'Superstar' MP battalion cases colors, closes another chapter in its remarkable history

By Capt. Amanda KehrringtonJune 17, 2014

'Superstar' MP battalion cases colors, closes another chapter in its remarkable history
Lt. Col. James H. Walker (left), commander, 95th Military Police Battalion, and Command Sgt. Maj. James W. Breckinridge (right), senior enlisted adviser, 95th MP Bn., case the colors of the 95th MP Bn., during an inactivation ceremony held here on Da... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany - With the sun lingering over the formations, the Soldiers of the 95th Military Police Battalion, 18th Military Police Brigade, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, stood together in formation for the last time during an inactivation ceremony held here at Daenner Kaserne, June 10.

This is not the first time the "Superstar Battalion" received orders to inactivate. The battalion was first activated two months after Nazis surrendered to Allied forces in July of 1945 at Lenggries, Germany, during the waning days of World War II. One year later the unit was ordered to inactivate.

A few short years later, in 1950, the battalion was called upon again to activate its troops, this time in support of the Korean conflict. After the armistice ending the Korean conflict was signed in 1953, the battalion inactivated a second time.

Yet the battalion's remarkable history did not end with that second inactivation. A decade later, the "Superstars" reactivated for service in the Vietnam War. As U.S. involvement in Vietnam drew to a close, the battalion inactivated again, this time in 1972. A year later, the battalion reactivated again, this time in Mannheim, Germany.

"The 95th MP Battalion has been called back to service on three separate occasions in our Nation's time of need," said Lt. Col. James Walker, 95th MP Battalion commander. "This is a testament to the impact and the success that this battalion has always provided to our Army."

The battalion cased its colors to signify the completion of a successful mission. This is the final act by the commander on behalf of the Soldiers. Simultaneously, the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 95th MP Battalion, and the 230th MP Company cased their colors.

The colors were passed among organizational leaders to signify the Soldiers' discipline and dedication, and in recognition of a job well done. The colors finally rested in the hands of Command Sgt. Maj. Henry Stearns, 18th MP Brigade senior enlisted adviser, bestowing upon him the responsibility to protect and preserve until they are called upon again.

"Hold your head high; you are part of a distinguished history. We have seen colors come and go, and I am quite sure we will see the 95th reactivate sometime in the future," said Col. Zane Jones, 18th MP Brigade commander, during the inactivation ceremony.

"Although we are casing these colors today, the history, the stories, the awesome contributions of thousands and thousands of Soldiers and family members means everything, and the roar of the 95th MP Battalion will not be silenced," said Jones.