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72nd FA Group

U.S. Air Force•10 members

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About this Unit

72nd FA Group

U.S. Air Force

The 72nd Field Artillery Group was originally constituted during World War II and activated on 1 April 1943. The unit saw action in the European Theater, supporting Allied operations in campaigns such as Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe. After the war, the 72nd FA Group served in various capacities during the Cold War, including assignments in Germany. Eventually, the unit was inactivated, but its lineage and honors are preserved as part of the U.S. Army’s distinguished field artillery history.

About 72nd FA Group

About this Unit

Historical Facts

World War II Origins: The 72nd Field Artillery Group was first activated during World War II on 17 July 1943 at Camp Barkeley, Texas, providing crucial artillery support during the war.
European Campaigns: The unit participated in several key European campaigns, including the Rhineland and Central Europe operations, supporting the Allied advance into Nazi-occupied territories.
Normandy Landings: Though not present at D-Day itself, the 72nd FA Group landed in France shortly after and was instrumental in providing artillery support for the breakout from Normandy.
Post-War Service in Germany: After WWII, the group remained in Germany as part of the Army of Occupation, helping to maintain order and security during the early years of reconstruction.
Korean War Reactivation: The unit was reactivated for the Korean War, where it played a significant role in several major battles, including the defense of the Pusan Perimeter and the advance northward.
Cold War Duties: During the Cold War, the 72nd FA Group was stationed in Germany, standing ready as part of NATO’s defense posture against potential Warsaw Pact aggression.
Modernization: The group underwent several reorganizations and equipment upgrades, transitioning from older to more advanced artillery systems to improve battlefield effectiveness.
Decorations: The 72nd Field Artillery Group received multiple unit citations and commendations for its exemplary service during both World War II and the Korean War.
Notable Commanders: The unit has been led by several distinguished officers, many of whom went on to hold higher commands within the U.S. Army.
Legacy: Though redesignated and reorganized over the years, the 72nd FA Group’s lineage and honors are preserved in current U.S. Army artillery units, continuing its proud tradition of service.

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72nd FA Group

U.S. Air Force•10 members

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About this Unit

72nd FA Group

U.S. Air Force

Unit members

Frederick Durgin

U.S. Army · 1971 - 1974

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Pedro Gutierrez

U.S. Army · 2001 - 2003

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FELECIA WALLACE

U.S. Army · 1981 - 1989

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Bruce West

U.S. Army · 1966 - 1972

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Air Force photos

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About 72nd FA Group

About this Unit

Historical Facts

World War II Origins: The 72nd Field Artillery Group was first activated during World War II on 17 July 1943 at Camp Barkeley, Texas, providing crucial artillery support during the war.
European Campaigns: The unit participated in several key European campaigns, including the Rhineland and Central Europe operations, supporting the Allied advance into Nazi-occupied territories.
Normandy Landings: Though not present at D-Day itself, the 72nd FA Group landed in France shortly after and was instrumental in providing artillery support for the breakout from Normandy.
Post-War Service in Germany: After WWII, the group remained in Germany as part of the Army of Occupation, helping to maintain order and security during the early years of reconstruction.
Korean War Reactivation: The unit was reactivated for the Korean War, where it played a significant role in several major battles, including the defense of the Pusan Perimeter and the advance northward.
Cold War Duties: During the Cold War, the 72nd FA Group was stationed in Germany, standing ready as part of NATO’s defense posture against potential Warsaw Pact aggression.
Modernization: The group underwent several reorganizations and equipment upgrades, transitioning from older to more advanced artillery systems to improve battlefield effectiveness.
Decorations: The 72nd Field Artillery Group received multiple unit citations and commendations for its exemplary service during both World War II and the Korean War.
Notable Commanders: The unit has been led by several distinguished officers, many of whom went on to hold higher commands within the U.S. Army.
Legacy: Though redesignated and reorganized over the years, the 72nd FA Group’s lineage and honors are preserved in current U.S. Army artillery units, continuing its proud tradition of service.