About this Unit
The **4th Battalion, 60th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (4-60th ADA)** traces its lineage to the formation of the 60th Artillery in 1917. The unit played a prominent role in World War II, providing anti-aircraft defense in both the European and Pacific Theaters. Reactivated and redesignated several times during the Cold War, the 4th Battalion became an integral part of the U.S. Army’s air defense network, operating advanced missile systems to protect key assets. In recent decades, the 4-60th ADA has continued its mission, supporting homeland defense and overseas contingencies with cutting-edge air defense capabilities.
Historical Facts
• Origins: The 4th Battalion, 60th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (4-60th ADA) traces its lineage back to the 60th Coast Artillery, which was constituted in 1917 to provide coastal defense during World War I.
• World War II Service: Elements of the 60th served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, providing anti-aircraft defense during critical campaigns such as the defense of the Philippines.
• Vietnam War: The 4th Battalion, 60th Artillery was reactivated and served in the Vietnam War as part of the 1st Battalion, 44th Artillery, providing air defense and fire support using the M42 Duster and Quad .50 machine guns.
• Transition to Air Defense: The unit transitioned from traditional field artillery to air defense artillery as technology evolved, reflecting the changing nature of threats to U.S. forces.
• Missile Systems: Over time, the 4-60th ADA operated a variety of air defense systems, including the HAWK surface-to-air missile, designed to protect ground forces from enemy aircraft and missiles.
• Cuban Missile Crisis: Elements of the 60th Artillery participated in the defense of U.S. airspace during the tense days of the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, ready to engage hostile aircraft if necessary.
• Cold War Deployments: The 4-60th ADA was stationed in several key locations in Europe and the United States during the Cold War, serving as a deterrent against potential Soviet air attacks.
• Distinctive Unit Insignia: The unit’s insignia features a red shield with a gold falcon, symbolizing vigilance and striking power, and the motto “Coelis Imperamus,” meaning “We Rule the Heavens.”
• Training and Readiness: The 4-60th ADA played a major role in training air defense crews, ensuring U.S. and allied forces remained ready to counter aerial threats throughout its service history.
• Legacy: Though the unit has been inactivated and reactivated multiple times, its traditions and honors are preserved within the Air Defense Artillery branch, reflecting a proud history of innovation and protection of U.S. forces.
