1975
On the 2d and 3rd of February 1975 a company size Joint Partnership Signal Exercise was conducted. Units participating in the exercise were C Company, 143rd Signal Battalion and the 3rd Company of our sister unit, Fernmeldebataillon 5, 5th Panzer Division.
The purpose of the exercise was to test the compatibility of German and U.S. Military Radio Telephone and Teletype, P.C.M., and FM Signal Equipment.
FM Signal equipment was used in the secure mode and was very successful, it was used from Frankfurt to Diez/Lahn by means of a Radio Relay Site located at the Grosse Feldberg site.
Both the Germans and American learned much about each others equipment.
On the 15th of February 1975, a German/American Social function was held. The occasion, a Valentines Day Dance, held at the Rhine/Main Officers Club. Both Officers and NCOs participated and the evening was an enjoyable one, consisting of a full course meal and cocktails, then an evening of dancing and friendly socializing. It was sponsored by the 143rd Signal Battalion.
On 23 February 1975, B Company, 143rd Signal Battalion, invited thirty (30) Members of our sister unit to come to Frankfurt for a visit to Rhine-Main Military Installation. B Company, 143rd Signal Battalion coordinated with the U.S. Air Fore for the visit of the German Soldiers to their installation. The visit consisted of dining in the Base Dining Facility, and then followed by a tour of the base.
Things that were really interesting to the German Soldiers were the chance to board and tour the inside of an Air Force C-141 and followed by a tour of the Parachute Packing Plant, where many had the opportunity of fitting on an Air Force Parachute.
On 20 March 1975, our sister unit, Fernmeldebataillon 5, Diez/Lahn, invited Officers of this battalion to fire the German weapons with the German Soldiers and also present, for the shooting, were members of the German Forest Rangers. Fourteen (14) Officers of the 143rd Signal Battalion accepted the invitation. The weapons fired were the German 7.62mm Rifle, Machinegun 7.62mm, and the 9mm Pistol.
At the close of the shooting, there was a competition shot for an award. The award "Wild Boar Plaque" was won by LTC Largen, Battalion Commander, 143rd Signal Battalion.
After the firing was completed, everyone enjoyed a cook-out and beverages.
On 22 April 1975, the NCOs of the 143rd Signal Battalion hosted a Dinner Dance at the 3rd Armored Division EM/NCO Club. The dance was hosted to improve social relations, under Project Partnership, between the NCOs of the two (2) units.
The evening was a success, with everyone enjoying an evening of dining and dancing.
At the close of the evening an announcement was made, inviting the American NCOs to their Kaserne, for attendance of their yearly NCO "Mai Fest" Dance.
On 3 May 1973, at Wilhelm-von-Nassau Kaserne, Diez/Lahn, home of our sister battalion, Fernmeldebataillon 5, a NCO "Mai Fast" Dance was hosted for the NCOs of the 143rd Signal Battalion.
The evening consisted of Hotel reservations for the Americans and an evening of dining and dancing.
As in the past, the evening was a success with everyone enjoying the hospitality shown to the Americans by the Germans.
On 9 May 1975, our sister battalion, Fernmeldebataillon 5, presented the 143rd Signal Battalion with a Project Partnership Scroll, in recognition of the outstanding partnership program enjoyed by each of the units.
The ceremony was conducted at Wilheim-von-Nasaau Kaserne, Diez/Lahn, home of Fernmeldebataillon 5.
Representing the 143rd Signal Battalion, was the Staff and many members of the battalion, also participating in the ceremony was a 30 EM Honor Platoon, commanded by 1LT Black.
After the ceremony, a reception was held consisting of lunch and refreshments.
On 25 June 1975, the 143d Signal Battalion presented Fernmeldebataillon 5, with the Project Partnership Scroll.
The scroll was presented by MG Semmons to OTL
Bludau, with a back drop of 80 percent of the 143d Signal Battalion vehicles.
On 9 December 1975, officers of the l43d Signal Battalion fired German military weapons at Dietz.
Their host, Fernmeldebataillon 5, not only provided weapons instruction, but also refreshments at the end of the weapons firing.