HISTORY OF THE 79th ENGINEER BATTALION
Unit Insignia |
Coat of Arms |
Distinctive Unit Insignia
Description
A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 5/32 inches (2.94 cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Argent, on a pile Gules a sun rayonnant with eight groups of rays Or. Attached below and to the sides of the shield a Red scroll turned Gold and inscribed “FAIT ACCOMPLI” in Gold letters.
Symbolism
The shield is red (gules) and white (argent) for Engineers. The pile represents the character of the organization as an Engineer unit. The golden sun, taken from the Philippine flag, is symbolic of the organization’s World War II service. The motto translates to “It Is Accomplished.”
Background
The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 79th Engineer Construction Battalion on 15 September 1950. It was redesignated for the 79th Engineer Battalion on 30 June 1955.
Coat of Arms
Blazon
Shield
Argent, on a pile Gules a sun rayonnant with eight groups of rays Or.
Crest
On a wreath of the colors Argent and Gules, a spade iron Or in front of a caltrap of the first surmounting a taeguk.
Motto
FAIT ACCOMPLI (It Is Accomplished).
Symbolism
Shield
The shield is red (gules) and white (argent) for Engineers. The pile represents the character of the organization as an Engineer unit. The golden sun, taken from the Philippine flag, is symbolic of the organization’s World War II service.
Crest
Scarlet and white are the colors used for Engineers. The taeguk refers to Korea and together with the spade iron, a strengthening appendage to a spade, and the caltrap, a device used to impede enemy troops, symbolize the Battalion’s Korean service. The spade iron further simulates the Roman numeral “V” and refers to the five decorations awarded for that service. The colors blue, white and red are indicative of the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation awarded for their Philippine service at an earlier period.
Background
The coat of arms was originally approved for the 79th Engineer Construction Battalion on 15 September 1950. It was redesignated for the 79th Engineer Battalion on 30 June 1955. The insignia was amended to add a crest on 27 April 1976.
Source: The Institute of Heraldry
79th Engineer Battalion
History
Source: The History Office of the U.S. Army Engineer School at Fort Leonard Wood.
"The narrative was apparently prepared by members of the 79th in mid-1968, and somehow made its way to the Engineer School's History Office."
- John McConaghy
"MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!"
This is the accolade repeatedly accorded the 79th Engineer Battalion and which constitutes its motto. The pages of history which resound with this praise are expressed in the crest that each of us wear. Our crest had its birth during the Second World War in the Philippine action. The crest is emblazoned with the Corps of Engineers colors, scarlet and white. The Philippine sun which shown down on heroic acts of the Battalion is represented in the center, with the inscription "Fait Accompli" (French for Mission Accomplished) scrolled beneath. The story of the accomplishments of the 79th Engineer Battalion is beheld within this shield. Let us look into the story and see what each of us represents when we walk under the crest of the 79th Engineer Battalion.
The Beginning & World War II
Battle Honors
Bobby Thompson's WWII Account
Unit Commendation, August 15, 1944
On 1 July 1940, twenty-eight years ago, the 79th Engineer Battalion was constituted and, after the outbreak of World War II, was activated on 10 December 1942 at Camp Phillips, Kansas. Subsequently, it was reorganized and designated the 79th Engineer Combat Battalion on 1 April 1943. As such it participated in the New Guinea and Philippine campaigns, receiving Battalion Battle Honors at Milne Bay, Finschhaven, Hollandia, Leyte and Luzon. A year before the conclusion of hostilities, on 23 June 1944, the unit was renamed, as we now know it, the 79th Engineer Construction Battalion. As such, it participated in the occupation of Japan until 4 June 1947 when it returned to Hawaii for deactivation.
Reactivation
Eniwetok, Japan & the Korean War
Bobby Thompson's Eniwetok Account
The outbreak of the Korean conflict found the 79th ready for participation in the defense of freedom, for the Battalion had been reactivated on 28 February 1949, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
From March to October 1950, the Battalion was at Eniwetok in the Pacific, preparing existing air base facilities for the greater capacities and capabilities required by the conflict. This completed, the Battalion sailed for Japan and on to Korea, landing at Hungnam.
Bobby Thompson's Korea Account
Projects Assigned by the 24th Engineer Group
Korean Campaign
During the major Chinese offensive of 1950, the Battalion, then assigned to the 2nd Engineer Group, was forced to return to Hungnam, and there assisted in the evacuation by water of some 60,000 refugees and three troop divisions. This was a 24 hour-a-day operation, and the safety record established by the Battalion during this period is still outstanding. On Christmas Eve 1950, the evacuation was completed. The Battalion then sailed for Pusan, and later moving to Taegu. The responsibility for maintaining and repairing main routes of communication was assigned to the Battalion.
