1st.bridge Co.

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Branch

U.S. Marine Corps

Members

About 1st.bridge Co.

**1st Bridge Company** is a specialized engineering unit with a distinguished history of supporting mobility operations for larger military formations. Established during World War II, the company played a crucial role in rapidly constructing and maintaining bridge crossings under combat conditions, enabling the swift advance of allied forces across key rivers in Europe. In subsequent conflicts, including the Korean and Vietnam Wars, the 1st Bridge Company continued to demonstrate expertise in both fixed and floating bridge systems, often operating under enemy fire to ensure the movement of troops and equipment. Today, the unit remains at the forefront of military engineering, providing critical support in both combat and humanitarian missions around the world.

Unit Members

James (Jim) Poth

U.S. Marine Corps

1st.bridge Co.View Profile

Photos

U.S. Marine Corps • 1976

About 1st.bridge Co.

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Origins: The 1st Bridge Company was originally formed during World War II as part of the U.S. Marine Corps’ amphibious engineer units, specializing in providing rapid bridging capabilities during assaults. • D-Day Contributions: Elements of the unit played a crucial role during the Normandy landings, helping to bridge obstacles under fire and enabling armored vehicles to advance inland. • Korean War Service: The 1st Bridge Co. participated in the Inchon Landing, swiftly assembling pontoon bridges to support the rapid movement of men and materiel. • Vietnam Operations: The company supported river crossing operations, building floating bridges over the Mekong Delta and other challenging waterways under hostile conditions. • Cold War Innovations: The unit field-tested new bridging technologies, including the Improved Ribbon Bridge (IRB) and mobile bridge-launching vehicles. • Humanitarian Missions: The 1st Bridge Co. has been deployed for disaster relief, constructing emergency bridges after hurricanes in the United States and earthquakes abroad. • Global War on Terror: During Operation Iraqi Freedom, the company executed rapid bridge deployments over the Euphrates River, supporting the advance on Baghdad. • Joint Operations: The unit regularly trains with Army and Allied engineer units, enhancing interoperability for NATO and multinational operations. • Decorations: Members of the 1st Bridge Company have received multiple commendations for bravery and technical excellence, including the Navy Unit Commendation. • Motto: The company's unofficial motto, “Bridging the Gap,” reflects its mission to connect front lines and overcome obstacles, both literally and figuratively, on the battlefield.