Welcome to the Website of the 506th Field Depot. The 506th Depot was a large part of the 1st Logistical Command (or 1st Log). It was stationed at the Saigon Fishmarket/Rice-Mill, prior to its relocation on the vast Army Compound at Long Binh. Although the 506th was basically a new comer to Vietnam, It soon earned the dubious honor of being the "Worlds Largest Depot". Prior to July 20th 1966 the Depot existed as the 543rd Quartermaster Group, under the command of Colonel J. E. Plieklik.
General Order# 157 dated Jul 14th 1966 deactivated the 543rd Quartermaster and redesignated it the 506th Field Depot. At this time the Depot comprised the HHC 506th field depot, the 264th Supply And Service Bn/w 5 Supply Companys, the 223rd Supply Co, 11th Supply Co, 178th Supply Co, 569th Supply Co, and 163rd Supply Co. and the 79th Maintenance Bn/w 3 Maint Companys, the 147th Maint Co, the 536th Maint Co, and the 553rd Maint Co.
By July 1st 1967 the 506th had grown considerably with the addition of 3 new companys to the 264th Supply and Service Bn. And the of addition 7 new companys to the 79th Maint Bn. The 524th Sig, 842nd Sig, and a 1st Log Scty Plat Det, had been added to the 264th. And a detachment of the 1st Log Scty Plat. and 3 Sig Det. The 59th, the 804th, and the 485th. and 3 companys the 60th Lt Engr, the 218th CC&S Co, and the 632nd Hv Equip Co. were received by 79th Maint Bn.
The biggest addition was the 277th Supply and Service Bn with 7 Companys and 3 Detachments. The Companys with the 277th were the 75th Hv Mat, 139th Hv Mat, 563rd Hv Mat, 559th Gen Sup, 570th Repair Parts, 223rd Supply and Service, and the 821st Hv Mat. They also had a Detachment from the 1st Log Scty Plt, 518th Engr, and the Bakery Plat. On August 25 1967 the 170th Ord Det (EOD) was assigned to the 506th Field Depot. However the new growth was soon to be offset by the decision on Sept 1st 1967 to transfer the entire 79th Maint Bn and the 223rd Supply and Service Co to the 29th General Support Group. On Sept 30th 1967 a change of command ceremony was conducted at Camp Davies. Brigadier General Jones presided and passed the Depot Colors from Colonel Roland Savilla to Colonel J. P. Alexander.
In Dec. 1967 the 74th Repair Parts Co and The 855th Gen. Supply Co were tranfered from Cam Ranh Bay to the 506th Field Depot. In December the 1st log scty plts were both relieved and sent back to their respective battalions. At aproximately 22:30 on Nov 30 1967 two enemy rockets exploded in Area 208 at Long Binh Compound. A fire erupted which burned until shortly after sunrise, destroying approximately 300 tons of chemicals and construction material. Shortly afer midnight on Dec 4th 1967 another enemy rocket touched off a fire in Area 208. On Dec 23 1967 the VC again struck the 506th Long Binh facilities. This time a satchel charge and two termite hand grenades were placed in the conex storage area. Two failed to detonate; but the third exploded, destroying $69,000 worth of clothing.
During the TET holidays some enemy action was expected, but just how much was unknown, however by 07:45 on Jan 31st 1968 it became quite apparent. Reports made it evident that a full-scale offensive had been launched against American, ARVN, and Canh Sat installations. Tet 1968 had begun!
