126th Brigade Support Battalion

126th Brigade Support Battalion 101st Quartermaster Battalion 101st Quartermaster Regiment
126 BSB
Battalion Coat of arms
Active	18 July 1917 – 29 April 1919 30 September 1921 – 8 July 1946 21 January 1947 – present
Country	United States
Allegiance	Massachusetts
Branch	United States Army
Role	Combat support
Size	Battalion
Part of	26th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade
Battalion HQ	Springfield, Massachusetts
Motto(s)	"Non Sibi Sed Omnibus" ("Not For Self, But For All")
Engagements	World War I World War II War on Terrorism
Insignia
Distinctive Unit Insignia

The 126th Brigade Support Battalion (126 BSB) is a modular support battalion of the Massachusetts Army National Guard, belonging to the United States Army. Originating as the 26th Division's supply train, the battalion's lineage stems from three separate units: 101st Quartermaster Regiment, 26th Infantry Division Support Command, and 726th Maintenance Battalion, which all came together to form the current unit.

History

The 126th Brigade Support Battalion can trace its lineage back to the 2nd Company, 101st Supply Train, which was constituted in the National Guard on 18 July 1917. On 22 August 1917 it was organised in the Massachusetts National Guard while in Federal service at Camp Bartlett, Massachusetts, and assigned to the 101st Division as the 101st Supply Train shortly thereafter.

The 101st Division was deployed to France as part of the American Expeditionary Forces, and saw action during many notable campaigns. For their efforts, the train was awarded the following campaign participation credits: Champagne-Marne; Aisne-Marne; St. Mihiel; Meuse-Argonne; Île-de-France 1918; and Lorraine 1918.

The division later returned to the Continental United States, where it was demobilised on 29 April 1919 at Camp Devens, Massachusetts alongside the remainder of the division. The train was subsequently reorganised and Federally recognised in the Massachusetts National Guard at Charlestown, Boston as the 1st Supply Train, and assigned to the newly reformed 26th Division. On 30 September 1921, it was redesignated as the 26th Division Train, Quartermaster Corps, but dropped the 'Quartermaster Corps' subtitle on 23 March 1925.

On 15 May 1926, the location of the train headquarters moved to Newton, Massachusetts, and on 26 May 1936 was redesignated as the 101st Quartermaster Regiment, remaining assigned to the 26th Division. From 21-28 September 1938, the battalion was called up to perform hurricane relief duties in Everett, Massachusetts following the 1938 New England hurricane. It conducted annual summer training most years at the Massachusetts Military Reservation in Falmouth, Massachusetts between 1936 and 1938. Between 13-17 August 1939, the 26th Division and 101st Quartermaster Regiment were involved in the First Army Maneuvers and Frist and Second Corps Area Concentrations around Plattsburgh, New York. Then, from 4-25 August 1940 further First Army Maneuvers in the Plattsburgh–Watertown–Canton–Ogden area of New York.

By December 1941, the regiment was organised as follows:

• 101st Quartermaster Regiment
  • Regimental Headquarters, in West Newton, Massachusetts
  • Headquarters Company, in West Newton, Massachusetts
  • Service Company, in West Newton, Massachusetts
  • 1st Battalion, in West Newton, Massachusetts
    • A Company (former 101st Motor Transport Company), in Natick, Massachusetts
    • B Company (former 102nd Motor Transport Company), in Woburn, Massachusetts
  • 2nd Battalion, in Framingham, Massachusetts
    • C Company, in Framingham, Massachusetts
    • D Company (former 102nd Wagon Company), in Lawrence, Massachusetts
  • 3rd Battalion, in Everett, Massachusetts
    • E Company (former 101st Motor Repair Section), in Natick, Massachusetts
    • F Company (Former 101st Motorcycle Company), in Everett, Massachusetts

The Regimental Headquarters was divided into the Command Staff and Divisional Quartermaster Office. The Headquarters Company consisted of the Company Headquarters and a Gasoline Supply Platoon. In the above organisation, the 1st and 2nd Battalions are organised as 'Quartermaster Truck Battalions', each organised into two companies termed 'Quartermaster Company (Truck)', which are further divided into a headquarters and two transport platoons. Each platoon consisted of a headquarters and two transport sections. The 3rd Battalion of the regiment was organised as a 'Quartermaster Light Maintenance and Car Battalion', and was divided into the Battalion Headquarters; Quartermaster Company (Light Maintenance); and a Quartermaster Company (Car). The regiment's service company, served as the labour unit of the division, and was organised into a headquarters section and a labor platoon. The Labor Platoon was divided into the Platoon Headquarters and 2 Labor Sections. When in action, the regiment is also allocated a chaplain with the rank of officer, and a Medical Section.

