2:39th Field Artillery

• World War II Origins: The 2nd Battalion, 39th Field Artillery Regiment (2/39th FA) was constituted on 1 October 1933 and activated for World War II, supporting the legendary 3rd Infantry Division in campaigns across North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, and Germany. • Salerno Landings: 2/39th FA played a crucial role in the Salerno landings (Operation Avalanche) in September 1943, providing vital artillery support as Allied forces established a beachhead in Italy. • Heroic Actions in Anzio: During the Anzio campaign, the battalion delivered continuous fire missions under dire conditions, helping repel fierce German counterattacks. • Presidential Unit Citation: For their extraordinary heroism and distinguished service in WWII, the 39th Field Artillery earned multiple unit citations, including the Presidential Unit Citation for their actions at Colmar Pocket. • Cold War Reorganizations: After WWII, the 2/39th FA was inactivated and reactivated several times, reflecting the shifting needs of the US Army during the Cold War era. • Vietnam War Service: The battalion was reactivated and deployed to Vietnam in 1966, providing direct artillery support to infantry operations, particularly for the 9th Infantry Division in the Mekong Delta. • Riverine Operations: 2/39th FA adapted to unique "riverine" warfare in Vietnam, using artillery firebases accessible by boat to support mobile infantry units operating in the challenging delta terrain. • Firepower Innovation: In Vietnam, the battalion was among the first to deploy the M102 105mm howitzer, a lighter artillery piece suited for helicopter and boat transport, enhancing mobility. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The 39th FA’s insignia features a red shield with a gold bend and a cannon, symbolizing artillery, with the motto "Celeritas et Accuratio" (Speed and Accuracy). • Modern Legacy: Today, the 2/39th FA’s lineage is perpetuated through ceremonial and training roles, with its history honored by veterans and commemorated in US Army traditions.