317th Engineer Battalion

• World War I Origins: The 317th Engineer Battalion was originally constituted in the National Army on 5 August 1917 and assigned to the 92nd Division. • Historic African American Service: During World War I, the 317th was part of the 92nd Division, known as the “Buffalo Soldiers” Division, composed primarily of African American soldiers. • World War I Campaigns: The battalion participated in major campaigns such as the Meuse-Argonne Offensive and Lorraine in France. • World War II Reactivation: The unit was reactivated and redesignated several times, serving as the 317th Engineer Combat Battalion during World War II. • European Theater Actions: The battalion served in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe campaigns, playing a key role in building bridges and clearing obstacles for advancing Allied forces. • Decorations: The 317th Engineer Battalion earned the Meritorious Unit Commendation for its service in France during World War II. • Korean War Service: After World War II, the unit was inactivated but later reactivated and served in the Korean War, continuing its legacy of engineering support. • Cold War and Beyond: The 317th has been reorganized and redesignated multiple times, serving both in the Regular Army and the Army Reserve. • Modern Deployments: In recent years, the 317th Engineer Battalion has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, performing route clearance and construction missions. • “By Industry and Honor” Motto: The battalion’s motto, “By Industry and Honor,” reflects its long-standing tradition of hard work, technical skill, and integrity in support of combat operations.