2:320th FA

• World War I Origins: The 2nd Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment (2/320th FA) was originally constituted in August 1917 as part of the 82nd Division during World War I, participating in major campaigns in France. • Normandy Airborne Artillery: The unit made a historic airborne artillery drop during Operation Neptune (D-Day) on June 6, 1944, supporting the 101st Airborne Division. • Operation Market Garden: 2/320th FA provided crucial artillery support during the ambitious but ill-fated Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands in September 1944. • Bastogne Defense: The battalion played a key artillery role in the defense of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge, firing relentlessly despite being surrounded by German forces. • Multiple Reorganizations: Post-WWII, the 2/320th FA underwent several reorganizations and activations/inactivations, reflecting the changing needs and structure of the U.S. Army. • Vietnam War Service: The unit deployed to Vietnam as part of the 101st Airborne Division, providing fire support in major operations such as Operation Texas Star and Operation Lam Son 719. • Desert Storm Participation: Elements of the battalion served in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, supporting coalition forces in the liberation of Kuwait. • Global War on Terror: 2/320th FA deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, adapting to new counterinsurgency roles. • Airborne Artillery Innovations: The unit has long been a pioneer in "airborne artillery" tactics, specializing in delivering howitzers and fire support via parachute and helicopter insertion. • Honors and Decorations: The 2/320th FA has received numerous unit citations, including Presidential Unit Citations, French Croix de Guerre, and Belgian Fourragere for its distinguished combat service.