About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment (1-320 FA) traces its lineage to 1917, when it was constituted as Battery A, 320th Field Artillery and assigned to the 82nd Division during World War I. The unit provided artillery support in key campaigns such as St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne. Reactivated for World War II as part of the 101st Airborne Division, 1-320 FA participated in major operations including Normandy, Market Garden, and the Battle of the Bulge. Since then, the battalion has served in multiple conflicts, including Vietnam, the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan, delivering vital fire support as part of the Screaming Eagles.
Historical Facts
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Historic Lineage: The 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment (1/320 FA) traces its origins to the 82nd Division in World War I, formed in August 1917 at Camp Gordon, Georgia.
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World War I Service: The unit participated in major campaigns such as St. Mihiel, Meuse-Argonne, and Lorraine, providing critical artillery support.
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Airborne Artillery: 1/320 FA became part of the famed 101st Airborne Division, giving it a unique role as an airborne field artillery battalion.
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Normandy Invasion: Elements of 1/320 FA parachuted into France on D-Day, June 6, 1944, as part of Operation Overlord, supporting the assault on Utah Beach.
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Bastogne and the Battle of the Bulge: During the siege of Bastogne, 1/320 FA played a crucial role delivering fire support to the surrounded 101st Airborne defenders.
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Vietnam War Deployments: The battalion deployed to Vietnam, participating in major operations including the Tet Offensive and earning multiple unit citations for valor.
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Gulf War Participation: 1/320 FA supported the 101st Airborne in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, providing rapid mobility and firepower in the liberation of Kuwait.
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Global War on Terror: The unit has deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001, adapting its artillery capabilities to diverse combat and counterinsurgency missions.
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Decorations and Honors: 1/320 FA has received numerous awards, including Presidential Unit Citations, Valorous Unit Awards, and foreign decorations for its distinguished combat record.
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Modernization and Legacy: Today, 1/320 FA continues to serve with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), upholding its legacy of "Top Guns" excellence and innovation in artillery tactics.
