About this Unit
Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 99th Field Artillery Battalion (Hq&Hq Btry 99th FA Bn) was constituted in the Regular Army and activated during World War II. The battalion provided critical artillery support as part of the 1st Infantry Division in major European campaigns, including the Normandy invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. Throughout the war, the unit was distinguished for its effective fire support, contributing to the success of Allied ground operations. Following the war, the 99th Field Artillery Battalion underwent several reorganizations before its eventual inactivation.
Historical Facts
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Formation and Assignment: Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 99th Field Artillery Battalion (Hq&Hq Btry 99th FA Bn) was originally constituted in the Regular Army of the United States in 1933 and activated in 1942 at Camp Carson, Colorado.
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World War II Service: The 99th FA Bn served with distinction in World War II as part of the 1st Cavalry Division, participating in the Pacific Theater, including campaigns in New Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, and the Philippines.
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Leyte Landing: The unit played a vital role in the Leyte landings in October 1944, providing crucial artillery support during the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation.
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Artillery Innovation: The 99th FA Bn was known for its innovative use of artillery fire support in jungle warfare, adapting tactics to suit the difficult Pacific island terrain.
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Occupation Duty in Japan: After the Japanese surrender, the battalion moved to Japan as part of the Allied occupation forces, helping to maintain order and assist in the transition to peace.
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Korean War Deployment: The unit was among the first U.S. artillery units to deploy to Korea in July 1950, supporting the 1st Cavalry Division in early and critical battles such as the Pusan Perimeter and the advance toward Pyongyang.
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Heroic Actions at Unsan: During the Battle of Unsan in November 1950, the 99th FA Bn provided continuous fire to cover the withdrawal of U.S. and allied troops, earning unit commendations.
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Decorations and Honors: The battalion received multiple unit citations, including the Presidential Unit Citation and the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for its World War II and Korean War actions.
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Vietnam War and Later Service: Elements of the 99th FA Bn, or its successor units, were reactivated and served in later conflicts, continuing the unit’s legacy of distinguished artillery service.
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Legacy and Insignia: The 99th FA Bn’s distinctive unit insignia features a red shield with a gold cannon, symbolizing its artillery heritage and long history of combat service.
