HHB 2:17 FA camp pelham

• Origin of the Unit: Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 17th Field Artillery (HHB 2/17 FA) can trace its lineage back to World War I, having been constituted in 1916 as part of the 17th Field Artillery Regiment. • Stationed at Camp Pelham: HHB 2/17 FA was stationed at Camp Pelham, South Korea, an important U.S. Army installation near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), playing a key role in the defense of South Korea during the Cold War and beyond. • “Thunder” Nickname: The 2/17 FA Battalion was often referred to as the "Thunder" battalion due to the tremendous firepower it could project with its artillery pieces. • Vietnam Service: The 2/17 FA saw extensive combat in Vietnam, participating in 13 campaigns and earning multiple decorations for valor and meritorious service. • Camp Pelham’s Renaming: In 2004, Camp Pelham was renamed to Camp Hovey, reflecting changes in U.S. Army basing in Korea and honoring Master Sergeant Howard Hovey, a Korean War hero. • Self-Propelled Artillery: During its time at Camp Pelham, 2/17 FA operated M109 self-propelled howitzers, providing rapid, mobile, and powerful artillery support to U.S. and allied units. • Frequent Field Exercises: Soldiers of HHB 2/17 FA routinely participated in large-scale field training exercises such as Team Spirit and Foal Eagle, designed to ensure combat readiness and interoperability with South Korean forces. • Community Relations: The soldiers of HHB 2/17 FA were known for engaging with local Korean communities, participating in goodwill missions, English teaching, and civic projects to foster stronger U.S.-Korea relations. • Decorations and Honors: The unit has been awarded multiple Presidential Unit Citations, Valorous Unit Awards, and Meritorious Unit Commendations for its service in various conflicts. • Enduring Legacy: Although the unit has relocated and restructured over the years, veterans of HHB 2/17 FA and Camp Pelham maintain a strong camaraderie and regularly hold reunions to honor their shared history.