1:319th AFAR

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Branch

U.S. Air Force

Members

About 1:319th AFAR

The 1st Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment (1-319th AFAR) traces its lineage to the 319th Field Artillery, which was constituted in 1917 and served in World War I as part of the 82nd Division. Reactivated during World War II, the unit provided critical airborne artillery support in major campaigns including Sicily, Normandy (D-Day), and the Battle of the Bulge. Throughout the Cold War and into the present, 1-319th AFAR has participated in numerous operations, such as Operation Just Cause in Panama, Operation Desert Storm, and deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. As a key component of the 82nd Airborne Division, the battalion is renowned for its rapid deployment capability and excellence in providing fire support to airborne and ground forces.

Unit Members

Garry Elliott

U.S. Army

1:319th AFARView Profile

Randolph Stone

U.S. Army

1:319th AFARView Profile

Photos

Osan Korea Electronic Warfare Technician

51 Component Repair Squadron • U.S. Air Force • 1979

Boeing 767 Captain

U.S. Air Force • 2017

Towing Gliders

U.S. Air Force • 2000

C-141 Flight Engineer Graduation

708 Military Airlift Squadron • U.S. Air Force • 1982

About 1:319th AFAR

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Origins in World War I: The 1st Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment (1/319th AFAR) traces its lineage back to the 319th Field Artillery, which was constituted in 1917 as part of the 82nd Division for service in World War I. • Airborne Artillery Pioneer: The unit became one of the first field artillery units to convert to an airborne role during World War II, providing artillery support for paratrooper operations. • D-Day and Operation Market Garden: 1/319th AFAR participated in the D-Day landings at Normandy and the subsequent Operation Market Garden, providing critical fire support to the 82nd Airborne Division. • Bastogne and the Battle of the Bulge: The battalion played a key role in the defense of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, firing thousands of rounds to repel German attacks. • Vietnam War Service: 1/319th AFAR deployed to Vietnam, supporting the 173rd Airborne Brigade. The battalion earned several unit commendations for its actions in combat. • Gulf War Deployments: The battalion participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 as part of the rapid deployment of the 82nd Airborne Division. • Global War on Terror: 1/319th AFAR has deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001, providing direct artillery support for counterinsurgency operations. • Nickname “Loyalty:” The battalion is commonly known as “Loyalty,” reflecting its motto and reputation for steadfast support to the 82nd Airborne Division and its mission. • Fire Support Innovations: The unit has been at the forefront of integrating new artillery technologies, including digital fire control systems and precision-guided munitions. • Decorations and Honors: 1/319th AFAR has received numerous decorations, including Presidential Unit Citations and Valorous Unit Awards for its distinguished service in multiple conflicts.