About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 21st Field Artillery Regiment (1-21st FA) has a distinguished history within the U.S. Army, tracing its lineage back to its constitution in 1916. The unit served with distinction in major conflicts including World War II, where it supported operations in the European Theater, and later in Vietnam, providing critical fire support. Over the years, 1-21st FA has been part of various divisions, most notably the 1st Cavalry Division, adapting to evolving artillery tactics and technologies. Today, the battalion continues to uphold its proud heritage, supporting modern combat operations and maintaining readiness as a key artillery unit.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War I: The 1st Battalion, 21st Field Artillery Regiment (1/21st FA) traces its lineage back to its constitution on 1 July 1916 in the Regular Army as Battery A, 21st Field Artillery.
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Service in World War II: The unit saw extensive combat in World War II as part of the 5th Infantry Division, participating in campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
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Redleg Nickname: Like other artillery units, 1/21st FA is known colloquially as “Redlegs,” a tradition dating back to the red stripe on Civil War artillerymen's uniforms.
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Vietnam War Deployment: The battalion was deployed to Vietnam, where it provided crucial artillery support in numerous operations throughout the conflict.
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Transformation to Rocket Artillery: In modern times, 1/21st FA has fielded the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), providing long-range precision fire support.
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Gulf War Participation: The unit was activated and deployed as part of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, delivering devastating firepower during the liberation of Kuwait.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion’s insignia features a gold lion and a blue background, symbolizing courage and the unit’s European campaigns.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: 1/21st FA participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom, supporting maneuver units with precision rocket and missile strikes.
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Nickname "Gimlet Guns": The battalion is often referred to as the “Gimlet Guns,” linking it with its parent infantry regiment, the "Gimlets" of the 21st Infantry.
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Global Deployments: Over its history, the 1/21st FA has deployed to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, demonstrating the global reach and adaptability of U.S. Army Field Artillery.
