545th Military Police Company Recipients of
The Order of the Marechaussee
As of January 26, 2012

                

 Images courtesy of the MP Museum

 

The Legend of the Order of the Marechaussee

Since the creation of time there has existed a form of Law Enforcement. In any ancient Army there has been someone to take the job charge to the Provost Marshal. The fact remains that someone did the job because it was vital to the effectiveness of the Army. Francis Markham’s Five Decades of Epistles of Warre, published in 1622, states that the Provost Marshal would be a Soldier of great Judgment and Experience in all Martial Discipline, well seen in the laws and ordinances of the Post or Camp. A resolution of Congress on 27 May 1778 established a in the Continental Army. This force was to be mounted and accoutred as light Dragoons; its mission was to apprehend deserters, rioters, and stragglers. In battle, it would be posted the rear to secure fugitives. The unit, soon styled the troops of the MARECHAUSSEE, after the French term for their provost troops, was organized on 1 June 1778 at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. During the Revolutionary War, the MARECHAUSSEE Corps was utilized in a variety of missions. The MARECHAUSSEE Corps were instructed to organize a patrol to obtain intelligence of the enemy movement. They were to secure all its crossings to prevent persons from carrying intelligence to the enemy. During the battle of Springfield, the MARECHAUSSEE Corps was utilized in a combat role. The MARECHAUSSEE Corps provided security for Washington's headquarters during the Battle of Yorktown in 1781. The apprehension, detention, security, and movement of prisoners of war were another mission for the MARECHAUSSEE. The MARECHAUSSEE Corps was the major military police-type unit during the American Revolution.

Nomination Criteria

· All persons on the nomination form must be a regular member in good standing of the MPRA
· Recommended for approval by an MP Colonel or higher
· Demonstrated outstanding professional competence in Military Police matters.
· Demonstrated dedicated application of time, effort and distinguished service to the Regiment
· Possesses qualities that set the individual apart from other MP soldiers (military only).
· Maintains high standards of personal conduct on and off duty.
· Meets designated physical fitness standards according to age group (military only).
· Maintains eligibility for favourable military actions (military only)

GOLD - Awarded annually to a very distinguished American, selected and approved by the Commandant of the US Army Military Police School Presented at the discretion of the Commandant, but normally during MP Anniversary Week

SILVER - Recipient has performed service to the Regiment for at least 20 years. Outstanding positive impact in various positions of increased responsibility during the period Service must have clearly exceeded that of the individual peer group Individuals must clearly stand out in the eyes of their supporters, subordinates, and peers alike.

BRONZE - Selected by the MPRA (Limited to 10% of all eligible) MP Colonel or higher of the Active Duty Component, Reserves, or National Guard Approved by the Commandant period that spans numerous assignments or extended time must have rendered at least 10 years of significant service or support to more than one element of the Military Police Regiment

Submit Nomination Packet to MPRA with funds to purchase medal and certificate. Present medal at a scheduled special event. This award is sponsored by the MPRA to recognize exceptional dedication, competence and contribution to the Regiment over an extended period of time. Nomination Forms can be requested from the Military Police Gift Shop by calling 573-329-5317. Completed nomination packets should be mailed to:
MPRA
P.O. Box 2182
Fort Leonard Wood Mo 65473

Award Presentation Ceremony

 Presentation of the Order of the Marechaussee will be conducted during very special events such as formal dinners and similar affairs. It should be conducted in a similar fashion to military award presentations. It will be presented by the highest ranking Military Police Officer or Command Sergeant Major. The Chief of the Regiment reserves the right to present the award in the USAMPS footprint. Requests for a non-MP to present the award must be sent to the Regimental Adjutant and receive prior permission from the Chief of the Regiment.

Protocol

The medal should only be worn to formal Military Police Corps Regiment sponsored dinners, events, balls and other formal occasions or functions that will not detract from the dignity of the award. When worn with civilian attire, it shall only be worn at the coat and tie level of dress. The medal can be worn around the neck or clasped to the lapel of a suit jacket or tie, an evening gown, or a semi-formal gown.

Image courtesy of the MP Corps Regimental Association

Dragoons from a Troop of The Marechaussee assume control over British prisoners from a Continental Army unit for escort to the local confinement compound during the Revolutionary War.

545th MP Company Recipients of the
The Order of the Marechaussee

 

 

        

COL Robert K. Byrd
2nd Platoon Leader, Desert Storm
1st Cav Div Provost Marshal, OIF II
Association Commandant

COL Richard Swengros
CMDR, 545th MP Company at Ft Hood 1988 - 1989

 

LTC Darrel H. Johnson
Commanded the 545th at Ft Hood from 1992 until 1994

 

 

SGM David D. Dewitt
First Sergeant, Ft Hood, Texas, 1997 - 1998

         

1SG Jody A. George
First Sergeant, OIF II
Association SGM

 

MSG Derek Smith and wife Vanessa
GS Platoon, 545th MP Company, Kuwait 1990 - 1993

 

SFC Michael Ashcraft
Color Sergeant/Guidon Bearer, Ft Hood 2000 - 2005

 

MSG Mike Pentecost and his wife Sandy.

 

COL Mike Murray

 




SSG Warren E. Sessler
Camp Crawford, Japan
Korean War
Association PIO NCO

 

1SG Matthew T. Ivacic
First Sergeant
Fort Richardson, Alaska
 

This page remains under construction and a complete list of all recipients as well as additional 545th veterans who are members will be added as such information becomes available.

Any additional information or photos may be submitted to:

Sam Reinert
CPT MP USAR (Ret)
Founder
545th Military Police Company Association
626 1/2 South 9th Street
Richmond, Indiana 47374 USA
(765) 962 4627 phone & FAX
http://545thmpassn.com/