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History of 9th Engineer Battalion

The 9th Engineer Battalion, originally constituted in 1917, has a distinguished history of service within the U.S. Army. The battalion participated in major campaigns during World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War, providing vital combat engineering support such as bridge construction, obstacle removal, and mobility operations. In Vietnam, the unit earned multiple commendations for its bravery and effectiveness under fire. In recent decades, the 9th Engineer Battalion continued its legacy by supporting operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, showcasing its adaptability and technical expertise in modern combat environments.

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ABOUT 9th Engineer Battalion

  • Origins in World War I: The 9th Engineer Battalion was originally constituted in 1916 in the Regular Army and organized at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, playing a crucial support role during World War I.
  • World War II Service: The battalion participated in major campaigns in North Africa and Europe, including the invasion of Normandy and the crossing of the Rhine River.
  • Decorated Unit: The 9th Engineers earned multiple campaign streamers and a Presidential Unit Citation for their exemplary performance during World War II.
  • Vietnam War Contributions: The battalion supported the 9th Infantry Division in the Mekong Delta, constructing roads, bridges, and fortifications, and played a vital role in counterinsurgency operations.
  • Life-Saving Engineering: During Vietnam, the 9th Engineers built the famous "Floating Bridge" across the Mekong River under hostile conditions, enabling the rapid movement of troops and supplies.
  • Post-Cold War Deployments: After the Cold War, the battalion supported peacekeeping and humanitarian missions in places such as Bosnia and Kosovo.
  • Global War on Terror: The 9th Engineer Battalion deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, conducting route clearance, infrastructure rebuilding, and base construction operations.
  • Reactivation in Europe: In 2015, the battalion was reactivated in Germany as part of the U.S. Army's commitment to NATO and European security.
  • Motto and Insignia: The unit motto is "By Skill and Valor," and its distinctive unit insignia features a castle and a bridge, symbolizing their core mission as combat engineers.
  • Legacy of Innovation: The 9th Engineer Battalion is renowned for its pioneering use of new engineering techniques and rapid construction methods under combat conditions, setting standards emulated by other units.

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