Robert Antrobus

The 2nd Battalion, 9th Field Artillery Regiment traces its origins to its constitution in the Regular Army in 1916. The unit saw distinguished service in World War I and later participated in major campaigns during World War II, including North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. During the Cold War, the battalion served in various posts, including Germany, as part of the U.S. Army’s forward-deployed artillery. More recently, elements of the 2-9th FA have deployed in support of operations in Southwest Asia, maintaining a proud legacy of fire support and combat readiness.

The Pershing Missile crewman served as a vital member of the U.S. Army’s field artillery units responsible for operating the Pershing missile system during the Cold War. Introduced in the early 1960s, Pershing missiles were nuclear-capable, solid-fueled ballistic missiles deployed primarily in West Germany to deter Soviet aggression. Crewmen were rigorously trained in missile assembly, maintenance, launch procedures, and security protocols, often working under high-alert conditions. Their mission was pivotal in NATO’s strategy of flexible response, and their role concluded with the signing of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 1987, which led to the elimination of Pershing missiles by 1991.