US Combat Engineer 1941–45

The US Army Corps of Engineers is among the oldest branches of the Army. This title explores their key contribution to the campaigns in World War II.

At its peak in World War II, the United States Army contained over 700 engineer battalions, along with numerous independent brigades and regiments. This book covers the role of these soldiers, from their recruitment and training, through their various support missions and combat experiences.At its peak in World War II, the United States Army contained over 700 engineer battalions, along with numerous independent brigades and regiments. The specialized soldiers of the Engineers were tasked with a wide variety of crucially important tasks including river bridging, camouflage, airfield construction, and water and petroleum supply. However, despite their important support roles, the engineers were often employed on the front lines fighting beside the general infantry in the desperate battles of the European theatre. This book covers the role of these soldiers, from their recruitment and training, through their various support missions and combat experiences, forming an account of what it was truly like to be a combat engineer in World War II.