333rd FA

• World War II Origins: The 333rd Field Artillery Battalion (FA) was an African American unit activated in August 1942 at Camp Gruber, Oklahoma. • Normandy Landings: The 333rd FA landed at Utah Beach, Normandy, France, on June 29, 1944, supporting the advance after D-Day. • Bastogne and the Battle of the Bulge: The 333rd FA played a crucial role in the defense of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. • The Wereth 11 Massacre: Eleven soldiers from the 333rd were captured, tortured, and executed by the Waffen-SS in Wereth, Belgium, on December 17, 1944. Their story was largely ignored for decades. • Racial Discrimination: Despite their valor, the 333rd FA faced systemic racism and segregation within the U.S. Army during WWII. • Heavy Losses: During the German Ardennes Offensive, the 333rd suffered significant casualties, including men killed, wounded, or taken prisoner. • Artillery Support: The battalion was equipped with 155mm howitzers, providing critical artillery support to U.S. infantry divisions. • Recognition and Memorials: The story of the Wereth 11 is now commemorated in Belgium at the Wereth Memorial, honoring their sacrifice and the battalion’s service. • Postwar Honors: In 2017, the 333rd FA and the Wereth 11 were posthumously awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for heroism. • Legacy: The 333rd FA’s service demonstrated the bravery and skill of African American soldiers and contributed to the eventual desegregation of the U.S. Armed Forces.