A Btry 2nd Bn 5th FA, Babenhausen Germany

• Historic Roots: A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 5th Field Artillery (A Btry 2nd Bn 5th FA) traces its lineage back to 1776, making it the oldest active unit in the Regular Army, originally commanded by Captain Alexander Hamilton. • Stationed in Babenhausen: The unit was stationed in Babenhausen, Germany, during the Cold War, serving as part of the U.S. Army’s forward-deployed artillery forces in Europe. • Cold War Role: While in Babenhausen, A Battery was positioned to provide rapid artillery support in the event of a Soviet incursion into Western Europe, symbolizing American commitment to NATO. • MLRS and Howitzers: Over its time in Germany, the unit operated various artillery systems, including the M109 self-propelled howitzer and, later, the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). • Community Relations: Soldiers from A Battery were active participants in German-American friendship events, fostering good relations with local Babenhausen residents. • Reforger Exercises: The battery regularly took part in REFORGER (Return of Forces to Germany) exercises, massive NATO maneuvers that demonstrated allied readiness and mobility. • Veteran Stories: Veterans recall memorable stories of winter field exercises, camaraderie in the kaserne, and unique experiences integrating with German culture. • Cold War Stand-down: With the end of the Cold War, the unit’s mission shifted, eventually leading to downsizing and redeployment of American artillery units from Germany in the 1990s. • Distinctive Insignia: The 5th Field Artillery's distinctive unit insignia and motto, "Faithful and True," were proudly displayed on vehicles, uniforms, and at the Babenhausen Kaserne. • Legacy: The legacy of A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 5th FA, continues today, with its lineage honored in current U.S. Army artillery units, symbolizing a tradition spanning from the American Revolution through the Cold War in Germany.