About this Unit
The G-Tab 333rd Field Artillery (FA) was a battalion of the United States Army that served with distinction during World War II. Originally formed as part of the segregated African-American artillery units, the 333rd FA Battalion provided crucial fire support during the Normandy Invasion and subsequent campaigns across France and Belgium. The unit is particularly remembered for its involvement in the Battle of the Bulge, where several of its members were captured and tragically killed in the Wereth Massacre. Despite adversity and loss, the 333rd FA’s service exemplified courage and dedication, contributing significantly to Allied victory in Europe.
Historical Facts
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Origins in WWII: The 333rd Field Artillery Battalion (333rd FA) was activated in 1942 and was composed primarily of African American soldiers during a time when the U.S. Army was still segregated.
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Service in Normandy: The 333rd FA landed in Normandy, France, in June 1944 and provided crucial artillery support to Allied forces during the breakout from the D-Day beaches.
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The Battle of the Bulge: The battalion played a significant role during the Battle of the Bulge, supporting the 106th Infantry Division in Belgium in December 1944.
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The Wereth 11 Massacre: Eleven members of the 333rd FA were captured and brutally murdered by the Waffen-SS near the village of Wereth, Belgium, one of WWII's most notorious war crimes against American troops.
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Heroism Under Fire: Despite being outflanked and facing overwhelming German attacks during the Battle of the Bulge, many members of the 333rd bravely continued to fight and support their comrades.
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Integration Legacy: The service of the 333rd FA, along with other segregated units, helped pave the way for the eventual desegregation of the U.S. Armed Forces in 1948.
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Commemoration at Wereth: The site where the Wereth 11 were killed is now a memorial in Belgium, honoring the sacrifice of the 333rd FA and other African American soldiers.
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Support to the 106th Infantry: The unit’s artillery barrages were credited with helping to slow German advances, buying time for Allied forces to regroup.
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Posthumous Honors: Members of the battalion, including the Wereth 11, have been posthumously recognized for their bravery and sacrifice, with multiple commemorative ceremonies held in their honor.
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Documentaries and Books: The story of the 333rd FA and the Wereth 11 has been the subject of documentaries, books, and scholarly articles, ensuring their legacy endures in military history.
