The ESB was formed shortly after Pearl Harbor as an amphibian unit of the Corps of Engineers. The purpose of the brigade was to operate the landing craft carrying troops, supplies and equipment and provide support in the establishment of beachheads.

Training on the shore of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, the men were nicknamed by the locals as the "Cape Cod Commandos." The name followed them across the United States and the Pacific Ocean to Australia, New Guinea, New Britain and the Philippines.

Loaded with combat troops, landing craft of the 542nd Engineer Boat and Shore Regiment head for Red Beach, Tanahmerah Bay, New Guinea on April 22, 1944.

The brigade's entire foreign service was devoted to the Pacific theater of operations. After the first combat, the brigade was never pulled out for rest and participated in more amphibious operations than any other unit of the armed forces.

In memory of Sam Gatton, T/5, Company A,  542nd Boat and Shore Regiment, 2nd Engineer Special Brigade

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