During the year of 1951 the Battalion worked its way North through the central sector of Kapyoung and Chungchu. While there they repaired roads and bridges and replaced approximately 60 miles of lightweight rails and ties with heavyweight materials. This rail line stands in Korea as one of the better portions of the Korean rail System. At the close of the Korean conflict, the Battalion was placed on duty in many parts of Korea, and was deactivated at the newly completed troop billeting area at Yong San near Seoul, in January 1955.
During the Korean Conflict, the Battalion participated in six campaigns for which it received two meritorious streamers, the Republic of Korea Presidential Citation (Top) and the ROK Presidential Unit Citation for Korea.
Reactivation in Europe
Germany & France
United States Army Europe
The present 79th Engineer Battalion was activated by the transfer of the battalion colors from Korea to Neureut Kaserne, Karlsruhe Germany and on 22 February 1955, the battalion started its construction work in that location. The construction mission included building hardstands, loading ramps, grease pits, POL areas and rehabilitation of buildings. On 4 April 1955, the battalion departed for construction sites in the vicinity of Toul, Metz and Nancy, France. Upon arrival, Company A was stationed in Toul. Their mission consisted of replacing the ceiling and repairing the roof of the depot snack bar and complete rewiring of the Toul Battalion area.
Company B deployed to Metz France and as soon as men and officers were quartered, construction began. In the Tournabridge Area an Athletic Field was constructed. Next came the rehabilitation of the roads at Jeanne D'Arc and Rue De Marley. The company then moved to the Woippy Area for road repairs of the Quartermaster Sub-Depot and the construction of an 8,800 square yard hardstand. The final move for Company B was to the Colin Kaserne, where maintenance and repairs to existing roads and hardstands were completed.
Meanwhile Company C had its own mission to perform. After arrival at Nancy France, the company operated and maintained two rock quarries. Then came the rehabilitation of latrines and showers buildings and the renovation of the Officers Club at the Nancy Ordnance Depot. Later hardstands and generator standby buildings were constructed.
On 30 June 1955 the work finished in France, the 79th loaded up and moved out to return to Karlsruhe. In appreciation of the work done in France, Brigadier General Raymond Curtis, Commanding General ADSEC sent the following letter to the commanding officer.
Letter of Appreciation
"It is with genuine pleasure that I extend to you and to the members of your organization my appreciation for the splendid accomplishments of your Battalion during the period 20 March 1955 to 30 June 1955 while on temporary duty in this command.
"During the above period the 79th Engineer Battalion cheerfully adapting itself to the inconveniences of temporary facilities, readily integrated its members into the communities of each of the installations at which it served. The initial problems of housekeeping were expeditiously resolved and the Battalion undertook immediately a comprehensive construction schedule. The companies of the Battalion, though separated by considerable distances resulting in time consuming heavy equipment transfer, completed each project in record time. The efficiency of the entire operation was readily apparent and the facilities constructed throughout the command will always serve as material reminders of your fine organization.
"The zeal and technical proficiency of the members of your unit were particularly noteworthy. Their willing acceptance and cheerful execution of each assigned task marked them clearly as proud members of an outstanding unit. We in the Advance Section gratefully acknowledge their contribution to the welfare and operational success of this command." - Brigadier General Raymond Curtis, Commanding General
On 2 August 1955 Company A augmented by equipment from H&S Co, departed for a construction mission to Wildflecken, Germany. Company A was replaced by Company B on 15 September and Company B returned to home station on 2 November 1955.
On 14 February 1956 orders were received for a permanent change of station for the Battalion. Preparations were made by Headquarters and Service Company and Company A to move to Pirmasens, Germany. Companies B and C made preparations to move on a temporary change of station basis to Mannheim for the summer construction season. Their mission there was to build a golf course and clubhouse for the golf course in the vicinity of Schwetzingen.
While the golf course was being built, other sections of Company C were busy in Taylor Barracks, Mannheim, Germany. Work there consisted of installation of all plumbing and electrical facilities, installation of an overhead monorail crane, construction of a seepage basin, extension of water supply systems and paving and enlarging of the Heidelberg Post Exchange Parking Lot.
