Duty, Honor, Country - 84th Engineer Battalion (Heavy) - Enewetak Atoll Marshall Islands - Never Daunted

The 84th Engineer Battalion (Heavy): A Legacy of Service, Sacrifice, and Resilience

The 84th Engineer Battalion (Heavy) traces its roots back to its formation as the 602nd Camouflage Battalion in the Organized Reserves on March 31, 1930. Over the decades, the battalion evolved, becoming the 84th Engineer Battalion (Camouflage) (Army) in July 1940. This unit played a pivotal role in World War II, earning multiple streamers for its service in Italy, Southern France, and Central Europe, marking its place in military history.

In 1976, the battalion was redesignated as the 84th Engineer Battalion (Combat) (Heavy), expanding its mission to include construction, combat engineering, and infantry operations. The following year, in 1977, the battalion embarked on a mission that would forever define its legacy: the Enewetak Atoll Atomic Cleanup Mission. This monumental effort sought to remove the radioactive soil and debris left from the nuclear testing that occurred in the Marshall Islands after World War II.

The cleanup operation, known as the Enewetak Radiological Support Project, spanned three years and culminated in 1980 with the capping of Cactus Crater on Runit Island using a concrete dome. Nearly 4,000 U.S. servicemen participated in this mission, including members of the 84th Engineer Battalion, enduring grueling conditions and facing exposure to dangerous radioactive elements such as cesium-137 and plutonium. Tragically, six lives were lost in accidents during the cleanup, further highlighting the dangers faced by these individuals.

Despite their sacrifices, the veterans of the 1977-1980 Enewetak Atoll Atomic Cleanup Mission faced numerous challenges upon returning to civilian life. Many developed health issues attributed to their exposure to ionizing radiation and other hazardous materials, leading them to advocate for recognition as veterans who had participated in radiation-risk activities during their service. Their efforts for acknowledgment, compensation, and improved healthcare continue to this day.

Among the members of the 84th Engineer Battalion, a group known as the Lojwa Animals emerged—an informal brotherhood of those who had served on Lojwa Island during the cleanup mission. These veterans have shared their experiences and concerns, raising awareness about the physical and emotional toll of their service. Through camaraderie, they provide each other with moral support while fighting for the recognition they deserve.

The 84th Engineer Battalion (Heavy) and their involvement in the Enewetak Atoll Atomic Cleanup Mission remain a testament to the dedication and resilience of the men who served under extraordinary circumstances. Their legacy underscores the need to honor and support these veterans who risked their health and lives for a mission that sought to heal a land marred by nuclear testing. Their stories, sacrifices, and advocacy efforts highlight the importance of recognizing their contributions and ensuring they receive the healthcare and benefits they have rightfully earned.