About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment (1/15th FA) was originally constituted on 1 July 1916 in the Regular Army as Battery A, 15th Field Artillery. The unit served with distinction in World War I as part of the 2nd Infantry Division, participating in several major campaigns including Aisne-Marne and Meuse-Argonne. Throughout World War II, 1/15th FA supported Allied operations in the European Theater, notably in Normandy and the Rhineland. In the decades that followed, the battalion continued to serve in key conflicts, including the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and remains an integral part of the U.S. Army's field artillery forces today.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War I: The 1st Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment (1/15th FA) was constituted on July 1, 1916, and organized at Camp Stewart, Texas, in June 1917.
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First Combat in France: The unit saw its first combat action during World War I as part of the 2nd Division, American Expeditionary Forces, participating in campaigns such as Aisne-Marne and Meuse-Argonne.
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French Fourragere Award: For its distinguished service in World War I, the 1/15th FA was awarded the French Fourragere, an honor signified by a braided cord worn on the uniform.
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World War II Service: The battalion served with the 2nd Infantry Division across the European Theater of Operations, including the Normandy invasion and the Battle of the Bulge.
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Korean War Heroics: The 1/15th FA played a crucial role in the defense of the Pusan Perimeter and later in the push to the Yalu River, earning multiple campaign streamers.
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Vietnam Deployments: Elements of the battalion were deployed to Vietnam, providing vital artillery support during some of the conflict’s most intense operations.
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Motto and Insignia: The battalion’s motto is "Allons" (French for "Let us go"), reflecting its heritage and ties to French military traditions from World War I.
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Cold War Garrison: During the Cold War, the 1/15th FA was stationed in various locations, including Germany, as part of the U.S. Army’s forward-deployed forces in Europe.
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Modern Deployments: In recent decades, the battalion has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom with fire support and security operations.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The unit’s distinctive insignia features a red shield with a gold cannon, symbolizing artillery power and the battalion’s long-standing tradition of excellence.
