13th Field Artillery Battalion (WWII)

During World War II (WWII) there were several field artillery units that played pivotal roles to help turn the tides of the conflict and ensure victory for the Allied Forces. Some of these units still survive today and others are forever remembered in the prestigious history of the King of Battle. Some of these units include the 977th FA, BN; the 3rd BN, 13th FA; the 2nd BN, 18th FA; and the 9th Armored Division.

There were a lot of key factors that came into play during World War 2 for the 977th Field Artillery Battalion “BN”. I will provide you with a little history or background on this unit so that you have a better understanding of the things they accomplished.

They were originally the 2nd Battalion 35th Field Artillery Regiment, which

Its history spans from its creation on July 1st, 1916 to present day. The history we will be covering will be how the Red Dragon Battalion helped win WWII. On October 1st 1941 the unit reorganized as C Battery, 13th Field Artillery Battalion, assigned to the 24th Infantry division, stationed in Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. On a day that America will never forget, December 7th 1941, the Japanese conducted a surprise attack on the island, firing at troops on the base along with destroying Pearl

The battalion landed on Utah beach to support operations in Northern France as a light Artillery battalion. After being assigned to First Army, they were able to support two field armies, eight corps, one brigade, sixteen divisions, one rocket battalion and one cavalry unit. During the battalion’s time on the battlefield, they set a record for conducting over 2000 fire missions. In 1946 the battalion was established at Ft. Sill, OK but this time was assigned to the 155 MM “Long Tom” which is a self-propelled howitzer. They found themselves attached to the 5th Artillery regiment that conducted training at the Ft Sill Artillery School. After completing their assignment with the 155 MM “Long Tom”, the 18th Field Artillery was, once again, assigned to the Ft. Sill Artillery School but this time to be assigned to the eight inch howitzer that would be towed behind a military vehicle. Its battle campaigns are Northern France, Normandy, Ardennes, Rhine-land and Central Europe while covering almost 7500