HSB 1:320th FA

• Unit Designation: The 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment (HSB 1/320th FA) is a storied artillery battalion that traces its lineage to World War I, originally organized in 1917 as part of the 82nd Division. • Airborne Heritage: The unit became an airborne artillery battalion and has served as part of the 101st Airborne Division, the famous "Screaming Eagles," since World War II. • Normandy Landings: Elements of the battalion participated in the D-Day invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, providing crucial artillery support during the largest amphibious operation in history. • Bastogne Defense: During the Battle of the Bulge, 1/320th FA played a pivotal role in the defense of Bastogne, delivering fire support under siege conditions and earning a Presidential Unit Citation. • Operation Desert Storm: The battalion deployed to Southwest Asia in 1990-1991, supporting the liberation of Kuwait in Operation Desert Storm. • Global War on Terror: HSB 1/320th FA has deployed multiple times to both Iraq and Afghanistan, providing fire support, security, and training to allied forces. • Modernization: The unit has transitioned through a variety of artillery systems, from the M101A1 105mm howitzer to the modern M119A3 and M777A2 howitzers, reflecting advances in artillery technology. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion's insignia features a red field artillery cannon and winged elements symbolizing its airborne status. • Nickname: The battalion is known informally as "Top Guns," reflecting its excellence in artillery operations. • Medal of Honor Connection: Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith, a former member of the 1/320th FA, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Iraq in 2003 (though he was with a different unit at the time, his connection to 1/320th FA is a point of pride).