601st TCG

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Branch

U.S. Coast Guard

Members

About 601st TCG

The 601st Tactical Control Group (601st TCG) was established by the United States Air Force to provide tactical command and control of air operations in support of ground forces, primarily in Europe during the Cold War. Activated in 1957, the unit played a crucial role in managing radar sites, mobile command posts, and communication networks for NATO air defense. Headquartered at Sembach Air Base in West Germany, the 601st TCG coordinated air surveillance and interception missions, ensuring rapid response to potential threats from the Eastern Bloc. The group was later redesignated and reorganized as part of the U.S. Air Force’s evolving tactical air control system structure.

Unit Members

William Babcock

U.S. Air Force

601st TCGView Profile

Ken Colclough

U.S. Air Force

601st TCGView Profile

Photos

USCG Station San Francisco, CA

USCG Station San Francisco, CA • U.S. Coast Guard • 1989

USCGC Point Brower Homeport San Diego CA

USCGC Point Brower (WPB-82372) • U.S. Coast Guard • 1986

USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719)

USCGC Boutwell (WHEC-719) • U.S. Coast Guard • 1982

USCGC Campbell (WHEC-32)

U.S. Coast Guard • 1975

About 601st TCG

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Origins in World War II: The 601st Troop Carrier Group (TCG) was activated on 25 February 1943 and played a key role in airlifting paratroopers and supplies during World War II. • D-Day Involvement: The 601st TCG was instrumental during the Normandy invasion (D-Day, June 6, 1944), dropping paratroopers of the 101st Airborne Division behind enemy lines. • Operation Market Garden: The unit participated in Operation Market Garden in September 1944, the ambitious Allied airborne assault in the Netherlands. • Aircraft Used: The 601st TCG primarily operated C-47 Skytrain transport aircraft, which were vital for airborne operations and resupply missions. • Battle of the Bulge Support: During the Battle of the Bulge, the 601st TCG was involved in critical resupply missions to besieged Allied units, including the famous Bastogne air drops. • Distinguished Unit Citation: The group was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation for its heroic actions and outstanding performance during combat operations. • Post-War Roles: After WWII, the group was inactivated but was later reactivated, going through several redesignations and changes in mission—from troop carrier to tactical airlift roles. • Cold War Involvement: During the Cold War, elements of the 601st were part of NATO's rapid-reaction forces in Europe, ready to deploy in case of Soviet aggression. • Legacy in the Air Force: The lineage and honors of the 601st TCG are maintained by successor units in the modern United States Air Force, carrying forward its proud heritage. • Commemoration and Reunions: Veterans and historians continue to honor the 601st TCG through reunions, memorials, and historical research, ensuring its legacy endures.