How do you find information on the 664th topographic engineers in World War 2?

Answer 1

My Dad passed in 1998 & was in the 61st engineer combat battalion in WW2. I have been unable to find any info on the internet. My Mom has a photo from Stars & Stripes which is a 1 page cartoon on the 61st engineer combat battalion. I recall the cartoon is of a football game & the caption is "They have the goal line mined" with reference to the 61st engineer combat battalion. I know my Dad lived with a Belgium couple for a short while during WW2 but have no further info. All the best, Wayne Masters

The 61st Combat Engineer Battalion landed at Omaha Beach, Normandy, France on or about D-Day + 6 , June 12, 1944. They maneuvered as far south as Epernay, France before heading north to Dolhane, Belgium and eventually into Germany. Your father lived with a family in Dolhane and most of the 61st battalion, including my father, were billeted with Belgian families in this town for about 8 weeks from November, 1944 through early January 1945. The 61st were on the northern fringe of the Battle of the Bulge. I am uncertain of their precise engagement in the battle but I do know that anyone capable of carrying a rifle was put on guard.

Robert Di Salvo

Son of PFC James Di Salvo

61st Combat Engineer Batallion

31086601

disalvo10@comcast.net

Answer 2

Topographical Engineer battalions were the ones who printed maps for the army. They were probably assigned to an Army or a Group command Headquarters. The 66th Topographical Engineers worked in Italy and prepared many of the maps for that area. I will try to look up the history of the 664 Top. Engr. in my reference book.

Answer 3

http://www.146thecbwwii.org/146thNavigationPAge.html

or the book OMAHA BEACH by Joe Balkoski

If you have any specific questions about the 146th ECB, send me an e-mail at john_antkowiak@Yahoo.com. I've been researching them for years and their story is now part of my thesis project for a master's degree in Public History. (posted 29 January 2013)

Answer 4

See related links below for a brief history of the 1276th Combat Engineer Battalion.

Every US division had an engineer battalion as an official, organic element of its organization. In addition, there were numerous other "independent" battalions of engineers. They were independent because they were not an official, permanent part of any larger formation. The idea was these independent battalions would be assigned to a higher HQ than a division - to a Corps, or a Field Army. Then they could be moved around by the Corps or Army commander as needed. The 1276th CEB was one of these independent battalions.

Combat engineers were very handy people to have around. They could build bridges, clear minefields, blow up whatever needed blowing up. Because their work was often in front of the very frontline infantry troops, they were often under enemy fire and had to be proficient with the entire light infantry arsenal of weapons. They had to keep their weapons handy and be ready to stop working and start fighting instantly.

Answer 5

I have a copy of the unit history of the 381st Engineer Combat Battalion in my library. Richard V. Horrell WW 2 Connections.com