101st Engineer Battalion (United States)
| 101st Engineer Battalion | |
|---|---|
Coat of Arms
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| Active | 1636– |
| Country |
 England (1636-1707) Great Britain (1707-1776) United States (1776-Present) |
| Type | Combat Engineer |
| Motto(s) | TENAX PROPOSITI (Tenacious of Purpose) |
| Commanders | |
| Lieutenant Colonel | Nathan A. Wilder |
| Command Sergeant Major | Brendan P. Bowen |
| Insignia | |
| Distinctive Unit Insignia |  |
The 101st Engineer Battalion is a branch of the Massachusetts National Guard and one of the oldest serving regiments of the United States Army. The 101st Engineer Battalion was originally established as the East Regiment. As the first muster was held on the green in Salem, Massachusetts, Salem is seen as the birthplace of the National Guard.
On 13 December 1636, the Massachusetts General Court ordered the organization of three militia regiments designated as the North, South, and East regiments. The East Regiment (later the Essex Regiment) provided protection and support to the Settlers of the Massachusetts Bay Colony for 139 years. It also fought in the Pequot Indian Wars, King Philip's War, and the French and Indian War.
The 101st played a key role in the Revolutionary War. Elements fought the British Regulars on 19 April 1775, that started the battle for independence and an active duty regiment saved General George Washington’s Army after the Battle of Long Island in August of 1776. The same element helped the American cause to remain alive in December of 1776 during the Battle of Trenton. They manned the boats for General Washington to cross the Delaware.
During the Civil War, three separate Regiments were established in Essex County. The 8th Massachusetts Volunteer Militia sailed to Annapolis, Maryland, in April of 1861; boarded the USS Constitution; and sailed her to New York Harbor so she would not fall into the hands of the Confederates. The 19th Massachusetts Volunteer Militia fought with the Army of the Potomac and had seven Medal of Honor Recipients. The 50th Massachusetts Volunteer Militia had port duty in Louisiana and had one Medal of Honor recipient.
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Wikipedia