HHB 4:61st Artillery

• Vietnam War Service: HHB 4th Battalion, 61st Artillery (4/61st Arty) served in Vietnam as part of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), providing critical fire support during major operations. • Artillery Role: The battalion operated 105mm and later 155mm howitzers, delivering indirect fire in support of infantry units across numerous combat zones. • Operation Pegasus: 4/61st Artillery played a pivotal role in Operation Pegasus (1968), which helped lift the siege of Khe Sanh by providing continuous artillery cover for advancing troops. • Counteroffensive Actions: The unit was heavily involved in the Tet Counteroffensive and other key campaigns, often relocating rapidly to support mobile operations. • Firebase Defense: HHB 4/61st was tasked with defending numerous firebases, sometimes coming under direct enemy attack and engaging in both artillery and small arms combat. • Awards and Citations: The battalion and its personnel received multiple commendations, including Presidential Unit Citations and Meritorious Unit Commendations for their service under fire. • Innovation in Mobility: As part of the airmobile concept, 4/61st Artillery elements and their howitzers were frequently airlifted by helicopter, a revolutionary tactic for artillery at the time. • Personal Sacrifice: Members of the HHB 4/61st endured challenging conditions, including monsoon weather, jungle terrain, and high rates of casualties, reflecting remarkable resilience. • Veterans’ Remembrance: HHB 4/61st Artillery veterans remain an active community, holding reunions and maintaining online networks to honor their shared experiences and fallen comrades. • Legacy: The unit’s lineage and honors continue as part of the U.S. Army’s artillery history, serving as an example of adaptability, courage, and teamwork in combat.