About this Unit
The 258th Field Artillery, part of the 42nd Infantry Division (also known as the "Rainbow Division"), traces its origins to New York National Guard artillery units organized in the early 20th century. Activated during both World Wars, the unit provided crucial artillery support during major campaigns, including the Rhineland and Central Europe operations in World War II. In the postwar years, the 258th continued its service as part of the Army National Guard, participating in domestic emergencies and overseas deployments. The unit remains an integral component of the 42nd Infantry Division, upholding a legacy of service and operational excellence.
Historical Facts
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42nd Infantry Division "Rainbow": The 258th Field Artillery is part of the New York Army National Guard and has been associated with the famous 42nd Infantry Division, known as the "Rainbow Division," which was formed during World War I and named for its diverse composition from multiple states.
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Lineage to the Revolutionary War: The lineage of the unit traces back to New York militia artillery from the Revolutionary War, giving the unit a rich tradition spanning over two centuries.
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World War I Service: Elements associated with the 258th served in France during World War I as part of the 42nd Division, participating in major campaigns such as Champagne-Marne and Meuse-Argonne.
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World War II Participation: The 258th Field Artillery supported operations in Europe during World War II, providing vital fire support for infantry advances in France and Germany.
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Historic Armory: The unit is based at the 258th Field Artillery Armory in New York City, a historic building constructed in 1926 and noted for its impressive architecture.
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9/11 Response: Soldiers from the 258th Field Artillery were among the first military responders during the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, assisting with security, recovery, and support operations in New York City.
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Modern Deployments: In recent decades, the 258th has deployed soldiers to Iraq and Afghanistan, supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
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Nickname "Washington Greys": The unit is sometimes referred to as the "Washington Greys," a title dating back to 19th-century New York militia traditions.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion's insignia features a golden lion and a red background, symbolizing courage and artillery heritage.
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Community Service: Beyond combat roles, the 258th has a long history of assisting with disaster relief and civil support missions in New York, including responses to hurricanes and snow emergencies.
