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Timeline - Fort Knox, Kentucky - 1954
15 November 1954, the 538th Engineer Battalion (Construction) was activated at Fort Knox, Kentucky,
under General order No. 143, The Armored Center, Fort Knox,Kentucky, dated 8 November 1954. The personnel and equipment to fill this organization transferred from the 484th Engineer Battalion (Construction),
which was returned to reserve status. The 538th Engineer Battalion
(Construction) was then given a General Reserve class of 2A and set on a course
of Post-Cycle training.
15 November
1954, LTC Franklin R. Wallace became the first Battalion Commander for the 538th Engineer Battalion (Construction).
20 November 1954, MAJ. Garland C. Hinds assumed command of the Battalion
23 November 1954, Company “B” was sent to Camp Breckinridge, Kentucky, for a
period of fourteen (14) days for the purpose of training in rebuilding and
repairing existing bridges and culverts.
During
the winter months, classroom training was "the order of the day,"
although projects such as rebuilding Pell's Range (by Company “C”), road
training site construction in Area II (by Company “B”), and construction of
range finder houses (by Company “A”) were worked on when weather permitted.
On
22 December 1954, Company “C” was designated a training company and its
seasoned crew was replaced with basic trainees. The company then went through
individual, specialist, basic unit and advanced training phases before being
assigned to real world projects.
Timeline - Fort Knox, Kentucky - 1955
On
23 February 1955, MAJ. Paul J. Kelchak assumed command of the Battalion, as
the unit was just starting to train under modified ATP 5-312.
11 April 1955, the command passed to LTC. Richard P. Sauer, as MAJ. Kelchak
was reassigned to another unit.
During
May 1955, the Battalion had an inspection by the 2nd Army Inspector General
team and came through with flying colors.
The
summer of 1955 found the Battalion supporting summer training outfits with
personnel and equipment. The Engineer reserve organizations supported were the
308th Engineer Group (Combat), 3l5th Engineer Group (Construction), 346th
Engineer Group (Combat), and the 936th Engineer Group (Aviation).
Among
the many types of projects that were completed by the Battalion before the end
of their first year of operation (Nov 1954 – Oct 1955) at Fort Knox were
building repair, construction of roads and culverts, construction of complete
firing ranges with bunkers and movable targets, operation and maintenance of
rock quarriy, and the erection and maintenance of a class 60 floating bridge
across Salt River. Also, a two-lane blacktop road was constructed in conjunction
with a two-span thirty-foot bridge.
23 November 1955, MAJ. Richard J. Best assumed command of the 538th
Engineer Battalion (Construction).
Engineer
duties continued in effect and some of the various projects complete were as
follows:
Company
“A” – Repair of old Salt River and Vine Grove Roads, construction of road
connecting Stevens
School
Bridge to Chaffee Avenue, rehabilitation of Boydston Tank Range
Company
“B” – Rehabilitation of Dripping Springs Rifle Range.
Company “C” – Erection, operation, and maintenance of Twin Bridge Rock Quarry,
Timeline - Fort Knox, Kentucky - 1956
29 February 1956, the
“Coat of Arms Distinctive Unit Insignia” of the 538th Engineer Battalion (Construction) was approved and the Battalion received their
Battalion Colors. The motto of the Battalion is written in Latin “Nil Ardui
Est” which means “No Height is to Arduous”. Over the years some have translated
it to also mean “No Task is to Difficult”.
During April 1956 the
battalion was engaged in the construction of Grahampton Dam employing the main
elements of Company “B”. The project included clearing of an area for a lake
that covered approximately thirteen (13) acres. The objective of the project
was to construct a recreational area for the various youth activities of Fort
Knox.
The
months following saw the completion of Stevens Road parking area in the
vicinity of the new Prichard Chapel, and the starting of a cut off road between
Brandenburg and Wilson Roads.
26 July 1956, LTC. Elgin G. Radcliff assumed command of the Battalion, taking over
from MAJ. Best who assumed the duties of the Battalion Executive Officer.
Summertime
found the battalion again engaged in support of Reserve and National Guard
units. Also, rehabilitation of Boydston, Ames, Donnelly and Steeles Tank Ranges
were completed. In addition, a parking
lot was constructed and paved on Brooks Field in the vicinity of The Armor
Center Headquarters.
15 November 1956, one company from the 538th Engineer Battalion
(Construction) was called on to fight a forest fire on the Fort Knox
reservation.
