[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 55 (Friday, March 24, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S4530]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


         TRIBUTE TO THE 87TH ENGINEER BATTALION (HEAVY PONTOON)

  Mr. NUNN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding Army organization in recognition of its distinguished 
service to this Nation and extraordinary performance during World War 
II. The 87th Engineer Battalion was the first heavy pontoon battalion 
activated at Fort Benning, GA, on August 1, 1940. Also trained at Fort 
Benning, this battalion went ashore at Utah Beach in the Normandy 
landing to build the bridges needed to liberate France. Among the many 
rivers that had to be crossed were the Meuse, the Saar, and the 
Moselle. The 87th Engineers bridged them all.
  This brought the 87th Engineer Battalion to the most awesome and 
difficult of all European rivers, the Rhine. Fifty years ago today, on 
March 24, 1945, the 87th Engineer Battalion made history when they 
constructed the longest pontoon bridge in the world across the Rhine 
River at Oppenheim. Despite shortages of personnel and equipment, the 
87th was ordered to move Patton's 3d Army across the Rhone. They built 
a 1,237 foot span in 13 hours while under constant enemy attack. Their 
efforts resulted in the establishment of the second American bridgehead 
across the Rhine and contributed directly to the overall success of 
Allied operations. When they were not building bridges, the soldiers of 
the 87th Engineer Battalion assisted in hauling thousands of tons of 
critical supplies from the beaches to the interior depots. Their 
successful accomplishment of this critical mission helped to maintain 
the Allied momentum throughout the war.
  The soldiers of the 87th Engineer Battalion repeatedly distinguished 
themselves as professional soldiers, technically competent engineers, 
and great Americans whose performance of duty was outstanding.
  For their efforts and impressive successes, it is my privilege to 
wish the World War II veterans of the 87th Engineer Battalion the best 
in the years ahead and join the Nation in expressing our heartfelt 
thanks for their dedication and selfless devotion and service to the 
United States of America.


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