1:8th FA

• Origins: The 1st Battalion, 8th Field Artillery Regiment (1-8 FA) was originally constituted on July 1, 1916, in the Regular Army as Battery A, 8th Field Artillery. • World War I Service: The unit first saw combat in France during World War I as part of the 7th Division, providing crucial artillery support in the Lorraine campaign. • Hawaiian Assignment: In the 1920s, the 8th Field Artillery was stationed in Hawaii, becoming part of the famed Hawaiian Division, and played a key role in the defense of Pearl Harbor during World War II. • Pearl Harbor Attack: Elements of the 1-8 FA were present during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and responded with anti-aircraft and defensive fire. • Korean War: The battalion participated in nearly every major campaign during the Korean War, including the defense of the Pusan Perimeter, the Inchon Landing, and the advance into North Korea. • Vietnam War: The 1-8 FA served with distinction in Vietnam, supporting the 25th Infantry Division with fire missions in some of the most intense combat zones, such as Cu Chi and Tay Ninh. • Cold War Deployments: During the Cold War, the unit was stationed in Germany as part of NATO forces, ready to deter Soviet aggression. • Modernization: In the 1980s and 1990s, the battalion transitioned from older artillery systems to the modern M109 self-propelled howitzer, significantly increasing its firepower and mobility. • Operation Iraqi Freedom: 1-8 FA deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing artillery fire, security, and training to Iraqi forces. • Unit Motto and Symbolism: The battalion's motto is "Automatic," reflecting its tradition of rapid and reliable artillery support. Its distinctive unit insignia features a red shield with a gold cannon and a white eight-pointed star, representing its numerical designation and artillery heritage.