On 1 December 1956, with work completed, Company C of the 79th Engineer Battalion moved out for their new home station in Pirmasens, Germany.
During the same period, Company B was constructing ammunition bunkers, security fences, a security lighting system and an asphalt hardstand near Ansbach. On or about the 17 September 1956 Company B (less one platoon) was relieved of its construction mission in Ansbach in order to augment Company A, 79th Engineer Battalion. The platoon left behind completed the mission.
In Pirmasens, Germany, the new home of the 79th Engineer Battalion, Company A was busily engaged. Their work consisted of construction and rehabilitation at Dellfeld, Pirmasens Sub Post, and the construction of security fences, Dahn, Germany. The projects started on 15 March and ended 6 July 1956.
Again on.2 April 1957 the Battalion was on the move. France once more being the temporary location, with job sites scattered at Bussac, Chinon, Captieuz, Braccone, and St. Nazier.
Work started in Chinon, France with repair of existing roads. In Dongis, France they constructed a parking lot area and vehicle maintenance shop. In Bussac there was an asphalt road project and at Capiteuz Ordnance Deport, road repairs. Later there were some small jobs at St. Nazier.
After three months in France, the 79th returned to Pirmasens, Germany. Company A went to Karlsruhe, Germany to complete Nike sites and to Dellfeld to install security fences and lighting systems. At the Rhine River, there was a pipe removal project, and then back to Pirmasens, Germany for the construction of parking aprons and loading ramps. Later their construction took them to Fischbach Germany for the removal of islands and in their place the construction of hardstands. Then finally to Mannheim, Germany, for the construction of an airfield runway and taxi stand. Meanwhile Company B was in Pirmasens working on improvements to mess halls. Later they moved to Worms, Germersheim, Dahn, and Kornwestheim, Germany. There their construction consisted of building temporary Nike sites, stairways and walkways. C Company's construction mission was in Pirmasens, Dahn, Mannheim and Kornwestheim Germany. The mission included building Nike Sites, Prefab buildings and installation of Parking Areas. At the end of October 1957, the 79th Engineer Battalion was again in winter quarters in Pirmasens for the training season.
Beirut, Lebanon
Operation Bluebat
On the 15th of July 1958, the 79th Engineer Battalion was alerted for deployment to the Middle East for participation in the Lebanon crises. On 24 July 1958, the battalion embarked on the USNS Upshur and on the 1st of August 1958, docked in Beirut, Lebanon. The battalion was established in the Olive Groves of Beirut, with Company B being absent with station in Adana, Turkey. The mission after landing was to establish a perimeter defense and security guard. Then came the improvements of living conditions and sanitary facilities. On the 7th of August 1958, work on access roads began. This consisted of cleaning and shaping, and placement and compaction of rock on traveled ways. Next, tent floors, beds and ward tables were constructed for the 58th Evac Hospital. Further construction included leveling and grading areas for quartermaster laundry units. Then, lighting for storage and depot areas, building of screened kitchens, new hospital areas and heliport pads. The next mission was construction of POL areas and two storage warehouses. With construction completed, the 79th Engineer Battalion used the remaining time giving classes to the Lebanese Army personnel in engineering instruction. On the 15th of October 1958, the 79th Engineer Battalion returned to Pirmasens, Germany. The Certificate of Achievement for outstanding support of AMLANFOR while in Lebanon signed by General Paul D. Adams is proudly displayed by the Battalion and its individual companies.
After return to Pirmasens, the Battalion concluded the year with numerous small projects accomplished locally, and then embarked on another training season. During this training season, the 79th Engineer Battalion performed any and all assigned missions under simulated combat conditions. Also, Administration, Supply, and Maintenance Sections, and performance of the personnel in their MOS's were evaluated. Company A's construction missions during this period included building a temporary 100 man POW holding area, forming and pouring concrete floors for the 39th Group storage areas, tree removal, surveying, earth work and shaping for an athletic field. Company B constructed a one-way Class 30 pile bent bridge, and Company C was assigned the construction of pipelines and pumping stations.
With the training season over, the 79th Engineer Battalion again readied itself for another temporary change of station. Their new mission was once again in France. Early in March 1959, the Battalion arrived in Toul, Nancy, and Verdun, France. The companies performed projects consisting of repairing buildings and hardstands, and construction of an extension to the Verdun Airfield for a TC helicopter company. The Battalion also erected a fallout hut, electric supply system, installed space heaters, constructed classrooms for dependent schools, and rehabilitated roads in the area. The quality of the work again earned the Battalion a Commendation from the Commanding General of ADSEC and COMZ. Headquarters, A, B, and C Companies returned to Pirmasens to finish up the construction season with local projects and prepared for another training season.
