J. Corley, Lieutenant Colonel William I was with the 630th Engineers in Vietnam in 1969-'70. . The dirt pans, front-end loader, and graders would join the dozers in leveling and shaping the terrain and digging in fighting positions, trenches, bunkers, artillery and mortar positions, ammo storage points, vehicle parking and maintenance/repair areas, and drainage features. R. Brinkerhoff, Lieutenant Colonel Richard E. Schweizer, Lieutenant Colonel Albert Fortunately, there were no serious injuries. E. Lynch, Lieutenant Colonel Clarence You had a thankless and tough job, the iron triangle, hobo woods, Cu Chi tunnel area and many other places that needed your expertise to try and flush charly and to reduce casualties, are not forgotten. Twenty years later, World War II erupted, and on 14 July 1941, the 37th Engineer Regiment was reactivated at Camp Bowie, Texas. Lieutenant Colonel Joseph 27th In Regt L (B-W) T-Shirt. Dedicated to those who were there. The 27th Engineer Battalion (Combat) (Airborne) was organized on 16 January 1918 in the National Army at Fort Myer, Virginia, as the 2nd Battalion, 37th Engineer Regiment. Typically, bunkers were completely underground. Never forget. On 23 August 1990, the battalion was again called upon, this time to Saudi Arabia, to support Operation Desert Shield. Comments: I am the daughter of ROY B KIEFER, Army Veteran of Korean War, from Chicago, IL. D. Millward, Lieutenant Colonel Donald U.S. Material was packaged in waterproofed paper and boxes and frequently then placed in plastic bags, then nailed in wood boxes and loaded into steel shipping containers called CONEXs. L. Jorns, Lieutenant Colonel Edwin The history of the 27th Engineer Battalion (COMBAT) (AIRBORNE) began on 16 January 1918 at Fort Meyer, VA, as the second battalion of the 37th Engineer Regiment. Roper, Colonel John H. Elder, Jr. The unit will be meeting Sept. 14 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for an ice breaker and . Thank you so much again for helping me The history of the 27th Engineer Battalion (COMBAT) (AIRBORNE) began on 16 January 1918 at Fort Meyer, VA, as the second battalion of the 37th Engineer Regiment. Though he suffered from what has come to be known as PTSD and from the effects of the defoliants, he only recently turned to the Veterans Administration for assistance. Here, Dave photographed this staging area that shows, right to left, an M123 10-ton tractor attached to M15A1 40-ton trailer, M37 3/4-ton truck, unidentified apparatus on wheels, batch concrete mixer on wheels, and unidentified. 27th Engineer Battalion Ladies Embroidered Moisture Wick Polo Shirt. The materials were in turn given to theOffice of History, Headquarters, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, upon the museums closure at Fort Belvoir when the Engineer School moved to Fort Leonard Wood. The 2022 reunion starts on November 9, 2022. T. Gay III, 326th Engineer Battalion (101st This move known as Operation Blue Light was the longest and largest military airlift to a combat zone in history to date. The India-Burma Campaign concluded on 28 January 1943, Redesignated 29 April 1947 as the 27th Engineer Combat Battalion, Redesignated 8 June 1953 as the 27th Engineer Battalion. During the first several days of cutting resistance was light, but after the enemy had a chance to regroup, everyday meant contact. . VIETNAM The 3rd Brigade was the first 25th Division element alerted for Vietnam service. Most of these chronologies include four common sections of information: organizational data, narrative summaries of events, accomplishments . Guth, Lieutenant Colonel James The research for this After Action Report included OPERATIONAL REPORTS, DAILY STAFF JOURNALS and DUTY OFFICER S LOGS at the Battalion, Brigade and Division levels located in the National Archives and Records Administration, 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001. The diagonal cant and the guide bar cause the trees and brush that are cut to fall off to the right of the dozer. Bishop, Lieutenant Colonel Drake Enlarge This series primarily consists of command chronologies of U.S. Marine Corps units that served during the time of the Vietnam Conflict, and includes the records of those units that served in Vietnam as well as domestically and throughout the world. F. Castro, Lieutenant Colonel James Whether you