Charlie Company 1:14th artillary

• Vietnam War Service: Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 14th Artillery (1/14th Artillery) served with distinction in Vietnam, providing direct artillery support to several infantry divisions from 1966 through the early 1970s. • Nickname – "The Big Red One": While 1/14th Artillery supported multiple units, at times it was attached to the 1st Infantry Division, which is famously nicknamed "The Big Red One." • Fire Base Operations: The company manned numerous fire bases in Vietnam, including Fire Base Thunder IV and Fire Base Pershing, often facing mortar and rocket attacks. • “Shoot and Scoot” Tactics: To avoid enemy counter-battery fire, Charlie Company frequently employed "shoot and scoot" tactics, rapidly relocating artillery after firing missions. • Dual Roles: Members of the company occasionally operated as infantry, taking part in perimeter defense and patrols during enemy attacks on their firebases. • Distinguished Unit Citations: The battalion, including Charlie Company, received several awards for valor, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Meritorious Unit Commendation. • First to Field M109 Howitzers: 1/14th Artillery was among the first Vietnam units to field the self-propelled M109 155mm howitzer, enhancing their mobility and firepower. • Medal of Honor Recipients: Personnel from 1/14th Artillery, though not always from Charlie Company, received high individual honors for heroism under fire, including the Silver Star and Bronze Star. • Reunion and Legacy: Veterans of Charlie Company and 1/14th Artillery continue to hold reunions and actively preserve their history through associations and online groups. • Cultural Impact: The experiences of artillerymen from Charlie Company have been featured in memoirs and oral histories, highlighting the crucial role of artillery in supporting ground operations during the Vietnam War.