Company A 40th Eng Bn 1st AD Baumholder

• Origins and Lineage: Company A, 40th Engineer Battalion traces its roots to the formation of the 40th Engineer Regiment in 1917, which served in France during World War I. • World War II Service: The 40th Engineer Battalion played a critical role in the North African and Italian Campaigns, supporting the advance of the Allied forces by constructing bridges, clearing mines, and rebuilding infrastructure. • Assignment to 1st Armored Division: The battalion, including Company A, has been a key combat engineer asset for the storied 1st Armored Division, "Old Ironsides," since World War II. • Baumholder Era: For much of the Cold War and beyond, Company A was stationed in Baumholder, Germany, a strategic NATO garrison near the former East-West German border. • Cold War Exercises: While in Baumholder, Company A participated in major NATO exercises such as REFORGER, training extensively for rapid deployment and engineering support in a potential European conflict. • Combat Deployments: Company A, 40th Eng Bn, has deployed to various conflicts, including Operation Desert Storm in 1991, where they supported breaching operations and mobility for coalition forces. • Bosnia and Kosovo Operations: In the late 1990s, the unit participated in peacekeeping and rebuilding missions during Operation Joint Endeavor and Joint Guardian in the Balkans. • Iraq and Afghanistan: During Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, Company A provided route clearance, construction, and force protection, often under challenging combat conditions. • Unit Motto: The 40th Engineer Battalion's motto is "Volens et Potens" ("Willing and Able"), reflecting their readiness to tackle any engineering challenge in support of combat operations. • Legacy and Honors: The unit has earned numerous campaign streamers and decorations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation, underscoring its distinguished service.