38th Artillery

• World War I Origins: The 38th Artillery unit traces its origins to World War I, where it was first constituted as part of the U.S. Army's rapid expansion to support the Allies in Europe. • Redesignation History: Over the years, the 38th Artillery has been redesignated several times, including as the 38th Field Artillery Regiment and the 38th Air Defense Artillery, reflecting evolving mission profiles. • Normandy Campaign: Elements of the 38th Artillery played a crucial role in the Normandy Campaign during World War II, providing fire support during the D-Day landings and subsequent operations in France. • Korean War Service: The unit saw extensive combat during the Korean War, supporting United Nations forces with artillery barrages in key battles such as the Pusan Perimeter and the Battle of Inchon. • Cold War Deployments: During the Cold War, the 38th Artillery was stationed in Germany as part of NATO forces, serving as a deterrent against potential Soviet aggression in Europe. • Vietnam War Involvement: The unit provided vital fire support to U.S. and allied forces in Vietnam, often operating in challenging jungle conditions and facing frequent enemy attacks. • Pershing Missile Era: In the 1970s and 1980s, the 38th Artillery was equipped with Pershing ballistic missiles, becoming a key component of America’s nuclear deterrence strategy during the height of the Cold War. • Gulf War Participation: Elements of the 38th were deployed during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, contributing to the liberation of Kuwait with long-range artillery strikes. • Modern Air Defense Missions: In recent decades, the 38th Air Defense Artillery Regiment has specialized in air and missile defense, operating systems such as the Patriot missile to protect allied assets and populations. • Decorations and Honors: The 38th Artillery and its subunits have earned numerous decorations, including Presidential Unit Citations and foreign awards, recognizing their bravery and effectiveness across multiple conflicts.