9th Engineer Command

The U.S. Army's IX Engineer Command was activated in 1943 as part of the Ninth Army Air Force, with its primary mission being to provide the technical and engineering support necessary for tactical air operations in the European theater. Its responsibilities included the construction and rehabilitation of air bases, forward airfields, roads, and logistical infrastructure to enable the deployment and support of US air forces.

The IX Engineer Command was deployed to Great Britain in 1944 to prepare the infrastructure necessary for Operation Overlord. Prior to the Normandy landings, its units worked on the rehabilitation and construction of air bases in England to house and support the bomber and fighter groups of the Ninth Air Force.

From June 1944, after the landings, the IX Engineer Command followed the Allied forces through Normandy, building and repairing advanced airfields (Advanced Landing Grounds) in the frontline region as the Americans advanced through France. This infrastructure enabled tactical air forces to bring their operations closer to ground units and provide continuous air support.

During the summer and fall of 1944, IX Engineer Command participated in the construction and maintenance of numerous airfields throughout northern and eastern France, Brittany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, supporting the operations of American divisions and Allied forces in reducing pockets of German resistance and securing lines of communication.

During the winter of 1944-1945, IX Engineer Command continued to build and maintain airfields in areas close to the front, particularly during operations related to the Battle of the Bulge and the stabilization of the front. In 1945, its units were engaged in logistical support for the final operations of the Allied offensive, particularly in the Rhineland and central Germany, building infrastructure that enabled air operations to continue until the German surrender.

After the end of hostilities, IX Engineer Command was employed in airfield rehabilitation and maintenance tasks, contributing to the transition to occupation missions before its deactivation.

The IX Engineer Command's service record covers the entire European theater, from the preparation of air bases in Great Britain prior to D-Day to the construction and maintenance of forward airfields in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, supporting all tactical air operations of the Ninth Air Force during World War II.