On 16 January 1941, the regiment was inducted into Federal service at its home stations, but moved to Fort Devens, Massachusetts on 21 January 1941. From 6 October-1 November 1941, the regiment as part of the 26th Division took part in the First Army General Headquarters Maneuvers at the Carolina Maneuver Area.

The 'square' divisional structure of United States Army National Guard divisions however was only short lived, as by 1942 all divisions in the army were reorganised into a 'triangular' shape. The former square divisions consisted of two infantry brigades each of two infantry regiments, an artillery brigade of three artillery regiments. The new 'triangular' divisions had three infantry regiments, and four artillery battalions, therefore leading to a need for a smaller quartermaster support unit. On 12 February 1942, the 101st Quartermaster Regiment was broken up, with the 1st and 3rd Battalions disbanding. The remaining 2nd battalion was reorganised alongside 1st Platoon, Company E as the 114th Quartermaster Battalion, and subsequently re-assigned to the 26th Infantry Division. The new divisional quartermaster battalions now consisted of a Headquarters Company, a Truck Company, and a Ordnance Light Maintenance Company (see Annex 2). The Quartermaster Company consisted of a Company Headquarters; Service Platoon; and three Truck Platoons. The Ordnance Light Maintenance Company consisted of a Company Headquarters; Supply Platoon; Armament Platoon; and Automotive Platoon. With the reorganisation of the regiment into a battalion, all other elements of the 101st Quartermaster Regiment were reorganised on 20 April 1943 as the 125th Quartermaster Company and assigned to the new Americal Division.

The 125th Quartermaster Company served with the Americal Division in the Pacific, seeing action in the following campaigns: Guadalcanal, Northern Solomons, Leyte, and Southern Phillipines, the latter of which they were granted an arrowhead. The 114th Quartermaster Battalion meanwhile only saw a short existence, as on 21 October 1942 it was reduced to a company, becoming the 26th Quartermaster Company. The 26th saw action in the European Theater, and was involved in the following campaigns: Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.

Following the end of the war, the 125th Quartermaster Company was inactivated in Seattle, Washington on 10 December 1945, and relieved from the Americal Division on 8 July 1946. The 26th Quartermaster Company inactivated on 3 January 1946 at Camp Patrick Henry in Virginia. The 26th and 125th Quartermaster Companies were consolidated, reorganised, and Federally recognised on 21 January 1947 at Framingham, Massachusetts as the 26th Quartermaster Company, an element of the 26th Infantry Division.

On 1 March 1963, the company was redesignated as Company A, 26th Supply and Transport Battalion, an element of the 26th Infantry Division. On 1 January 1965, the company was consolidated with Company B, 26th Supply and Transport Battalion, and the new consolidated unit designated as Company B, 26th Supply and Transport Battalion. On 1 March 1988, the 26th Supply and Transport Battalion was renamed the 726th Support Battalion, and the company subsequently redesignated as Company B, 726th Support Battalion. The 726th Support Battalion was a 'main service battalion', indicating it provided rear-level services to the division, Company B in turn provided transportation services.

Then, on 1 September 1992, the company joined the 114th Support Battalion (Forward), and the company subsequently renamed. On 1 September 1993, after almost 76 as part of the 26th Infantry Division, the company was relieved from the 26th Infantry Division after it was inactivated following the End of the Cold War.

On 1 September 1996, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 26th Infantry Division Support Command (see Annex 1 below) consolidated with the 114th Support Battalion, forming the new 101st Quartermaster Battalion (Water Supply). On 1 September 2006, the 726th Maintenance Battalion (see Annex 2 below) was consolidated with the 101st Quartermaster Battalion, converted, and redesignated, and expanded to form the 126th Support Battalion, an element of the 26th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. However, on 1 September 2008, the 26th Infantry Brigade Combat Team was reorganised as a maneuver enhancement formation, and became the 26th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. The battalion's location was consequently moved to Springfield, Massachusetts, where it remains today.

