About this Unit
A Battery, 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment (A Btry 3/16 Arty) boasts a distinguished history within the United States Army. Originally constituted in 1916, the 16th Field Artillery Regiment has served in major conflicts, including World War I, World War II, Vietnam, and operations in the Middle East. The unit has provided crucial artillery support in campaigns such as the Normandy invasion, the liberation of France, and the Gulf War. Renowned for its professionalism and adaptability, A Battery continues to uphold its legacy of excellence in fire support and combat readiness.
Historical Facts
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Origins and Lineage: A Battery, 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment (A Btry 3/16 Arty) traces its roots back to World War I, having been constituted in 1916 as part of the 16th Field Artillery Regiment.
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World War II Service: The unit saw extensive combat in Europe during World War II, participating in major campaigns such as Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
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Vietnam War Legacy: 3/16 Artillery played a prominent role in the Vietnam War, providing fire support for infantry and armored units, and is remembered for its effectiveness and resilience under difficult conditions.
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"Rolling Thunder" Nickname: The battalion earned the nickname “Rolling Thunder” for its powerful and relentless artillery barrages during the Vietnam War.
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Fire Support Evolution: Over the decades, the unit has transitioned through various artillery platforms, including the M114 155mm howitzer, the M109 self-propelled howitzer, and more modern systems.
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Desert Storm Participation: Elements of 3/16 Artillery were deployed during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, supporting coalition forces with precision artillery strikes.
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Task Force Thunder: During Operation Iraqi Freedom, A Btry 3/16 Arty was part of “Task Force Thunder,” providing crucial artillery fire in the early stages of the Iraq War.
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Valorous Unit Award: The battalion has earned several unit commendations, including the Valorous Unit Award for extraordinary heroism in action.
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Regimental Motto: The regimental motto, “Macte Nova Virtute” (Go forth with new strength), reflects the unit’s enduring spirit and adaptability.
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Modern Deployments: A Btry 3/16 Arty continues to serve as a key fire support asset, with recent deployments in support of operations in Afghanistan and other global missions.