About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 26th Field Artillery Regiment (1/26 Artillery) has a distinguished history of service in the United States Army. Originally constituted in 1918, the unit participated in World War I and was later reactivated for service during World War II, where it provided crucial artillery support in the European Theater. Throughout the Cold War, the 1/26 Artillery was stationed in Germany as part of the U.S. Army’s commitment to NATO defense. The battalion has continued to serve in various capacities, adapting to modern warfare requirements and supporting both training and operational missions worldwide.
Historical Facts
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Origin: The 1st Battalion, 26th Field Artillery Regiment (1/26 Artillery) traces its lineage back to 1918, when it was first constituted during World War I as part of the National Army.
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World War II Service: 1/26 Artillery saw extensive combat in World War II, participating in operations across North Africa, Sicily, and mainland Italy, supporting infantry advances with artillery fire.
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Normandy Campaign: The unit landed in Normandy shortly after D-Day, providing crucial artillery support in the drive through France and into Germany.
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Korean War: During the Korean War, the 1/26 Artillery supported United Nations forces with fire missions during major battles, earning commendations for its performance.
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Vietnam War: In Vietnam, the unit provided fire support for infantry operations, often under difficult jungle conditions and frequent enemy fire.
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Cold War Deployments: Throughout the Cold War, 1/26 Artillery was stationed in various locations in Europe, ready to respond to any potential Warsaw Pact aggression.
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Modernization: The battalion was among the first to transition from towed artillery to self-propelled howitzers, improving mobility and firepower.
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Desert Storm: Elements of the 1/26 Artillery participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, supporting coalition forces during the liberation of Kuwait.
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Unit Motto: The unit’s motto is "Courage and Action," reflecting its history of bravery and decisive fire support in combat.
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Decorations: The 1/26 Artillery has received numerous unit citations and foreign awards, including the French Croix de Guerre and the Presidential Unit Citation, recognizing its valor and effective performance in multiple conflicts.
