1:3rd FA

• 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.