56th Field Artillery Command
Encyclopedia
The 56th Field Artillery Command was a brigade
size element of the United States Army
. The unit was constituted in 1942 with the last period of active service being 1970 through 1991. It was the only unit to field the nuclear Pershing missile
system. This unique mission required an almost "Super Brigade" status which the Army accommodated in several regards. Their inactivation in June 1991 was in some measure a consequence of their own success. The culmination of their duties was to act, as directed, in accordance with the INF Treaty, as the United States eliminated her intermediate range nuclear forces. The Command also provided some personnel to participate in supervising the Soviets as they upheld their agreements as well. Fifteen systems were exempted by the INF Treaty, made inoperable, and authorized for historical reference, such as a museum display. The National Air and Space Museum
of the Smithsonian Institution
exhibits such a display for
example.
as the next higher headquarters.
Additionally command levels for the field artillery batteries were increased by one grade over similar units. Platoon
s were commanded by a captain, and batteries
by a major
. Battalion
s continued to follow a lieutenant colonel
while the Command itself was led by a brigadier general and later a major general.
These actions were meant to mitigate the increased responsibilities inherent with the mission they bore.
Description: On a disc 3 inches (8 cm) in diameter, with a 1/8 in white border a scarlet disc centered on a blue background and surmounted at center by a vertical black missile silhouette outlined in white and issuing to base a white-edged scarlet flame and white smoke cloud, the missile flanked by two diagonal yellow lightning flashes issuing from either side of the nose cone. Attached immediately above the disc, an arc tab 2 3/8 inches (60 mm) in length and 11/16 in in height consisting of a dark green background inscribed "Pershing" in scarlet letters 5/16 in in height, with a 1/8 in scarlet border.
Symbolism: Scarlet and gold (yellow) are the colors used for field artillery; blue denotes the assigned infantry support. The destructive power and target capability of the Pershing missile are suggested by the red disc at center and the upright missile signifies the readiness of the unit. The lightning flashes refer to the ability of the missile team to act and strike quickly in event of need.
Background: The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for the 56th Artillery Brigade on 9 June 1971 The Pershing tab was authorized for wear effective 18 September 1970. It was redesignated for the 56th Field Artillery Brigade on 7 April 1972. The insignia was redesignated effective 17 January 1986 for the 56th Field Artillery Command.
Previous insignia: From 1963 to 1970, the authorized shoulder sleeve insignia was the triangular emblem of the 7th Army. From 1970 to 1971, the Pershing tab was worn with the 7th Army insignia; the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry, however, notes the tab was only authorized for wear with the shoulder sleeve insignia of the 56th.
The distinctive unit insignia
was authorized only for headquarters elements.
Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (30 mm) in height overall consisting of a scarlet background with a trilobated cloud at the top bearing two black crossed cannons behind a white domed tower with black archway, (as depicted on the coat of arms of the city of Antwerp, Belgium) on a green base, surmounted overall by a vertical gold Pershing missile; all above a semi-circular gold scroll inscribed "Quick Reliable Accurate" in black letters.
Symbolism: Scarlet and yellow (gold) are the colors used for Field Artillery
. The trilobated cloud symbolizes the Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 56th Field Artillery Brigade's Northern France, Central Europe and Rhineland
Campaigns during World War II. The crossed cannons with the Antwerp Tower allude to the Headquarters Battery's two Belgian Army Order of the Day Citations, the Belgian Fourragere for action at Antwerp and the Defense of Antwerp Harbor. Red and green are the colors of the Belgian Fourragere. The Pershing missile alludes to the unique mission of the unit as a participant in the Army's first nuclear strike force with missiles on constant alert (QRA).
Background: The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 56th Field Artillery Brigade on 11 April 1972. It was redesignated effective 17 January 1986 for the 56th Field Artillery Command.
Note: The older DUI was worn from 1967 to 1972.
