545th Military Police Company Air Assets By CPT. Sam Reinert

Throughout the history of the 545th MP Company, the unit has often been called upon to provide route recon and convoy escort and security.  Initially this was done on horseback and later with jeeps and gun carriers.  Since the Cavalry was noted for its mobility, the next obvious move was helicopters and during the Korean War the 545th MP Co. was one of the first MP Companies to use this great asset.

Although never a part of the TOE, helicopters were often placed under the operational control of the unit or placed “on call” for use as the units various missions called for them.  During Vietnam, Division G-3 Air kept a LOH and at least one Huey on constant standby for use by the 545th for route recon and convoy escort and the 545th MP Co. had its own helipad right behind the orderly room and company operations center.  The Company Commander spent more time in a LOH than he did his jeep.  Cobra Gun Ships were also often assigned to the unit for a day or two for convoy security – usually from the 9th Cav.  POW’s and misplaced persons were also often moved via helicopter in Vietnam and Air Medals were a common award in the 545th.

1Lt J. Byrnes, XO, 545th MP Co becomes the first rotary wing pilot assigned on the
morning report of the 545th MP Co in Camp Custer, Korea circa 1963
(Someone higher up had visions of the future for the 545th)

 

Unidentified 545th MP Co. Route Recon NCO with the company chopper.
Somewhere in Korea circa 1963

 

A Shawnee hauling 545th MP’s and their equipment in Korea 1964

 

CPT Sam Reinert and his LOH Recon Chopper on the Phouc Vinh MP Chopper pad, RVN 1969
Photo taken by the 545th Door gunner on the 545th Huey

 

CPT Sam Reinert “Sheriff Six” in his LOH on convoy over flight enroute to Song Be RVN 1969
Photo taken by SSG Carlos Miranda in the lead gun jeep just behind the M 60 point tank just after an ambush on the convoy

SSG Carlos Miranda 545th MP Co. Convoy Escort/Security and Route Recon NCOIC

SSG Miranda standing next to one of the Hueys we often used for a quick reaction force or to transport POW’s

SSS Miranda and one of the Cobras that often provided air support for the convoys we escorted

SGT Banks, his crew and their ride.  545th MP Co somewhere in Iraq