1st MP Co, 1st Inf Div, Phuoc Vinh

• Formation and Early Deployment: The 1st Military Police Company (1st MP Co) was an integral part of the 1st Infantry Division, known as "The Big Red One," and deployed to Vietnam in 1965. • Phuoc Vinh Base: The unit was stationed at Phuoc Vinh Base Camp, which served as a major division headquarters and logistical hub for operations in III Corps Tactical Zone. • Convoy Escort Duties: The 1st MP Co was responsible for providing security and escort for supply convoys traveling dangerous routes, often facing ambushes and land mines. • Law Enforcement & Discipline: MPs maintained order, enforced regulations, and investigated crimes within the division, including black market activities and assaults. • Tet Offensive 1968: During the Tet Offensive, 1st MP Co played a crucial role in base defense, responding to enemy attacks and securing key facilities at Phuoc Vinh. • Highway Security: The company helped secure key highways such as QL-13 ("Thunder Road"), vital for logistics and troop movement between Saigon and the northern provinces. • Dog Handler Teams: 1st MP Co included K9 teams, deploying military working dogs for patrols, detection, and base security, which proved invaluable against enemy infiltration. • Notable Decorations: Members of the 1st MP Co earned numerous awards for bravery, including Bronze Stars and Army Commendation Medals, for actions under fire. • Community Outreach: MPs often interacted with local Vietnamese civilians, conducting community policing and building relationships to gather intelligence and foster goodwill. • Legacy and Reunions: Veterans of the 1st MP Co, 1st Inf Div, continue to hold reunions, maintaining a strong camaraderie and preserving the unit’s history from their time at Phuoc Vinh.