1:26 Artillery

• 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. • 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. • Normandy Campaign: The unit landed in Normandy shortly after D-Day, providing crucial artillery support in the drive through France and into Germany. • 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. • Vietnam War: In Vietnam, the unit provided fire support for infantry operations, often under difficult jungle conditions and frequent enemy fire. • 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. • Modernization: The battalion was among the first to transition from towed artillery to self-propelled howitzers, improving mobility and firepower. • Desert Storm: Elements of the 1/26 Artillery participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, supporting coalition forces during the liberation of Kuwait. • Unit Motto: The unit’s motto is "Courage and Action," reflecting its history of bravery and decisive fire support in combat. • 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.