About this Unit
The 11th Engineer Battalion is a distinguished unit in the United States Army with a lineage dating back to World War I. Originally constituted in 1917, the battalion provided vital engineering support during major campaigns in France. In World War II, the unit participated in key operations across Europe, including the Normandy landings and the advance into Germany, constructing bridges, clearing obstacles, and enabling troop movements. Over the years, the 11th Engineer Battalion has continued to serve with distinction, supporting both combat and humanitarian missions worldwide. Today, it remains a crucial asset in ensuring mobility, countermobility, and survivability for Army forces.
Historical Facts
•
Formation and Early History: The 11th Engineer Battalion was constituted in the Regular Army of the United States during World War I, on 1 June 1917, and organized at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
•
World War I Service: The battalion served in France, participating in major campaigns such as St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne, providing vital engineering support for the American Expeditionary Forces.
•
Nickname: The 11th Engineer Battalion is proudly known as the "Jungle Cats," a nickname reflecting their adaptability and prowess in challenging environments.
•
World War II Contributions: During World War II, the battalion played a crucial role in the Pacific Theater, constructing airfields, roads, and bridges in support of Allied operations.
•
Korean War Deployments: The 11th Engineers were among the first U.S. Army units deployed to Korea, where they built defensive positions, cleared minefields, and maintained supply routes under fire.
•
Honors and Decorations: The battalion has received several unit citations, including the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
•
Vietnam War Service: The 11th Engineer Battalion was heavily involved in constructing base camps, repairing roads, and conducting riverine operations in the Mekong Delta.
•
Cold War and Modern Deployments: Throughout the Cold War, the battalion supported NATO operations in Europe and has since deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
•
Distinctive Unit Insignia: The unit’s insignia features a castle and a motto, "Jungle Cats," symbolizing the battalion’s engineering mission and tenacity.
•
Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat, the 11th Engineers have participated in disaster relief and humanitarian missions, providing critical infrastructure support after hurricanes and floods both in the U.S. and abroad.