, Georgia
on 10 April 1943 and was redesignated the 56th Antiaircraft Artillery Brigade on 28 May 1943. During World War II, Headquarters Battery (HHB) saw action in Belgium and received two Belgian Fourrageres for action at Antwerp and was cited for the defense of Antwerp Harbor. HHB is entitled to permanently display the Belgian Fourragere from the spearhead of its guidon
. In 1945, the unit was inactivated at Camp Shanks
, NY
.
, Mass and assigned to the First Army of the US Army. On 5 November 1951 The 56th AAA Brigade transferred from Camp Edwards to Fort Devens
, Mass and was assigned to the Eastern Army Antiaircraft Command. They were then transferred to Fort Totten
, NY on 24 January 1953. The unit transferred back to Fort Devens on 15 July 1956. They were redesignated as the 56th Artillery Brigade on 20 March 1958 The 56th Artillery Brigade was inactivated on 24 December 1964.
was implemented to recruit German scientist involved with the V-2, and procure all possible material and parts to this rocket system. The operation coupled at least 130 German scientist with some 500 US personnel at Fort Bliss
, Texas. The recovered V-2 parts and the integrated efforts of the people produced at least 80 V-2 rockets which were complete and capable to fire. The requirements to further test these 80, as well as develop the concept of rocketry in general, prompted the project and personnel to relocate to Redstone Arsenal
in Huntsville
Alabama
.
From Huntsville, the project was to develop America's missile program, and their answer was the Redstone missile. This namesake missile was deployed to the US Army in June 1958. The need to develop, and prepar to replace the Redstone, as it aged toward obsolescence, was also considered. The Pershing was to be this replacement and its development began conceptually in 1957, even before the Redstone was delivered.
The first Pershing missile, affectionately known as "Land Train", was delivered in March 1963 to 2nd Bn, 44th Field Artillery, activated at Fort Sill
, Oklahoma
. This battalion was later redesignated the 1st Bn, 41st FA, and then 4th Bn, 41st FA. In April 1963, the 56th Artillery Group was reactivated at Hardt Kaserne, Schwäbisch Gmünd
, West Germany. The 4th Bn, 41st FA was assigned to the 7th Army in Germany and moved its headquarters to Hardt Kaserne. They were the first of three tactical nuclear
battalions to fall under the 56th Field Artillery Group in command structure. The 56th FA Group was also headquartered in Schwäbisch Gmünd at Bismarck Kaserne. The next tactical battalion grouped was the 1st Bn, 81st FA, the garrison for which was moved in October, 1963 from Mainz
to Neu Ulm, both in West Germany. The third tactical battalion was deployed in May 1965 as the 3rd Bn, 84th FA to a headquarters in Neckarsulm
, West Germany.
In 1965 the 56th Artillery Group assumed the critical role of a Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) force and was required to maintain a portion of each unit at the highest level of combat readiness. These portions were to react within seconds of verified orders, and the entire command was to be fully operational within 2 hours of any alert activation. The increased requirements of the QRA mission, necessitated some modifications to upgrade the Pershing missile system and at the same time caused the Army to increase the number of launchers at each battalion from four to 36.
In September 1970, the 56th Artillery Group was reformed as the 56th Field Artillery Brigade. The newly designated brigade was to command 1st Bn, 41st FA, 1st Bn, 81st FA, and 3rd Bn, 84th FA as Pershing firing battalions. Also subordinate to the Brigade was the 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, tasked to provide defensive support to the firing units according to their security needs. A host of additional units provided support from medical to logistical, ensuring the Brigade's ability to operate.
In 1974 a new terminal guidance system was in development for the Pershing missile. This system would be developed and test fired 5 times by 1977. This was to become the Pershing II missile system.
