591st Engineering

• World War II Origins: The 591st Engineer Company (originally the 591st Engineer Boat Regiment) was constituted during World War II, first activated on 17 August 1942 at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. • Normandy Landings: The unit played a key role in the D-Day Normandy landings, constructing and maintaining vital causeways on Utah Beach to enable the movement of Allied vehicles and supplies. • Red Ball Express: Members of the 591st contributed to the famous "Red Ball Express," ensuring critical supply lines remained open as Allied forces pushed across France. • Awarded for Bravery: The 591st received campaign streamers and commendations for its outstanding performance in both Normandy and Northern France. • Post-WWII Service: After the war, the unit was reorganized and assigned to various engineering support roles, including construction and infrastructure projects in Europe during the occupation. • Vietnam War Deployment: In 1967, the 591st Engineer Company was deployed to Vietnam, where they built and maintained roads, airfields, and bridges under combat conditions. • Heroic Actions in Vietnam: The company was recognized for bravery during the Tet Offensive, repairing critical infrastructure while under enemy fire. • Modern Era Reactivation: In the 21st century, the 591st has been reactivated several times, most recently as the 591st Engineer Company (Sapper), supporting combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. • Engineering Excellence: The unit specializes in mobility, counter-mobility, and survivability operations, including route clearance and obstacle breaching. • Legacy and Motto: The 591st’s motto, "Essayons" (Let us try), reflects the proud tradition of Army Engineers and the unit’s enduring commitment to overcoming obstacles in support of the mission.