3:84th FA

• 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Redesignations: The battalion underwent several redesignations and reorganizations due to evolving technology and strategic requirements, reflecting changes in U.S. Army missile doctrine. • 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. • 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. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The unit’s insignia features a silver missile on a red background, symbolizing its field artillery roots and missile mission. • 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. • 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.