Agadir, Morocco
Letters of Commendation
On 1 March 1960, severe earthquakes literally destroyed the beautiful city of Agadir, Morocco. Thousands perished and others were buried in the rubble of their homes. Once again the 79th Engineer Battalion was called. Company A was alerted and moved out the 2nd of March 1960. The unit arrived at Ramstein Air Base and men and equipment were loaded aboard C-124's and C-130's cargo planes. Upon arrival in Agadir on 3 March, Company A, 79th Engineer Battalion worked with Navy, Marines and Air Force men. With picks and shovels the men started to clear away the ruins. Then D-8 dozers, front loaders and scrapers joined in the task. Water was not to be had. A water purification system was established and put into operation producing 1000 gallons of water per hour. The salvage operation also extended to the Kasbah and on into Medina. These two areas were entirely crushed. Company A returned to Pirmasens on the 10th of March 1960, and letters of Commendation were received from General U.S. Army, C.D. Eddleman, COL L.E. Lynn, 7th Engineer Brigade, COL M.I. Wallace, 39th Engineer Group, and highest praise from Ambassador Yost in Morocco. The King of Morocco also expressed his appreciation.
After returning to their home base, Company A found executed missions in Pirmasens, Dahn, Fischbach, Zweibrucken, and Grafenwoehr, Germany. The construction included building radar site, latrine buildings, close bins under oil tank, heliport field, and the rehabilitation of old buildings, tank ranges and a rifle and pistol range.
Company B was engaged in Pirmasens, Fischbach, Hanau, Wuestems, Butzbach, Slazwoog, Hahn and Mannheim, Germany, building heliports, water pipelines and pumping stations, of new latrine buildings, and drilling wells for water.
The main body of Company C was in Kassel, Germany removing World War II damage including clearing bunkers and hangars from an old German airfield. The Company was then located in Pirmasens, Bad Hersfield, Buedingen, Fulda, Hanau, Fischbach and Salzwoog constructing hardstands, new school prefab buildings, fences, a public road building and a POL storage area. The construction season ended on 15 December 1960 and the 79th Engineer Battalion conducted its winter training season in and around Pirmasens, Germany.
The beginning of the construction season in March 1961 started one of the longest seasons in the history of the Battalion. It was to continue to December1962. During this period, on 21 December 1961, the battalion was reorganized under TO&E 5-115D Company A was redesignated Company D. Headquarters and Service Company became divided into Headquarters Company and an Equipment and Maintenance Company designated as Company A,
Company B built a wash rack at Darmstadt and finished a hospital project at Frankfurt, for which it received two 7th Engineer Brigade outstanding construction awards. The company started an additional job at Schwetzingen to modify and extend a map production plant. Companies C and D were engaged in constructing Hawk missile sites at Freising and Germersheim. D Company was commended for its work at Germersheim by the Commander in Chief, USAREUR. Company A completed many local projects. The Battalion again embarked on a training season in December 1962.
The 1963 construction season started on 4 March when the earthmoving platoon of Company B was moved to Spangdahlem to execute improvements to the Air Base. During April, another platoon from Company B moved to Schwetzingen to complete the modification and extension of the map reproduction plant which had been initiated the previous construction season. The Little League baseball field for Pirmasens post was constructed by Company B during this period. Later, Company B sent a platoon to Ready Barracks, Aschaffenburg to construct one hardstand and two access pads involving a total of 2500 square meters of surface. The earthmoving platoon moved to Budingen for construction of two tank trails about 400 meters long including 72 meters of culvert and a culvert at a stream tank crossing. In September, another platoon moved to Graves Barracks, Aschaffenburg and built a 2620 square meter reinforced concrete hardstand with two access pads and drainage system.
Company C sent its second platoon to Aschaffenburg on 8 July 1963 to rehabilitate a runway involving 15000 square meters of asphaltic concrete. The remainder of the company moved to Schweinfurt on 8 August to construct three concrete hardstands with a total area of 10,133 square meters, complete with access roads, a turning pad and a sub-drainage system. The project was accomplished by use of a 34E concrete paving machine and a paving train. General Wilson, the Chief of Engineers, visited this project during his tour of European facilities. Much effort was diverted from this project to support D Company in Morocco, which made the completion of the project on schedule an outstanding achievement.
