HHB, 2ND Battalion, 83RD FA

• World War II Origins: The 2nd Battalion, 83rd Field Artillery Regiment (FA) was originally constituted in 1917, but it gained prominence during World War II, providing artillery support for U.S. Army operations in Europe. • Normandy Invasion: The 83rd FA played a critical role in the Normandy Campaign following D-Day, delivering heavy fire support as the Allies pushed inland from the beaches. • Cold War Deployment: During the Cold War, the unit was stationed in Germany as part of the U.S. Army’s forward-deployed forces, prepared to respond to any Warsaw Pact aggression. • Vietnam War Service: The 2nd Battalion, 83rd FA was deployed to Vietnam in 1966, where it provided invaluable artillery support during major operations, including the Tet Offensive. • Self-Propelled Artillery: The battalion was equipped with the M110 8-inch self-propelled howitzer in Vietnam, giving it a significant firepower advantage and mobility compared to towed artillery units. • Distinguished Unit Citations: Elements of the 83rd FA have received multiple commendations and unit citations for their bravery and effectiveness in combat across several conflicts. • HHB - Headquarters and Headquarters Battery: The HHB provided crucial command, control, and logistical support, ensuring the battalion’s operational effectiveness in both peacetime and combat. • Legacy in Europe: After Vietnam, the battalion returned to Europe, where it continued to serve as part of NATO’s artillery forces until its deactivation in the early 1990s. • Veterans' Reunions: Former members of the 2nd Battalion, 83rd FA, including HHB, regularly hold reunions and maintain a strong network for sharing memories and honoring their service. • Unit Motto and Symbolism: The 83rd FA Regiment's motto, “We Will Always Be There,” reflects its commitment to providing firepower wherever and whenever needed, a tradition carried by the HHB as the battalion’s nerve center.