About this Unit
The 10th Engineer Battalion, originally constituted in 1916, is a storied unit of the United States Army with a distinguished history of service. Throughout World War II, the battalion played a vital role in supporting combat operations across the European Theater by constructing critical bridges, clearing obstacles, and facilitating troop movements. During the Vietnam War, the 10th Engineer Battalion provided essential engineering support, including building bases, roads, and fortifications under challenging conditions. In more recent decades, the battalion has deployed in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, continuing its tradition of enabling mobility, survivability, and operational success for U.S. and allied forces.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The 10th Engineer Battalion was originally constituted on 1 July 1916 in the Regular Army as the 3rd Battalion of Engineers and later redesignated as the 10th Engineers (Light Ponton) in 1917.
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World War I Service: The battalion served with distinction in France during World War I, supporting American Expeditionary Forces with bridge-building and river-crossing operations.
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World War II Campaigns: The 10th Engineer Battalion participated in major campaigns, including Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe, providing critical engineering support to advancing U.S. forces.
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D-Day Contributions: During the D-Day landings, elements of the battalion helped construct and repair bridges under enemy fire, enabling the rapid movement of Allied troops and supplies across Normandy.
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Korean War: The battalion was reactivated for service during the Korean War, where it was involved in building roads, airfields, and defensive positions for UN forces.
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Vietnam War: The 10th Engineer Battalion deployed to Vietnam, where it was tasked with constructing base camps, clearing land mines, and building vital infrastructure in hazardous conditions.
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Decorations: The unit has received multiple awards for valor and meritorious service, including the Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and foreign decorations from allied nations.
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Modern Day: Currently assigned to the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, Georgia, the battalion supports a wide range of combat engineering and construction missions.
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Disaster Relief: In addition to combat operations, the 10th Engineer Battalion has participated in humanitarian and disaster relief missions, including hurricane and flood response in the United States.
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Motto and Symbolism: The battalion’s motto is “Building and Fighting,” reflecting its dual mission of construction and combat support. Its unit insignia features a castle, the traditional symbol of Army engineers.