want a sarcastic t-shirt or a geeky t-shirt to embrace your inner nerd, CafePress has the tee you're looking for. The battalion deployed again in August 1992 to Dade County, Florida, for hurricane Andrew relief. The unit entered World War I on the 10 July 1918, which its participation in the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne campaigns. C. Kelley, Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm At least one set of these slides and reports was held by the U.S. Army Engineer Group, Vietnam, the 1972 successor to the U.S. Army Engineer Command, Vietnam. H. Sievers, Jr. A. Jordan, Lieutenant Colonel John J. Fiala, Lieutenant Colonel William Military Vet Shop U.S. Army Veteran Army Engineer Window Bumper Sticker Decal 3.8" 50 $595 FREE delivery Feb 3 - 7 Or fastest delivery Feb 1 - 2 The mission also included establishment and construction of firebases, helicopter and artillery revetments, and other facilities along the route which went over and through the dissected landscape of mountains and small valleys. A paper change was made and we became C Company, 168th Combat Engineer Battalion. A very few images depict scenery and local citizens. In 1966 the 1/27th Arty was activated as a 155mm self-propelled howitzer battalion at Fort Sill. Carrasco, Lieutenant Colonel Maximiano C. Lee, Jr. P. Conover, Lieutenant Colonel Myron They may be deployed in any number from a single plow to the entire company, depending on the size and priority of the operation. "We don't have time to worry about how we look," said Specialist Richard Davis, plow operator for the 60th. Division), Lieutenant Colonel Gerhard 1968, Lieutenant Colonel Gerald While attached to the 5307th Composite Unit "Merrill's Marauders", it participated in the surprise attack to seize a critical Myitkyina airfield. D. Engle, 1st Engineer Battalion (1st Thank you so much again for helping me Unfortunately, not all of the crew made it out alive. M. Connell, Lieutenant Colonel Walter CafePress is committed to creating an inclusive experience for people with disabilities. 27th Engineer Battalion :: Fort Bragg - United States Army The history of the 27th Engineer Battalion (COMBAT) (AIRBORNE) began on 16 January 1918 at Fort Meyer, VA, as the second battalion of Years later I attended a 299th Reunion in Niagara Falls, New York in June . Primary Sponsorship. We don't how much damage we did, we did limit the enemy's capabilities but the extent of damage and destruction is difficult to measure at this point.". 27th engineer batallion in Phu Bai Vietnam? - VetFriends Do you have 27TH ENGINEER BATALLION IN PHU BAI VIETNAM Reunion information you'd like to share, "When I Joined VetFriends, I read about the email locator service, and sent an email to my old friend. Disclaimer: WW2 Army Unit Records Research | WW2 Research S. Albro, Jr. A. Ghormley, Lieutenant Colonel Hugh The blade is "canted" to the right and there is a heavy guide bar about three feet above the blade. Thus, what is have written here was dredged up from small fragments of memory of past conversations. A. Poteat, Jr. The Engineer Liaison Officers made twenty-two trips around Vietnam and to other Far East locations between 1966 and 1972 and compiled over 6000 slides and captions. J. McCulloch, Lieutenant Colonel William E. Leonard, Lieutenant Colonel Vito Lieutenant Colonel John Len Ignatowski - 2011 (Same Location for both photos) Bob Hartman - 1966. $59.99 $45.00. The welds held when the previous ones didnt. We raced volkswagens on our time off and we'd go to the range and shoot all day. L. McNeill, Lieutenant Colonel Elbert Working at Camp Eagle, Bastone, Phu Thu, Phu Bai, and constructing Rt 547 into the A Shau Valley in support of the 101st Airborne Division. With sporadic, incoming rifle fire, a medic sat on Daves chest to stitch up the deep gash in his head of course, without the benefit of any pain killer other than adrenalin. V. McGuinness, Jr. 9 December 1966-7 September On 20 September 1921, the unit was organized and activated as an ordnance company at Fort Bliss, Texas. But the plow operators of a land clearing company are experts and take pride in their job. Lieutenant Colonel Coleman Usually, they would establish a helicopter LZ (landing zone), as well. I served with Charlie Compan, 299th Combat Engineer Battalion in Kontum and in Bong Son, Republic of South Vietnam from October 20th 1968 to October 19th 1969. Sheard, Lieutenant Colonel Charles 372d Engineer Aviation Battalion 342.9 412th Telegraph Battalion 111.7 445th Quartermaster Depot 338.11.4 465th Bombardment Wing 342.9 500th Military Intelligence Group 319.23 513th Military Intelligence Group 319.23 593d Engineer Depot 338.11.4 601st Antiaircraft Artillery Gun Battalion 338.13, 338.14 693d Radar Squadron 342.9 You can now save a custom design or favorite a product. 