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History of 3rd Engineer Battalion

The 3rd Engineer Battalion, originally constituted in 1846 as the Battalion of Sappers and Miners, is one of the oldest engineer units in the United States Army. It served with distinction in the Mexican-American War, the Civil War, and played vital roles in both World Wars, providing critical combat engineering support. The battalion participated in key operations during the Vietnam War and later in Iraq and Afghanistan, excelling in route clearance, construction, and mobility missions. Known as the "Beavers," the 3rd Engineer Battalion continues its legacy of supporting Army operations with technical expertise and combat readiness.

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ABOUT 3rd Engineer Battalion

  • Origins in the Civil War: The 3rd Engineer Battalion traces its lineage back to the Civil War, organized in 1861 as the Battalion of Engineers and participating in notable campaigns including the Peninsula Campaign and the Siege of Yorktown.
  • Campaign Streamers: The battalion has earned campaign streamers for its service in the Civil War, Mexican War, World War I, World War II, Vietnam, Southwest Asia, and the War on Terrorism.
  • Normandy Landings: Elements of the unit participated in the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944, providing critical engineering support during the assault on Omaha Beach.
  • Vietnam Service: The battalion deployed to Vietnam, where soldiers conducted vital mobility, countermobility, and survivability operations, including road and bridge construction under hazardous conditions.
  • Nickname: The unit is known as the “Beavers,” a nod to both their engineering prowess and the animal’s reputation for building and shaping environments.
  • Pioneers in Bridge Construction: The 3rd Engineer Battalion was at the forefront of deploying innovative bridging solutions, including the Bailey bridge and other tactical bridges during WWII and subsequent conflicts.
  • Decorations: The battalion has been awarded numerous commendations, including Presidential Unit Citations for actions in France (WWII) and multiple Meritorious Unit Commendations.
  • Modern Deployments: The 3rd Engineer Battalion has supported operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, providing route clearance, construction, and infrastructure support for coalition and local forces.
  • Reactivation: After several periods of inactivation, the battalion was most recently reactivated at Fort Hood, Texas, in 2013, aligning under the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.
  • Unit Motto: The battalion’s motto is “Nostra Ad Vada,” which translates from Latin as “Ours to the Ford,” reflecting their mission to overcome obstacles and clear the way for others.

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