305th Field Artillery Regiment

305th Field Artillery Regiment. The 305th Field Artillery Regiment is a parent regiment of the United States Army's Field Artillery Branch, first constituted during World War I. It has served in multiple major conflicts, including World War II and the Korean War, with elements continuing to serve in the modern era. The regiment's history is marked by campaigns across the European Theater and the Pacific Theater, earning numerous unit decorations for its service.

History

The regiment was originally constituted in the National Army on 5 August 1917 and organized at Camp Greene, North Carolina. It served with the 77th Infantry Division in World War I, participating in the Meuse-Argonne offensive and other critical battles on the Western Front. Following the Armistice of 11 November 1918, the unit was demobilized. It was reconstituted in the Organized Reserve Corps in the 1920s, with headquarters in New York City. During World War II, the regiment was called to active duty, with its 1st Battalion serving as a core of the newly formed 305th Field Artillery Battalion, which fought with distinction in the Pacific War, including campaigns in the Aleutian Islands and the Philippines.

Lineage and honors

The regiment's official lineage traces back to its initial constitution in 1917. Campaign participation credit includes World War I, World War II, Korean War, and the War in Afghanistan. Its decorated service is recognized by awards such as the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. The 2nd Battalion, 305th Field Artillery, earned a Valorous Unit Award for actions during the Battle of Ramadi. The regiment's coat of arms and heraldry are maintained by the United States Army Institute of Heraldry, symbolizing its storied service across multiple theaters of war under commands like the United States Army Pacific and United States Army Europe and Africa.

Distinctive unit insignia

The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 305th Field Artillery Regiment on 28 May 1929. It features a gold color metal and enamel device displaying a red Moluccan cross from the coat of arms of Saint-Mihiel, recalling the regiment's service in the St. Mihiel offensive. A blue fleur-de-lis represents early service in France, while a white edelweiss denotes combat in the Aleutian Islands during World War II. The motto "Volens et Potens" is inscribed on a red scroll, affirming the unit's readiness and capability in engagements from the Battle of Leyte to modern operations.

Current configuration

As part of the United States Army Regimental System, the regiment's active component is currently represented by the 2nd Battalion, 305th Field Artillery Regiment. This battalion is assigned to the 177th Armored Brigade, part of the Michigan Army National Guard, headquartered in Taylor, Michigan. It is equipped with the M777 howitzer and maintains readiness for both federal and state missions. The lineage and honors of the historic regiment are perpetuated by this battalion, which has deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, training at installations like Fort McCoy and Camp Grayling.

Notable members

Several soldiers who served with the regiment achieved significant recognition. Theodore Roosevelt Jr., son of President Theodore Roosevelt, served with distinction in World War I and later as a Brigadier General in units including the 4th Infantry Division. James Van Fleet, who later commanded the Eighth United States Army during the Korean War, led artillery units in the Meuse-Argonne offensive. Chesty Puller, the most decorated Marine in history, served with American Expeditionary Forces artillery before his famed service at the Battle of Guadalcanal and the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.

Category:Field artillery regiments of the United States Army Category:Military units and formations established in 1917