ABOUT 1:6th FA
- Formation and Early History: The 1st Battalion, 6th Field Artillery Regiment (1/6th FA) was first constituted in 1907, tracing its lineage to earlier artillery regiments dating back to the 19th century.
- Spanish-American War Roots: The regiment’s early elements were involved in the Spanish-American War, with connections to units that served in Cuba and the Philippines.
- World War I Service: 1/6th FA was part of the American Expeditionary Forces, participating in major operations like the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne offensives in France.
- World War II Campaigns: The unit saw extensive action in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and France, providing crucial fire support in pivotal battles across the European Theater.
- Redleg Distinction: The nickname "Redleg" is a traditional term for artillerymen, which is proudly carried by members of the 1/6th FA due to their distinctive red branch color in the U.S. Army.
- Presidential Unit Citations: The 1/6th FA has earned multiple Presidential Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism in action, including recognition for its service during World War II.
- Cold War Era Deployments: During the Cold War, the battalion served in Germany as part of NATO forces, standing as a deterrent against potential Soviet aggression.
- Desert Storm and Beyond: 1/6th FA participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, supporting coalition forces with advanced artillery fire missions.
- Modernization: The battalion was among the first to field and operate the M109A6 Paladin self-propelled howitzer, showcasing its adaptability to new technology.
- Regimental Motto and Legacy: The 6th Field Artillery Regiment’s motto, "Celer et Audax" ("Swift and Bold"), reflects the unit’s history of rapid deployment and courageous action in America’s conflicts for over a century.