3rd Missile Battalion : 79th Field Artillery

• Origins in World War I: The 79th Field Artillery Regiment was constituted in the National Army on July 1, 1916, and organized at Fort Riley, Kansas in 1917, providing artillery support during World War I. • Redesignation for Missile Era: The 3rd Battalion, 79th Field Artillery (3-79 FA) was designated as a missile battalion during the Cold War, reflecting the U.S. Army’s transition to nuclear-capable field artillery units. • Honored Unit Insignia: The battalion’s distinctive unit insignia features a red field (for artillery) and a gold cannon, symbolizing its artillery heritage. • Nike Hercules Missile Operations: In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the 3-79 FA operated the nuclear-capable MIM-14 Nike Hercules surface-to-air missile system, a key part of U.S. air defense during the Cold War. • Cuban Missile Crisis: During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, the battalion was placed on high alert, ready to respond to potential Soviet threats against the United States. • Reassignments and Deployments: The 3-79 FA served under various commands, including the 7th Army in Germany and U.S. Army Air Defense Command (ARADCOM), illustrating its strategic flexibility. • Deactivation in the 1970s: As advances in missile technology and changes in doctrine occurred, the battalion was inactivated in the early 1970s, ending its Cold War missile mission. • Training Legacy: The 3-79 FA’s personnel often became trainers and subject matter experts for newer missile and air defense systems, passing on their knowledge to the next generation. • Decorations and Honors: Throughout its service, the 3-79 FA and its parent regiment received numerous commendations for meritorious service, including campaign streamers from World War I. • Enduring Motto: The unit’s motto, “Our Country, Our Honor,” reflects its longstanding dedication and service to the United States Army and its enduring legacy in artillery and missile history.