About this Unit
The 36th Field Artillery (FA) was first constituted in the Regular Army on July 5, 1918, as the 36th Field Artillery and organized at Camp McClellan, Alabama. Although demobilized shortly after World War I, it was reactivated before World War II and served with distinction in the European Theater, providing crucial artillery support in major campaigns such as Normandy and the Rhineland. Throughout the Cold War and into the modern era, the 36th FA has undergone several reorganizations and redesignations, adapting to evolving military needs. Today, the unit upholds its legacy of excellence and readiness as part of the United States Army’s artillery forces.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War I: The 36th Field Artillery (FA) Regiment was constituted on July 5, 1918, in the National Army as part of the 12th Division. However, the regiment was demobilized after World War I ended without seeing combat.
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World War II Reconstitution: The unit was reconstituted and activated on 1 June 1941 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as the 36th Field Artillery Battalion, and later equipped with 155mm howitzers.
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First American Unit to Fire on German Soil: On September 11, 1944, the 36th FA became the first American artillery unit to fire on German soil during World War II as they crossed into Germany.
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Normandy Landings: The 36th FA supported the Normandy invasion, landing on Utah Beach in June 1944 and providing critical artillery support for advancing Allied troops.
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Distinguished Unit Citation: The battalion received a Distinguished Unit Citation for outstanding performance during the crossing of the Rhine River in March 1945.
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Cold War Service: After World War II, elements of the 36th FA served in Germany as part of the U.S. occupation forces and later as a deterrent during the early years of the Cold War.
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Transformation and Modernization: The 36th FA underwent several reorganizations, including conversion to a rocket artillery unit equipped with Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) during the late 20th century.
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Gulf War Participation: The 36th Field Artillery Regiment provided fire support during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, using advanced artillery systems to engage enemy positions.
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Global Deployments: In the 21st century, the 36th FA has deployed to support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, continuing its legacy of providing accurate and timely fire support.
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Motto and Insignia: The unit's motto is “Deeds Not Words,” reflecting its commitment to action. Its distinctive unit insignia features a red shield with a gold cannon and a gold lion, symbolizing valor and artillery heritage.
