1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment

• Formation in World War I: The 79th Field Artillery Regiment was constituted on 1 July 1916 in the Regular Army and organized at Fort Riley, Kansas, marking its origins in the buildup to U.S. involvement in World War I. • World War II Service: The regiment saw extensive combat during World War II, supporting Allied advances across France and Germany and earning campaign participation credits including Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe. • Assignment to 1st Cavalry Division: The 79th Field Artillery was assigned to the famed 1st Cavalry Division, participating in mechanized operations and supporting cavalry units with artillery fire during the division’s early years. • Deployment in Vietnam: The battalion was deployed to Vietnam, where it provided critical fire support in various operations, including search-and-destroy missions and defensive firebases throughout the conflict. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion’s insignia includes a red shield with a gold lion, symbolizing courage and valor, and reflects its artillery heritage and combat service. • Current Role at Fort Sill: Today, the 1st Battalion, 79th Field Artillery Regiment is a basic combat training unit at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where it transforms thousands of civilians into soldiers each year. • Nickname "Steel Dragons": The battalion is known as the “Steel Dragons,” a moniker reflecting strength, resilience, and the fierce spirit of its soldiers. • Participation in Operation Desert Storm: Elements of the unit were activated and deployed in support roles during the Gulf War, contributing to the swift coalition victory. • Medal of Honor Connection: Private First Class Charles Barger, who served with the regiment in World War I, was awarded the Medal of Honor for extraordinary heroism near Bois-de-Bantheville, France. • Training Innovations: The battalion is known for pioneering new training methods, including integrating modern technology and simulation into basic combat training to better prepare new soldiers for contemporary warfare.