186th Combat Engineer Battalion

Q: I am looking for any information that anyone might have on the 186th Combat Engineer Battalion. My Grandfather served with the outfit and was part of the reoccupation force in the Phillipines. Unfortunately, Granddaddy is no longer with us. I'm currently looking for unit history, unit patch info, etc...

A: -Do a Google, you'll find tons of info. -Also the US army Center for Military History -In the landing at Lingayen Gulf, Philippines, the 186th Engineer Combat Battalion encountered more opposition from the Japanese than any other combat battalion. Six soldiers were killed and two wounded. Once ashore, the battalion improved roads and built a Bailey bridge over a nearby river. http://www.hq.usace.army.mil/history/bridge2.htm Combat engineer battalions tended to have high esprit de corps; they rightly considered themselves to be elite specialists. In a pinch, combat engineers also could act as infantry and did so frequently. In the Battle of the Bulge, a handful of engineer battalions proved to be a vital asset to the beleaguered American Army. http://www.militaryhistoryonline.com/wwii/usarmy/engineers.aspx Another link that might prove to be useful: http://www.armyengineer.com/

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