About this Unit
The 35th Engineer Battalion was originally constituted in the Regular Army in 1917 and has served with distinction in various conflicts throughout its history. During World War II, the battalion participated in campaigns across Europe, providing vital combat engineering support, such as constructing bridges and clearing obstacles. In the Vietnam War, the 35th Engineer Battalion was instrumental in building and maintaining critical infrastructure under challenging conditions. Today, the unit continues its legacy by training and developing Army engineers at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, preparing them for a variety of missions worldwide.
Historical Facts
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World War II Origins: The 35th Engineer Battalion was originally constituted on 1 October 1933 in the Regular Army as the 35th Engineer Regiment and activated at Fort Snelling, Minnesota in 1941.
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D-Day Participation: Elements of the 35th Engineer Battalion landed on Omaha Beach during the Normandy invasion, playing a critical role in clearing obstacles and enabling troop movements.
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Post-War Redesignation: After World War II, the unit was reorganized and redesignated several times, eventually becoming the 35th Engineer Battalion in 1948.
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Vietnam War Service: The battalion served in the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1972, where it was involved in constructing roads, bridges, and bases under combat conditions.
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Decorations: For its service in Vietnam, the 35th Engineer Battalion received the Meritorious Unit Commendation and several campaign streamers.
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Training Battalion: Today, the 35th Engineer Battalion is stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, serving as a Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training unit for combat engineers.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion’s insignia features a castle, symbolizing the Army Corps of Engineers, and a fleur-de-lis, representing its World War II service in France.
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Motto: The unit's motto is “Drive On,” reflecting its perseverance and can-do spirit throughout challenging missions.
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Operation Enduring Freedom: Elements of the battalion have supported operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, contributing to construction and force protection projects.
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Legacy of Innovation: Throughout its history, the 35th Engineer Battalion has been recognized for its engineering ingenuity, often improvising solutions to overcome obstacles in both combat and peace-time missions.
