116th Engineer Combat Battalion

• Origins in World War I: The 116th Engineer Battalion traces its origins to the 1st Battalion, 148th Field Artillery, organized in 1917, and has a lineage connecting it to early Idaho National Guard units. • World War II Service: The 116th Engineer Combat Battalion was activated for federal service in 1940 and served with distinction in the Pacific Theater, notably in New Guinea, Biak, and the Philippines. • Saidor Landings: The battalion played a crucial role in the Saidor landings (New Guinea, January 1944), building airstrips and bridges under enemy fire to support advancing Allied forces. • Biak Island Assault: During the assault on Biak Island (May 1944), the battalion constructed essential infrastructure, including roads and supply dumps, often under threat from Japanese defenders. • Engineering Ingenuity: Members of the 116th were known for their innovative construction techniques, such as building floating bridges from salvaged materials when supplies were scarce. • Decorations and Honors: The battalion earned multiple campaign streamers and citations for its service, including the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for its role in the liberation of Luzon. • Postwar Reorganization: After World War II, the unit was reorganized and federally recognized again in 1947 as the 116th Engineer Battalion (Combat), continuing its service in the Idaho Army National Guard. • Domestic Operations: The 116th has been called upon for disaster relief within the U.S., including flood response, wildfire fighting, and civil engineering projects in Idaho and surrounding states. • Deployments to the Middle East: Elements of the 116th have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, providing essential engineering, route clearance, and construction support. • Legacy and Community Ties: The battalion maintains a strong connection to Idaho communities, with armories in Boise, Twin Falls, and other cities, and is celebrated for its service in both war and peace.