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History of 19th Combat Engineers

The 19th Combat Engineer Battalion was originally constituted in the Regular Army in 1917 and has served with distinction in several major conflicts. During World War II, the unit was activated and played a crucial role in the European Theater, providing vital engineering support during the Normandy landings and subsequent campaigns across France and Germany. In later years, the 19th Combat Engineers supported operations during the Vietnam War, constructing critical infrastructure and clearing obstacles under combat conditions. Throughout its history, the battalion has exemplified the motto "To Build and To Destroy," delivering essential combat engineering capabilities wherever deployed.

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ABOUT 19th Combat Engineers

  • World War II Origins: The 19th Engineer Combat Regiment was constituted in 1917, but it was during World War II that it saw extensive combat service, particularly in the European Theater.
  • D-Day Involvement: The 19th Engineers landed on Utah Beach during the Normandy Invasion on D-Day, June 6, 1944, supporting the immediate establishment of beachheads.
  • Crucial Bridge Building: The unit was instrumental in constructing pontoon and Bailey bridges across France and Germany, enabling armored and infantry divisions to advance rapidly.
  • Battle of the Bulge: During the Battle of the Bulge, the 19th Engineers fought as infantry to hold critical positions, showing versatility beyond their engineering skills.
  • Decorations Earned: The regiment earned multiple campaign streamers and citations, including the French Croix de Guerre for its actions in France.
  • Cold War Service: After World War II, the 19th Engineers were reactivated and served in Germany as part of NATO forces during the Cold War.
  • Vietnam War Deployments: Elements of the 19th Engineers were deployed during the Vietnam War, where they built roads, airfields, and cleared mines under fire.
  • Disaster Relief: The 19th Engineers have supported civilian authorities in disaster relief operations, including flood control and emergency infrastructure repair.
  • Modern Roles: In recent decades, the 19th Engineer Battalion has supported operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other theaters, providing route clearance, construction, and combat support.
  • Unit Motto: The motto of the 19th Engineer Battalion is "Always Willing," reflecting their readiness to take on any mission, anywhere, at any time.

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