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History of 2nd Bn 42nd Field Artillery Lance

The 2nd Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery (Lance) traces its origins to World War I, serving with distinction as part of the 42nd Field Artillery Regiment. Reactivated during the Cold War, the battalion was equipped with the MGM-52 Lance tactical missile system, becoming a vital component of the U.S. Army’s nuclear-capable artillery forces in Europe. Stationed in Germany as part of V Corps, the unit provided deterrence against Warsaw Pact aggression from the 1970s through the late 1980s. With the end of the Cold War and the retirement of the Lance system, the battalion was inactivated in the early 1990s, leaving a legacy of readiness and technological innovation.

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ABOUT 2nd Bn 42nd Field Artillery Lance

  • Origins: The 2nd Battalion, 42nd Field Artillery (2-42 FA) was first constituted in World War I and has undergone multiple reorganizations and redesignations throughout its history.
  • Nickname: The battalion is famously known as the "Straight Arrows," a name that reflects its heritage and esprit de corps.
  • Lance Missile Era: In the Cold War, 2-42 FA was equipped with the MGM-52 Lance missile, a tactical ballistic missile with both conventional and nuclear capability.
  • Stationed in Germany: During the 1970s and 1980s, the unit was based in Germany as part of NATO’s forward-deployed nuclear deterrent, playing a key role in U.S. and Allied defense strategy.
  • Nuclear Mission: 2-42 FA was one of the few U.S. Army artillery units authorized and trained to handle and deliver nuclear weapons during the height of the Cold War.
  • Operation Desert Storm: After retiring the Lance missiles, the battalion re-equipped and later participated in Operation Desert Storm, providing critical artillery firepower.
  • Distinguished Unit Awards: The battalion has received numerous awards and campaign streamers for its service in both World Wars, Vietnam, and operations in the Middle East.
  • Vietnam War: Elements of the battalion saw action in the Vietnam War, where they provided artillery support for infantry units and earned several commendations.
  • Modernization: After the retirement of the Lance missile system, the battalion transitioned to modern Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) and other advanced artillery platforms.
  • Legacy: The 2-42 FA’s unique role in nuclear deterrence and its long lineage make it one of the most historically significant artillery units in the U.S. Army.

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