Sep 26 - Sep 28, 2024:
Marine Corps Engineer Association (MCEA)More Details
Patch
Unit Details
Strength
Battalion
Type
Engineer
Year
1942 - Present
Description
3rd Combat Engineer Battalion (3rd CEB) was a combat engineer battalion of the United States Marine Corps
"Demolition is the Mission"
The battalion was first formed on 16 September 1942 as 1st Battalion, 19th Marine Regiment.
Two years later on 16 August 1944 they were re-designated the 3d Engineer Battalion.
The battalion was deactivated at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California on 30 November 1945.
From August 1957 until January 1962, the battalion was designated 3d Pioneer Battalion.
On 15 May 1976 the battalion was redesignated as the 3d Combat Engineer Battalion
Years Active:
September 1942 - 6 June 1995
1 October 2007 - 5 August 2014
Description
This campaign was from 1 June 1967 to 29 January 1968.The conflict in South Vietnam remains basically unchanged. As Operation JUNCTION CITY ended, elements of the U.S. 1st and 25th Infantry Divisions, the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and the forces of the Army of the Republic of Vietnam swung back toward Saigon to conduct another clearing operation, MANHATTAN. This took peace in the Long Nguyen base area just north of the previously cleared "Iron Triangle."
South Vietnamese Armed Forces became more active and capable under U.S. advisors. During the year the Vietnamese Special Forces assumed responsibility for several Special Forces camps and for the CIDG companies manning them. In each case all of the U.S. advisors withdrew, leaving the Vietnamese in full command.
With an increased delegation of responsibility to them, the South Vietnamese conducted major operations during 1967, and, in spite of VC attempts to avoid battle, achieved a number of contacts.
Despite the success of U.S. and South Vietnamese Army operations, there were indications in the fall of 1967 of another enemy build-up, particularly in areas close to Laos and Cambodia. In late October, the VC struck again at the Special Forces Camp at Loc Ninh. Fortunately Vietnamese reinforcements saved the camp. At the same time, approximately 12,000 VC troops converged on a Special Forces camp at Dak To. This camp was located in northern Kontum Province, where the borders of Laos, Cambodia, and South Vietnam meet. In response to this potential threat, the U.S. and South Vietnam committed a total of sixteen battalions to the region to counter a disturbing enemy resurgence at Kontum and Loc Ninh.