The Soviet Union had developed the SS-20 nuclear missile by this time. The SS-20 was an ambitious program which would required enormous capital investment by the Soviets. Their efforts to regain dominance within the region seemed attainable as they knew their SS-20 would counter the Pershing threat. The Pershing II was a military secret, well kept, and this allowed the Soviets to squander vast resources in their hurried efforts to field a system which was in effect, already obsolete.
In 1978 the NATO Commander requested the United States to take action and deploy assets necessary to counter the threat posed by the SS-20. This request was not immediately addressed, as the American government wanted the Soviets to expend the maximum amount possible on the SS-20.
In 1982, the 55th Maintenance Battalion was activated as part of the 56th Field Artillery Brigade. The 579th Ordnance
Company, 3rd Ordnance Battalion, 59th Ordnance Brigade was inactivated and reformed as Headquarters Company and as the D Company general support unit. The three service batteries in the field artillery battalions were inactivated and reformed as forward service companies under the 55th Maintenance Battalion.
In November 1983, with the Soviets fully invested in the SS-20, and on the verge of bankruptcy, the Americans began fielding the Pershing II. By 1985 all three firing battalions were completely operational with Pershing II and the Soviet Union faced a threat they were financially unwilling to counter.
On 11 January 1985 three soldiers, SSG John Leach, SGT Todd A. Zephier, and PFC Darryl L. Shirley of Battery C, 3rd Battalion, 84th Field Artillery were killed in an explosion at Camp Redleg, Heilbronn
. The explosion occurred while removing a missile stage from the storage container during an assembly operation. An investigation revealed that the Kevlar
rocket bottle had accumulated a triboelectric charge
in the cold dry weather; as the engine was removed from the container the electrical charge began to flow and created a hot spot that ignited the propellant. A moratorium on missile movement was enacted through late 1986 when new grounding and handling procedures were put into place.
In January 1986, there was a major reorganization of the tactical units in Germany. The 56th Field Artillery Brigade was redesignated as the 56th Field Artillery Command and was authorized a major general
as commander. 1st Battalion, 81st Field Artillery was inactivated and reformed as 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery in Neu-Ulm, 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery was inactivated and reformed as 2nd Battalion, 9th Field Artillery in Schwäbisch Gmünd and 3rd Battalion, 84th Field Artillery was inactivated and reformed as 4th Battalion, 9th Field Artillery in Heilbronn. With 3rd Battalion, 9th Field Artillery at Fort Sill, all of the firing units were then under the 9th Field Artillery Regiment. The 55th Maintenance Battalion was redesignated as 55th Support Battalion and E Company was reformed as the 193rd Aviation Company. The communications assets, which were listed in the Table of Organization and Equipment (TO&E)
at each battery, were removed and reconsolidated into the 38th Signal Battalion.
The Superior Unit Award
was presented to the 56th Field Artillery Command and its subordinate units for service during the Pershing II fielding, 1 November 1983 through 31 December 1986.
The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty
was ratified on 27 May 1988. The firing batteries began to draw down their equipment as the missile launchers were destroyed. The Pershing first and second stage motors, reentry vehicles, warhead and radar section airframes were returned to Pueblo Depot Activity
for elimination. On 30 June 1991, the 56th FA was inactivated, and the final entry for this Commands history shows them as "DISCONTINUED" on 30 September 1991. This entry on the units history card shows the essence of a well known metonymic
adage
, "The pen is mightier than the sword
".
18 September 1970:
29 September 1972:
1982:
17 January 1986 through 31 May 1991:
Brigade
A brigade is a major tactical military formation that is typically composed of two to five battalions, plus supporting elements depending on the era and nationality of a given army and could be perceived as an enlarged/reinforced regiment...
size element of the United States Army
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
. The unit was constituted in 1942 with the last period of active service being 1970 through 1991. It was the only unit to field the nuclear Pershing missile
Pershing missile
Pershing was a family of solid-fueled two-stage medium-range ballistic missiles designed and built by Martin Marietta to replace the PGM-11 Redstone missile as the United States Army's primary nuclear-capable theater-level weapon. The Pershing systems lasted over 30 years from the first test...
