3rd Battalion,13th Artillery, B Battery

• Vietnam War Service: The 3rd Battalion, 13th Artillery (3-13th Artillery), including B Battery, served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1971, providing fire support for infantry and armored units in the III and IV Corps Tactical Zones. • Nickname: The unit was sometimes referred to as "The Red Dragons,” a nickname that highlighted their powerful fire support capabilities. • Firepower: B Battery was typically equipped with 155mm self-propelled howitzers (such as the M109), which had a range of up to 14 miles and could deliver devastating firepower in support of allied forces. • Tet Offensive 1968: B Battery of 3-13th Artillery played a critical role during the Tet Offensive by providing continuous artillery support to embattled U.S. and ARVN units in key areas such as Bien Hoa and Saigon. • Mobile Operations: The battery was frequently moved by road and air to support changing tactical situations, sometimes conducting “jump firebases” to keep up with fast-moving operations. • Firebase Defenses: B Battery often had to defend its firebases against enemy attacks, including sapper and rocket assaults. The soldiers manned perimeter defenses and sometimes engaged in direct combat. • Medal Recipients: Members of B Battery received numerous awards for valor, including Bronze Stars and Purple Hearts, for their actions under fire. • Support to Special Forces: The battalion, including B Battery, sometimes provided fire support for U.S. Special Forces and ARVN Ranger operations, striking enemy positions and supply routes. • Lineage: The 13th Artillery traces its lineage back to World War I, with a history of service in major conflicts, including WWII and Korea, before its Vietnam deployment. • Veterans’ Legacy: The unit maintains a strong veteran community today, with reunions and online groups dedicated to preserving the history and camaraderie of those who served in B Battery, 3-13th Artillery.