Artillery History

From the United States Military Academy (West Point) web site:

The history of the United States Field Artillery began in 1775, when Henry Knox was appointed Chief of Artillery of the Continental Army. During the War of Independence, the Field Artillery evolved into a formidable entity on the battlefield, prompting General Marquis de Lafayette to remark at the Battle of Yorktown, "Upon my honor I speak the truth. American Artillery -- one of the wonders of the Revolution."

During the Mexican War, the Field Artillery played a key role in campaigns that ranged from the Battle of Palo Alto to Mexico City. In fact, the nickname, "Redlegs," comes from that era when artillery uniforms had a 2-inch red stripe on their trousers and horse artillery men wore red canvas leggings.

The Field Artillery was also a dominant force in many of the Civil War battlefields. Leading artillerymen who became combined arms leaders included Joseph Hooker, Braxton Bragg, William T. Sherman, A.P. Hill, and Stonewall Jackson. (See more Civil War arty photos.)

In 1901, the Field Artillery became a separate branch after parting ways with the Coast Artillery.

During WWI the Field Artillery became one of the most dominant forces in the trench warfare of France. It emerged from the "war to end all wars" as the greatest killer on the battlefield, responsible for 75of all combat casualties.

Throughout World War II, in Europe, Africa and the Pacific, the Field Artillery once again proved a decisive factor causing America's great combined arms leader, General George S. Patton, to observe, "I do not need to tell you who won the war. You know, the Artillery did."

The Field Artillery's role in the Korean War was to offset the enemy's superior numbers with its superior combat power. From supporting the defense of the Pusan Perimeter to the stabilization at the 38th parallel, the Field Artillery proved decisive.

Shortly thereafter, U.S. gunners ushered in the tactical nuclear era when, in May 1953, a 280 mm gun called "Atomic Annie" fired the first nuclear shell downrange.

The Vietnam Conflict saw the Field Artillery meeting the challenges ranging from support of counter-insurgency operations to large unit warfare. Cutting fire bases out of the jungle, moving artillery by helicopter, and using them in the direct fire role, the Field Artillery provided immediate, continuous and decisive fires in support of the maneuver arms.

It was this period during which the Air Defense Artillery became a separate branch from the Field Artillery.

The Field Artillery has continued to play a vital combat role through participation in combat actions in Lebanon, Grenada and Panama and outstanding contributions during Operation Desert Storm and Somalia. Massed artillery fires were the norm during Desert Storm. The coordinated fires of upwards of 11 Artillery Battalions on enemy positions proved time after time to be absolutely devastating. Simultaneous engagement of positions in the enemy's rear, on his flanks, to his front and on top of him, not only destroyed his equipment, but broke his will to fight.

Read more about the history of U.S. Army Field Artillery. If you're looking for some pictures of the big guns from the Civil War to Vietnam, check out these old time cannon and howitzer photos provided by Fort Sill. Also, be sure to visit our Cannon Walk!

Click on Combat Ops to learn about the current status of artillery.