36th FA

• Origins in World War I: The 36th Field Artillery (FA) Regiment was constituted on July 5, 1918, in the National Army as part of the 12th Division. However, the regiment was demobilized after World War I ended without seeing combat. • World War II Reconstitution: The unit was reconstituted and activated on 1 June 1941 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as the 36th Field Artillery Battalion, and later equipped with 155mm howitzers. • First American Unit to Fire on German Soil: On September 11, 1944, the 36th FA became the first American artillery unit to fire on German soil during World War II as they crossed into Germany. • Normandy Landings: The 36th FA supported the Normandy invasion, landing on Utah Beach in June 1944 and providing critical artillery support for advancing Allied troops. • Distinguished Unit Citation: The battalion received a Distinguished Unit Citation for outstanding performance during the crossing of the Rhine River in March 1945. • Cold War Service: After World War II, elements of the 36th FA served in Germany as part of the U.S. occupation forces and later as a deterrent during the early years of the Cold War. • Transformation and Modernization: The 36th FA underwent several reorganizations, including conversion to a rocket artillery unit equipped with Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) during the late 20th century. • Gulf War Participation: The 36th Field Artillery Regiment provided fire support during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, using advanced artillery systems to engage enemy positions. • Global Deployments: In the 21st century, the 36th FA has deployed to support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, continuing its legacy of providing accurate and timely fire support. • Motto and Insignia: The unit's motto is “Deeds Not Words,” reflecting its commitment to action. Its distinctive unit insignia features a red shield with a gold cannon and a gold lion, symbolizing valor and artillery heritage.