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History of 3rd 59th air defense artillery

The 3rd Battalion, 59th Air Defense Artillery Regiment (3-59 ADA) traces its lineage to the 59th Artillery, organized in 1917 during World War I. Throughout its history, the unit has served in various air defense roles, including coastal and anti-aircraft artillery during World War II and later as part of the Cold War air defense network in Europe. In the late 20th century, 3-59 ADA operated advanced missile systems such as Nike-Hercules and later PATRIOT, providing protection against aerial threats. The battalion was inactivated in the 1990s as part of post-Cold War drawdowns, but its legacy endures as part of the U.S. Army’s enduring air defense mission.

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ABOUT 3rd 59th air defense artillery

  • Origins in World War I: The 59th Air Defense Artillery Regiment traces its lineage back to World War I, where it was originally constituted as part of the Coast Artillery Corps in 1917.
  • Interwar Service: After World War I, the unit served on various coastal defenses within the United States, guarding against potential naval threats.
  • World War II Reorganization: The regiment was reorganized and redesignated multiple times during World War II, adapting to new air defense roles as the nature of warfare changed.
  • Postwar Germany Deployment: The 3rd Battalion, 59th Air Defense Artillery, was stationed in Germany during the Cold War as part of the U.S. Army’s commitment to NATO.
  • Hawk Missile System: The battalion was equipped with the MIM-23 Hawk surface-to-air missile system, a key part of NATO's air defense network during the Cold War.
  • Defending the Fulda Gap: The 3rd/59th ADA played a role in defending the strategically vital Fulda Gap, a potential invasion route for Warsaw Pact forces into Western Europe.
  • Unit Motto: The regiment's motto is “Defendimus” (“We Defend”), reflecting its air defense mission and legacy.
  • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The unit’s insignia features a red shield symbolizing artillery with a missile, highlighting its air defense role.
  • Inactivation: The 3rd Battalion, 59th ADA was inactivated in the early 1990s as part of the post-Cold War drawdown of U.S. forces in Europe.
  • Legacy and Honors: Elements of the 59th ADA Regiment have received campaign streamers and unit commendations for their service in both world wars and the Cold War era.

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