62nd Engneers Bn (Land Clearing), Vietnam

• Formation and Mission: The 62nd Engineer Battalion (Land Clearing) was activated in Vietnam in 1967, specifically tasked with land clearing operations to deny the enemy cover and concealment provided by dense vegetation. • Operation Ranch Hand Support: The battalion worked closely with Operation Ranch Hand, the U.S. Air Force’s herbicide spraying campaign, by following up with heavy machinery to physically remove trees and brush. • Massive Equipment Use: They operated some of the largest engineering vehicles in Vietnam, including the Rome Plow—a 20-ton D7 bulldozer with a large specially designed plow blade for felling trees and clearing jungle rapidly. • High-Risk Missions: Land clearing was extremely dangerous work; bulldozers and crews were frequent targets for mines, booby traps, and ambushes, resulting in some of the highest casualty rates among engineers in Vietnam. • Psychological Impact: The sight and sound of massive land clearing operations often had a significant psychological effect on both enemy combatants and local populations, signaling U.S. presence and capability. • Environmental Transformation: Over its deployment, the 62nd cleared thousands of acres of jungle, transforming them into open fields for bases, roads, and landing zones—permanently altering the physical landscape of Vietnam in those areas. • “Rome Plow Raiders” Nickname: Members of the battalion were often referred to as “Rome Plow Raiders,” referencing their signature equipment and their daring, aggressive land clearing tactics. • Joint Operations: The 62nd frequently conducted joint operations with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and infantry units, providing them with cleared areas for maneuver and defense. • Recognition and Awards: The battalion received several unit citations for its service, including the Meritorious Unit Commendation, reflecting the danger and importance of its mission. • Veteran Reunions and Legacy: Today, veterans of the 62nd Engineer Battalion (Land Clearing) hold reunions and maintain associations to remember their unique service, and to educate others about the critical and perilous role of land clearing units during the Vietnam War.