$25.00
The 326 Engineer Battalion 326B2(C/c, d) is an authentic WWII era military collectible. This piece was manufactured by GEMSCO and bears authentic hallmarks: "GEMSCO" over "A.G.O. G2" (raised). Collectors often search for this type of item as a military collectible, also known as DUI, DI, Crest. This WWII period piece is highly sought after by military memorabilia enthusiasts and historians.
326th Engineer Battalion 1940–1947 (World War II) The 326th Engineer Battalion was constituted on 23 July 1918 in the National Army as the 326th Engineers and assigned to the 101st Division. It was demobilized shortly after World War I but was reconstituted on 24 June 1921 in the Organized Reserves. During World War II, the battalion was redesignated as the 326th Airborne Engineer Battalion and assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. Activated on 15 August 1942 at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana, the battalion participated in major campaigns including Normandy (D-Day), Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace (Battle of the Bulge), and Central Europe. The 326th played a critical role in supporting airborne operations, constructing bridges, clearing obstacles, and enabling the rapid advance of airborne forces. The battalion was inactivated on 30 November 1945 in France following the end of hostilities. 1948–1957 (Early Cold War / Korea) The 326th Engineer Battalion was reactivated on 25 June 1948 at Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky, as part of the 101st Airborne Division. During the early Cold War period, the battalion focused on training and readiness, supporting the division’s evolving airborne and air assault missions. It was inactivated again on 1 December 1953 at Camp Breckinridge and reactivated on 15 May 1954 at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. 1958–1980 (Cold War / Vietnam Era) The battalion continued to serve as the divisional engineer unit for the 101st Airborne Division, supporting training and operational deployments. During the Vietnam War, the 326th Engineer Battalion deployed to Vietnam, where it provided critical combat engineering support, including construction, demolition, and mobility operations. The battalion participated in numerous campaigns throughout the conflict, earning several unit commendations for its service. 1980–Present (Post-Vietnam / GWOT) Following the Vietnam War, the 326th Engineer Battalion remained an integral part of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), supporting both peacetime training and contingency operations. The battalion has deployed in support of various operations, including the Gulf War, peacekeeping missions, and the Global War on Terror, with elements serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The 326th continues to provide combat engineering capabilities, supporting the division’s rapid deployment and air assault missions into the present day. References (AMA) Wikipedia contributors. 326th Engineer Battalion. n.d. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/326th_Engineer_Battalion GlobalSecurity.org. 326th Engineer Battalion. n.d. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/army/326eng.htm