74th USA Artillery Detachment - 09178

The 74th USA Artillery Detachment (Unit Identification Code: 09178) was a United States Army unit activated during the Cold War era as part of NATO commitments in Europe. Stationed primarily in West Germany, the detachment was responsible for the custodial care and operational readiness of nuclear-capable artillery systems, such as Honest John and later Pershing missiles, intended for rapid deployment in the event of hostilities. Working closely with allied forces, the 74th played a critical role in deterrence strategy, ensuring that American nuclear assets were secure and available for joint operations if needed. The unit was eventually inactivated as the strategic landscape changed and arms reduction agreements led to the withdrawal of forward-deployed nuclear weapons from Europe.