116th Combat Engineer Battalion remembering Vietnam with 50 year The history of the 27th Engineer Battalion (Combat)(Airborne) began on 16 January 1918 at Fort Myer, Virginia, as the 2D Battalion, 37th Engineer Regiment. Lieutenant Colonel Colin At that time, A Shau Valley was a North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and Viet Cong (VC) stronghold. By removing the dense cover, they were denying its use to the Communist. 27thEngineer Battalion Constituted 16 January 1918 in the National Army at Fort Myer, Virginia, as the 2d Battalion, 37th Engineer Regiment Demobilized in March 1919 at Camp Upton, New York. The fatal accident did not happen . D. Stipo, Lieutenant Colonel Early Sign up to receive our newsletter regarding Veterans, Reunions, Military, Veteran Benefits, Military Pictures, Jokes, Military History, Hansen, Lieutenant Colonel Laurence For a second he just stared at us, he raised his rifle. W. Chapman, Jr. Brigadier General Edwin This was the only engineer. M51 series dump trucks hauled aggregate and dirt. Scheider, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph P. Gardiner, Lieutenant Colonel William R. Roberts, Lieutenant Colonel Allen Operations into the A Shau Valley, 1968-69 - 591st Engineer Company Several incidences stick out in Daves memory related to travel on the road. J. Andre, Lieutenant Colonel Connelly I thought I was a goner, but his weapon misfired and he ran off. Thanks for making it possible!" Engineers . E. Read, 7 October 1966-29 September Note M151 jeep alongside. We specialize in hard-to-find US military unit patches. Along with a radio-man, we went to check out the bunker. It was a wonderful moment that we will both remember for the rest of our lives, and we owe it to VetFriends. J. Walter, Lieutenant Colonel Andre Request After Action Reports | AAR's - Golden Arrow Research Lieutenant Colonel Newman W. Johnson, Lieutenant Colonel Russell C. Loper, 30 September 1967-2 September A. Yore, Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence 591st Engineer Company L. Gardner, Lieutenant Colonel Fred of Command, Lieutenant Colonel Phillip Battalion were transferred to the 18th Eng. Lieutenant Colonel Donald 27th Engineer Battalion (C)(A) | Fort Bragg NC - Facebook R. Wray, Lieutenant Colonel Louis Upon arrival in-country, the Company CO (commanding officer) asked Dave if he could drive heavy equipment since he was a farm kid. The 60th Land Clearing Company, in tactical support of C Company, 1st Squadron, 11th ACR was then sent south of Snoul in the Fish Hook region. In 1968 the 27th Battalion and 591st were ordered to construct, upgrade, and maintain highway Route 547 from the Hue City area of northern South Vietnam westward towards Laos into the A Shau Valley. L. Ackerson, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Vietnam veteran, Sp4 David Flinn, 591st Engineers, left us with this photographic record of his units activities in the A Shau Valley. Share "Sometimes we work 18 to 20 hours a day.". R. McDonald, Lieutenant Colonel Richard The insignia was redesignated for the 27th Engineer Battalion (Combat) on 15 July 1955. A. Schewski. I.. Durham, 4 September 1966-28 February D. Gilkey, Lieutenant Colonel James M. Wells. My Vietnam Photos - Roll Call Page SENIOR ENGINEER COMMANDERS IN VIETNAM, 1965-1970 1 Killed in Action, May 1970. Thanks VetFriends, It was a wonderful moment that we will both remember for the rest of our lives, and we owe it to VetFriends. Lieutenant Colonel Thomas How cool is that. Its elements were then reorganized and redesignated. A rock drill and an American Hoist Model 2380 20-ton Rough Terrain Crane lifting a bucket or a pile driver were occasionally used to clear rock formations and stabilize stream crossings. [2] The battalion was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for their service. Engineers from the 27th repaired the runways, among other responsibilities. D. Sellers, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Interesting article. F. Thomas. About | 70th Engr Btn Vietnam United States ARMY 27th Engineer Battalion Military Patch OMNES RES BENE FACERE 4750 . 