About this Unit
The 91st Engineer Battalion was first constituted on 1 October 1933 in the Regular Army and was activated on 10 February 1941 at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. During World War II, the battalion earned distinction for its critical work in constructing roads, bridges, and airfields in the Pacific Theater, notably supporting operations in New Guinea and the Philippines. After the war, the unit was inactivated but later reactivated for service in the Korean War and subsequent conflicts, deploying to locations such as Vietnam and Iraq. The 91st Engineer Battalion continues to provide vital combat engineering support, living up to its motto, "Acts, Not Words."
Historical Facts
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Formation in World War I: The 91st Engineer Battalion was first constituted in the National Army on 1 October 1917 as the 66th Engineer Regiment (General Service) and organized at Camp Devens, Massachusetts.
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Role in World War II: Reactivated for WWII, the unit was re-designated as the 91st Engineer Battalion (Separate) and was deployed to the Pacific Theater, where it played a crucial role in constructing airfields and infrastructure.
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Construction of Henderson Field: The battalion was instrumental in building Henderson Field on Guadalcanal, a critical asset for the Allies during the Solomon Islands campaign.
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Combat Engineering: The 91st Engineers not only built roads and airfields but also engaged in combat, defending their worksites against Japanese attacks, making them both builders and fighters.
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Philippines Campaign: The battalion participated in the liberation of the Philippines, constructing vital infrastructure under hazardous conditions and earning several commendations.
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Decorations: The unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation and several campaign streamers for exceptional performance and bravery under fire during WWII.
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Post-WWII Service: After WWII, the battalion was inactivated and reactivated multiple times, serving in Germany, Korea, and the United States, adapting to the changing needs of the Army.
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Vietnam War Service: Reactivated during the Vietnam War, the 91st Engineer Battalion supported combat operations by constructing bases, roads, and bridges under fire.
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Modern Era Deployments: In recent decades, the battalion has deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, providing engineering support for combat and reconstruction missions.
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Unit Motto and Legacy: The 91st Engineer Battalion’s motto is “Acts Not Words,” reflecting a long tradition of action-oriented service and a legacy as one of the Army’s most respected combat engineer units.
