62nd Engineer Battalion’s origin is Fort Devens, Massachusetts, where it was activated on 21 October 1939, as the 18th Engineers (Combat). In February 1942, the battalion was the first unit assigned to a task force being organized to construct the Alcan Highway, a vitally needed overland supply route. This highway acted as the lifeline for American forces in Alaska during WW II. In conjunction with the 97th Engineer Battalion, the 62nd Engineer Battalion constructed 1,450 miles of a 32 foot wide roadway from April to November 1942 through some of the most forbidding terrain in North America. The battalion was awarded its first Meritorious Unit Commendation for its efforts constructing the Alcan Highway. In August of 1942, the unit was redesigned as the 2nd Battalion of the 18th Engineer Combat regiment. During the winter of that same year, the battalion was deployed to the Aleutian Island of Adak to build a supply base and staging area capable of equipping an expeditionary force of 50,000 men.

In May of 1943, the battalion was moved to Shemya Island in the Aleutian chain to construct an airstrip capable of launching fighter aircraft. The battalion was later called upon to lengthen a runway for bomber operations against the Japanese assault on the Aleutian Island. The battalion received an Aleutian Island Campaign streamer for its efforts.

On 30 November 1944, the battalion was sent to Camp Bowie, Texas. On 8 January 1945, the 2nd Battalion reorganized as the 410th Engineer Combat Battalion. Following the completion of reorganization, the 410th moved to Fort Belvoir, Virginia, where the battalion was placed in support of the U. S. Army Engineer School. On 22 April 1949, the 410th was redesigned the 62nd Engineer Construction Battalion. Sixteen months later, the 62nd left fort Belvoir for Korea. The 62nd landed at Ichon, Korea on 25 September 1950, ten days after the initial United Nations invasion force caught the North Koreans by surprise and turned the tide of the Korean war. Nine campaign streamers and two Meritorious Unit Commendations were awarded to the battalion, which completed many major battalion and company sized construction projects enhancing the offensive drive into and the withdrawal from North Korea. The battalion left Korea for Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri in January 1955 and was called upon to assist in converting the installation into a permanent post. During the 11 years following Korea, the battalion remained at Fort Leonard Wood until hostilities erupted in Southeast Asia.

In August of 1965, the 62nd Engineer Battalion deployed to Vietnam. Its first mission was to construct a 10,000 foot airstrip and cantonment at Phan Rang. In 1966, the battalion moved to Long Binh where it spent two years constructing and repairing roads and logistical facilities.

In January 1969, the 62nd Engineer Battalion was chosen to become one of the most unique Engineer Battalions in the Army. Although it was never officially redesignated, the unit was known throughout Vietnam as the 62nd Engineer Battalion (Land Clearing). Its new mission was to clear away jungle cover used so effectively by the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese. In order to accomplish the mission, each company was equipped with bulldozers with specially designed blades manufactured in Rome, Georgia and heavy duty protective cages. During the period July 1969 through October 1970, the battalion’s D7 "Rome Plows" cleared 240,000 acres of jungle in south Vietnam while supporting the II Field Force.

While in Vietnam, the 62nd Engineer Battalion took part in 14 campaigns. During this time, the battalion was awarded its fourth, fifth, and sixth Meritorious Unit Citations and the Vietnamese Civic Action Medal.

The 62nd Engineer Battalion departed Vietnam for Fort Hood, Texas in October 1971 and was assigned to the 13th Support Command. In June 1976 the battalion was redesigned as the 62nd Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy). The battalion deployed on 28 and 31 October 1990 to Saudi Arabia to support XVIII Airborne Corps and ARCENT in defensive operations. On January 1991, the start of Operation Desert Storm, the battalion was actively constructing over 200 miles of Main Supply Routes and the largest logistics base used for offensive operations. On 25 February 1991, the battalion crossed into Iraq close on the heels of the 24th Mechanized Infantry Division.

The battalion returned to Fort Hood on 15 April 1991 and was awarded two Southwest Asia Campaign streamers; the Defense of Saudi Arabia and the Liberation and Defense of Kuwait streamer, making a total of 38 streamers on the battalion colors. For its efforts in the Middle East, the Battalion was awarded its seventh Meritorious Unit Citation.

Since its arrival on Fort Hood, the 62nd Engineer Battalion has provided extensive support to III Corps and Fort Hood. The battalion’s annual construction budget of approximately $1,000,000 provides for numerous challenging construction projects.

The battalion has recently deployed Soldiers to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for JTF-160; Arizona for JTF-6; and Bosnia for Operation Joint Endeavor. On post construction operations have included a multi-million dollar range upgrade at Clabber Creek, construction of six metal warehouses, extensive tank trail upgrades, HAZMAT and AAR buildings, improvement of BLORA recreational facilities, Phantom Range upgrades and Venable Village Community building construction.

Additionally, the battalion has been fully engaged in the training events of range weeks, numerous NTC rotations, ARTEPS, squad stakes, and spearheading the Motorpool Pride project for Fort Hood.

In December 2005, the battalion deployed to Baghdad in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. There, the battalion actively supported construction throughout Multi-National Division Baghdad including craters repairs on more than 700km of roadway throughout the area of operations. The battalion also constructed the Baghdad security belt enabling increased security throughout the region. The battalion was awarded its eighth Meritorious Unit Citation for actions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Returning 5 December 2006, the 62nd Engineer Battalion began reintegration into Fort Hood. Already, they were notified of their next deployment, this time in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, Afghanistan. From August 07 to December 07 the battalion conducted IED Defeat lanes, Convoy Live Fire Exercises, training simulations, and various construction missions on Fort Hood in preparation for the upcoming deployment.

In January 2008, B Company deployed to FOB Sharana, Afghanistan, as the lead element of the battalion. C Company arrived at FOB Fenty, Afghanistan, in February, with the remainder of the battalion transitioning in April. During its fifteen month deployment, the battalion’s mission was twofold, FOB construction (improving the facilities on numerous FOBs, as well as constructing several new FOBs) and building the road network both to expand the civilian infrastructure and to supplement the logistical supply lines. While deployed in support of CJTF-101, the battalion constructed more than 40 km of road, 62 B-huts, 6 SEA-huts, 22 guard towers, 6 new forward operating bases / combat outposts, and expanded 4 forward operating bases. Overall, the battalion improved more than 41 FOBs / COPs and executed more than $40 million worth of construction.