1:22nd Arty USARSEVEN

• Origins: The 1st Battalion, 22nd Field Artillery (1/22nd Arty) traces its lineage to the 22nd Field Artillery Regiment, constituted in 1916 as part of the Regular Army during the buildup to World War I. • World War II Service: The 22nd Field Artillery provided fire support in the European Theater, participating in major campaigns including Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe. • Cold War Role: During the Cold War, 1/22nd Arty was assigned to US Army Europe (USAREUR) and later to US Army Seventh Army (USARSEVEN), playing a key role in NATO's defense posture in Germany. • USARSEVEN Assignment: The battalion served under USARSEVEN—a major US Army headquarters responsible for ground forces in Europe—reinforcing the importance of artillery in deterring Warsaw Pact aggression. • Honors: The unit earned multiple unit citations and campaign streamers for its participation in World War II and Cold War operations. • “Red Dragons” Nickname: The 22nd Field Artillery Regiment is known as the "Red Dragons," a nickname that reflects both the unit’s firepower and its heraldic symbolism. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The unit's insignia features a gold dragon on a red shield, symbolizing strength and the regiment’s fighting spirit. • Equipment Evolution: Over its history, 1/22nd Arty transitioned from horse-drawn artillery to self-propelled howitzers, reflecting advances in artillery technology. • Community Engagement: While stationed in Germany, battalion members often participated in joint exercises with NATO allies and engaged in local community outreach, fostering US-German relations. • Legacy: Though inactivated in the post-Cold War drawdown, the 1/22nd Arty’s history is preserved through regimental associations and reunions, keeping alive the stories and camaraderie of its veterans.