1981

3AD GO7 Dinner April 81

On 5 April 1981 at the request of the 3d Armored Division, LTC Zimmer, the Division Signal Officer of the 5th Fernmeldebataillon attended the birthday celebration of the 3d Armored Division. His host was LTC Louis H. Prusinovski, the Division Communications Electronics Officer of the 3d Armored Division. LTC Zimmer attended as part of the party of nine officers from the 5th Panzer Division.
 

Partnership Weapons Qualification April 1981

The 143d Signal Battalion and the 5th Fernmeldebataillon conducted a point weapons familiarization and qualification firing on 16 April 1981. The 5th Fernmeldebataillon hosted the exercise at their camp. The 143d Signal Battalion S3 (Major Foggy) carried a group of 37 officers, NCOs, and enlisted soldiers to the range. The officers and men of the sister Battalion were briefed on American weapons and fired a modified sequence for qualifications. A total of 29 officers and men of the 143d Signal Battalion were qualified on the German weapons and were awarded various levels of the Schutzenschnur in recognition.

A total of 26 5th Fernmeldebataillon officers and men were qualified on American M16's and 45 cal pistols and awarded the various marksmanship awards.

143d Signal Battalion Change of Command

On 29 May 1981 an honor platoon from the 5th Fernmeldebataillon participated in the change-of-command ceremony of the 143d Signal Battalion. The change-of-command was between LTC Victor R. Shavers and LTC Louis H. Prusinovski.

The honor platoon arrived at the site approximately one hour ahead of the ceremony. This provided time enough for a review of commands to be rehearsed. There was no pass in review. Following the ceremony LTC Zimmer, the commander, and the members of the platoon attended a reception for the outgoing commander. LTC Zimmer presented a memento to LTC Shavers, and LTC Shavers presented a crystal stein to LTC Zimmer.

5th Fernmeldebataillon Change of-Command June 81

In June, LTC Zimmer relinquished command of our Sister Battalion. In true partnership form the 143d Signal Battalion provided an honor platoon from Company C 143d Signal under the command of LT John Masters. The honor platoon leader arrived at Dietz ahead of the platoon to rehearse the German commands. LTC Prusinovski and CSM Carter attended the change-of-command and reception for LTC Zimmer. SFC Henry served as the platoon sergeant for the composite platoon sergeant.

Note: At the last minute, military transportation for the honor platoon was canceled. Upon intercession by EG Pihl, 3AD Chief of Staff, funds were made available for commercial transportation for the honor platoon.
 

Weapons Presentation Ceremony 11 June 81

This activity resulted from the partnership weapons firing conducted between the 143rd Signal Battalion and the 5th Fernmeldebataillon in April of 1981.  LTC Prusinovski was asked to make the weapons qualification badge presentations to the members of the 5th Fernmeldebataillon who had qualified with US weapons.  LTC Prusinovski flew to Dietz for the ceremony even though 3AD was called on a readiness test. The 5th Fernmeldebataillon was duly impressed that LTC Prusinovski would make the ceremony in spite of the readiness test.

4th of July 1981

The 5th Fernmeldebataillon provided an honor platoon to participate in the Frankfurt MILCOM 4th of July ceremony sponsored by the 143d Signal Battalion on 4 July 1981. In addition to the military ceremony, a volleyball tournament was held between the officers of the 143d Signal Battalion and the 5th Fernmeldebataillon.

A presentation was made to the officers of the 5th Fernmeldebataillon and a social period was held. Major Becker, 5th Fernmeldebataillon was the guest team captain.