About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment (1/5 FA), part of the 1st Infantry Division (1ID), is the oldest continuously serving regular Army unit in the United States, with lineage dating back to 1776 and Alexander Hamilton's original artillery company. The unit has participated in major conflicts throughout American history, including the Revolutionary War, Civil War, World Wars I and II, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. During World War II, 1/5 FA provided critical fire support for the 1st Infantry Division in campaigns across North Africa, Sicily, and Europe. Today, the battalion continues to serve as the division's direct support artillery, upholding its motto "Faithful and True."
Historical Facts
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Oldest Regular Army Unit: The 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment (1/5 FA) is the oldest regular army unit on continuous active duty in the United States Army, tracing its lineage back to 6 January 1776.
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Alexander Hamilton’s Battery: The unit was originally formed as Captain Alexander Hamilton’s New York Provincial Company of Artillery, making it one of the founding units of the American artillery branch.
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Active in Every Major U.S. Conflict: 1/5 FA has participated in nearly every major American conflict, including the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican-American War, Civil War, World Wars I and II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, and recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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French Croix de Guerre: For its distinguished service during World War I, the 5th Field Artillery was awarded the French Croix de Guerre with Palm.
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Normandy Landings: The unit landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, 6 June 1944, as part of the 1st Infantry Division, providing crucial artillery support during the Normandy campaign.
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Nickname “Hamilton’s Own”: The battalion is proudly known as “Hamilton’s Own” in honor of its founder, Alexander Hamilton, and this nickname is featured on its unit insignia.
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First to Fire in World War I: The 5th Field Artillery was the first American unit to open fire against the Germans in World War I, firing the first U.S. artillery round on 23 October 1917.
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Regimental Motto: The unit’s motto is “Faithful and True,” reflecting its long-standing reputation for loyalty and reliability.
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Presidential Unit Citation: 1/5 FA has received multiple Presidential Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism in action, notably during the Normandy and Hurtgen Forest campaigns in World War II.
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Modern Deployments: In recent years, 1/5 FA has supported operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, providing both traditional artillery fire support and training for local security forces as part of the 1st Infantry Division ("Big Red One").
