97th Engineers

• World War I Origins: The 97th Engineer Battalion was originally constituted in 1918 during World War I, but was demobilized shortly after the Armistice, having not deployed overseas. • Reactivated for World War II: The unit was reactivated in 1941 as the 97th Engineer General Service Regiment, playing a crucial role in construction and support across multiple theaters. • Alaska Highway Construction: In 1942, the 97th Engineers, which was a segregated African-American unit at the time, helped build the Alaska-Canada (ALCAN) Highway under extremely harsh conditions, overcoming both weather and racial discrimination. • Racial Integration: The 97th Engineers' success on the Alaska Highway was influential in demonstrating the capabilities of African-American troops, contributing to the eventual desegregation of the U.S. Army. • European Theater Deployment: After their work in Alaska, elements of the 97th were deployed to Europe, where they supported combat operations by building airfields, bridges, and roads in France and Germany. • Cold War Service: The 97th Engineer Battalion was stationed in Germany during the Cold War, supporting NATO operations and infrastructure projects. • Modern Deployments: In recent decades, the 97th Engineers have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, providing critical route clearance, construction, and mobility support to coalition forces. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The unit's insignia features a castle and a pine tree, representing engineering prowess and the Alaska Highway construction, respectively. • Humanitarian Missions: The 97th Engineers have been involved in domestic disaster relief, including hurricane recovery and flood response missions within the United States. • Legacy of Excellence: Over its history, the 97th Engineer Battalion has earned multiple campaign streamers and unit commendations for its distinguished service in both combat and peacetime operations.