ABOUT Company C, 3:79 Field Artillery
- Lineage and Activation: Company C, 3rd Battalion, 79th Field Artillery (C/3-79 FA) traces its roots to the 79th Field Artillery Regiment, which was constituted in the National Army in 1917 and assigned to the 7th Division during World War I.
- World War II Service: The 79th Field Artillery saw action in the European Theater during World War II, participating in campaigns such as Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
- Cold War Era: During the Cold War, elements of the 79th Field Artillery, including C/3-79 FA, were stationed in Germany as part of the United States Army’s forward-deployed forces, contributing to NATO’s defense posture.
- Training Role at Fort Sill: In the modern era, 3rd Battalion, 79th Field Artillery was reactivated as a Basic Combat Training (BCT) unit at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where Company C became known for shaping new soldiers.
- Distinctive Unit Insignia: The 79th Field Artillery’s insignia features a red shield with a gold diagonal stripe and a black horse’s head, symbolizing the regiment’s origins as a horse-drawn artillery unit.
- Gulf War Service: Elements of the battalion supported operations during the Gulf War, providing critical field artillery support in the liberation of Kuwait.
- Transformation and Modularity: During the Army’s transformation towards modular Brigade Combat Teams, elements of 3-79 FA were inactivated, reflagged, or assigned new missions, reflecting the Army’s changing structure.
- Notable Alumni: Several distinguished Army leaders and Medal of Honor recipients have served in the 79th Field Artillery Regiment or its descendant units over the decades.
- Motto: The regiment's motto is "Our Country – Our Regiment," emphasizing the unit’s loyalty and dedication to both nation and fellow soldiers.
- Traditions and Legacy: As a basic training company, C/3-79 FA has played a vital role in mentoring and developing thousands of new soldiers, instilling Army values and traditions that carry forward into the wider force.