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ABOUT 35th Combat Engineer
- Origins in World War II: The 35th Combat Engineer unit traces its lineage back to World War II, where it played a pivotal role in numerous European campaigns, supporting Allied advances by constructing bridges and clearing obstacles under fire.
- Normandy Landings: Elements of the 35th Combat Engineers participated in the D-Day landings at Normandy, helping to breach German defenses and establish crucial beachhead access routes for infantry and armor.
- Bridge Builders: The unit became renowned for its rapid construction of pontoon and Bailey bridges, sometimes assembling entire river crossings overnight to allow advancing forces to maintain momentum.
- Vietnam War Service: The 35th Combat Engineer Battalion was deployed to Vietnam, where it built bases, roads, and airstrips, and frequently operated in hazardous environments laced with mines and booby traps.
- Operation Desert Storm: During the Gulf War, the unit was instrumental in breaching Iraqi defensive lines, using heavy equipment and explosives to clear minefields and create vehicle lanes.
- Humanitarian Missions: In addition to combat operations, the 35th has been called upon for disaster relief and humanitarian missions, including rebuilding infrastructure after natural disasters both in the U.S. and abroad.
- Distinctive Unit Insignia: The 35th Combat Engineer's insignia features a castle, symbolizing the traditional engineering mission, and is a point of pride among its members.
- Decorations and Citations: The unit has received multiple awards, including Presidential Unit Citations and Meritorious Unit Commendations, for its exemplary performance in combat and support operations.
- Modern Deployments: In recent years, the 35th has supported operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, constructing forward operating bases, clearing routes of improvised explosive devices, and training allied engineers.
- Legacy of Innovation: The 35th Combat Engineer unit is known for its adaptability and innovation, often developing new techniques and tactics for combat engineering that are adopted throughout the Army Corps of Engineers.