1:32nd FA (Honest John)

• Origins: The 1st Battalion, 32nd Field Artillery Regiment (1/32nd FA) was originally constituted in 1918, serving in various forms throughout World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and beyond. • Honest John Missile: In the late 1950s and 1960s, 1/32nd FA was one of the first US Army units equipped with the MGR-1 "Honest John," the world’s first nuclear-capable, surface-to-surface, free-flight artillery rocket. • Cold War Deterrence: Stationed in Germany during the Cold War, the battalion’s Honest John missiles were a critical element of NATO's nuclear deterrence strategy against the Soviet Union. • Rapid Mobility: Unlike traditional artillery, Honest John batteries could relocate and fire rapidly, making them difficult targets and enhancing survivability in a nuclear battlefield scenario. • Multinational Exercises: 1/32nd FA frequently participated in large-scale NATO exercises, including "REFORGER," to demonstrate the readiness and mobility of American nuclear forces in Europe. • Deactivation of Honest John: The Honest John system was retired in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and 1/32nd FA transitioned to more modern rocket and missile systems. • "Proud Americans": The 32nd Field Artillery Regiment carries the nickname "Proud Americans," and its battalions, including 1/32nd, are known for their esprit de corps and decorated history. • Combat Heritage: Elements of the 32nd FA, including 1/32nd, earned numerous campaign streamers and unit citations for valor and service in Korea and Vietnam. • Veteran Stories: Former soldiers recall the tension of handling nuclear-capable weapons, the camaraderie of missile crews, and the secrecy surrounding their Cold War missions. • Legacy: Though the Honest John is long retired, the lineage of 1/32nd FA continues, with the unit serving in new artillery roles in the modern US Army, maintaining a proud connection to its historic missile days.