the 5th massachusetts was mustered into federal service on 25 june 1916 at framingham for duty on the mexican border while stationed at el paso, texas. the regiment mustered out between 10–15 november 1916. it was re-activated on 25 july 1917 and drafted into federal service on 5 august 1917 for service in world war i. the 5th massachusetts was redesignated on 11 february 1918 as the 3rd pioneer infantry regiment, and served in the u.s. first army sector in france before being demobilized between 25–31 july 1919 at camp devens.