About this Unit
Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 17th Field Artillery Regiment, boasts a distinguished history within the United States Army. Constituted in 1916, the regiment first saw action during World War I, providing critical artillery support on the Western Front. Over the decades, the 17th Field Artillery participated in major conflicts including World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, earning numerous campaign streamers and unit commendations. Today, HHC 17th Field Artillery Regiment continues to serve as a vital command and support element, upholding a legacy of excellence and dedication to mission success.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Early Service: The 17th Field Artillery Regiment was constituted on July 1, 1916, in the Regular Army and organized at Camp Robinson, Wisconsin, making it one of the oldest continuously serving field artillery regiments in the Army.
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World War I Service: The regiment saw its first combat in France during World War I as part of the 2nd Infantry Division, participating in major campaigns such as Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel, and Meuse-Argonne.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The unit’s insignia features a gold lion passant guardant, symbolizing courage and service in France during World War I, and the motto "In Time of Peace, Prepare for War."
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World War II Campaigns: The 17th Field Artillery Regiment fought in the European and North African campaigns, earning battle honors in Tunisia, Sicily, Naples-Foggia, and Central Europe.
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Post-WWII Transformations: The regiment was reorganized and redesignated several times, with Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) providing critical command and control functions for deployed artillery battalions.
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Korean War Service: The 17th Field Artillery participated in eight campaigns during the Korean War, providing crucial fire support in battles such as the Pusan Perimeter and the Chosin Reservoir.
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Vietnam War Deployments: Elements of the 17th Field Artillery Regiment, including HHC, served in Vietnam, participating in numerous campaigns and supporting infantry operations with artillery fire.
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Modern Deployments: The 17th Field Artillery Regiment, including HHC elements, has deployed in support of Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, adapting to modern warfare requirements.
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Decorations and Honors: The regiment has received multiple unit citations, including Presidential Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism in action, and French Croix de Guerre for actions in World War I.
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Legacy and Tradition: HHC, 17th Field Artillery Regiment, continues to uphold a strong tradition of excellence, with a legacy of over a century of service, innovation in artillery tactics, and commitment to supporting maneuver forces on the battlefield.