About this Unit
The 15th Engineer Battalion was first constituted in 1916 and has served with distinction in multiple major conflicts, including World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War. The battalion provided crucial combat engineering support, such as constructing bridges, clearing obstacles, and ensuring mobility for frontline forces. During World War II, the 15th Engineer Battalion participated in key campaigns across Europe, including the Normandy invasion and the push into Germany. In more recent years, the unit has deployed in support of operations in the Middle East, continuing its legacy of enabling mobility and survivability for U.S. Army forces.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War I: The 15th Engineer Battalion was originally constituted on 3 May 1917 in the National Army as the 15th Engineers and organized at Washington Barracks, D.C., marking its beginnings during America’s entrance into World War I.
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Service in France: During World War I, the battalion served in France and was involved in constructing railways and other vital infrastructure to support the American Expeditionary Forces.
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World War II Campaigns: The unit, redesignated as the 15th Engineer Battalion, participated in key European campaigns, including Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
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Normandy Landings: Members of the 15th Engineer Battalion landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, 6 June 1944, performing critical tasks such as clearing obstacles and mines under heavy enemy fire.
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Battle Honors: The battalion has received numerous campaign streamers and decorations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm, for its actions in Europe during World War II.
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Post-War Service: After World War II, the battalion served in Germany as part of the U.S. Army’s occupation forces, contributing to post-war reconstruction and stability operations.
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Vietnam War Deployments: The 15th Engineer Battalion was deployed to Vietnam, where it provided combat engineering support, built roads, bridges, and base defenses, and earned the Meritorious Unit Commendation.
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Desert Storm: Elements of the battalion participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, assisting with breaching operations and construction tasks that supported coalition ground forces.
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Modern Humanitarian Missions: In recent decades, the battalion has contributed to peacekeeping and humanitarian missions, including disaster relief in Haiti and support for operations in the Balkans.
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Current Role: Today, the 15th Engineer Battalion is stationed in Grafenwöhr, Germany, as part of the 18th Military Police Brigade, providing engineering support to U.S. Army Europe and NATO operations.
