63rd Antiaircraft Battalion

Does anyone have information on the 63rd antiaircraft battalion? My grandfather was part of this but I can't find any information. I'm guessing it's one of the many that was disbanded. He served from 1941-1946. He was a mechanice but not sure on what. I also know he was part of the 10th Army. I have his patch (red roman numeral ten). He was also a Tech 4 Sergeant. He served overseas in Japan and I have the western Pacific Command Patch. I have included photos of the patches and the battalion pin. Any information on the patches, divisions, units and battalions he would have been attached to is greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!

 

Hi again,

Definitely 10th army patch;

Tenth United States Army - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

the third one is a Western Pacific patch;

http://www.ioffer.com/i/u-s-army-forces-western-pacific-patch-136482181

the 63rd CAAA bn were apparently based in Fort Bliss, Texas in 1941 and were due to ship to the Philippines as part of 39th Coast Artillery Brigade (AA), but this never took place.

Unfortunately that is all I could find out so far - we have several coast artillery buffs on the site who hopefully will come up with more

 

Thank Nigel, again you have come through with flying colors! I appreciate your links, they have proved to be very helpful. The pieces are slowing coming together.

 

The 1st Battalion, 63rd Coast Artillery Regiment (Regular Army) was based at Ft. MacArthur, CA when WW 2 began in September 1939. Transferred to Ft. Bliss, TX, December 6, 1940, the unit was sent to defend the Seattle, WA Port of Embarkation, arriving December 15, 1941. On September 10, 1943, the unit was re-designated the 63rd AAA Gun Battalion.
Departing the Seattle Port of Embarkation on July 23, 1945, the 63rd AAA Gun Battalion sailed on the USS Zeilin APA-3. Via Eniwetok & Ulithi Atolls, the USS Zeilin arrived at Okinawa August 21, 1945. The unit was de-activated at Okinawa, March 10, 1947.

Richard V. Horrell

 

Ok that really makes sense, since I've heard stories of my grandparents living in Seattle and in Texas. So, now my question is...when my grandfather enlisted in 1941 he would have been part of the 1st Battalion, 63rd C.A. ? It sounds like they weren't renamed 63rd AAA G.A. until 1943? Am I understanding this correctly? So the patches I have are the ones he would have worn when he was discharged not when he first enlisted? Also how does his 10th army patch fit into all of this?? Thanks so much. I am loving the history I am learning. This is so exciting.

 

the records are apparently available in the Ike archives;

http://www.eisenhower.archives.gov/research/Finding_Aids/PDFs/US_Army_Unit_Records_Index.pdf

(page 13, box 261) if you really would like to chase the details.

My guess is the battalion pin wouldn't have changed when the designation changed, but the 10th army patch would have been from departing Seattle onwards. I believe before that the unit would have been part of the 4th Army;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fourth_United_States_Army

 

Thank you to everyone who has helped. I greatly appreciate it!

 

My father was a member of Battery A 63rd AAA Gun BN from 1941 to Dec 1945. The majority of his time was spent as a gunnery Sgt on Beacon hill on the 9th hole of Jefferson Golf Coarse in Seattle. He did spend a short time training in Panama. He sailed for Okinawa in July and was subsequently dischaged in December 45. I am building a display case in his memory. I have one picture of him with the 63rd lapel pins and a unidentified patch on his left shoulder. I am trying to identify the patch so that I can maybe locate one to include it in the case. Not sure if it is a Unit, BDE, or Division patch. It is a diagonal square with what appears to be a sunrise over a dark colored pyarmid. The picture is black and white and only has a partial view of the patch. I know the picture was taken in Seattle. His DD214 does not identify his BDE or Division, only Battery and BN. Would appreciate any help possible. I am at a deadend.

 

Emil, that patch you describe sounds like Anti-Aircraft Command, Western Region. I can't figure out how to post an image from my computer on this site, but it is a diamond with the sun rising over a pyramid.... The sun and rays are yellow, with a red sky above it. The pyramid thing at the bottom (with segments going up to 2:00 and 10:00) is black. Good luck with your history efforts.

 

Emil,
I just got off the phone with my 93 year old father. I was reading your post to him. He instantly remembered Beacon Hill and the golf course. He began with the AAA in Ft. Bliss and went to Seattle. At some point in 45, he went as a replacement and ended up in Germany, Battle of the Bulge etc. We were just doing a little research and came across your post. I am sure I have pics from his time in Seattle and will look them up this week. I didn't get your dad's name. My dad was Charles Harry Rodgers. He says he was ran the "secret" RADAR. Would love to compare notes with you.

 

BRodgers,

Emil has not logged on for a while, but I encourage you to post whatever info you may have regarding the 63rd. Emil may check back at some point or there may be others who had a family member in the 63rd who find this thread just as you have.

I also encourage you, if you and your father are willing, to document your father's WWII experiences in the forum section What Granddad did in the War (it's not just for granddads ). It would be a great way to share his perspective on the War with people who are very appreciative of his service.

I also don't want to forget to welcome you to the Forum, BRodgers! You may want to make a formal introduction in the New Members section.