system. This unique mission required an almost "Super Brigade" status which the Army accommodated in several regards. Their inactivation in June 1991 was in some measure a consequence of their own success. The culmination of their duties was to act, as directed, in accordance with the INF Treaty, as the United States eliminated her intermediate range nuclear forces. The Command also provided some personnel to participate in supervising the Soviets as they upheld their agreements as well. Fifteen systems were exempted by the INF Treaty, made inoperable, and authorized for historical reference, such as a museum display. The National Air and Space Museum
National Air and Space Museum
The National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution holds the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world. It was established in 1976. Located in Washington, D.C., United States, it is a center for research into the history and science of aviation and...
of the Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is an educational and research institute and associated museum complex, administered and funded by the government of the United States and by funds from its endowment, contributions, and profits from its retail operations, concessions, licensing activities, and magazines...
exhibits such a display for
example.
Basic organization
The 56th Field Artillery Command was organized to always report directly to the highest commander in Europe at the time. Therefore during peacetime, they reported to the United States Army, Europe, whereas, during heightened tension or war, command passed to NATO, with Allied Air Forces Central EuropeAllied Air Forces Central Europe
Allied Air Forces Central Europe was the headquarters for NATO air forces in Central Europe from 1951 to 1967 and from 1974 to 1993.-History:It was first based at Fontainebleau , and originally activated in April 1951...
as the next higher headquarters.
Additionally command levels for the field artillery batteries were increased by one grade over similar units. Platoon
Platoon
A platoon is a military unit typically composed of two to four sections or squads and containing 16 to 50 soldiers. Platoons are organized into a company, which typically consists of three, four or five platoons. A platoon is typically the smallest military unit led by a commissioned officer—the...
s were commanded by a captain, and batteries
Artillery battery
In military organizations, an artillery battery is a unit of guns, mortars, rockets or missiles so grouped in order to facilitate better battlefield communication and command and control, as well as to provide dispersion for its constituent gunnery crews and their systems...
by a major
Major (United States)
In the United States Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, major is a field grade military officer rank just above the rank of captain and just below the rank of lieutenant colonel...
. Battalion
Battalion
A battalion is a military unit of around 300–1,200 soldiers usually consisting of between two and seven companies and typically commanded by either a Lieutenant Colonel or a Colonel...
s continued to follow a lieutenant colonel
Lieutenant Colonel (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps, a lieutenant colonel is a field grade military officer rank just above the rank of major and just below the rank of colonel. It is equivalent to the naval rank of commander in the other uniformed services.The pay...
while the Command itself was led by a brigadier general and later a major general.
These actions were meant to mitigate the increased responsibilities inherent with the mission they bore.
Shoulder sleeve insignia
The shoulder sleeve insignia was authorized for wear by all subordinate units. It is shown atop the info box and described below. The version shown is in color and for wear with the formal uniform. The utility version, for normal wear, is olive drab green and black with the same descriptive dimensions.Description: On a disc 3 inches (8 cm) in diameter, with a 1/8 in white border a scarlet disc centered on a blue background and surmounted at center by a vertical black missile silhouette outlined in white and issuing to base a white-edged scarlet flame and white smoke cloud, the missile flanked by two diagonal yellow lightning flashes issuing from either side of the nose cone. Attached immediately above the disc, an arc tab 2 3/8 inches (60 mm) in length and 11/16 in in height consisting of a dark green background inscribed "Pershing" in scarlet letters 5/16 in in height, with a 1/8 in scarlet border.
Symbolism: Scarlet and gold (yellow) are the colors used for field artillery; blue denotes the assigned infantry support. The destructive power and target capability of the Pershing missile are suggested by the red disc at center and the upright missile signifies the readiness of the unit. The lightning flashes refer to the ability of the missile team to act and strike quickly in event of need.
