969th Field Artillery Battalion (United States)
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The 969th Field Artillery Battalion was an African American United States Army field artillery unit that saw combat during World War II. The battalion landed at Utah Beach during Operation Neptune, and participated in the liberation of France and Belgium. Along with survivors of the 333rd Artillery Battalion, it gave fire support to the 101st Airborne Division during the siege of Bastogne.[3] (Battle of the Bulge) Because of the heavy losses suffered by the 333rd, some of its remaining members were reassigned to the 969th Field Artillery Battalion after the Battle of the Bulge.
969th Artillery Battalion | |
---|---|
Active | 1942–1945 |
Country | United States |
Branch | United States Army |
Role | Artillery |
Equipment | M1 155mm Howitzer |
Engagements | D-Day (Utah Beach)[1]
Battle for Brest[1] Battle of Bastogne (Battle of the Bulge)[1][2] |
Battle honours | Distinguished Unit Citation[2] |
Executive Officer | Maj. Einar Erickson[1] |
First Commander | Lt. Col. Hubert D. Barnes[1] |
The 969th was equipped with the M1 155 mm howitzer, the primary medium field howitzer in use by U.S. forces during World War II. The gun crews of the 969th were known for singing in cadence as they loaded and fired their guns, and were praised by many veterans who fought in and around Bastogne, including Donald R. Burgett, for their deadly accuracy and precision.