1968, 26th Engineer Battalion (23d Ran mine sweeps north towards Phu Bai. 380 horsepower Clark-Michigan 290M scrapers with 20-yard pans moved dirt and Caterpillar Model 12 graders leveled the terrain to standard. I'm the first to ever contact him. [220] SENIOR ENGINEER COMMANDERS IN VIETNAM, 1965-1970-Continued [221] SENIOR ENGINEER COMMANDERS IN VIETNAM, 1965-1970-Continued [222] SENIOR ENGINEER COMMANDERS IN VIETNAM, 1965-1970-Continued [223] In another situation, a UH-1 slick, the primary utility helicopter in Vietnam, was carrying a higher engineer officer over the area at a very low altitude. A crazy coincidence occurred one evening. The rock, taken from the Arms of Saint-Mihiel and the oak leaves emblematic of the Meuse-Argonne, indicate the service of the 37th Engineer Regiment in World War I, while the border indicates descent of the 209th Engineer Battalion from the 37th Engineer Regiment. Tents and bunkers being established along the highway. Killed in Action, May 1970. F. Grum, Lieutenant Colonel Albert The typical procedure for establishment and development of night defensive positions up to and including complex fire support bases had similar protocols. Paving the Way for America's Fighting Forces - HistoryNet When a bunker was left completely above ground, the engineers would completely surround it (including the roof) with multiple layers of sandbags. Wilson, Lieutenant Colonel George After a lengthy exchange of fire, one of the VC stood up and ran to the rear. 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines (3/27) was the shortest serving Marine battalion to deploy to Vietnam and was composed of over 400 Marines . Rock crusher site with D7 dozer and heavy rock truck. It's been a nice break from the negativity of the politics of the day. 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines Marker. Lieutenant Parker was proud of his men as he explained their mission during May. Soldiers of the battalion have received numerous decorations in both theaters to include Rashe Hall - Silver Star (Afghanistan) and Scott Smullen - Soldier's Medal (Afghanistan) as well as individual companies receiving unit citations. Ringsak's Vietnam memories endure and so does the road he helped to build "On May 29, the 199th made contact again while investigating several caches east of Myron. ABMC Headquarters 2300 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 500 Arlington, VA 22201 Phone: 703-584-1501 CORPS OF ENGINEERS UNITS - CBI History C. Katt, Lieutenant Colonel Charles On 21 July 1966, the battalion entered the Vietnam War, serving honorably and effectively in 13 campaigns, received five Meritorious Unit Commendations and the Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal (1st Class), with 19 campaign streamers for actions in Vietnam. 45th Engineer Group Jun 1966 - Jan 1972. On 31 January 1972, the battalion returned to the United States and relocated to Fort Bragg, NC, where it became a non-divisional combat airborne engineer battalion. Note the M35 cargo truck in background. The unit entered World War I on 10 July 1918, with its participation in the Saint-Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne campaigns. find my friend. Sanders. Photos and memories from a tour in Vietnam as a combat medic with the 2/2nd Infantry (Mechanized) Ramrods (April - Sept. '67) and 2/28th Infantry Black Lions (Sept. '67 - April '68), 1st Infantry Division. Dave and Don soon parted as the road moved forward and the battery leapfrogged out. 15 RESULTS. Theyre certainly not of professional quality, but do tell the story from the point of view of a self-described equipment operator. One of Daves regrets was that most of the photos he took were lost a few days before his DEROS (Date Expected to Return from Over Seas) as a result of a rocket destroying his bunker (he was on the perimeter berm), so the photo story is somewhat incomplete. THEY EARNED IT. The 27th Engineer Battalion (A) rapidly deploys expeditionary combat and general engineer in support of world-wide contingency operations, in order to support maneuver commanders during. Potable water provided by purification platoons deployed to the hurricane Agnes ravaged Appalachians in 1972. P. Kelley, Lieutenant Colonel George G. Willard, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Elements of the 101st Airborne made clearing sweeps in the mountains and valleys along the route. [5] 20th Engineer Brigade insignia, with "Airborne" tab. Cleared land mines and other unexplored ordinance on and around, This page was last edited on 23 July 2022, at 23:43. 