1:38th. F.A.

• Origins in World War I: The 1st Battalion, 38th Field Artillery Regiment (1/38th FA) was constituted in the National Army on 5 July 1918 and organized at Camp Lewis, Washington. However, the unit was demobilized shortly after, in February 1919, following the end of World War I. • World War II Service: The battalion was reactivated and served with distinction in World War II as part of the 2nd Infantry Division, participating in campaigns across Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe. • Normandy Landings: The 1/38th FA landed on Omaha Beach during D-Day operations and provided crucial artillery support for the advancing infantry in the days following the invasion. • Role in the Battle of the Bulge: The battalion played a significant part in the Ardennes Counteroffensive, providing vital firepower to halt the German advance during the Battle of the Bulge. • Korean War Deployments: The 1/38th FA was involved in major actions during the Korean War, including battles at the Naktong River, Pusan Perimeter, and the push northward toward the Yalu River. • Vietnam War Involvement: Elements of the 38th Field Artillery served in Vietnam, providing artillery support in various operations, although the 1st Battalion itself was not deployed as a whole unit. • Cold War Service in Europe: During the Cold War, the battalion was stationed in Germany as part of the U.S. Army’s commitment to NATO, ready to respond to any Soviet threat. • Modernization: The 1/38th FA has transitioned through several artillery systems, including the M101 howitzer, M109 self-propelled howitzer, and currently operates advanced artillery platforms like the M777 and M109A6 Paladin. • Post-9/11 Deployments: The battalion has participated in deployments supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, providing accurate and timely fire support in both Iraq and Afghanistan. • Motto and Emblem: The battalion’s motto is "Steel Behind the Rock," reflecting its role in supporting infantry operations with overwhelming firepower. Its distinctive unit insignia features a red shield with a silver band, symbolizing artillery strength and heritage.