US Army Training Center - Yearbook (Fort Bragg, NC)

Page 12 text:

The 56th Lnflineers in Action . 4 Cjonfifracfion of ponfon ana! goof gricfge af .gyaranac giver gavlguiffe, Wear! Marg l91

Page 11 text:

I 54... .nn-,....m4 peated plunges in the icy water unloading shore boats and irritated by the sand that got into their food, blankets and equipment, the Regiment lived up to their fine reputation. Even the experience of sleeping on sand-encrusted snow did not alter their fine record. Upon return to Plattsburg on January 18, the Regi- ment began an intensive program of training in engineer- ing and combat work designed to prepare them for any eventuality of actual combat. During this period, the Band, long a fond dream, became a reality with the addi- tion of a number of talented musicians and the arrival of shiny new instruments. Under the direction of Warrant Officer Olle G. R. Blomfelt, the Band rapidly developed into a fast-stepping unit worthy of the 36th. During March, a cadre of five officers and 47 enlisted men left the 36th to form the 603rd Camouflage Bat- talion. Another cadre of one officer and nine men was sent to form the 640th Camouflage Company. The Regiment also lost Captain Danis and Lieutenant Swatta, sent to Fort Belvoir to, form a water purification bat- talion, and Captain Hiller, Lieutenant McKeefe and Lieutenant Ryan, who were designated as part of the staff of the Engineer School at Fort Belvoir. The training program of the Regiment was suddenly interrupted when it was ordered to proceed to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on a permanent change. of sta- tion. On March ll, 1942, the 36th bid a reluctant fare- well to Plattsburg and to old Lalce Champlain as they entrained. They arrived at Fort Bragg on Friday, March 13. They were attached to the Ninth Division on March 20, as part of the Atlantic Fleet Amphibious Corps under the command of Major General Smith, United States Marine Corps. Although the 36th Engineer Regiment has been in existence for less than a year, it has already established a reputation for hard worlc and fast hitting that marlis it as one of the best Engineer Regiments in the Army. Especially noteworthy is the Regiment's reputation for being Nruggedf' The 36th Engineers has made a fine record and will, in the future, continue to maintain and expand that record in the best traditions of the Corps of Engineers.

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Constructing Ponfon Bridge on Saranac River. THE 66TH ENGINEER IZEGIMENT Ai WORK if Whatever the task may be, the 36th Engineers do their task with the minimum of time and with the maximum efficiency. Often they are forced to work under fire from the enemy and the success or failure of an offensive action can depend upon the coolness and speed with which the Engineers carry out their work. On these pages are shown pictures of ponton, foot and rubber bridges across which men and ve- hicles can move to attack. Foo? bridge ar Macomb Reservation. Bridge over Siiliwarer River, Fort Devens. Official car crossing rubber ponfon bridge af Leahs Ferry Approach runways in posirion.