Company D rehabilitated a sportsplatz in Eppenbrunn during April and May, placed a large concrete culvert 200 meters long at Dahn, and a platoon of Company D rehabilitated Eggensteiner Landstrasse at Karlsruhe during the period 17 June to 7 September. In September, Company D was airlifted to Nouasseur, Morocco, to take over a project from the 293rd Engineer Battalion of the 24th Engineer Group. The project included disassembly, packing and crating, and marking for shipment, specified buildings and installations at Nouasseur, Enn Guerrir, and Side Slimane Air Force SAC Bases. The project was completed on 1 November 1963, almost a month ahead of schedule.
During the year, Company A completed a well drilling project at Herzo Base, Herzogenaurach, Germany, and another at Evereux, France. The AWSCOM Building attic at Pirmasens was converted to a classified area by a team of skilled personnel from all companies in the Battalion. All projects were completed by the middle of December 1963 and the Battalion remained at home station for the training season.
Skopje, Yugoslavia
A special mission was conceived in September 1963 when the 39th Engineer Group formed Detachment A (Provisional) for "Operation Home Run" which included members from the 79th and 94th Engineer Battalions. President Kennedy had offered a gift of 250 straight-wall Quonset huts for Skopje, Yugoslavia to aid the people made homeless by a major earthquake in July1963. The 79th Engineer Battalion was given the responsibility of organizing the detachment and assembling the equipment using the headquarters of Company D as a nucleus. After several weeks of preparation, "Operation Home Run" departed Pirmasens on two trains to Skopje. Erection of the Quonsets began shortly after arrival on 17 November 1963 and was completed by 31 January 1964. General Freeman, USAREUR Commander, and State Department officials participated in the turnover ceremony. The detachment arrived back in Pirmasens on 9 February 1964. For its exceptionally meritorious service, the Detachment was awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation.
Turkey & Italy
After a successful training season which resulted in a superior rating the Annual General Inspection, units of the Battalion began moving to new construction sites. On 15 April 1964, Company C was sent to Incirlik Air Base in Adana, Turkey, to construct a cable expansion of two runway supervisory units, surface drainage facilities and air conditioning for an airmen's dormitory. Construction of a diesel driven, electric power plant and a 250-unit trailer court with all utilities was started by Company C. Company C was replaced by Company D and returned to home station by 19 October 1964. There Company C completed the installation of two coal-fired boilers at Husterhoeh Kaserne started by Company D in July 1964. Work was also continued on a security fence and alarm system project at Fischbach which Company D had started on 6 April 1964.
Company B departed for Cigli Air Base, Izmir, Turkey on 20 April 1964. They constructed a loading pad in the VA area, an earth barricade in the QRA area, a visual approach slope indicator, a quarantine kennel and jet exhaust blast deflector. They also repaired runway supervisor roads, a helipad, a small arms range, base roads, relocated a prefab building, and expanded a telephone plant. The projects at Cigli were completed by 21 August, and the company, less a platoon which had moved to Italy on 10 August, returned to Pirmasens and completed construction of a Nike Hercules improvement kit (concrete pad) at Salzwoog, Germany. This project was completed on 25 September. 1964. The platoon at Camp Ederle, Vicenza, Italy rehabilitated a perimeter fence and constructed a storm drainage system. Later, they undertook additional work at Livorne, where they repaired ammunition storage magazines, and Verona where they built three transformer stations. By 11 December 1964 all of Company B had returned to home station for the training season.
Company D had remained at home station during the first part of the season and completed most of a security fence project at Fischbach, Germany. The Company also started the installation of two coal-fired boilers at Husterhoeh Kaserne. Both projects were taken over by Company C when the two companies rotated jobs at Incirlik, Turkey on 19 October 1964. D Company remained at Incirlik until April 1965. During this period they completed erection of a diesel engine driven electric power plant with auxiliary equipment and completed most of a 250-unit trailer park facility.
The Battalion embarked upon a training season in December and successfully completed the Annual General Inspection in February 1965, with an overall rating of excellent.
 
24th Engineer Group & Engineer Command Europe
The start of the 1965 construction season found the 79th Engineer Battalion under control of the 24th Engineer Group. The change of controlling headquarters became effective on 22 March 1965, but did not involve any dislocation of the Battalion.
