3:319th Field Artillery

• World War I Formation: The 3rd Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment (3/319th FAR) traces its roots to World War I, when the 319th Field Artillery was constituted in the National Army in 1917 as part of the 82nd Division. • Airborne Artillery Pioneers: The 319th was redesignated as a glider field artillery battalion during World War II, making it one of the first U.S. artillery units to employ glider-borne operations. • Normandy Invasion: Elements of the 319th (including what would become the 3rd Battalion) participated in the D-Day airborne assault on Normandy, providing critical artillery support to the 82nd Airborne Division. • Operation Market Garden: The battalion played a key role in the largest airborne operation of World War II, supporting paratroopers in the Netherlands during Operation Market Garden in September 1944. • Battle of the Bulge: The 319th F.A. supported 82nd Airborne troops during the famous defense and counterattack during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. • Vietnam War Service: The 3/319th deployed to Vietnam in 1965, supporting the 173rd Airborne Brigade and earning numerous campaign streamers and several Presidential Unit Citations for its actions. • ‘Gun Devils’ Nickname: The battalion is known by the nickname “Gun Devils," symbolizing their fierce and rapid delivery of artillery fire in support of airborne operations. • First U.S. Artillery Unit in Vietnam: The 3/319th was one of the first U.S. artillery units to fire in support of American combat operations in Vietnam, marking a historic moment in the conflict. • Modern Deployments: In recent years, 3/319th FAR has deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Iraqi Freedom, exemplifying its continued relevance and adaptability. • Distinguished Unit Awards: The battalion and its parent regiment hold numerous unit awards, including Presidential Unit Citations, Valorous Unit Awards, and French and Dutch decorations for their valor and effectiveness in combat.