Background: The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally approved for the 56th Artillery Brigade on 9 June 1971 The Pershing tab was authorized for wear effective 18 September 1970. It was redesignated for the 56th Field Artillery Brigade on 7 April 1972. The insignia was redesignated effective 17 January 1986 for the 56th Field Artillery Command.
Previous insignia: From 1963 to 1970, the authorized shoulder sleeve insignia was the triangular emblem of the 7th Army. From 1970 to 1971, the Pershing tab was worn with the 7th Army insignia; the U.S. Army Institute of Heraldry, however, notes the tab was only authorized for wear with the shoulder sleeve insignia of the 56th.
Distinctive unit insignia
Distinctive unit insignia
A Distinctive Unit Insignia is a metal heraldic device worn by soldiers in the United States Army. The DUI design is derived from the coat of arms authorized for a unit...
was authorized only for headquarters elements.
Description: A gold color metal and enamel device 1 3/16 inches (30 mm) in height overall consisting of a scarlet background with a trilobated cloud at the top bearing two black crossed cannons behind a white domed tower with black archway, (as depicted on the coat of arms of the city of Antwerp, Belgium) on a green base, surmounted overall by a vertical gold Pershing missile; all above a semi-circular gold scroll inscribed "Quick Reliable Accurate" in black letters.
Symbolism: Scarlet and yellow (gold) are the colors used for Field Artillery
Field artillery
Field artillery is a category of mobile artillery used to support armies in the field. These weapons are specialized for mobility, tactical proficiency, long range, short range and extremely long range target engagement....
. The trilobated cloud symbolizes the Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 56th Field Artillery Brigade's Northern France, Central Europe and Rhineland
Rhineland
Historically, the Rhinelands refers to a loosely-defined region embracing the land on either bank of the River Rhine in central Europe....
Campaigns during World War II. The crossed cannons with the Antwerp Tower allude to the Headquarters Battery's two Belgian Army Order of the Day Citations, the Belgian Fourragere for action at Antwerp and the Defense of Antwerp Harbor. Red and green are the colors of the Belgian Fourragere. The Pershing missile alludes to the unique mission of the unit as a participant in the Army's first nuclear strike force with missiles on constant alert (QRA).
Background: The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 56th Field Artillery Brigade on 11 April 1972. It was redesignated effective 17 January 1986 for the 56th Field Artillery Command.
Note: The older DUI was worn from 1967 to 1972.
1942–1945
The 56th Coast Artillery Brigade was constituted on the Inactive list, 14 September 1942. It was activated at Camp StewartFort Stewart
Fort Stewart is a census-designated place and U.S. Army post primarily in Liberty County and Bryan County, but also extending into smaller portions of Evans, Long, and Tattnall Counties in Georgia, USA. The population was 11,205 at the 2000 census...
, Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
on 10 April 1943 and was redesignated the 56th Antiaircraft Artillery Brigade on 28 May 1943. During World War II, Headquarters Battery (HHB) saw action in Belgium and received two Belgian Fourrageres for action at Antwerp and was cited for the defense of Antwerp Harbor. HHB is entitled to permanently display the Belgian Fourragere from the spearhead of its guidon
Guidon
Guidon may refer to:*Guidon , a type of heraldic flag*Guidon , a swallow tailed flag for the colours of a light cavalry regiment...
. In 1945, the unit was inactivated at Camp Shanks
Camp Shanks
Camp Shanks, named after Major General David Carey Shanks was a United States Army installation in and around Orangeburg in the Town of Orangetown, New York. Situated near the juncture of the Erie Railroad and the Hudson River, it served as a point of embarkation for troops departing overseas...
, NY
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
.
1951–1964
In 1951, the 56th Antiaircraft Artillery Brigade was reactivated at Camp EdwardsCamp Edwards
Camp Edwards is a United States military training installation which is located in western Barnstable County, Massachusetts. It forms the largest part of the Massachusetts Military Reservation, which also includes Otis Air National Guard Base and Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod. It was named after...
