Houston, Texas on 1 January 1966 for future service in Vietnam. The unit was organized under Table of Organization and Equipment (TOE) 8-112E, with an authorized strength of 20 officers and 47 enlisted. 1st Lieutenant Byron L. Evans, a Medical Service Corps (MSC) officer, was the first officer to report to the 44th's headquarters at Fort Sam Houston and assumed command on 7 January 1966. On 25 January, Lieutenant Colonel John W. Hammett, MSC, assumed command. He was succeeded by Colonel Thomas P. Caito, MSC, on 7 February. In Vietnam, Colonel (later Brigadier General) James A. Wier, a Medical Corps (MC) officer, was assigned as Director of Medical Services, 1st Logistical Command on 26 January, and was designated as the Commanding Officer of the 44th Medical Brigade, to join the unit in-country. Orders for the April movement of the Brigade Headquarters from Fort Sam Houston were issued on 31 January. The unit would be assigned to the United States Army, Pacific upon debarkation. Readiness dates were set at 1 April for equipment and 21 April for personnel. Personnel for the brigade headquarters reported to Fort Sam Houston throughout January and February. Preparation for overseas movement training was conducted in cooperation with the 67th Medical Group and the United States Army Medical Training Center, Fort Sam Houston-an organization separate and distinct from the Medical Field Service School that was charged with initial entry training of combat medics. The Fort Sam Houston Post Headquarters provided logistical assistance to the 44th to help meet the equipment readiness date. Other activities at Fort Sam Houston included the preparation of Standing Operating Procedures; assembly and packing of supplies, equipment, and administrative and professional references; and arranging transportation. On 18 March, an advance party from the 44th Medical Brigade, composed of 8 officers and 10 enlisted arrived in Vietnam to establish the Medical Brigade (Provisional), which became a working unit of the Medical Directorate of the 1st Logistical Command. Colonel Caito commanded the advance party enroute while Colonel Herbert R. Faust, Veterinary Corps (VC), Staff Veterinarian, remained in Texas to command the main body. On 24 March Colonel Wier assumed command of the Medical Brigade (Provisional) and Colonel Caito became the executive officer. The main body of the 44th touched down at Tan Son Nhut Airport on 21 April 1966. The Medical Brigade (Provisional) was immediately discontinued while the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment of the 44th