2:21st FA

• Origins in World War I: The 2nd Battalion, 21st Field Artillery Regiment (2/21st FA) traces its lineage to the original 21st Field Artillery Regiment, which was constituted in July 1916 as the U.S. Army expanded in anticipation of involvement in World War I. • World War II Service: The parent regiment and its battalions, including elements that would become 2/21st FA, served in several campaigns during World War II, including operations in Europe and North Africa. • Vietnam War Deployment: 2/21st FA was activated and deployed to Vietnam, where it provided critical fire support for infantry and armored units, notably as part of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). • Artillery Innovation: In Vietnam, the battalion was known for its use of helicopter mobility to rapidly reposition artillery pieces, significantly increasing the flexibility and responsiveness of U.S. firepower. • Nickname "Gunslinger": 2/21st FA adopted the nickname “Gunslinger Battalion,” reflecting its aggressive and mobile artillery support during the Vietnam War. • Cambodian Incursion 1970: The battalion participated in the Cambodian Campaign, providing fire support for U.S. and South Vietnamese forces as they attacked North Vietnamese sanctuaries across the border. • Post-Vietnam Reassignments: After Vietnam, the battalion underwent several inactivations and reactivations, serving with various divisions, including the 24th Infantry Division and the 4th Infantry Division. • Gulf War and Beyond: Elements of the regiment, though not always the 2nd Battalion, participated in Operation Desert Storm and later in Operation Iraqi Freedom, showcasing the long legacy of the 21st Field Artillery. • Unit Decorations: The battalion and its parent regiment have received numerous unit citations and commendations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Valorous Unit Award for heroism in combat. • Motto and Insignia: The 21st Field Artillery Regiment's motto is “Progressi Sunt,” Latin for “They Have Advanced,” symbolizing the unit’s tradition of supporting the advance of American forces.