In early April 1965, one platoon of Company C returned to Incirlik, Turkey to replace Company D and complete the trailer park. The 39th Engineer Group retained control of the Turkey project and the Company C detachment was attached for operations to the 39th Engineer Group. The platoon completed the trailer park and returned to Pirmasens prior to 1 June 1965.
All companies of the Battalion were fully committed for the 1965 construction season. Company B moved to Grafenwoehr to construct three hardstands, totaling 36,145 square meters. Company C, less one platoon moved to Vilseck to construct two concrete hardstands totaling 20,635 square meters. Company D on 14 June 1965 began construction of a Rod and Gun Club at Zweibrucken and provided personnel and equipment for construction of a glider field at Hirzenhaim, Germany. In July, D Company prepared to resurface the Battalion motor pool area at Pirmasens with asphalt. Company A completed a well drilling project at Ansbach. Companies A and D executed additional support missions for the Grafenwoehr and Vilseck hardstand projects.
At the close of the 1965 construction season, Company B had completed the two hardstands at Grafenwoehr, and upgraded road projects at Wendelsheim and Schilligan, and resurfaced a parking area at Vilseck. Company C had completed the two hardstands at Vilseck, the third hardstand at Grafenwoehr and started work on the runway extension for Grafenwoehr. Company D had completed resurfacing the Battalion and adjacent motor pool area and had completed the Hirzenhaim glider field and the Rod and Gun Club at Zweibrucken.
The 1965 training season was climaxed by the completion of both the Annual General Inspection and Annual Army Training Test with overall ratings of excellent. Also the 79th competed in the 24th Engineer Group Annual Rhine River Float Bridge Competition. At 1305 hours, 13 March 1966, The 79th Engineer Battalion closed the gap across the Rhine in record time and won the Float Bridge Competition.
Vietnam War Draw-down
On 15 March 1966, the 79th Engineer Battalion came once again under the control of the 39th Engineer Group. The relocation of the battalion from Pirmasens, Germany, to Neu Ulm, Germany occurred during the period of 10 July 1966 to 1 November 1966.
Due to massive personnel drawdown in Europe to support operations in Viet Nam, D Company was reduced to a skeleton status in April 1966, with the majority of its men and equipment augmenting B and C Companies. The 79th entered the 1966 construction season with only two functioning construction companies. Despite this handicap the battalion was able to compile a highly enviable construction record for the year.
April 1966 found B Company engaged in erecting prefab buildings in Bad Tolz, Germany, and installing utility lines in Pirmasens Depot. Meanwhile Company C was engaged with an erosion control project at Fischbach, Germany, and the erection of a prefab building in Hinterwidenthal, Germany.
In June, Company C moved the entire company to Schweinfurt, Germany, and erected basic load storage facilities both there and in nearby Bad Kissingen. These tasks were to keep Company C fully committed until November. The projects involved a sampling of many phases of construction: prefabs, vertical concrete, asphalt, water lines, sewer lines, and extensive electrical work. At the same time B Company began work on a Controlled Humidity Storage Facility in Pirmasens, which they completed in late September prior to relocating the company to Neu Ulm. This project involved a unique method of placing zero slump concrete.
The battalion's new location at Wiley Barracks, Neu Ulm, was desperately short of parking areas for a full size construction unit. Therefore, Company A moved to Ulm in mid-June and set up a quarry operation in nearby Lehr, Germany, to provide crushed rock to upgrade existing hardstand areas as well as provide some additional facilities. This task was to occupy the remainder of the season.
Having completed its project in Pirmasens and a TRR Pad in nearby Oberauerbach, Company B began projects to renovate buildings in Worms, Germany, provide an extension to the commissary in Augsburg, Germany, and erect a Signal facility in Eching, Germany. Company C having finished in Schweinfurt and Bad Kissingen, relocated to another basic load site in Feucht, Germany, and was committed to a QRA site near Illesheim, Germany.
Libya & The Middle East Crisis
At the close of 1966, B Company made an airlift via Rhein Main AFB, Germany to relocate to Wheelus Air Force Base, Tripoli, Libya, to erect a 250-unit trailer park. D Company, having been built back up to strength in late 1966, took over completion of the renovation of De La Police Kaserne in Worms, Germany, and accomplished several helping hand projects near Ulm.
Working through the normal training period, the Battalion entered the 1967 construction season with several projects in full swing. One (1) platoon of Company C continued the basic load site located in Feucht, Germany which had been initiated in October 1966. The project consisted of building three (3) storage igloos, an alert guardhouse, a generator building, three (3) guard towers, and the required security measures including fence and alarm system.
