7:15 Field Artillery

• Origins in World War I: The 7th Battalion, 15th Field Artillery Regiment traces its lineage to the 15th Field Artillery, which was constituted in 1916 and organized at Camp Henry Knox, Kentucky, in 1917. It first saw combat in World War I as part of the 2nd Infantry Division. • Motto: The battalion shares the regimental motto "Allons!", French for "Let's Go!", reflecting the unit’s enduring esprit de corps and connection to its World War I service alongside French forces. • Distinguished Service in Korea: The 15th Field Artillery played a crucial role in the Korean War, providing artillery support in key battles such as the defense of the Pusan Perimeter and the breakout from the Chosin Reservoir. • Vietnam War Deployments: Batteries of the 7/15th Field Artillery were deployed to Vietnam, where they supported infantry operations, often under fire. They participated in major campaigns including the Tet Offensive. • Medal of Honor Recipient: Sergeant First Class William S. Sitman, a member of the 15th Field Artillery, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Korean War, sacrificing his life to save his comrades. • Modernization: Over the decades, the battalion transitioned from horse-drawn artillery to using the M114 155mm howitzer during World War II, and later to self-propelled systems like the M109 Paladin. • Cold War Service: Throughout the Cold War, 7/15th Field Artillery was stationed in Europe as part of NATO forces, training to deter the Soviet threat and participating in major exercises. • Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom: Elements of the 7/15th participated in the Gulf War and later in Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing fire support for coalition forces during both conflicts. • Unit Insignia: The battalion’s distinctive unit insignia features a red shield with a gold lion, symbolizing courage and the unit’s historic combat record. • Current Status: The 7th Battalion, 15th Field Artillery has been reactivated and inactivated several times throughout its history, but its lineage and honors remain a proud part of the U.S. Army Field Artillery’s legacy.