277th QUARTERMASTER BATTALION
HEADQUARTERS AND HEADQUARTERS DETACHMENT

Constituted 23 July 1942 in the Army of the United States as Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 277th Quartermaster Service Battalion and activated 31 August 1942 at Hampton Roads Port of Embarkation, Virginia.

Reorganized and redesignated 20 September 1943 as Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 277th Quartermaster Battalion.

Inactivated 15 July 1946 in the Philippine Islands.

Redesignated as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 277th Supply and Service Battalion, allotted to the Regular Army and activated in Long Binh, Vietnam.

Inactivated 14 March 1973 at Oakland Army Base, California.

Redesignated Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 277th Quartermaster Battalion and reorganized under the US Army Regimental System, 27 April 1987; concurrently, Headquarters activated at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

CAMPAIGN PARTICIPATION CREDIT

World War II
Rhineland
Central Europe

Vietnam
Counteroffensive, Phase II
Counteroffensive, Phase Ill
Tet Counteroffensive
Counteroffensive, Phase IV
Counteroffensive, Phase V
Counteroffensive, Phase VI
Tet 69 Counteroffensive
Summer-fall 1969
Winter-spring 1970
Sanctuary Counteroffensive
Counteroffensive, Phase VII
Consolidation I
Consolidation II
Cease Fire

DECORATIONS

Meritorious Unit Commendation, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1969 (HHC 277th S&S Bn cited for period 15 Feb-15 Aug 1969; DAGO 39, 1970)

Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Streamer embroidered VIETNAM 1967-1968 (HHC 277th S&S Bn cited for period 19 Apr 1967-31 Aug 1968; DAGO 48, 1971)

DISTINCTIVE UNIT INSIGNIA
(Unit Crest)

Authorized:   Originally approved for the 277th Quartermaster Battalion, 20 October, 1942. Insignia rescinded by The Institute of Heraldry 29 September 1976.  Reinstated 9 October 1986.

Description:  A silver color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned:  Per chevron buff and azure, in base a torch palewise argent flammant proper.  Attached is a blue scroll enclosing the shield a top and bottom, doubled silver, inscribed "SERVICE FOR" at top and "FREEDOM AND LIBERTY" at bottom, all in silver letters.

Symbolism:  In the buff of the Quartermaster Corps the chevron-like division is representative of the wedge driven into enemy territory; the blazing torch being the symbol of freedom is representative of service for freedom and liberty and is suggestive of zeal and fire with those objectives in view.

NOTE: A 21 June 1967 letter from the Institute of Heraldry indicated tentative approval of a second Distinctive Unit Insignia for the 277th. It appears that this insignia was rescinded when the battalion was reactivated in 1987. 

Description:  A gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches in width overall consisting of a scarlet fleur-de-lis behind two gold keys crossed in saltire, bows up, surmounted by a gold Vietnamese non la (sun hat) all above a black scroll bearing the inscription "Supply Service Unlimited" in gold letters.  

Symbolism:  The keys allude to supply and to the organization's former Quartermaster designation.  The two keys further allude to the two battle honors the organization received in World War II for service in the Rhineland and Central Europe, and the Vietnam sun hat to their present service in Vietnam.

COAT OF ARMS
(Displayed on Battalion Flag)

Approved: Originally approved for the 277th Quartermaster Battalion, 20 October, 1942. Insignia rescinded by The Institute of Heraldry 29 September 1976.  Reinstated 9 October 1986.

SHIELD: Per chevron buff and azure, in base a torch palewise argent flammant proper.

CREST: None

MOTTO: Service for Freedom and Liberty