6TH MISSILE BATTALION, 59TH ARTILLERY

• Origins: The 6th Missile Battalion, 59th Artillery traces its lineage back to the 59th Coast Artillery, originally constituted in 1917, serving in World War I and II before its missile era. • Nike Hercules Role: The unit was a key component of the US Army Air Defense Command, operating Nike Hercules surface-to-air missiles during the Cold War to protect American cities from potential Soviet bomber attacks. • Location: The battalion was primarily stationed in the Chicago Defense Area, with headquarters at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, and operated multiple missile sites around the city. • Activation: The 6th Missile Battalion, 59th Artillery was activated on 1 September 1958 as part of the reorganization and modernization of US air defenses. • Unit Structure: The battalion typically consisted of a headquarters battery and several firing batteries (e.g., A, B, C, D), each with their own missile launch and radar facilities. • Cold War Readiness: Crews maintained 24/7 alert status, ready to launch missiles within minutes upon receiving a verified threat, participating in frequent drills and live-fire exercises. • Deactivation: Advances in missile technology and changes in strategic threats led to the battalion’s inactivation in the early 1970s, as part of the broader phase-out of the Nike missile program. • Unique Distinction: The battalion was among the few air defense units in the US Army equipped with nuclear-capable Nike Hercules missiles, making it a vital part of national defense strategy. • Veterans' Memories: Many veterans recall the intense camaraderie among soldiers and the challenge of serving in extreme weather conditions at remote missile sites around Chicago. • Legacy: Some former missile sites of the battalion have been repurposed for civilian use, with a few preserved as historical landmarks, serving as a reminder of the Cold War’s home-front defenses.