About this Unit
The 3rd Battalion, 84th Field Artillery Regiment (3/84th FA) was a unit of the United States Army with a distinguished history dating back to World War II. Activated in 1942, the battalion provided crucial artillery support during key campaigns in the European Theater, including operations in France and Germany. After the war, the unit underwent several reactivations and reorganizations, serving as part of NATO forces in Germany during the Cold War and contributing to the deterrence mission against Soviet aggression. The 3/84th FA was ultimately inactivated as part of post-Cold War force reductions, but its legacy of service and excellence remains honored among U.S. Army artillery units.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The 3rd Battalion, 84th Field Artillery Regiment (3/84th FA) traces its lineage to the 84th Field Artillery, which was originally constituted in the Regular Army in 1918.
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Cold War Service: 3/84th FA was a key element of the U.S. Army's presence in West Germany during the Cold War, assigned to the 56th Field Artillery Brigade and later the 56th Field Artillery Command.
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Pershing Missiles: The battalion operated the Pershing missile system, which was the U.S. Army’s primary nuclear-capable surface-to-surface missile in Europe for decades.
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Garrisoned at Heilbronn: The unit was headquartered at Artillery Kaserne in Heilbronn, Germany, making it a focal point of U.S. nuclear deterrence strategy in Europe.
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Redesignations: The battalion underwent several redesignations and reorganizations due to evolving technology and strategic requirements, reflecting changes in U.S. Army missile doctrine.
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Key Role in INF Treaty: The 3/84th FA played a pivotal role in the implementation of the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which resulted in the elimination of the Pershing II missiles.
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Deactivation: Following the INF Treaty, the battalion was inactivated in 1991, marking the end of an era for U.S. nuclear artillery units in Europe.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The unit’s insignia features a silver missile on a red background, symbolizing its field artillery roots and missile mission.
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Unit Motto: The motto "Per Aspera Ad Astra" ("Through Difficulties to the Stars") reflects both the unit’s missile mission and its commitment to overcoming challenges.
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Commemorated by Veterans: Many former members of 3/84th FA maintain active veterans’ groups and reunions, keeping the unit’s history and camaraderie alive decades after inactivation.
