326 Engineers

• Origins in World War I: The 326th Engineer Battalion was originally constituted in 1918 during World War I as part of the National Army, reflecting the U.S. military's rapid expansion for the war effort. • Airborne Legacy: The unit is best known as the 326th Engineer Battalion (Airborne), serving as the engineer battalion for the famous 101st Airborne Division, the "Screaming Eagles." • D-Day Operations: Elements of the 326th played crucial roles during the Normandy landings in June 1944, aiding in clearing obstacles and supporting paratrooper landings. • Bastogne Defense: During the Battle of the Bulge, the 326th Engineers helped defend the besieged town of Bastogne alongside the 101st, constructing fortifications and clearing mines under fire. • Vietnam War Service: The battalion deployed to Vietnam, where it provided vital combat engineering support, built firebases, and conducted mine-clearing operations in hazardous conditions. • Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat, the 326th has participated in humanitarian missions, such as disaster relief following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, showcasing their versatility. • Motto and Insignia: The battalion's motto is "Sapper Eagles," and its distinctive unit insignia features an eagle and a castle, symbolizing its dual airborne and engineering heritage. • Modern Deployments: In the 21st century, the 326th has been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, supporting combat and reconstruction efforts by building roads, bridges, and clearing explosives. • Female Sappers: The 326th was among the first engineer battalions in the 101st Airborne Division to integrate female soldiers into sapper roles, reflecting broader changes in Army policy. • Training Excellence: The unit is renowned for its rigorous training, including air assault and demolition operations, and frequently participates in multinational exercises with allied forces.