FORT RILEY, Kan. -- June 1 marked the 50th Anniversary of the 97th Military Police Battalion's deployment to Vietnam.
The battalion was based at Cam Ranh Bay from June 1966 to April 1972, when it performed law and order operations, convoy escort and route security.
At the time, the 97th MP Bn. was composed of the 178th MP Detachment, the 218th MP Company, the 630th MP Co., and the 981st MP Co.
During the almost six years of service in Vietnam the battalion distinguished itself by successfully securing a 450-mile convoy route for supplies and logistics, the longest of the war, as well as for outstanding performance during the 1968 Tet Offensive and Counter-Offensive.
The Battalion was awarded both the Vietnam Cross for Gallantry with Palm Leaf, and the Meritorious Unit Commendation, for its service.
Today, the battalion continues the traditions of excellence as the "Guardians" of the Big Red One and Fort Riley, providing law enforcement and combat military police support at home and abroad. Guardians Take Charge!
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