This priority project, undertaken during the bitter cold months of winter, required the use of cold weather concrete and construction techniques. Despite the handicaps, Company C was able to turn over the basic load site in May 1967, receiving a USAREUR ECOM Outstanding Construction Award Certificate.
While the second construction platoon of Company C was working in Feucht, Germany, the first construction platoon began another winter project in Illesheim, Germany in January. This platoon effort was directed at the construction of two (2) QRA hardstands, three (3) latrine buildings, and utilities to the buildings. In spite of unusually adverse weather the project was completed on schedule and turnover ceremonies for the QRA project were held in April of 1967.
Company B also began their construction season in 1966 when they deployed to begin work on a two hundred and fifty (250)-space trailer park, located at Wheelus AFB, Libya. The effort for the project was estimated at one company year.
Company B was required to relocate and install two hundred and fifty (250) house trailers to be used by the Air Force for dependent housing. This included the construction of foundations, water pipeline, electrical system (primary and secondary), oil heating system, and a sewage system. In addition to the trailers, the unit was to construct 1500 square meters of stabilized roads; parking areas and sidewalks; and a new water well with pump house.
Two weeks during the construction period were lost (June of 1967) when the unit was called upon to assist the United States Air Force in providing security for Wheelus Air Force Base during the Middle East Crisis. Troop billets were needed for dependent housing and the troops lived in tents during this period. The company was called upon to secure three (3) gates at Wheelus AFB twenty four (24) hours a day for two weeks. Demonstrating competence as soldiers as well as Engineers, the unit established the security force, taught engineer obstacle classes and advised the base Air Police. The project schedule was reestablished only through extension of working hours following the crisis.
Upon completion of six (6) months temporary duty in Libya, it was necessary for Company D to replace Company B in late June of 1967 and continue the project. The problems in exchanging construction companies between Ulm and North Africa were solved in an outstanding manner through close coordination between the 79th Engineer Battalion and the Air Force. The airlift of troops and exchange of equipment was accomplished with minimum disruption to the project.
Just prior to the departure of Company B, the company was assigned the additional work of constructing two (2) sewage outfall lines in the Mediterranean Sea. One line was 650 feet and the other 1210 feet long. The outfall lines were fabricated using 12-inch diameter asphalt coated steel pipe and were put in place through the use of a landing craft, medium (LCM-6), USAF helicopter and skin divers. By fabricating the line section by section, floating it to the correct position, and then sinking it, the project was completed on time and in accordance with the highest Engineer Construction Standards.
Also in December of 1966, one construction platoon from Company D was awarded the priority "A" project of renovating three (3) buildings to be used as Security Headquarters of COMZ. Tasks involved in the scope were complete revision of the electrical system, installation of steel vault doors, and installation of security measures on windows. The project was completed in February 1967.
Construction of an alert guard building in Schwaebisch Gmuend was undertaken by another platoon of Company D in February 1967. Complete utilities to include electrical, plumbing, water, and heat were included in the project. Again contending with extremely adverse weather, Delta Company completed the job on schedule and turned it over to the user in April.
Upon returning from Feucht and Illesheim, Company C set out to complete eleven (11) projects in Grafenwoehr 7th Army Training Center, in May of 1967. The initial plan required Company C to construct four (4) waterbound macadam hardstands and a 10,600 square meter concrete parking apron, washrack, and maintenance pad. The macadam hardstands consisted of hauling 77,500 cubic yards of crushed rock, from a supporting unit's rock crusher, to pave 85,988 square yards of parking area. The rock hauling was accomplished with nineteen (19) 830M's, traveling 28 miles, round trip over tank trail. US Army transit mix trucks were used for the first time in Europe to complete the concrete parking area. The hardstands were completed in September 1967 and the parking area in October 1967.
In July Company C received an additional project which was to install 2200 square meters of waterbound macadam sidewalk and implement erosion control measures in a tent bivouac area. Within the next two (2) months the company received five (5) more projects to be completed before the end of the construction season.
A meteorological facility for the Grafenwoehr Army Airfield was one of the five assignments. The project consisted of installing 1460 linear feet of cable for four (4) meteorological instruments. Concrete foundations were made for the instruments, and two (2) steel towers were fabricated by the company.
The eight, ninth, tenth, and eleventh projects were four (4) concrete maintenance tank pads. A total of 85,988 cubic feet of 8" reinforced concrete was required to complete the task. The concrete maintenance pads provided the 7th Army Training Center with clean, dry maintenance areas for all units training at Grafenwoehr.
