The 332nd Engineer General Service Regiment was a group, in the United States Army that served during World War II. This unit became active on January 5th, 1943, with its main directive being to provide engineering assistance to the Allied forces in the European Theater of Operations. The regiment consisted of soldiers who received training in various engineering skills, including construction, road building and mine clearance.
Throughout World War II, the 332nd Engineer General Service Regiment played a role in significant battles. They were involved in events such as the Normandy invasion and the Liberation of Paris. Additionally they contributed to the construction of the Mulberry harbours, which played a part in the invasion of Normandy.
Despite their valuable contributions to the war effort, discrimination and segregation were experienced by soldiers serving in the 332nd Engineer General Service Regiment during and, after the war. It took until the 1990s for their accomplishments to achieve full recognition and acknowledgement.
Activation and Training
The United States Army played a role in activating and preparing the 332nd Engineer General Service Regiment during World War II. According to records this regiment was established on October 15 1942 at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana as part of the armys American units (United States Army, Office of the Chief of Engineers).
As a unit specializing in engineering and construction work the 332nd Engineer General Service Regiment underwent training, in aspects of building and road development. As per Ganoes research (1992) initial training for the regiment took place at Camp Claiborne in Louisiana until January 1943. Subsequently they were relocated to Fort Devens in Massachusetts for instruction, on construction techniques and road building.
Deployment in the United Kingdom
After completing their training the 332nd Engineer General Service Regiment was sent to the United Kingdom in 1944 as part of the European Theater of Operations, during World War II. Based on records the regiment arrived in the United Kingdom on March 22 1944. Was stationed at various locations across the country to assist in the Allied war efforts (United States Army, Office of the Chief of Engineers).
The main responsibilities of the 332nd Engineer General Service Regiment included building and maintaining roads, bridges, airfields and other essential infrastructure for the Allied forces during the war. In addition they provided support to combat troops during both D Day on June 6 1944 and throughout the advancement, through France and Germany.
Engineer Group
During World War II the 332nd Engineer General Service Regiment served as a unit, within the 1185th Engineer Group. According to records the activation of the Engineer Group took place on December 1 1942 at Fort Belvoir in Virginia. This activation was part of the United States Armys initiative to mobilize engineering and construction units for their war efforts (United States Army, Office of the Chief of Engineers).
The 1185th Engineer Group consisted primarily of soldiers and encompassed various regiments such as the 332nd Engineer General Service Regiment, the 97th Engineer General Service Regiment and the 366th Engineer General Service Regiment. The group had responsibilities, in engineering and construction tasks like constructing roads, bridges, airfields and other essential infrastructure required by Allied forces during the war.
Invasion of Normandy
During World War II the 332nd Engineer General Service Regiment as a part of the forces, in Europe played a role in the invasion of Normandy on June 6 1944. According to records from the United States Army, Office of the Chief of Engineers this regiment was responsible for providing support to combat troops by constructing and maintaining essential infrastructure such as roads, bridges and other necessary facilities required by the Allied forces.
Throughout Normandy, the 332nd Engineer General Service Regiment was strategically stationed at locations with the objective of offering engineering and construction assistance to the Allied forces during the invasion. Additionally they extended their support throughout France and Germany during Allied advancements. This included constructing transportation networks such as roads, bridges and airfields that were crucial, for facilitating operations in those regions by troops.
Railway Bridge Construction
During World War II the 332nd Engineer General Service Regiment had a role, in constructing railway bridges to assist the efforts of the Allied forces. According to records from the United States Army, Office of the Chief of Engineers this regiment was responsible for building railway bridges across Europe including one over the Moselle River in France.
The completion of the Moselle River Bridge by the 332nd Engineer General Service Regiment in October 1944 marked a milestone. This bridge served as an infrastructure project that played a role in supporting the supply line and facilitating the transportation of troops and equipment during the final stages of warfare, in Europe.
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References
United States Army, Office of the Chief of Engineers. "332nd Engineer General Service Regiment." National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland, Record Group 77, Box 175.
Ganoe, William A. The Engineers of the Southwest Pacific, 1941-1945. Washington, D.C., Office of the Chief of Engineers, Department of the Army, 1992.
External links
United States Army, Office of the Chief of Engineers. "332nd Engineer General Service Regiment." National Archives and Records Administration, College Park, Maryland, Record Group 77, Box 175. Ganoe, William A. The Engineers of the Southwest Pacific, 1941-1945. Washington, D.C., Office of the Chief of Engineers, Department of the Army, 1992.
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