8TH ENG

• Origins: The 8th Engineer Battalion (often stylized as 8th Eng) was originally constituted in the Regular Army as the 8th Engineer Battalion (Combat) on 1 July 1940 and activated at Fort McClellan, Alabama. • World War II Service: The battalion served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in campaigns such as New Guinea and Luzon. • Korean War Contributions: The 8th Engineers played a vital role during the Korean War, supporting the 1st Cavalry Division with mine clearing, bridge building, and other combat engineering tasks. • Vietnam War Deployments: The unit was deployed to Vietnam in 1965, where it constructed bridges, roads, and base camps, and often faced enemy fire while performing its duties. • Famous Operation: The battalion was instrumental in the construction of the "Long Binh Bridge" in Vietnam, which was critical for logistics and troop movements. • Motto: The battalion's motto is "Essayons," which means "Let Us Try" in French, reflecting the can-do spirit of Army engineers. • Reorganizations: The 8th Engineer Battalion has been inactivated and reactivated several times, adapting to the needs of the U.S. Army across different eras. • Modern Deployments: In recent years, the 8th Eng has supported missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, providing route clearance, construction, and force protection. • Distinctive Insignia: The battalion’s distinctive unit insignia features a gold castle, symbolizing its engineering mission, and is worn with pride by its members. • Medal of Honor Recipients: Several members of the unit have received high decorations for valor, including the Medal of Honor, for their selfless actions in combat.