ABOUT 2:12th FA
- Formation: The 2nd Battalion, 12th Field Artillery Regiment (2/12th FA) was originally constituted on 1 July 1916 in the Regular Army as Battery B, 12th Field Artillery.
- World War I Service: The unit was organized on 7 June 1917 at Camp Mills, New York, and served in France during World War I, participating in key campaigns such as Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel, and Meuse-Argonne.
- World War II Deployments: Reactivated for World War II, the battalion fought in Italy, including the Rome-Arno and North Apennines campaigns, providing crucial artillery support.
- Korean War Action: The 2/12th FA was part of the 2nd Infantry Division during the Korean War, participating in numerous battles including the Battle of the Ch’ongch’on River, and earning several unit citations.
- Vietnam War Operations: The unit deployed to South Vietnam in 1966, supporting operations such as Cedar Falls, Junction City, and the Tet Counteroffensive, often operating in remote and hazardous firebases.
- Decorations: The battalion has received numerous awards, including the Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Award, and multiple foreign decorations from France, Belgium, and South Korea.
- Nickname: 2/12th FA is known as the “Redlegs,” a traditional nickname for artillerymen derived from the red stripes on their Civil War era uniforms.
- Modernization: In recent decades, the unit transitioned from traditional towed artillery to self-propelled systems, such as the M109A6 Paladin, reflecting ongoing modernization.
- Current Alignment: As of the 21st century, 2/12th FA has served as part of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, located at Fort Carson, Colorado, supporting global operations.
- Legacy and Traditions: Veterans of 2/12th FA maintain a strong tradition of camaraderie, holding reunions and preserving the unit’s history through associations and memorials.