About this Unit
The 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment was originally constituted on 1 July 1916 in the Regular Army and has a storied history of service. The unit first saw action during World War I and continued its distinguished record in World War II, participating in major campaigns across Europe. During the Korean War, the battalion provided critical artillery support in several key battles. In the decades since, 2-17 FA has served in various conflicts, including Operation Iraqi Freedom, maintaining its reputation as a highly effective and reliable artillery unit within the U.S. Army.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment traces its lineage back to the 17th Field Artillery Regiment, which was constituted in the Regular Army on July 1, 1916 at Camp Robinson, Wisconsin.
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World War I Service: The regiment first entered combat in World War I, participating in major campaigns such as St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne.
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World War II Campaigns: The unit fought in the North African and Italian campaigns, earning campaign streamers for Tunisia, Naples-Foggia, Anzio, Rome-Arno, and Po Valley.
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Korean War Valor: The battalion distinguished itself in the Korean War, participating in major operations including the UN Defensive, UN Offensive, and the Chinese Communist Forces Intervention.
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Decorations: The 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment has been awarded multiple Presidential Unit Citations and a Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation for its actions in combat.
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Vietnam War Deployments: The battalion deployed to Vietnam in 1967 and participated in 13 campaigns, providing critical artillery support during battles such as the Tet Offensive.
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Modernization: Over the years, the unit has transitioned through various artillery platforms, including the M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer, keeping it at the forefront of Army artillery technology.
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Gulf War Service: The battalion deployed during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing fire support for coalition forces and earning another campaign streamer.
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Recent Operations: In the 21st century, the unit has been deployed multiple times in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, showcasing its continued relevance and capability.
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Motto and Insignia: The unit’s motto, "In Time of Peace Prepare for War," reflects its readiness ethos. Its distinctive unit insignia features a red shield and a gold lion, symbolizing courage and artillery heritage.
