Overview

The Top Military Police Company in the United States Army During the 1970s. It isn't often that one is able to maintain that his or her military unit was the top-dog in the entire United States Army, but that's the remarkable truth regarding the 529th Military Police Company of Heidelberg, Germany, in 1974 - and euphemistically for the decade of the 1970s. In the early 1970s, it had been barely 25 years since the end of World War II in Europe, and Germany, again, was a place of violence. The children of some of the former henchmen of Nazi Germany were determined to rid their country of its American occupiers - whatever the cost - and the commanding general of the United States Army in Europe (USAREUR) was a primary target. Standing between these criminals and the pursuit of their goals in Heidelberg was the 529th Military Police Company of Patton Barracks. Though the Nazi descendants struck with violent and often fatal terroristic attacks throughout Germany in their effort to oust the American presence - striking in Heidelberg on two separate occasions causing three deaths, numerous injuries, and massive destruction of property - they were never successful in achieving their stated goal. In 1952, the 529th had been transferred from La Rochelle, France, to Heidelberg, and assigned a security mission for the commander-in-chief (CINC) of the United States Army in Europe (USAREUR) and his staff at the sprawling USAREUR headquarters command post which had been set up in a former Nazi Germany Wehrmacht (army) installation. In this security mission, the 529th was designated not only as the protective unit for the CINC and the Deputy-CINC and their staff, but also for the Command Building at which the CINC and his staff were located; the USAREUR Command and Control Center (""War Room""); the airfield at which the CINC's aircraft were located; the CINC's residence; and the large complex of buildings and staff comprising the USAREUR Headquarters. The 529th in Heidelberg was also an ""honor guard"" unit which represented and ""carried the torch"" for the USAREUR Command at various official ceremonies and functions throughout Europe. Within this ""honor guard"" mission, the 529th in Heidelberg was a sister-unit to the famed ""Old Guard"" in Washington, D.C. As a result of all of the above, the 529th Military Police Company was held to an exceptionally high standard, and its proficiency soon became obvious. Only the best were selected for and retained in this unit. In 1973, the first indication of the growing excellence of the 529th was made apparent. It was named ""First Runner-Up"" for the coveted ""Brig. Gen. Jeremiah P. Holland Award"" recognizing the best-trained military police company in the United States Army worldwide. In 1974, the 529th stepped to the fore in an even bigger way, winning the Holland Award outright as the top unit. In 2009, it was the recipient of the ""Griffin Award"" as the best U.S. Army MP unit in Europe. And in 2012 - the unit's final year to be headquartered in Heidelberg - it again was named ""First Runner-Up"" for the Holland Award. Aside from its distinguished record in this historic town, this unit also had a very ""colorful"" cast of characters in the 1970s, a few of whom are highlighted on the pages which follow. This then is the story of all of the award-winning men and women of the 529th Military Police Company who persevered during this time of deadly terrorism in Europe.

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Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' FavoriteR. Olin Jackson III's Memories of Army Life and MPs of the 529th is a touching account of life in the 529th Military Police Company based in Heidelberg in the 1970s. This work describes the history of the company, its formation, daily life, notable incidents like the terrorist attacks of 1972 and 1981, and the spirit of the soldiers who served in it. Jackson reflects on the camaraderie, challenges, and sense of duty that defined the unit while recounting personal anecdotes and noteworthy characters. The author talks about the Nazi presence and the antics of the military personnel. The book shows the importance of maintaining excellence during tumultuous times. The narrative is detailed and nostalgic, honoring the 529th MPs, but also captures the broader context of American military presence in post-war Europe. Memories of Army Life and MPs of the 529th is an interesting account of an under-appreciated landmark and military unit. R. Olin Jackson III does a great job of presenting this topic. His narration has humorous and inspiring moments that make the narrative engaging. The book is personal, identifying enlisted men and military officers who served in the company and the various experiences they shared, providing readers with a vivid picture of life in the military during a pivotal time in history. Jackson's knack for storytelling resonates with themes of resilience and brotherhood to which many veterans and military families can relate. The 529th Military Police Company was not just the top military police unit in the United States Army in the 1970s; it was also a symbol of hope and brilliance. The book describes their attention to detail in military strategy, even down to their pristine attire and shoes. The accompanying photographs add depth to the narration and make the book visually appealing. Overall, this is an informative read with vivid insights into the daily life and historical significance of the 529th Military Police Company, capturing the essence of military service during a transformative period in Europe.

Author Information

R. Olin Jackson was raised in northwest Georgia. In 1971, he volunteered for service in the United States Army where he was trained as a military policeman and ultimately assigned to the security detail for the U.S. Army Commander of NATO, Gen. Michael S. Davison, in Heidelberg, Germany. Serving from 1972 to 1975 in the 529th Military Police Company, ""R.O."" was also a member of the USAREUR Color Guard detail from 1973-1975. In 1974, competing against over 170 other U.S. Army military police units, the 529th was the recipient of the prestigious ""Brigadier General Jeremiah P. Holland Award"" as the top military police company in the United States Army worldwide. Upon completion of his military service, R.O. was awarded the Good Conduct Medal and the Army Commendation Medal and was honorably discharged. He returned stateside where he earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from Georgia State University in 1977, and a master's degree in political science history from the University of North Georgia in 1982.Professionally, R.O. initially landed employment as a speechwriter for a Georgia politician in 1978, moving on in the early 1980s to the University of North Georgia where he served as Director of Media Services and Sports Information. In 1984, R.O. was employed as a senior account executive with a major public relations firm in Atlanta. In this capacity he traveled throughout the United States for clients ranging from hotel chains to national resort developers.In 1987, R.O. founded Legacy Communications, Inc., where he became the executive editor and publisher of his flagship award-winning creations - North Georgia Journal and Georgia Backroads magazines - the premier travel and history publications of Georgia. He parlayed this endeavor into an 18-year publishing career.In the interim, R.O. also wrote/co-wrote and edited a selection of books, including Moonshine, Murder and Mayhem in Georgia (2003); Tales of the Rails in Georgia (2004); and Georgia Backroads Traveler (2005). In 2005, R.O. sold Legacy Communications and the magazines and books and semi-retired to manage an investment portfolio of commercial real estate.In 2021, he returned to the world of journalism, founding Whippoorwill Publications, LLC. His creations at Whippoorwill have included ""Mystery and History in Georgia, Volume I"" (2022) (honored with a Five-Star Award by ""Readers' Favorite"" book awards), and the companion to that book: ""Mystery and History in Georgia, Volume II"" (2023); ""Some Genealogy Keys to Some Georgia Family Trees"" (2023) which provides detailed historic and genealogical information on ten interrelated Georgia families: the Neels, Andersons, Fricks, Hudgins, Tanners, Jordans, Gravatts, Pettyjohns, Rogers and Jacksons; ""John Henry 'Doc' Holliday: A Matter of Survival"" (2023); ""Memories of Army Life and MPs of the 529th"" (2024); ""After All That We've Been Through"" (selections of original poetry) (2024); and ""Gunmen, Lawmen and Wild Men of Early Georgia"" (2024).R.O. is married to the former Judy Grizzle of Dahlonega, Georgia.

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