103rd Quartermaster Company
The 103rd Quartermaster Company’s job was to supply everything that the 103rd Infantry division needed to perform its combat duties during its time in Europe. The Quartermaster accounted for and provided fuel for trucks, as well as food, clothing, helmets, boots, tents, and whatever else the men needed on the frontlines to continue to fight. The 103rd Quartermaster Company was also responsible for establishing and breaking down supply dumps close to the lines in order to rapidly resupply those on the battlefields. The soldiers of the Quartermaster Company were oftentimes in danger as their trucks used to move supplies provided an excellent target for enemy artillery and small arms fire. It was also not uncommon for enlisted men from the Quartermaster Company to be transferred to different units such as one of the Infantry Regiments to either serve as a Quartermaster liaison, or to help boost the manpower of the Infantry companies.
During combat operations, units were required to submit a report of operations on a monthly basis. These were dubbed "Unit Journals" and have formed an integral part of the unit's history. Under “The War: Document Collection” tab, the 103rd Quartermaster Company has a Unit Journal with a sometimes down to the minute description of their time in Europe and in combat. Along with these Unit Journals, the 103rd Quartermaster Company created a comprehensive narrative of their combat operations, as well as casualty reports, awards, transfers for either temporary or full duty.
The 103rd Quartermaster Company originally was not part of the 103rd Infantry Division in 1921. The 103rd Quartermaster Company was created when the division was activated from its Reserve status in 1942. The Quartermaster branch of the Army is tasked with supplying the logistical needs of the unit that they are attached to.
The Unit Journal for the 103rd Quartermaster Company is available in the document section.
The Morning Reports for the 103rd Quartermaster Company are available in the document section.
Photo Credit: Unknown photographer, SC 179886- The baking school of the Quartermaster Group at Camp Mills, Ill., while teaching its men the use of the most modern camp and field baking equipment, also trains them to improvise ovens and other equipment in the event of such equipment being destroyed on the battlefield. S/Sgt. Joseph Perno, S/Sgt. William F. Post and Sgt. Philip Seitz operating a bank oven. 1943. U.S. Army Signal Corps Archive via Flickr.