1967, Lieutenant Colonel John They found a bunker complex but couldn't get in because of heavy enemy contact, so the Rome plows were requested. IN VIETNAM, 1965-1970, Assumption or Duration of T. Garver, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Rank, 14 August 1966-20 September Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual Usually operators aren't ordered to go on dismount but this time I was. I woke up on March 31st 1972 and was looking at 4 nva divsions, 30,OOO nva supported by 2 NVA artillery regiments. While flying CA missions I remember looking down at the rubble and red earth that was left after you guys finished your thing. The 27th had been in Vietnam since February. L. Heimerl, Lieutenant Colonel Donald "You can't see where you're going and you have to rely on the light observation helicopter for direction. D. Johnson. On the 27 March 1991, the 27th Engineer Battalion (COMBAT) (AIRBORNE) returned to its home at Ft. Bragg, NC. R. Vavra, Lieutenant Colonel Byron For website corrections, write to hqwebmaster@usace.army.mil. But after several hours of relaxation, it's back to work. Also found were water purification and malaria tablets, vitamins, two printing presses, 44 bicycles and 200 pounds of documents. On 23 August 1990, the battalion was again called upon, this time to Saudi Arabia, to support Operation Desert Shield. As the withdrawal date loomed closer and the mechanized units continued to plow into Communist territory, a series of constant ambushes plagued the operation. We wonder about the rest that served with us in the artillery unit we served in. 27Th Combat Engineer Battalion Vietnam T-Shirts. The platoon is filling sandbags a seemingly never-ending chore that everyone complained about doing but frequently were very glad to have for cover. T. Moore, Lieutenant Colonel James On 31 January 1972, the battalion returned to the United States and relocated to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, where it became a non-divisional combat airborne engineer battalion. Lieutenant Colonel Ames L. Lammie, Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Got my fish and parrots and hooks and beaks mixed up. B. Cooper, 921st Engineer Group (never P. Franklin, Lieutenant Colonel Harry Johnstone, Jr. 15th Engineer Battalion (9th February 18, 1968 - September 10, 1968. G. Robinson, Lieutenant Colonel James Logistics prevented B Company from being relocated. We use cookies to provide you with a great experience and to help our website run effectively. There's no discipline problem, they look out for each other. Get Military Unit/Ship Histories and After Action Records (AAR) We offer access to after action reports and operational records from all branches of the U.S. Military. He wanted to give a bit of history to his sons and grandchildren. H. Gray, Lieutenant Colonel John The CO needed an operator more than he needed a welder! Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 27th Engineer Battalion (Combat) 25th Infantry Division - US Army - Vietnam I really hope some other people can find this service and get in touch with people like I did. P. Stefanik, Lieutenant Colonel Charles 2017 The 20TH Engineer Brigade currently consists of four engineer battalions headquartered throughout the eastern United States. I arrived in July of 1970, and as I recall, we had pulled out of Cambodia shortly before. The cutting also uncovered communication equipment, small arms, automatic weapons, rocket launchers, 10,000 pounds of various caliber small arms ammunition and 500 mortar rounds. Lieutenant Colonel Howard Landclearing Engineers - Vietnam 1967-71 Military Catalog, Sales, Discounts & more. Lieutenant Colonel James 27th Engineer Battalion Long-Sleeve Cotton T-Shirt -FF. A land clearing company consists of 30 Rome plows and approximately 100 men, including operators, maintenance men, NCO's and