B Btry 5:8 FAR Air Assault

• Lineage and Designation: B Battery, 5th Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment (B Btry 5/8 FAR) traces its lineage back to the 8th Field Artillery, which was constituted in the Regular Army in 1916 and has served in numerous conflicts. • Vietnam Service: The 5/8 FAR saw extensive combat in Vietnam, providing fire support for infantry units and earning multiple campaign streamers for their actions. • Air Assault Capability: As an Air Assault unit, B Btry 5/8 FAR trained to rapidly deploy artillery assets using helicopters, dramatically increasing the speed and flexibility of artillery support. • Unit Motto: The regiment's motto is “Never Defeated,” reflecting its proud tradition of resilience and combat effectiveness. • Equipment Evolution: Over the decades, B Btry 5/8 FAR has operated a variety of artillery systems, from the M114 155mm howitzer to the more modern M119 and M777 howitzers. • Gulf War Deployment: 5/8 FAR deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm, providing crucial artillery support during the liberation of Kuwait. • Iraq and Afghanistan Missions: In the 21st century, elements of the battalion, including B Battery, saw action in both Iraq and Afghanistan, adapting artillery tactics for counterinsurgency operations. • Decorations and Honors: The regiment has received multiple unit citations and foreign awards, including the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. • Training and Readiness: B Btry 5/8 FAR is renowned for its rigorous training in both traditional artillery and air assault operations, often participating in major exercises such as Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) rotations. • Brotherhood and Legacy: The bonds forged in B Btry 5/8 FAR are legendary, with many veterans maintaining lifelong friendships and participating in reunions to honor their service and fallen comrades.