Annex 1 (26th Infantry Division Support Command)

The 26th Infantry Division Support Command was organised on 1 May 1959 in the Massachusetts Army National Guard in Boston, Massachusetts as 26th Infantry Division Trains. At this time, the 'Division Train's was a brigade-sized formation, commanded by a Colonel and consisted of the following:

• 26th Infantry Division Trains
  • Headquarters & Headquarters Detachment / 26th Infantry Division Band
  • 226th Administration Company
  • 226th Transportation Battalion
  • 26th Quartermaster Company
  • 26th Ordnance Battalion
  • 26th Medical Battalion

On 15 November 1959, the headquarters moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts. On 1 March 1963, the headquarters element was reorganised and redesignated as Headquarters, Headquarters and Band, 26th Infantry Division Support Command, and subsequently moved to Newton, Massachusetts. On 1 March 1964, the headquarters detachment was expanded into a company. Then, on 2 July 1964 moved to Boston, Massachusetts. On 1 March 1972, the band was separated and renamed as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 26th Infantry Division Support Command. On 1 March 1988, the headquarters location moved to Framingham, Massachusetts. In 1989, just before the division's inactivation, the support command was organised as follows:

• 26th Infantry Division Support Command
  • Headquarters and Headquarters Company, in Framingham, Massachusetts
    • Detachment 1, at Fort Devens, Massachusetts
  • 114th Support Battalion (Forward), in Webster, Massachusetts – supporting 3rd Brigade
  • 143rd Support Battalion (Forward), in Waterbury, Connecticut – supporting 43rd Brigade
  • 186th Support Battalion (Forward), in Berlin, Vermont – supporting 86th Brigade
  • 726th Support Battalion (Main), in Clinton, Massachusetts
  • F Company, 126th Aviation, at Camp Edwards, Massachusetts (Aviation Maintenance)

On 1 September 1996, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 26th Infantry Division Support Command consolidated with the 114th Support Battalion (see above), forming the new 101st Quartermaster Battalion.

Annex 2 (726th Maintenance Battalion)

The 726th Maintenance Battalion traces its lineage back to Company No. 2, 101st Supply Train organised on 22 August 1917 in the Massachusetts National Guard at Camp Bartlett, Massachusetts as an element of the 26th Infantry Division. It was reorganised and redesignated in March 1918 as Company B, 101st Supply Train. On 29 April 1919 it was demobilised at Camp Devens, Massachusetts. The company was reformed on 15 March 1920, and redesignated on 1 September 1920 as Company B, 1st Supply Train. The company was reorganised and Federally recognised on 17 November 1920 in Everett, Massachusetts. Then redesignated on 30 April 1921 as 3rd Company, 1st Supply Train, then on 30 September 1921 redesignated as Motor Repair Section No. 101, and disbanded on 1 May 1934.

Reorganised and Federally recognised on 7 May 1934 in Natick, Massachusetts as the 101st Motor Repair Section, an element of the 26th Division. Reorganised and redesignated on 30 June 1936 as Company E, 101st Quartermaster Regiment, an element of the 26th Division. Inducted into Federal service on 16 January 1941. 1st Platoon, Company E, 101st Quartermaster Regiment, reorganized and redesignated 12 February 1942 as the Maintenance Platoon, Headquarters Company, 114th Quartermaster Battalion, an element of the 26th Infantry Division (remainder of Company E - hereafter separate lineage). Converted and redesignated 1 August 1942 as the Ordnance Maintenance Platoon, Headquarters Company, 114th Quartermaster Battalion. Reorganised and redesignated on 24 September 1942 as the 726th Ordnance Light Maintenance Company, and inactivated on 3 January 1946 at Camp Patrick Henry, Virginia.

Redesignated on 8 July 1946 as the 726th Ordnance Maintenance Company, then reorganised and Federally recognised at Framingham, Massachusetts on 17 March 1947. Expanded, reorganised, and redesignated on 17 November 1952 as the 726th Ordnance Battalion with headquarters in Framingham, Massachusetts. Headquarters moved to Natick, Massachusetts on 1 March 1955. Reorganised and redesignated on 1 March 1963 as 726th Maintenance Battalion, then reorganised and redesignated on 1 March 1988 as the 726th Support Battalion (Main). In 1989, the battalion's organisation would have been as follows:

• 726th Support Battalion (Main)
  • Headquarters & Headquarters Detachment
  • A Company (Supply and Service)
  • B Company (Transportation, Motor Transport)
  • C Company (Light Maintenance)
  • D Company (Heavy Maintenance)
  • E Company (Missile Support)
  • F Company (Medical)

On 2 September 1998, the battalion converted and redesignated as the 726th Maintenance Battalion, reverting to its old title. On 10 February 2003, the battalion was ordered into Federal service for service in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and was released from active Federal service on 2 July 2004 and reverted to state control.

