326th Engineer Batallion

• Origins in World War I: The 326th Engineer Battalion was first constituted on 23 July 1918 in the National Army as the 326th Engineers and assigned to the 101st Division, but the unit was demobilized in December 1918 after the Armistice. • Reactivation for World War II: The battalion was reconstituted and activated on 16 August 1942 as the 326th Airborne Engineer Battalion, an organic part of the legendary 101st Airborne Division. • Normandy Landings: Members of the 326th parachuted or landed by glider into Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944, playing a vital role in clearing obstacles and supporting the airborne assault. • Bastogne and the Battle of the Bulge: During the Siege of Bastogne in December 1944, the 326th Engineers played a crucial role in fortifying the defensive perimeter and maintaining supply routes under constant enemy fire. • Vietnam War Service: The battalion deployed to Vietnam in December 1967 and provided critical combat engineering support, including constructing firebases, clearing mines, and building bridges in hazardous conditions. • Desert Storm Participation: The 326th Engineer Battalion was deployed to Southwest Asia in 1990-1991 as part of Operation Desert Storm, where it supported the rapid advance of coalition forces into Iraq and Kuwait. • Distinctive Insignia: The battalion's distinctive unit insignia features a blue shield, a gold eagle, and a gold embattled chief, symbolizing airborne status and engineering prowess. • Support in Humanitarian Missions: Beyond combat, the 326th has participated in humanitarian missions, including disaster relief operations in the United States and abroad. • Decorations and Honors: The 326th Engineer Battalion has earned numerous decorations, including Presidential Unit Citations for actions in Normandy, Bastogne, and Vietnam, as well as French and Belgian Croix de Guerre. • Continuing Legacy: Still assigned to the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, the 326th Engineer Battalion continues its tradition of excellence, supporting training, operational deployments, and contingency missions worldwide.