9th Engineers

• Origins: The 9th Engineer Battalion was originally constituted in the Regular Army on 1 July 1916, making it one of the oldest U.S. Army engineer units still active. • World War I Service: The battalion was deployed to France in 1917, where it supported American Expeditionary Force operations by building roads, railways, and bridges under combat conditions. • Nickname: The unit is known as the "Hellfighters," a testament to its reputation for perseverance and bravery under fire. • World War II Campaigns: The 9th Engineers participated in significant campaigns including the North African landings (Operation Torch), Sicily, and the Normandy Invasion. • Normandy Beach Landings: On D-Day, elements of the 9th Engineers landed on Utah Beach, clearing obstacles and mines for advancing infantry and armor. • Korean War Actions: The unit was reactivated for the Korean War, supporting frontline troops by constructing vital infrastructure such as bridges and defensive positions. • Vietnam War Service: The 9th Engineer Battalion arrived in Vietnam in 1966, where it built combat bases, airfields, and roads, often under enemy fire. • Decorations: The battalion has received multiple unit citations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the French Croix de Guerre for extraordinary heroism in combat. • Modern Deployments: In recent decades, the 9th Engineers have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, supporting counterinsurgency operations and reconstruction efforts. • Regimental Legacy: The 9th Engineer Battalion is part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' proud tradition, with a history of innovation in combat engineering, bridging, and construction under fire.