6th:60th Artillery

• Origins in WWII: The 6th Battalion, 60th Artillery traces its lineage to the 60th Coast Artillery Regiment, which was originally activated in 1917 and later served in coastal defense roles during World War II. • Vietnam Service: The 6th Battalion, 60th Artillery was reactivated and served in the Vietnam War as part of the 41st Artillery Group, providing crucial air defense and later, field artillery support. • Nickname - "Triple A Guns": The unit was known for its use of anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) weapons, notably the M42 Duster, a twin 40mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun. • Convoy Escorts: In Vietnam, the 6/60th often provided convoy escort duties, using their Dusters to protect supply convoys from ambushes along dangerous highways such as QL-1 and QL-19. • Tet Offensive Actions: During the 1968 Tet Offensive, 6/60th Artillery units played a significant role in defending key bases and cities, using their rapid-fire guns for ground support. • Firebase Defense: The battalion’s Dusters and Quad .50s were frequently deployed to defend firebases and camps against Viet Cong and North Vietnamese attacks, earning a reputation for reliability and firepower. • Decorations: The 6th Battalion, 60th Artillery received the Valorous Unit Award for extraordinary heroism in action during the Vietnam War. • Integration of Searchlights: The battalion also operated searchlight sections, using powerful illumination for night defense and to spot enemy movements. • Multi-role Capability: Though originally an anti-aircraft unit, the 6/60th adapted to the Vietnam War environment by providing direct ground support against infantry attacks and fortifications. • Legacy: The 6th Battalion, 60th Artillery was inactivated in the early 1970s, but its veterans remain active in reunion associations, commemorating their unique contributions to air defense and ground combat operations.