About this Unit
B Battery, 3rd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment (B 3/319 AFAR) is a distinguished artillery unit within the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army. Originating from the 319th Field Artillery, first organized in 1917, the unit has served in major conflicts including World War II, where it participated in airborne operations across Europe. During the Vietnam War, B 3/319 provided critical fire support for the 173rd Airborne Brigade, earning multiple unit citations for valor. In recent decades, the battery has deployed in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, continuing its legacy of excellence in airborne artillery operations.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War I: The lineage of B Battery, 3rd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment (B 3/319 AFAR) traces back to the 319th Field Artillery Regiment, constituted in 1917 and assigned to the 82nd Division.
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Paratrooper Artillery: The 319th Field Artillery was reorganized as a glider artillery unit during World War II, making them among the first U.S. artillerymen to deploy by air.
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D-Day Participation: Elements of the 319th, including B Battery’s lineage, parachuted into Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944, providing critical artillery support for the 82nd Airborne Division.
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Operation Market Garden: The battalion was a key part of Operation Market Garden, the largest airborne operation in history, fighting in Holland in September 1944.
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Battle of the Bulge: B Battery and the 319th provided vital fire support during the Battle of the Bulge, helping to repel the German offensive in December 1944.
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Vietnam War Service: The 3rd Battalion, including B Battery, served with distinction in Vietnam, supporting the 173rd Airborne Brigade in numerous operations from 1965 to 1971.
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First to Fire in Operation Junction City: During the Vietnam War, 3/319 AFAR was the first U.S. artillery unit to fire in the massive Operation Junction City, one of the largest airborne operations of the conflict.
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Global Deployments: B 3/319 AFAR has deployed to numerous hotspots, including Operation Just Cause (Panama, 1989), Operation Desert Storm (1991), Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan).
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"Bravos" Nickname: B Battery is affectionately known as the "Bravos" within the battalion, renowned for their esprit de corps and distinguished service.
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Modernization: The unit has transitioned through various artillery systems, from the M119A3 105mm howitzer to more advanced digital targeting and communication systems, maintaining its reputation as a premier airborne artillery force.
