73rd FA

• Origins in World War I: The 73rd Field Artillery (FA) was first constituted on July 5, 1918, in the National Army as the 73rd Field Artillery and assigned to the 13th Division. • Demobilization after WWI: The unit saw a quick demobilization after the end of WWI, being demobilized at Camp Lewis, Washington, on February 9, 1919. • Reactivation and Reorganization: The regiment was reconstituted in the Regular Army in 1933, reflecting the ongoing expansion and modernization of U.S. field artillery between the wars. • World War II Service: The 73rd Field Artillery Battalion was assigned to the 9th Infantry Division and participated in major campaigns in North Africa, Sicily, and Europe, including the Normandy invasion. • Decorated Unit: The unit received several commendations, including the French Croix de Guerre with Palm, for their service in France during WWII. • Cold War Deployments: During the Cold War, elements of the 73rd FA served in various locations, including West Germany, as part of the U.S. Army’s commitment to NATO. • Transition to Rocket Artillery: The 73rd Field Artillery was among the first units to transition from traditional to rocket artillery, operating the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) in the 1980s. • Operation Desert Storm: 73rd FA units took part in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing critical rocket artillery support during the liberation of Kuwait. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The 73rd FA’s distinctive unit insignia features a red shield with a gold lion, symbolizing courage and artillery heritage. • Global War on Terror: In the 21st century, battalions of the 73rd FA have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, continuing their legacy of providing fire support in modern conflicts.