The 46th Engineer Battalion, 18th Engineer Brigade was headquartered on the Long Binh Post. Volunteers from all of the companies were used to form the 46th Engineer Detachment. About 25 men strong, we went to Rach Kien at the request of the 9th Infantry Division and were assigned a small parcel of land inside the Fire Support Base (which became our compound).

     Part of the 9th Infantry's role in Rach Kien was to build a "model city" that highlighted the mission of the Pacification Program. The strategy was to win over the Vietnamese people. With construction materials and heavy equipment, the 46th Engineer Detachment went about building schools, youth centers, and other civic projects.  The only problem with this, at least while I was there, was that the VC destroyed our work at night and we rebuilt it during the day.

     This was my understanding of the reason we were there.  In addition to our civic action projects, we did our share to help our 9th Division neighbors. We helped them to build bunkers and hooches. We also built a 25 to 30 foot watch tower next to our compound adjacent to the U.S. Army advisors and ARVN headquarters. We also shared losses with them. Mortar attacks were almost nightly and 4 men of the 46th were lost there.

   I was only a sergeant E-5. I am sure there are people out there who remember better than I do. Anyway, I was proud to be there and be associated with the men of the 3rd Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. Whether we were officially recognized or not for what we did at Rach Kien, it doesn't matter anymore. I know we were there.

   To all of my Nam brothers from the 9th Infantry Division, I wish I could have remembered your names. We drank  beer together and got to know each other at the EM Club and on duty assignments. Unfortunately, after more than 30 years, names, times and dates are a big blur in the deep recesses of my memory. But if you are one of the few who remember us, please get in touch.

Thanks,

-- Juan Alvarez

Phone:  (414) 327-7942
Email    cuauhtem@chorus.net
.