Other
projects were maintenance of Brandenburg and Lateral Roads, construction of
Qtter Creek Road, construction of motor pool fence, maintenance of Training
Area III, construction of bins, partitions, work benches and a shed, and other
miscellaneous carpentry work in support of the Post Engineers,
Timeline - Fort Knox, Kentucky - 1957
January 1957 saw the 538th
Engineer Battalion (Construction) involved in a major state disaster. The battalion
was alerted to render assistance in the Southern Kentucky Flood Disaster Area.
A tremendous amount of personnel, vehicles, material, and heavy equipment were
necessary in support of “Operation Jupiter”. The deployment was made under
inclement weather conditions, which were considered hazardous, without any
serious mishaps.
The
battalion began operation of a Battalion Carpentry Shop.
Work
continued on Brandenburg and Lateral Roads, erected numerous Quonset huts,
construction of a Bayonet Assault Course, and completion of the maintenance of
Training Area III.
2 –
5 April 1957 was the battalion’s ATP 5-312 training period. During this time
the battalion also completed it’s ATT test that was conducted by members of the
2nd Army.
16 April 1957, Company “A” departed for Camp Breckinridge to conduct summer training for
the Reserves and National Guard.
Other
projects started were construction of a Baily Bridge at the State Fair Grounds,
Crumb Tank Range, construction of a partition in the Company “A” Day Room,
Projects
completed included survey, plan, and schedule of Crumb Range, Alteration of
Battalion Drafting Room, rehabilitated Tollgate Pistol Range, constructed a
concrete block house, constructed concrete headwall and install 2 lengths of
culvert, installed florescent lighting in building 1487, constructed Timber
Trestle Bridge and many other smaller projects.
Also,
one platoon from company “B” was task to go to Yorktown, VA to perform
engineering and landscaping work and in preparing the Memorial grounds. The
Queen of England was there to commemorate the Battle
of
Yorktown.
15 October 1957, a B-52 bomber and a KC 135 refueling aircraft were involved in
a mid-air collision over Glean Dean, Kentucky. Members of the Battalion were
sent to help in the clean up of the wreckage.
Timeline - Fort Knox, Kentucky - 1958
The only Unit History Reports found at the National
Archives for this period do not list dates of events or specifics in relation
to them.
Projects completed are as follows:
Construction of a concrete
block building at Ireland Hospital.
Prepared Burcham Range Road
for blacktop. (Project number 4-57)
Improved Boone Hollow Road.
Constructed concrete firing
line at Tollgate Pistol Range.
Completed renovation of the
Thrift Shop.
Constructed range tower at
Rolling Fork Tank Range.
Constructed playground and drainages at Stevens School.
Completion of Mill Creek
Road.
Constructed the Drivers
Fatigue Course (Project number 21-58).
Constructed mock-ups of C-119,
C-123, and C-124 (Project number 22-58)
Constructed South Tank Monument
(Project number 25-58) Suspended???
Constructed an airstrip at
Camp Breckinridge. (Project number 26-58).
Renovate building 2319
(Project number 51-58).
Renovate building 1468-B
(Project number 52-58).
Constructed one classroom
(Project number 45-58).
Installed lights on the Tank
Monument on Highway 31.
Constructed O”Brien and Hines
Trainfire Ranges.
Installed air condition unit
in building T-2316 (Project number 46-58).
Widen side walk in rear of
buildings 1467 and 1468 (Project number 48-58).
Rehabilitated Women’s Club
building T-212 (Project number 54-58).
Constructed Battalion battery
room, bilding 5253 (Project number 55-58).
Constructed a concrete test
bed (Project number 62-58).
Rehabilitated building 1108
(Project number 64-58).
Constructed Physical Training
stands and partitions in building 2186 (Project number 65-58).
Modified driveway at the
Officers Club (Project number 66-58).
Rehabilitated loading ramp
Battalion Motor Pool (Project number 69-58)
Constructed a floating dock
(Project number 108-57)
Projects still under
construction at the time were:
Construction of the Salt River
Footbridge (Project number 40-58).
Rehabilitate wash rack
Battalion Motor Pool (Project number 68-58)
Tobacco Leaf Road, design
phase only (Project number 72-58).
Constructed two concrete slabs
at Aero Club (Project number 73-58).
Timeline - Fort Knox, Kentucky - 1959
Projects assigned:
Areo Club building (Project
number 33-59).
Brooder House – Game Farm
(Project 35-59).
Constructed sidewalks Knox
Street, E. Avenues and Davis Pool (Project number 37-59).
Latrine and parking lot,
building 6761 (Project number 40-59).
Exhaust system (Project
number 44-59).
Burcham Range Road (Project
number 47-59).
Modification of building T
1510 (Project number 48-59).