1967
The Year of Awards
As the men from Company B returned to Neu Ulm from Wheelus AFB, Libya, a project directive was received by the unit, requiring one (1) platoon to repair existing drainage, install culverts, and construct approximately 7560 linear feet of penetration macadam treatment road at the QRA site previously worked on at Illesheim, Germany. This project was completed on 8 September 1967 and received an Outstanding Construction Certificate.
In July 1967, a priority "B" project was assigned to one (1) platoon of Company B at Bad Tolz, Germany consisting of a 3620 square meter gravel penetration macadam parking apron for the Army Airfield. Due to the poor soil bearing capacity the unit was required to excavate 10,775 cubic feet of earth, stabilize and pave the parking area. Begun on 18 August, the project was completed on the directed completion date of 6 September 1967 after working around the clock for 3 weeks.
Upon completion of Illesheim and Bad Tolz, Companies A and B traveled to Hohenfels 7th Army Training Center in order to construct three (3) concrete maintenance hardstands. The 8 inch reinforced hardstands required 64,491 cubic feet of concrete and were completed in late November 1967.
In December 1967 all but one platoon of Company C returned to Neu Ulm from Grafenwoehr. The remaining platoon was directed to Schweinfurt, Germany to rehabilitate the security fence and correct electrical deficiencies that existed at the basic load site located in Coon Barracks. The project was completed in the same month and the work force returned to home station to participate in training.
The 79th Engineer Battalion completed over a year and a half of continuous construction effort in January 1968 when Company D completed the Wheelus AFB, 250-unit trailer park. In all, Company B and Company D expended over 149,000 manhours and nearly 20,000 equipment hours on the construction project at Wheelus.
The USARUR ECOM Outstanding Construction Award Certificate, reflecting quality workmanship, was awarded to fourteen (14) of the twenty-two (22) projects completed by the 79th Engineer Battalion in the calendar year 1967.
1967 wasn't all construction, however. In February, the Annual General Inspection resulted in an overall rating of excellent. In April the Battalion was granted time to complete its training for the year. However with construction commitments, less than one company equivalent actually underwent training during that month.
The entire Battalion underwent its annual graded Operational Readiness Test from 22-26 May while fully engaged in construction. Continuing to execute the construction mission while operating under simulated combat conditions, the Battalion earned a "Combat Ready" rating while excelling in many aspects of field operations.
On 1 December 1967 the long awaited Echo MTOE was received organizing the Battalion under TOE 5-115E. The reorganization had considerable impact on the personnel structure of the Battalion, deleting over 70 E-5 slots previously authorized.
Fait Accompli
Our history as members of the 79th Engineer Battalion is rich:
Made rich by the momentous efforts of those who have worn the crest of the Battalion in past times. But history never ends; it continues to be made. You make it now! Wear your Battalion insignia proudly, but also insure that your own actions will enable those in years to come to wear it with equal distinction.
The following officers have commanded the 79th Engineer Battalion since 22 February 1955:
22 February 1955 - June 1956 LTC Daniel J Murphy
June 1956 - 11 October 1958 MAJ Alan L Habercom
11 October 1958 - March 1960 LTC Charles C Caserio
March 1960 - March 1962 LTC William A Haynes Jr
March 1962 - 24 July 1963 LTC M R Downes
24 July 1963 - 6 July 1964 LTC John F McElhenney
6 July 1964 - 4 August 1965 LTC Harold E Curry
4 August 1965 - 20 February 1967 LTC Robert M Wilson
20 February 1967 LTC Donald G Weinert
More of the Battalion's History
Itschner Award Nomination, 1969
Company C
Updated Battalion Commander List
Operational Report, 1970-71
Project History, 1971-74
Special thanks go to John McConaghy for providing this narrative for the web site. - Webmaster
BATTALION REACTIVATION
It turned out to be a false flag.
On July 27, 2005, I got the following e-mail:
Dear Sir,.
I found your email link on the 79th Engineer Battalion website, and just wanted to let you know that we are planning on reactivating the battalion this Fall at Fort Knox.
Very Respectfully,
LTC Mike Presnell |
On September 23, 2005, I got the following e-mail from Bobby Thompson.
Mr. Thompson,
Some bad news for you….
HQ Department of the Army announced that they will flag the new Battalion at Fort Knox as the 19th now, and NOT the 79th.
Respectfully,
LTC Presnell
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