heraldry on August 31, 1966.

    The insignia is a gold metal and enamel device, one and one eighth inches in height. It consists of a brick-red disk edged in gold with three battlements at the top. In the center is a - gold, black striped tiger's head in profile with gagged extremities. The latter surmount a green wreath in base composed of laurel leaves on one side and palm in the other. On the base and sides of the gold rim is a tri-parted gold scroll inscribed "QUID," "QUANDO," "QUO" in black letters. The motto refers to the battalion's only query when assigned a mission: What is the job? When must the job be done? Where is the job?

    Article and crest provided by T. O'Connor - Thanks "T"
- Truckmaster

Meeting on June 17, 2000 with
Colonel Harry F. Middleton, USA (Ret)
in Colorado Springs

    It was high noon in Colorado, the place was the Radisson Inn, and the men had never seen each other since 1968. Who would have recognized them? But one transporter can spot another in a crowd. After brief introductions, they headed upstairs to the restraurant.

    We talked for 2-hours, from everything to how the battalion deployed to Thailand in 1966, until it started deactivating individual truck companies in 1970. Col. Middleton had been the battalion commander when the unit was activated at Fort Meade, Maryland. It was under his leadership that the battalion assumed operations as part of Joint Task Force 116.

    I, on the other hand, had been one of his truck drivers, stationed at the furtherest remote site, Camp Khon Kaen, more than half way between Camp Friendship in Korat, and Udorn RTAFB. I was with the 569th Transportation Company for 2 long years, until it was deactivated in March 1970.

    We discussed people, places, names and faces, events, convoys and cargo. In fact we covered quite a number of areas of the battalion.

    We talked about the internet and how The Association of U.S. Army Transporters was formed.How the 519th Transportation Battalion was a very unique truck battalion with over 1250 miles of highway to travel in delivering general and special cargo throughout Thailand, even into neighboring Cambodia. Overall it was a very memoriable time for us both.

    We discussed planning some type of 519th Transportation Battalion reunion where we could kindle old friendships and make new friends. Where we could share stories and photo's and more. What do you think? If you're interested in setting up something, somewhere, send me email.


- Truckmaster

    During the past 30+ years since I departed the 519th Transportation Battalion I have often wondered what happened to my buddies? Yes I've ran into a number of them over the years.

    During my 2-year break in service, I saw Don and Lek Way, who stopped by my parents home in Boise, Idaho. They were on their way back to Thailand (3rd or 4th trip for Don).

    My wife (Tian) and I drove to Filer, Idaho and stopped outside the wedding chapel when Galen Slater brought his new bride outside. (They were on their honeymoon, and we didn't think it was appropriate to tag along!)

    Then we went to Fort Lewis, Washington and it wasn't long before I started running into a number of people from the 519th. I saw Harvey Dial in the pay line at finance. Ran into a couple of guys I don't remember their names, both on and off base. Don Way is still living in the Tacoma, Washington area.

    Then there was Coril Dybivek at Fort Carson. Steve Koons on the phone from Ft. Campbell. (Steve and I kept in contact over the years until I retired 10 years ago.) Reestablished contact in June 2000, and we're corresponding via email.

    At Fort Leonard Wood, I ran into SFC Herndon (my instructor driver at 569th).

    James Koster was last seen by me in Slidell, Louisana.

    In Japan, I ran into Roy Berry from S-4, 519th. He was Chief of Logistics for USARJ. I ran into Gary Adams from 313th, before I left for retirement (he's still in Japan).

    Joe Wilson (me) is living in Colorado Springs.

    Lots more have contacted me during the past 4 years, because of the website.