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History of A btry 1st bn 81st arty

A Battery, 1st Battalion, 81st Artillery (A Btry, 1-81st Arty) was an artillery unit in the United States Army with a distinguished service record. Activated during the Cold War era, the battalion was originally constituted in the Regular Army and assigned to various divisions over the years, including service in Europe as part of NATO forces. The 81st Artillery Regiment traces its roots back to World War I, though its battalions saw extensive modernization and reorganization throughout the 20th century. A Battery, 1-81st Arty, provided field artillery support, participating in key training exercises and standing ready for rapid deployment during periods of heightened international tension.

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ABOUT A btry 1st bn 81st arty

  • Vietnam War Service: A Battery, 1st Battalion, 81st Artillery (A Btry, 1-81 Arty) served with distinction in the Vietnam War, providing critical fire support for infantry operations.
  • Unit Lineage: The 81st Artillery traces its origins back to World War I, originally constituted as the 81st Field Artillery in 1917.
  • Assigned to 1st Cavalry Division: During Vietnam, the 1st Battalion, 81st Artillery was assigned to the famed 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), participating in major campaigns.
  • Fire Support Role: The battery operated 105mm and later 155mm howitzers, delivering indirect fire in support of infantry and cavalry units in the field.
  • Airmobile Operations: As part of the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile), A Battery frequently airlifted its artillery pieces into remote firebases and landing zones using helicopters.
  • Major Engagements: The unit participated in key operations such as the Battle of Ia Drang Valley (1965), Operation Masher (1966), and the Cambodian Incursion (1970).
  • Valor Awards: Soldiers of A Battery earned numerous individual and unit citations for bravery, including Bronze Stars and Army Commendation Medals.
  • Firebase Defense: A Battery was often responsible for defending remote firebases from enemy attacks, sometimes engaging in direct fire missions against ground assaults.
  • Unit Motto: The 81st Artillery’s motto is “Macte Nova Virtute,” which means "Go Forward With New Strength."
  • Legacy and Reorganization: After Vietnam, the unit underwent several reorganizations and redesignations, with its lineage continuing in modern U.S. Army artillery units.

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