42nd IPSD Unit History

Statement of Service

• Constituted 15 July 1944 in the Army of the United States as the 42nd Quartermaster War Dog Platoon and activated at San Carlos, California.
• Inactivated 8 January 1946 at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey.
• Redesignated 15 November 1946 as the 42nd Infantry Scout Dog Platoon.
• Activated 10 December 1946 in the Philippine Islands.
• Inactivated 20 April 1947 in the Philippine Islands.
• Activated 5 September 1949 in Germany.
• Allotted 4 September 1951 to the Regular Army.
• Inactivated 24 June 1957 in Germany.
• Redesignated 14 January 1966 as the 42nd Infantry Platoon.
• Activated 14 May 1966 at Fort Benning, Georgia.

"The Badge of Glory"
Thanks to Dale Hansen (Hannibal)
of the 2nd/327th Infantry

Organizational Structure

Campaigns, Unit Awards & Decorations

WORLD WAR II - EAME

• Rhineland
• Ardennes-Alsace

Platoon Decorations

• Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, with Palm
  Streamer embroidered "VIETNAM 1966-1967"
• Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, with Palm
  Streamer embroidered "VIETNAM 1968-1969"
• Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, with Palm
  Streamer embroidered "VIETNAM 1971"
• Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal, 1st class.
  Streamer embroidered "VIETNAM 1968-1970"

Commanding Officers In Vietnam

• Larry Limer 66/67
• Billy J. Langdon 67/68
• Harold Bircumshaw 68/69
• Shelley Henry 69/70
• Thomas Sims 70
• Ronald Tedder 70/71
• Michael Arthur 71

List Of Dogs That Returned To The USA (From All US Army Units)

The end of Camp Eagle and the 42nd IPSD's presence in Vietnam (Dec 1971)

Vietnam - Major Unit Locations