1st Infantry Division 1st Engineer Battalion D Co (Forward)

• Oldest Engineer Battalion: The 1st Engineer Battalion, assigned to the 1st Infantry Division, is recognized as the oldest continuously serving engineer battalion in the U.S. Army, with its origins tracing back to 1846. • "D Co (Forward)" in the Cold War: During the Cold War, Company D (Forward) was often deployed ahead of the main body to provide rapid mobility support and fortification for the division in Europe, particularly in Germany. • Normandy Landings: Elements of the 1st Engineer Battalion participated in the D-Day landings in Normandy, clearing obstacles and mines on Omaha Beach under intense enemy fire. • Vietnam War Service: D Company (Forward), as part of the battalion, supported the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam with construction of firebases, roads, and bridges, as well as demolition and combat support missions. • Operation Desert Storm: The 1st Engineer Battalion (including D Co Forward) played a crucial role in breaching Iraqi defensive obstacles and clearing minefields during the 1991 Gulf War. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion’s insignia features a castle, symbolizing the engineer mission, and a motto: “First In, Last Out.” • Humanitarian Missions: D Company (Forward) has participated in humanitarian assistance, including disaster relief and infrastructure rebuilding in both domestic and international operations. • Global War on Terror: The unit has deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan, specializing in route clearance, improvised explosive device (IED) disposal, and forward operating base construction. • Decorations and Honors: The 1st Engineer Battalion holds numerous unit citations, including the Presidential Unit Citation for actions during World War II and the Vietnam War. • Legacy of Camaraderie: Veterans of D Company (Forward) maintain a strong network, often sharing stories of their “first in, last out” spirit and the unique challenges of being the division’s vanguard on the battlefield.