At the start of 1977 the 720th MP Battalion was headquartered subordinate to III Corps at Fort Hood, Texas.

Sky Watch Patrol In 1977 members of the 720th MP Battalion were still volunteering for duty for the night Sky Watch Patrol, provided by the 6th Air Cavalry Brigade (Air Combat) "Silent Thunder," located at Fort Hood. (for details see 1976 Time Line page.)

Additional stories, photographs and information on how long the patrols were conducted in the 1970's. Please use the Email Link at the top of this page to contact the History Project Manager.

January-February (exact date unknown) Chopper Crash A 6th Air Cavalry Brigade helicopter crashed in the western portion of Fort Hood. Battalion MP's were immediately dispatched to the scene to conduct rescue and scene security operations. They found the crew members were not seriously injured but the craft was extensively damaged and debris were scattered over a large area. The MP's, PFC Rick Bernardi, 411th MP Company, and others yet to be identified, secured the crash site and immediately began the securing sensitive equipment as well as conducting an extensive search for other parts of the aircraft, marking them for the crash investigators who arrived later. For his actions, PFC Bernardi received a Letter of Commendation.

Additional stories, photographs and information on the other MP's at the scene. Please use the Email Link at the top of this page to contact the History Project Manager.

~ May ~

27 May, Change of Command LTC Jon MacFarland passed command of the Battalion to LTC L. E. Wollmering