About this Unit
The 300th Field Artillery (FA) traces its origins to the Wyoming National Guard, first organized in 1888. During World War I, the unit was designated as the 148th Field Artillery and served with distinction in France as part of the 41st Division. In World War II, the 300th FA Battalion provided crucial fire support in the European Theater, notably participating in campaigns from Normandy to the Rhineland. The unit has continued its proud tradition of service in various capacities, supporting both national defense and international deployments in the modern era.
Historical Facts
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Wyoming Roots: The 300th Field Artillery, also known as the "Cowboy Cannoneers," is a storied unit of the Wyoming Army National Guard, with lineage tracing back to 1888.
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World War I Service: The unit's predecessor, the 148th Field Artillery Regiment, fought in France during World War I as part of the 41st Infantry Division, providing crucial artillery support.
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Famed "Red Hat" Insignia: The unit is distinguished by its unique insignia featuring a red hat, symbolizing both Wyoming heritage and artillery tradition.
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World War II and the Pacific: The 300th Field Artillery served in World War II, supporting operations in the Pacific Theater, notably in New Guinea and Luzon.
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Korean War Heroics: The 300th FA Battalion was federalized for the Korean War, earning the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation for gallantry during intense fighting, including the Battle of Soyang River.
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Honored by Wyoming: The unit is celebrated in Wyoming history, with a memorial in the state capital of Cheyenne and frequent honors on state holidays.
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The "Cowboy Cannoneers": The unit’s nickname reflects both their artillery mission and their Wyoming cowboy heritage, symbolizing toughness and tradition.
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Decorations and Awards: The 300th FA has received numerous decorations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.
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Modern Deployments: Members of the 300th FA have been deployed in recent decades to Iraq and Afghanistan, supporting both artillery and security missions.
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Community Leadership: The unit is deeply integrated into Wyoming communities, with members frequently participating in civic events, disaster response, and veteran support efforts across the state.