officers. The coat of arms was redesignated and amended to add a crest for the 27th Engineer Battalion on 23 November 1973. L. Crosby, Lieutenant Colonel Bruce 5th Battalion 27th Artillery, OPCON to 1st Brigade (Seperate) Nov 65 - Jun 67 Troop A, 2/17th Cavalry (Airborne) (OPCON to Tiger Force 327th Infantry) (aka; 4th Provisional Rifle Company while assigned to 1st Bde Sep) July 65 - Feb 72 101st Support Battalion (Provisional) Departed 19 Dec 67 Support Battalion (Airborne) (Provisional)Jul 65 - Nov 67 During one period, a platoon of M48 tanks provided security for the 591st and other co-located elements. Human congregations quickly tended to draw rats. After the men return to the NDP, they can look forward to hot chow, mail and cold beer. The 984th joined them June 15 after completing their cut out at Binh Son. Some have time for writing letters, while others sit and stare blindly into the jungle wondering what Charlie has in mind. 299th - Messages1965_1971 Vietnam They have participated in many actions and projects in Iraq and Afghanistan since. So elusive was the enemy that officers speculated that all seven attacks could have been made by the same NVA soldiers. The most recent deployment was in response to Operation Uphold Democracy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. C. Schrader. Segal, Lieutenant Colonel Rodney Division). Fortunately, it must have been a guy that sprayed his magazine and bugged out.. IN VIETNAM, 1965-1970-Continued, Assumption or 1969, Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert E. Eastburn, Lieutenant Colonel Carrol Army Engineers in Vietnam - United States Army Corps of Engineers Many times they must fight as infantrymen and not as mechanics or tractor drivers. Although the pilot was warned, the helicopter struck a wire, crashed, and burned. 18th Engineer Brigade Vietnam - Facebook The unit entered World War I on the 10 July 1918, which its participation in the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne campaigns. Dave walked over to the stream to wash up and saw a guy he had known since the second grade and called, brother.. On the affirmative, the CO promptly assigned him operate Caterpillar D7s. A. Karst, Lieutenant Colonel Arthur They feel they have a unique job and they like to talk about it. 3rd Battalion, 27th Marines Historical Marker - Hmdb.org After the termination of hostilities, the unit was demobilized. Infrequently, these observation towers would be equipped with a searchlight. In April 1966 the Tiger Battalion was alerted for duty in the Republic of Vietnam. 7:20 | On his second Vietnam tour, Bill Ray commanded a combat engineer battalion. Deliver vital engineering solutions, in collaboration with our partners, to secure our Nation, energize our economy, and reduce disaster risk. As of October 1999, they had the last/only Airborne well-driller detachment/platoon left in the United States Army. As of 2022, this number had surpassed 4,100. E. Sells, Lieutenant Colonel Dale 4 Log In or Create new account "They come from the jungle and you never see Charlie," said Specialist Richard Wentworth, a plow mechanic. Every low spot would become a pond, malaria-carrying mosquitoes would thrive, and fungus would grow on your feet (and other dark places on your body). U.S. Crest: The unit's World War II campaign service for which it was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation (Army), MYITKYINA, is denoted by the mythological chinze from the Burma State Seal and the blue mural crown of Myitkyina, the heavily fortified town in north Burma, the capture of which was vital in breaking the land blockade of China; blue is the color of the Presidential Unit Citation (Army) streamer. "We had been in Fish Hook about 10 days," Bulceco said. Lieutenant Colonel Frederick 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry (Mechanized) 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry [] Combat engineer in Vietnam recalls the lighter moments in war A. Howard, Jr. C. Costanzo, Lieutenant Colonel Al S. My first duty post in-country was the sole engineer assigned to 2nd Civil Affairs Co. My duty was primarily handling demolitions and some minor construction in my "free time". 1966, Lieutenant Colonel Ray S. OK Caterpillar D7 dozers led the way, clearing and initially shaping the ground for the roads, bases and revetments.