Projects completed:
Rehabilitated building T 291
(Project number 17-59).
Constructed grease rack, 64th
Trans. M.P. (Project number 27-59).
Rehabilitation of buildings
T-2349 and T 2350 (Project number 32-59)
Constructed Incubator house at
Game Farm (Project number 38-59).
Van Voohis Manor Parking lot
(Project number 39-59).
21 December 1959,
the unit was reorganized under General Orders 159.
Timeline - Fort Knox, Kentucky - 1960
On 11 February 1960,
Brigadier General Evert S. Thomas Jr., Deputy Commander, USAARMC, inspected the
Battalion on his tour of units undergoing the STRAC Mobility Test Exercise. All
unit were inspected by Armor Center General Staff and Second Us Army
representatives. This inspection culminated the three day STRAC Mobility Test
Exercise.
During the period 23 – 26
February 1960, the Battalion bivouacked in areas 5 through 11 while training
for the Army Training Test (ATT).
27 – 38 February 1960,
Battalion staff participated in a CPX conducted by the 160th
Engineer Group (Construction).
During March 1960, MAJ. Robert P. Graves assumed command of the
538th Engineer Battalion (Construction).
22 March 1960, the
Battalion moved tactically to bivouac areas 5 though 11 to undergo Annual Training Test for FY 60. The test terminated 0700 hours, 25 March 1960. The Battalion achieved an adjectival rating
of Superior and a numerical
rating of 93.7%.
7 September 1960, the
Battalion was reorganized. Headquarters and Supply Company became Headquarters
and Headquarters Company. Company “B” became the Engineer Equipment and
Maintenance Company. Company “C” became Company “B”. company “C” was eliminated
.
25 September 1960,the Battalion was reorganized under General Orders Number 104 as a STRAF Class 6 unit.
Projects Completed:
Post Engineer Work Orders
(Project number 1-60).
Construct Mess tables on
three Trainfire ranges (Project number 4-60).
Motorized platform building
1510 (Project number 5-60).
Grade new Quartermaster
Salvage Yard (Project number 6-60).
Improved Short Road (Project
number 8-60).
Constructed Grahamton Game Farm
storage shed (Project number 10-60).
Sawmill operations (Project
number 12-60).
Modification to building 1510
(Project number 48-59).
Projects not completed:
Landscape Pierce School area
(Project number 64-59)
Timeline - Fort Knox, Kentucky - 1961
I could find no Unit History
reports at the National Archives for the year 1961. Some record may have been
misplaced or lost all together, This is one of the things I will research
further o my next trip up there.
The only items that were
available are as follows:
General Orders Number 186, dated 30 October 1961. Change in status of units. Effective 23 October 1961 saw Company “D”, 2nd Battalion, 38th Engineer General Service
Regiment redesignated as Company “D”, 538th Engineer Battalion
(Construction)
Some time after this the unit
was submitted for Recognition as a Superior Unit Award. A couple of projects can be
found by looking over the headings of the pictures with this report. They are
as follow:
1961 was also the only year
found with pictures of the Battalion and company officers.
Timeline - Fort Knox, Kentucky - 1962
No information or records were found for the year
1962.
Timeline - Fort Knox, Kentucky - 1963
Only one item was found for the year 1963. This was
a Letter dated 15 May 1963. Subject was request for information on General Orders, Awards and dates for the Battalions “Meritorious Unit Commendation, European Theater” and “French Croix de guerre with Palm, World War II,
Normandy”.
From a 1964 Unit History Summary the following
information was found:
Project: Rehabilitate Boydston Tank Range –
consisted of shaping roadbed, ballasting and replacing ties and tracks.
Assigned 14 February 1963 to Companies “C” and “D”.
November 1963, Neutralization of Camp Breckinridge
impact area.
Timeline - Fort Knox, Kentcuky - 1964
“Application For Recognition as a Unit Superior Unit” document.
15 April 1964, Letter of Commendation from Headquarters US Army Armor Center to Commander, 538th Engineer Battalion (Construction).
General Orders Number 92
dated 19 June 1964, Reorganization of Units (only the first page was found).
Projects still in
progress:
Companies “A”, “C”, “D” –
Construction of 53 wooden tent frames for various ranges and training areas,
7007 man-hours and 885 equipment hours.
Company “C” –
Construction of 16 skid mounted wooden latrines, 4762 man-hours and 702
equipment hours.
Projects completed:
Assigned 14 February
1963, Companies “C”, “D” – Rehabilitation of Boydston Tank Range (same as
listed in 1963). Completed 8 July 1964, 22,936 man-hours and 15,945 equipment
hours..
