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History

The 35th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB) lineage begins at Ft. Devens, Massachusetts, on March 15, 1944, when it was activated as Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 216th Quartermaster Battalion. The unit then deployed to Okinawa, Japan, where it participated in World War II’s Ryukyu campaign (March 26 ~ July 2, 1945) and earned the unit a campaign streamer.

Following its outstanding service in Japan, the unit deployed to Korea in support of rebuilding the Korean infrastructure. The unit was inactivated January 25, 1949, in the Republic of Korea. Two years later in March 1951 it was redesignated as Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 35th Quartermaster Battalion, and allotted to the Regular Army.

On June 1, 1959, the 35th deployed to Germany and on September 25, 1961, it was reorganized and redesignated the 35th Quartermaster Battalion. Another name change occurred August 2, 1965, where it became the 35th Supply and Services Battalion. The unit continued its tradition of providing first-class combat service support in Germany until it was inactivated December 21, 1972.

The unit was reactivated October 15, 1987, and made its home at Sagami Depot, Japan, where it continues to conduct world-class depot operations and provides combat service support throughout the U.S. Army Japan and I Corps (Forward) area of operations. On October 16, 2006, the battalion was redesignated the 35th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion.

In March 2011, 35th CSSB personnel deployed to northeastern Japan to conduct a humanitarian assistance/disaster relief mission in support of Operation Tomodachi. Unit personnel provided food, fuels, transportation and shower support to the local populace. 35th CSSB members cleared debris from Sendai Airport allowing it to reopen only 30 days after the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck the area March 11, 2011. Additionally, their efforts contributed to 12 schools helping return students to class as well as clearing debris at two train stations.

In March 2012, 35th CSSB was presented the Army Superior Unit Award (ASUA) for outstanding meritorious service in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake.

 

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Crest

Unit Shield Symbolism:

Gold (used for buff) and scarlet are the support branch colors. The three gold roundels represent the three main groups of islands in the Ryukyu Archipelago. The wavy line represents the sea. The flames refer to battle fire or combat. The roundels and flames symbolize the battalion’s World War II service in the Ryukyu. Roundels also represent wheels and refer to the unit’s mobility. The red central column stands for support. The key with two wards indicates that the battalion provides both general supply service and direct support to combat units.

Unit Crest Symbolism:

The Oriental dragon represents the Pacific theater area of operation where the unit saw action during World War II on the Ryukyu Islands. Red stands for courage and sacrifice as the American troops suffered heavy casualties during the Ryukyu’s campaign. The crosswise spears, pointing to the four major compass points, allude to the area 700 miles out from Japan in all directions that the capture of the Ryukyu’s gave the allied forces. The palm wreath signifies victory and high achievement.