5:28th FA

• Origins in World War I: The 5th Battalion, 28th Field Artillery (5/28th FA) traces its origins back to World War I, when the 28th Field Artillery Regiment was constituted in 1918 as part of the National Army. • World War II Service: The parent 28th Field Artillery served with distinction in World War II as part of the 8th Infantry Division, supporting campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. • Cold War Era: The 5/28th FA was reactivated during the Cold War and became an integral part of the U.S. Army’s presence in Europe, helping deter Soviet aggression during the tense decades of the 20th century. • Vietnam War Deployment: The 5th Battalion, 28th Artillery deployed to Vietnam, where it provided vital fire support for infantry operations and engagements against Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces. • Nickname “Tarantulas”: The battalion adopted the nickname “Tarantulas,” symbolizing their ability to strike quickly and effectively, much like the feared arachnid. • Decorations and Honors: During its service in Vietnam, the 5/28th FA was awarded several decorations, including the Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. • Modernization: The unit was among the first to field the M109 self-propelled howitzer, reflecting the U.S. Army’s shift to more mobile and protected artillery platforms. • Artillerymen’s Stories: Veterans of the 5/28th FA recall intense fire missions in support of embattled infantry, often operating under enemy mortar and rocket fire during the Vietnam War. • Community Connections: The 5/28th has maintained strong ties with its alumni, including annual reunions and a dedicated association that preserves the unit’s legacy and camaraderie. • Legacy of Service: Although the battalion has been inactivated, its lineage, honors, and traditions live on in the U.S. Army’s Field Artillery branch and in the memories of its veterans.