About this Unit
The Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 39th Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), was originally constituted during World War II and has a distinguished lineage in providing EOD support. The unit has participated in numerous operations, including deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, where it played a key role in countering improvised explosive devices (IEDs). As the command element, HHC 39th Ordnance Group oversees subordinate EOD battalions, providing command, control, and logistical support. Stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the unit continues to be at the forefront of explosive ordnance disposal operations, safeguarding military personnel and civilians from explosive threats.
Historical Facts
•
Formation and Activation: The 39th Ordnance Group (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) was originally constituted during World War II on 17 July 1944 and activated on 28 July 1944 in France, playing a vital role in supporting Allied operations in Europe.
•
World War II Campaigns: The group earned campaign participation credit for key WWII operations, including Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
•
Cold War Service: After World War II, the 39th Ordnance Group was inactivated, reactivated, and realigned several times to meet the evolving needs of U.S. Army ordnance operations during the Cold War.
•
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Focus: The 39th Ordnance Group specializes in EOD, providing support for the identification, rendering safe, and disposal of explosive threats, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
•
HHC Role: The Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 39th Ordnance Group, serves as the command and control element, providing essential administrative and logistical support to subordinate EOD battalions and companies.
•
Current Location: The group is currently headquartered at Fort Carson, Colorado, and supports military units and civil authorities across a vast region of the United States.
•
Global Deployments: Units from the 39th Ordnance Group have been deployed worldwide, including to Iraq and Afghanistan, where their EOD expertise was essential to countering IED threats.
•
Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat operations, the group frequently assists with the removal and safe disposal of unexploded ordnance found on military ranges and in civilian communities, contributing to public safety.
•
Training and Innovation: The 39th Ordnance Group is known for pioneering advanced EOD tactics and training, often collaborating with federal agencies like the FBI and ATF.
•
Decorations and Honors: The group and its subordinate units have received numerous awards, including Meritorious Unit Commendations, for their outstanding service in combat and peacetime missions.