On 1 September 2006, the 726th Maintenance Battalion was consolidated with the 101st Quartermaster Battalion (see above), converted, and redesignated, and expanded to form the 126th Support Battalion, an element of the 26th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

Organisation

The current organisation of the battalion in July 2024 is as follows:

• 126th Brigade Support Battalion
  • Headquarters & Headquarters Company, in Springfield, Massachusetts
  • A Company (Distribution), in Chicopee, Massachusetts
  • B Company (Field Maintenance), in Westfield, Massachusetts

Heraldry

Heraldry of the 26th Division Quartermaster Train, 101st Quartermaster Regiment, 26th Supply and Transport Battalion, 101st Quartermaster Battalion, and 126th Support Battalions:

Coat of Arms

Coat of arms of the 126th Support Battalion

Years in use The coat of arms was originally approved for the 26th Division Quartermaster Train on 16 July 1927. It was amended to correct the motto on 4 December 1928. On 29 December 1936, the coat of arms was approved and reassigned for the 101st Quartermaster Regiment. It was authorized for the 26th Supply and Transport Battalion on 23 December 1964. As a result of the reorganization of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont ARNG units, the insignia was cancelled on 16 February 1988. The coat of arms was reinstated and redesignated effective 1 September 1995, for the 101st Quartermaster Battalion. It was redesignated for the 126th Support Battalion on 23 February 2007. Crest The crest is that of the Massachusetts Army National Guard. Escutcheon Azure, between two barrulets six fleurs-de-lis all Or. That for the regiments and separate battalions of the Massachusetts Army National Guard: From a wreath Or and Azure, a dexter arm embowed clothed Blue and ruffed White Proper the hand grasping a broad sword Argent the pommel and hilt Or. NON SIBI, SED OMNIBUS (Not for Self, But for All). Motto "NON SIBI SED OMNIBUS" ("Not For Self, But For All") Symbolism The shield is blue to indicate that the organization served with an Infantry Division and also that the majority of the personnel were drawn from the Infantry. The gold barrulets represent that portion of the personnel drawn from the Cavalry. The six fleurs-de-lis symbolize the operations in which the organization participated during the World War I. The crest is that of the Massachusetts Army National Guard.

Distinctive Unit Insignia

Coat of arms of the 126th Support Battalion

Years in use The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 26th Division Quartermaster Train on 16 July 1927. It was amended to correct the motto on 7 December 1928. On 25 March 1936, the insignia was approved and reassigned for the 101st Quartermaster Regiment. The insignia was authorized for the 26th Supply and Transport Battalion on 23 December 1964. As a result of the reorganization of Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont ARNG units, the insignia was cancelled on 16 February 1988. It was reinstated and redesignated effective 1 September 1995, for the 101st Quartermaster Battalion. The insignia was redesignated for the 126th Support Battalion on 23 February 2007. Escutcheon A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall, consisting of a shield blazoned: Azure, between two barrulets six fleurs-de-lis all Or. Attached below the shield, a Gold scroll inscribed "NON SIBI SED OMNIBUS" in Blue letters. Symbolism The shield is blue to indicate that the organization served with an Infantry Division and also that the majority of the personnel were drawn from the Infantry. The gold barrulets represent that portion of the personnel drawn from the Cavalry. The six fleurs-de-lis symbolize the operations in which the organization participated during World War I. The motto translates to "Not For Self, But For All."

Awards

Campaign Participation Credit

Battalion entitled to:

• World War I
  • Champagne-Marne
  • Aisne-Marne
  • St. Mihiel
  • Meuse-Argonne
  • Île-de-France 1918
  • Lorraine 1918
• World War II
  • Guadalcanal
  • Northern Solomons
  • Leyte
  • Southern Philippines (with arrowhead)
  • Northern France
  • Rhineland
  • Ardennes-Aslace
  • Central Europe
• War on Terrorism
  • Campaigns to be determined

Company B additionally entitled to:

• World War I
  • Streamer without inscription

Decorations

Battalion entitled to:

Ribbon	Streamer	Name	Date of Assignment
		Presidential Unit Citation (Navy), Streamer embroidered GUADALCANAL
		Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered EUROPEAN THEATER 1944
		Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered EUROPEAN THEATER 1945
		Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered 17 OCTOBER 1944 TO 4 JULY 1945
		Cited in the Order of the Day of the Belgian Army for action in the Ardennes

Company B additionally entitled to:

Ribbon	Streamer	Name	Date of Assignment
		Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer embroidered LORRAINE
		French Croix de Guerre with Palm, World War II, streamer embroidered LORRAINE

References

• Clay, Lieutenant Colonel (retd) Steven E. (2009). U.S. Army Order of Battle 1919–1941. 4 The Services: Quartermaster, Medical, Military Police, Signal Corps, Chemical Warfare, and Miscellaneous Organizations, 1919–41. Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, United States: Combat Studies Institute Press. ISBN 978-1518711442.