121st Engineer Battalion (United States)

Infobox Military Unit
unit_name= 121st Engineer Battalion


caption=121st Engineer Battalion coat of arms
dates=
country= United States
allegiance=
branch= U.S. Army
type= Engineer
role=
size=
command_structure=
garrison=
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equipment=
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nickname=
patron=
motto="Praevius"
colors=
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march=
mascot=
battles=Normandy Invasion
anniversaries=
decorations=
battle_honours=
current_commander=
current_commander_label=
ceremonial_chief=
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colonel_of_the_regiment=
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identification_symbol=
identification_symbol_label=Distinctive Unit Insignia
identification_symbol_2=
identification_symbol_2_label=The 121st Engineer Battalion was one of the first American units to land in Normandy on D-Day during World War II.

History

The division was created in 1918, but not brought into Federal service until 1941. In March 1942, it was brought in as part of the 29th Infantry Division. It was moved to serve in another Division for a short time, but was brought back to the 29th Infantry Division only a few months later. Later in 1942, the company was brought to Scotland for training. About a year and a half later, the company was preparing to invade Europe. The Battalion remained active from June 1944 until May 1945 by helping in operations throughout Europe.

D-Day Landing

On June 6, 1944, the 121st Engineer Battalion landed on Omaha beach in Normandy with the first American forces. The company endured much damage to equipment and soldiers, but after some recovery, it continued to assist in the invasion. The division was given several awards for their actions during the invasion.

After World War II

At the end of WWII, the Battalion was deactivated. However, three years later, it was reactivated in Maryland as part of the Maryland National Guard. The Battalion played a pivotal role in the crowd control efforts after being called in to assist the local authorities during the race riots that took place in Baltimore and Cambridge in the 1960’s.

References

* Whong, Chris. "121st engineer Battalion." Available from http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army. (Accessed 23 November 2007)
* Peterson, John. "Into the Cauldron". Maryland: Clavier House, 1973.