Engineer Light Ponton Company
An Engineer Light Ponton Company was a combat engineer company of the United States Army that served with U.S. Army ground forces during World War II. It was primarily a highly mobile pontoon bridge construction unit, though it also provided both M2 assault boats and a selection of infantry support bridging, ferries, and rafts. Mission The combat engineer unit was organized and trained to transport and maintain its stream-crossing equipage, to construct floating bridges and rafts with this equipage, to guard and maintain completed bridges, to regulate traffic thereon, and to dismantle bridges and rafts. They are responsible for construction of floating bridges and rafts assisted by general engineer troops. Light ponton companies may be attached to divisions engaged in stream-crossing operations in accordance with the tactical situation. Capabilities Company capabilities included, but were not limited to: Bridge construction (mobile, floating, fixed) Conducting river crossings by ponton/raft, motor-powered assault boats Demolition Placing/de-arming munitions, including mines Port & harbor maintenance and rehabilitation, including beachheads Vehicle maintenance Fighting as infantry when needed Organization The light ponton company consisted of a headquarters platoon, two bridge platoons, and a light equipage platoon. Its equipment included: Two units of pneumatic bridge equipment (M3) Two units