Assigned 17 January 1964,
Company “D” – Installed safety barrier, consisted of installing steel guardrail
along Old Sandpit on Muldaugh Road. Completed 10 April 1964, 412 man-hours and
50 equipment hours.
Assigned 28 January 1964,
Company “C” – Modification to building 94, consisted of constructing a Tire and
Battery Shop and lowering the ceiling. Completed 2 June 1964, 1642 man-hours
and 90 equipment hours.
Assigned 23 March 1964,
Company “C” – Grade and re-rock roads within ammunition area, consisted of
grading and re-rocking approximately five miles of roads and three parking
areas. Completed 15 July 1965, 627 man-hours and 743 equipment hours.
Assigned 16 April 1964,
Company “C” – Rehabilitation of Grahampton Youth Camp, consisted of repairing
tent frames, bridges, roads, sidewalks and parking areas. A new entrance gate
with sign was also constructed. Completed 15 July 1964, 2815 man-hours and 586
equipment hours.
Assigned 29 April 1964,
Company “A” – Repaired road, demonstration areas and bleacher sites in support
of USMA visit, consisted of shaping and re-rock of two miles of gravel road.
Spraying roads with asphalt cut back. Completed 18 June 1964, 1778 man-hours
and 1338 equipment hours.
Assigned 8 May 1964,
Company “C” – Prepare Demonstration area in support of 75th Armor
Conference, consisted of constructing log cribs, control tower, two latrines
and 1500 meters of berm. Also, shaped and re-rocked roads and vehicle parking
areas. Completed 26 May 1964, 866 man-hours and 2763 equipment hours.
Assigned 22 June 1964,
Company ”D” – Construct extension to locomotive shed, consisted of constructing
a wooden addition 22’ wide, 32’ long and 18’ high. Extending rails inside the
building and installing steam heaters and electrical wiring. Completed 11
November 1964, 3782 man-hours and 328 equipment hours.
Assigned 25 June 1964,
Company “C” – Modification of three CSM-1 buildings, consiste of and
underground exhaust system, enclosing open type sheds and installation of
electrical systems. Also, hanging ovehead doors. Completed 17 December 1964,
6182 man-hours and 735 equipment hours.
Assigned July 1964,
Company “A” – Dredge lakes, consisted of dredging four lakes used for fishing.
Completed, November 1964, 1884 man-hours and 1228 equipment hours.
Assigned 15 September
1964, Company “B” – Asphalt surfacing, consisted of placing asphalt surface on
Burcham Range Road. Completed 7 October 1964, 356 man-hours and 157 equipment
hours.
Assigned 16 November
1964, Company “D” – Repairs to building 2200, consisting of repairing interior
of building, painting, sealing windows and constructing shelves. Completed 28
November 1964, 1623 man-hours and 192 equipment hours.
Timeline - Fort Knox, Kentucky - 1965
No unit histories or
other information concerning the Battalions missions was found at the National
Archives for the year 1965. Documentation on the Battalions movement to
Southeast Asia was limited and is as follows:
Message from Department of the Army dated 23 April 1965 alerted the 538th Engineer Battalion (Construction) that it would PCS (Permanent Change of Station) to USARPAC
(United States Army, Pacific) effective the 4th Quarter of FY
(Physical Year) 65.
General Orders Number 97,
Reorganization of Unit from Headquarters US Army Armor Center, Fort Knox,
Kentucky dated 5 May 1965.
Message from Department
of the Army dated 29 May 1965. This message did not copy very well and
therefore is hard to read. It basically states that equipment should be ready
to move by ground surface no later than19 June1965 and personnel should be
ready to move by ground surface no later than 6 July 1965. No date is given as
to when or how the advance party moved.
Letter Orders 1002, Headquarters US Army Armor Center, dated 10 June 1965 gives a breakdown of
units by TO&E, movement data and in general re-states what was in the above
message. There should have been a unit roster attached as “Inclosure 1” to Letter Orders 1002 but it
was not found at the National Archives.
This “Inclosure 2” dated 10 June 1965 from
Headquarters 4th Battalion, 54th Infantry, Fort Knox,
Kentucky has 26 names of enlisted people on it. These personnel transferred to
the 538th to fill shortages due to their engineer MOS’s.
General Orders Number 85, Reorganization of Unit from Headquarters US Army Armor Center, dated 21 June
1965 list some equipment that may have not deployed.
General Orders Number 17,
538th Engineer Battalion (Construction), dated 24 June 1965 changes
Company “A” to Company “B” and Company “B” to Company “A”.
