Co B 1/52 Infantry 198th L.I.B. Americal Division reunion

Nine men who served in the 198th Infantry Brigade of the 23rd Infantry Division, more commonly known as the Americal Division, in Vietnam from 1970-71 took a tour at Tom Townsend’s Toyland Ranch Saturday morning.

The men and their families were given a tour of the ranch, including rides in several military vehicles owned by Tom and Jan Townsend.

The 23rd Infantry Division was activated May 27, 1942 in New Caledonia and was deactivated in November 1971 after its brigades were withdrawn from Vietnam.

The Americal Divison had been based overseas since WWII.

The 198th Infantry Brigade was reactivated as an Infantry Training Brigade in 2007. Mr. Townsend said hosting the Americal Division was an honor.

“We got a chance to share stories, we showed them around the ranch and everyone had a good time,” he said.

“This year marks the 15th year we have come together in memory of our time served and those we lost,” said Kenneth Hooten, “Not all of us served together at the same time, but we were all part of the same unit.”