About this Unit
The 3rd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment (3-17 FA) traces its origins to the 17th Field Artillery Regiment, which was constituted in 1916 and served with distinction in both World Wars. Reactivated and reorganized multiple times, 3/17th FA provided critical artillery support during the Vietnam War, participating in campaigns such as the Tet Counteroffensive and Sanctuary Counteroffensive. The battalion continued its service through the Cold War era, maintaining readiness in support of U.S. Army operations. Today, the 3rd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery upholds its legacy of excellence, supporting joint and combined arms operations wherever deployed.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War I: The 3rd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery Regiment (3/17th FA) traces its lineage to the original 17th Field Artillery, which was constituted in 1916 and served in France during World War I.
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Nickname "Thunderbolts": The battalion is known as the "Thunderbolts," reflecting its rapid and powerful artillery support capabilities.
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World War II Service: The unit participated in several major campaigns during World War II, including North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and Southern France.
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Korean War Action: 3/17th Field Artillery played a significant role in the Korean War, notably supporting the Eighth Army with fire missions and defensive actions.
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Vietnam War Deployments: The unit was heavily engaged during the Vietnam War, providing fire support in numerous operations and earning multiple decorations.
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Modernization: Over the decades, the battalion transitioned through various artillery systems, from the M101 howitzer to modern self-propelled guns like the M109 Paladin.
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Gulf War Participation: Elements of the 3/17th FA were deployed during Operation Desert Storm, contributing to the rapid defeat of Iraqi forces.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion’s insignia features a scarlet shield with gold elements, representing the artillery branch and its heritage.
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Global War on Terrorism: The unit has supported operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, providing precision artillery fire and adapting to counterinsurgency missions.
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Decorations: The 3/17th Field Artillery has received numerous awards, including Presidential Unit Citations, Meritorious Unit Commendations, and foreign decorations for its valor and service.
