5:35th Arty

• Formation and World War II Service: The 5th Battalion, 35th Artillery (5/35th Arty) traces its lineage back to World War II, where the parent unit, the 35th Field Artillery Regiment, served with distinction in the European Theater. • Vietnam War Deployment: The 5/35th Artillery was reactivated and deployed to Vietnam in 1966 as part of the 23rd Artillery Group, providing critical fire support for American and allied units. • Tactical Mobility: The battalion was equipped with 155mm self-propelled howitzers (M109), allowing for rapid movement and flexible fire missions in the challenging terrain of Vietnam. • Nickname "The Black Dragons": The unit was known as the "Black Dragons," a name symbolizing their firepower and effectiveness on the battlefield. • Support in Major Operations: The 5/35th Arty supported major operations such as Cedar Falls, Junction City, and the Tet Offensive, delivering decisive artillery barrages. • Defensive Actions: The battalion often found itself in direct combat, defending firebases from enemy attacks and sometimes engaging in "direct fire" using their howitzers against approaching enemy forces. • Distinguished Unit Citations: The unit was awarded multiple commendations and citations for valor and effectiveness, including the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. • Innovative Fire Missions: Crews of the 5/35th Arty became known for their rapid and accurate counter-battery missions, often silencing enemy artillery and mortar positions before they could cause significant damage. • Memorable Stories: In one notable incident, a 5/35th Arty firebase reportedly fired "beehive" rounds (anti-personnel flechette rounds) at close range to break a Viet Cong assault, saving the position from being overrun. • Legacy and Reunions: After Vietnam, the 5/35th Artillery was inactivated, but veterans of the unit maintain a strong network, holding reunions and preserving the history and legacy of their service.