The 53rd Quartermaster Detachment (Airdrop Support) is an inactivated unit that was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division during World War II and the First Gulf War and to the 1st Aviation Brigade in Vietnam and which was last based at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
During the Vietnam War, the Detachment’s service between 1966 and 1970 while assigned to the 1st Aviation Brigade was recognized with no fewer than three Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm medals, which was awarded to units that “accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct while fighting the enemy.”
In 1990, the Detachment deployed in support of Operations Desert as Airborne parachute riggers, taking part in two campaigns—the Defense of Saudi Arabia and the Liberation of Kuwait—and earning a Meritorious Unit Commendation for its superior performance in each.
The 53rd Quartermaster Detachment organizational flash is worn on the maroon beret the Army officially authorized for wear by personnel in Airborne units in 1981; the flash is centered on the beret stiffener, and then surmounted by either nonsubdued insignia of rank (Officers) or the wearer’s Distinctive Unit Insignia (or Regimental Distinctive Insignia if the unit has no DUI).
Technically designated as Airborne background trimming, the oval is worn beneath Parachutist and Air Assault badges, with the badge centered on the oval before the combination is placed on the AGSU or ASU coat (including ASU Dress variant), the Class B ASU shirt, or the Army Maternity Tunic (green or blue, but only for female Soldiers).
General wear guidance for both the flash and oval is found in the January 2021 edition of DA PAM 670-1,
Chapter 21-32, subsections (a) and (b). The rules for placement of Skill badges like the Parachutist and Air Assault badges vary widely between authorized uniforms; consult the same edition of DA PAM 670-1,
Chapter 22-16, subsection (b) for detailed instructions.