About this Unit
F Battery, 26th Artillery, was a unit of the United States Army with a distinguished service record. Activated during World War II, the 26th Artillery Regiment provided crucial fire support in the European Theater, participating in major campaigns such as Normandy and the Rhineland. In the Vietnam War, F Battery was reactivated as part of the 23rd Artillery Group, delivering heavy artillery fire in support of American and allied operations. Renowned for its accuracy and effectiveness, F Battery earned several commendations before its eventual deactivation following the end of U.S. involvement in Vietnam.
Historical Facts
• Formation and Early Years: F Battery, 26th Artillery traces its lineage to the early 20th century, originally organized as part of the Coastal Artillery Corps in the U.S. Army.
• World War II Service: The 26th Field Artillery Regiment, including F Battery, was activated during World War II and provided crucial artillery support in the European Theater, notably during the campaigns across France and Germany.
• Vietnam War Deployment: F Battery, 26th Artillery served in Vietnam, where it operated field artillery pieces, such as the M109 howitzer, providing fire support for infantry units engaged in combat operations.
• Defending Firebases: The battery was involved in defending remote firebases under frequent enemy attack, demonstrating resilience and adaptability under fire.
• Decorations and Honors: F Battery and the 26th Artillery as a whole received multiple unit commendations for valor, including the Meritorious Unit Commendation for their Vietnam service.
• Cold War Role: During the Cold War, the unit was stationed in Europe as part of NATO forces, maintaining readiness against potential Warsaw Pact aggression.
• Modernization Efforts: The battery participated in the U.S. Army’s transition from traditional artillery pieces to self-propelled systems and later to digital fire control systems.
• Nickname and Motto: The 26th Artillery Regiment is known as the "Guns of Glory," a nickname reflecting their distinguished service history, with the motto “Courage and Action.”
• Veterans’ Legacy: F Battery veterans remain active in reunion groups, sharing stories and preserving the unit’s history through organizations and online archives.
• Historic Equipment: Over its history, F Battery operated a range of artillery, from towed 155mm howitzers in WWII to M109 self-propelled howitzers in Vietnam, representing the evolution of field artillery in the U.S. Army.
