About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment (1/3rd FA) traces its lineage back to 1812, originally organized as Captain John L. Gardner’s Company, 3rd Regiment of Artillery. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, the unit served in numerous major conflicts, including the Mexican-American War, Civil War, World War I, and World War II, providing critical fire support in key battles. In more recent decades, 1/3rd FA has supported operations in the Middle East, including Operation Iraqi Freedom, as part of the U.S. Army’s modern combined arms teams. Renowned for its adaptability and professionalism, the unit continues to play a vital role in delivering precision artillery fire in support of U.S. military operations worldwide.
Historical Facts
•
Historic Lineage: The 1st Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment (1/3rd FA) traces its origins back to 1812, making it one of the oldest active artillery units in the United States Army.
•
War of 1812: The unit was originally constituted as Captain John Mason’s Company, 3rd Regiment of Artillery, and served in the War of 1812, playing a role in the defense of American territory.
•
Civil War Service: The 1/3rd FA fought in numerous significant Civil War battles, including Gettysburg, Antietam, and Fredericksburg, earning campaign credits for its valiant service.
•
Nickname: The battalion is nicknamed “The Duke” after the British General, the Duke of Wellington, reflecting its distinguished and storied history.
•
World War II: During WWII, the battalion served in the European Theater, participating in major campaigns such as Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
•
Post-Cold War Deployments: In the modern era, 1/3rd FA has deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, providing fire support and adapting to new challenges.
•
Decorations: The unit has earned numerous honors, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm for extraordinary heroism in action.
•
Transformation: The battalion has transitioned through various artillery pieces over two centuries, from early smoothbore cannons to the modern M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzers.
•
Garrison Location: In recent decades, the 1/3rd FA has been stationed at Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), Texas, as part of the 1st Cavalry Division.
•
Regimental Motto: The motto of the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment is “Celeritas et Accuratio” (Speed and Accuracy), reflecting the unit’s commitment to excellence in artillery operations.