About this Unit
The 7th Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment (7/8th FA) traces its origins to the historic 8th Field Artillery, constituted in 1916 and first organized at Fort Bliss, Texas. During World War II, elements of the regiment provided critical fire support in campaigns across the Pacific. Reactivated and redesignated several times through the Cold War era, the 7/8th FA served with distinction in both European and Asian theaters, including deployments to Korea and Vietnam. Today, the unit upholds its proud legacy of excellence in fire support and continues to contribute to Army readiness wherever deployed.
Historical Facts
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Historic Lineage: The 7th Battalion, 8th Field Artillery (7/8th FA) traces its roots back to the 8th Field Artillery Regiment, which was constituted in the Regular Army in 1916, making it one of the longstanding artillery units in U.S. Army history.
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World War II Service: Elements of the 8th Field Artillery served with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in campaigns such as New Guinea, Leyte, and Luzon.
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Korean War Involvement: The 8th Field Artillery Battalion was part of the famous 25th Infantry Division during the Korean War, providing crucial fire support during the Pusan Perimeter defense and the advance to the Yalu River.
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Vietnam War Deployments: The 7/8th FA served in Vietnam, supporting combat operations with both direct and indirect fire missions, earning multiple campaign streamers and commendations for bravery and effectiveness.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The unit’s insignia features a silver dragon, symbolizing valor in combat and the unit’s service in the Pacific and Asian theaters.
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Modernization: Over the decades, the 7/8th FA has transitioned through various artillery systems, from the 105mm howitzer in World War II to more advanced self-propelled and towed artillery in later years.
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Cold War Deployments: During the Cold War, the battalion was stationed in Korea and other locations, serving as a deterrent against potential aggression in the Pacific region.
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Deactivation and Reactivation: Like many artillery units, the 7/8th FA has seen periods of deactivation and reactivation, reflecting changes in U.S. Army structure and global commitments.
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Honors and Decorations: The battalion and its parent regiment have received numerous awards, including Presidential Unit Citations and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, recognizing exceptional performance.
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Nickname and Motto: The 8th Field Artillery Regiment is known as the "Automatic Eight," and their motto is “AUDACIEUX ET TENACE” (Daring and Tenacious), reflecting the unit’s proud tradition of courage and persistence in battle.
