About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment (1/321st FA) traces its lineage to the 321st Field Artillery, organized in 1917 as part of the 82nd Division during World War I. The unit served with distinction in major campaigns such as St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne. Reactivated during World War II, it provided vital artillery support in operations including the Normandy invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. In later years, 1/321st FA supported airborne operations as part of the 82nd Airborne Division, deploying in conflicts such as Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom before being inactivated in 2014.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War I: The 1st Battalion, 321st Field Artillery Regiment (1/321st FA) was originally constituted in 1917 as part of the National Army during World War I, assigned to the 82nd Division.
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Nickname "Gunslingers": The battalion is often nicknamed the "Gunslingers," a testament to its reputation for rapid and accurate artillery fire support.
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World War II Service: The 321st Field Artillery played a crucial role in multiple campaigns during WWII, including operations in Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany as part of the 82nd Airborne Division.
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Airborne Artillery: The battalion became part of the 82nd Airborne Division, learning to drop artillery pieces by parachute and glider for rapid deployment and support of paratroopers.
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Normandy Invasion: Elements of the 1/321st FA landed on D-Day as part of Operation Neptune, providing fire support for airborne troops behind enemy lines.
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Vietnam War Deployments: The battalion deployed to Vietnam, supporting the 101st Airborne Division in major operations such as Operation Nevada Eagle and Operation Apache Snow.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The unit’s insignia features a red shield with a gold bend and a cannon, symbolizing its artillery heritage and combat honors.
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Modernization: Over the years, the 1/321st FA transitioned from towed howitzers to more advanced artillery systems, reflecting the evolution of U.S. Army fire support doctrine.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: Elements of the battalion deployed to Iraq, providing fire support and stability operations during the early years of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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Deactivation: In 2014, the 1/321st FA was inactivated as part of Army restructuring, but its legacy continues through the honors and traditions carried by other artillery units in the 82nd Airborne Division.
