About this Unit
The 2nd Engineer Battalion (2nd Eng BN) of the United States Army was originally constituted in 1861 as a company of engineers and has a storied history of service. The unit played a vital role during the Philippine–American War and was heavily engaged in World War I, constructing trenches and supporting combat operations in France. In the Korean War, the battalion famously fought at the Battle of Kunu-ri, where it destroyed its own equipment to prevent capture during a heroic rear-guard action. Today, the 2nd Engineer Battalion continues to provide critical combat engineering support, upholding its legacy of courage and technical expertise.
Historical Facts
•
Origins in the 19th Century: The 2nd Engineer Battalion was originally constituted on 31 December 1861 as the Battalion of Engineers in the U.S. Army, making it one of the oldest engineer units.
•
Philippine-American War: The unit served in the Philippines from 1899 to 1902, where it was involved in building infrastructure and supporting combat operations.
•
World War I Service: During World War I, the 2nd Engineer Regiment participated in key campaigns such as the Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne, and Champagne 1918.
•
Korean War – The Kunu-ri Stand: In November 1950, the battalion famously fought a delaying action at Kunu-ri, North Korea, where they destroyed their equipment and regimental colors to prevent their capture during a Chinese offensive.
•
Burning of the Colors Ceremony: The 2nd Engineer Battalion commemorates the Kunu-ri battle every year with a "Burning of the Colors" ceremony, symbolizing their sacrifice and commitment.
•
Decorations: The battalion has received several unit citations, including Presidential Unit Citations for actions in both World War I and the Korean War.
•
Reactivation at White Sands Missile Range: After periods of inactivation and reactivation, the battalion was reactivated in 2008 at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, as part of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division.
•
Distinctive Unit Insignia: Its unit crest features a castle and a fleur-de-lis, symbolizing its engineer heritage and service in France during World War I.
•
Modern Deployments: In recent decades, the 2nd Engineer Battalion has deployed in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, providing route clearance and construction support.
•
Motto: The battalion's motto is “Essayons” (Let Us Try), which is also the motto of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, reflecting their spirit of innovation and determination.
