728th Railway Operating Battalion
As World War II unfolded, the Louisville and Nashville Railroad stood not only as a crucial lifeline on the home front but also as the sponsor of an exceptional battalion that would play a vital role in the Allied victory. The 728th Railway Operating Battalion, initially established as the 597th Engineer Railway Operating Battalion, became a beacon of L&N’s commitment to the war effort.
The roots of the 728th can be traced back to the L&N Railroad, which initially sponsored the 597th Engineer Railway Operating Battalion. With the creation of the U.S. Army Transportation Corps on July 21, 1942, the battalion evolved into the 728th Railway Operating Battalion.
The 728th was organized into four companies, each with a specific focus:
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- Company A: Track work, bridgework, and building work
- Company B: Shop forces for locomotive and car repairs
- Company C: Operation of trains, locomotives, etc.
- Headquarters Company: Battalion Commander’s staff, operators, linemen, signalmen
Commanding Officer Carl Love, a thirty-year L&N veteran, led the battalion. Major Elmer R. Harris served as the executive officer, and other officers, including Captain A. C. Atchison, First Lieutenant C. G. Lowther, and First Lieutenant R. L. Morris, were part of the headquarters staff.
In December 1942, the 728th was called into active service. Most of the officers and enlisted personnel, totaling 30 officers and 900 enlisted, were drawn from L&N Railroad employees. The unit underwent fifteen weeks of training, and by January 11, 1943, the battalion was activated as a fully trained and composite unit.
The 728th arrived in Gourock, Scotland, on December 19, 1943, before being dispatched to various locations in Great Britain for projects under the Military Railway Service. In June 1944, the battalion set sail for Cherbourg, France, where they played a vital role in rail operations during the invasion and breakout from Normandy.
Operating at a busy pace, the 728th saw its operations turned over to French civilian control on April 30, 1945. On May 1, 1945, the battalion loaded onto three troop trains and headed east to Germany. However, the war in Europe ended before they arrived at their destination. On October 1, 1945, the 728th turned control of its sector over to German civilian authorities, marking the end of its wartime service.
The story of the L&N Railroad’s 728th Railway Operating Battalion is one of dedication, resilience, and significant contributions to the Allied victory in World War II. From its origins as a reserve unit to its transformation into a fully trained and operational battalion, the 728th exemplified the commitment of the L&N employees who served both on the home front and the frontlines of the war. Their invaluable efforts echo through history, showcasing the vital role that railroads played in the success of the Allied forces during World War II
To learn more about the impact railroads had during wars, visit the Historic RailPark & Train Museum and see the complete “Railroads Go To War” exhibit.
