ADSEC was an Advance Section, Communications Zone (COMZ), European Theater of Operations, United States Army (ETOUSA), which was formally activated at Bristol in February 1944. It is commonly referred to as simply "ADSEC". It was a U.S. Army logistical agency, the first on the continent. Upon its creation, ADSEC was attached to the U.S. First Army, but from the outset was a part of Communications Zone (Com-Z, ETO) activities. The section moved forward with the Armies and provided close support. ADSEC came into being on 6 June 1944 with the invasion of Normandy, D-Day.
| Advanced Section Communications Zone European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army | |
|---|---|
 Communication Zone (Com-Z) patch (ETO), of which ADSEC was one of ten sections, post-invasion. The meaning of the patch is the lightning bolt represents the Allies breaking the chains of Nazi oppression. The patch is similar to the ETOUSA patch with the addition of the blue 5 pointed star in the white six lobed field. This blue star in white field is the emblem of the Services of Supply organization. | |
| Active | 1944 to 1945 |
| Country | United States of America |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch | Army |
| Role | Services of Supply |
| Part of | European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army (ETOUSA) |
| Engagements | Normandy |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Brigadier General Ewart G. Plank |
As such, ADSEC did not have a "base" of operations because this support organization was designed to be on the move continuously. For example, major operations always had a designated "D" day or start date for operations. ADSEC units were moved into operating areas on or several days after a particular "D" day. They stayed until about the D+40, at which time FECOMZ (Forward Echelon, Communications Zone) units would take over. ADSEC units then moved forward to the next "D" location.
After the 6 June 1944, invasion ADSEC was detached from the U.S. First Army and took control of activities at the port of Cherbourg, with engineering activities that included the beaches and landing zones; taking over command of the areas left behind as the First Army moved forward. Besides bringing in supplies for the advancing armies, ADSEC also rehabilitated railway rolling stock and provided transportation of POL (Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants) using rail and motor operations (see Red Ball Express).
ADSEC units included field hospitals that lay near the rear areas of the advancing Armies. ADSEC also operated blood banks to store large quantities under refrigerated conditions for use at front line hospitals. This system of location of storage depots was flexible, so that in advance of a major military operation blood would be stored where needed, close to front line, but when the engagement was over then blood would be transported back to hospitals and other bases, or wherever it was needed.
ADSEC also included Finance disbursement units. These units were employed to compute payrolls, travel vouchers, etc. and prepare disbursements and collections of monies.
ADSEC coordinated disbursement of ordnance and munitions to keep the front lines supplied.
ADSEC officials were responsible for overseeing Red Ball Express transportation activities within the Com-Z Transportation Section.
ADSEC units had to anticipate the needs of the advancing armies and provide as close support as possible to the advancing armies as the situations demanded. These units also provided heavy maintenance work for the advancing armies.