5:2nd ARTY USARV

• Unit Name and Designation: The 5th Battalion, 2nd Artillery Regiment (5/2nd ARTY) was a field artillery unit that served under the United States Army Vietnam (USARV) command during the Vietnam War. • Role in Vietnam War: 5/2nd ARTY primarily provided artillery support for infantry and armored units, playing a critical role in defensive and offensive operations throughout South Vietnam. • Conversion to Self-Propelled: The battalion was equipped with self-propelled 155mm howitzers (M109) and was one of the first artillery units in Vietnam to be fully mechanized, improving mobility and firepower. • Multiple Firebases: The battalion established and operated from several firebases, including Firebase Nancy, Firebase C-1, and Firebase Gio Linh, often under heavy enemy attack. • Tet Offensive Action: During the 1968 Tet Offensive, 5/2nd ARTY units engaged in intense combat, delivering crucial artillery fire that helped repel North Vietnamese attacks on key positions. • Support to ARVN: The unit frequently supported Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) operations, providing fire missions for South Vietnamese troops fighting North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces. • Distinguished Service: Members of 5/2nd ARTY received numerous awards for valor and meritorious service, including Bronze Stars and Army Commendation Medals. • Firebase Defense: The unit was known for its fierce defense of its positions, including during the 1972 Easter Offensive, when its batteries fired thousands of rounds in support of embattled allied forces. • Nickname and Motto: The 2nd Artillery Regiment is nicknamed "The Second Hardest," and its motto is "The Second First," reflecting its long and distinguished history. • Legacy and Reorganization: After Vietnam, the 5/2nd ARTY underwent several reorganizations, but its Vietnam veterans maintain a strong association, sharing stories and commemorating their service through reunions and newsletters.