, Mass and assigned to the First Army of the US Army. On 5 November 1951 The 56th AAA Brigade transferred from Camp Edwards to Fort Devens
Fort Devens
Fort Devens is an active United States military installation in the towns of Ayer and Shirley, in Middlesex County and Harvard in Worcester County in the U.S. state of Massachusetts. It was named after jurist and Civil War general Charles Devens. The nearby Devens Reserve Forces Training Area is...
, Mass and was assigned to the Eastern Army Antiaircraft Command. They were then transferred to Fort Totten
Fort Totten
Fort Totten may refer to:* Fort Totten, North Dakota* Fort Totten State Historic Site, a Dakota frontier-era fort and Native American boarding school* Fort Totten , a neighborhood, park and Civil War-era fort...
, NY on 24 January 1953. The unit transferred back to Fort Devens on 15 July 1956. They were redesignated as the 56th Artillery Brigade on 20 March 1958 The 56th Artillery Brigade was inactivated on 24 December 1964.
Pershing
Pershing is the parenthetical identification which describes the mission of this Command. The Pershing mission has roots to World War II and the successful firing of the V-2 rocket by the Nazis. Operation PaperclipOperation Paperclip
Operation Paperclip was the Office of Strategic Services program used to recruit the scientists of Nazi Germany for employment by the United States in the aftermath of World War II...
was implemented to recruit German scientist involved with the V-2, and procure all possible material and parts to this rocket system. The operation coupled at least 130 German scientist with some 500 US personnel at Fort Bliss
Fort Bliss
Fort Bliss is a United States Army post in the U.S. states of New Mexico and Texas. With an area of about , it is the Army's second-largest installation behind the adjacent White Sands Missile Range. It is FORSCOM's largest installation, and has the Army's largest Maneuver Area behind the...
, Texas. The recovered V-2 parts and the integrated efforts of the people produced at least 80 V-2 rockets which were complete and capable to fire. The requirements to further test these 80, as well as develop the concept of rocketry in general, prompted the project and personnel to relocate to Redstone Arsenal
Redstone Arsenal
Redstone Arsenal is a United States Army base and a census-designated place adjacent to Huntsville in Madison County, Alabama, United States and is part of the Huntsville-Decatur Combined Statistical Area...
in Huntsville
Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville is a city located primarily in Madison County in the central part of the far northern region of the U.S. state of Alabama. Huntsville is the county seat of Madison County. The city extends west into neighboring Limestone County. Huntsville's population was 180,105 as of the 2010 Census....
Alabama
Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Tennessee to the north, Georgia to the east, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico to the south, and Mississippi to the west. Alabama ranks 30th in total land area and ranks second in the size of its inland...
.
From Huntsville, the project was to develop America's missile program, and their answer was the Redstone missile. This namesake missile was deployed to the US Army in June 1958. The need to develop, and prepar to replace the Redstone, as it aged toward obsolescence, was also considered. The Pershing was to be this replacement and its development began conceptually in 1957, even before the Redstone was delivered.
The first Pershing missile, affectionately known as "Land Train", was delivered in March 1963 to 2nd Bn, 44th Field Artillery, activated at Fort Sill
Fort Sill
Fort Sill is a United States Army post near Lawton, Oklahoma, about 85 miles southwest of Oklahoma City.Today, Fort Sill remains the only active Army installation of all the forts on the South Plains built during the Indian Wars...
, Oklahoma
Oklahoma
Oklahoma is a state located in the South Central region of the United States of America. With an estimated 3,751,351 residents as of the 2010 census and a land area of 68,667 square miles , Oklahoma is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state...
. This battalion was later redesignated the 1st Bn, 41st FA, and then 4th Bn, 41st FA. In April 1963, the 56th Artillery Group was reactivated at Hardt Kaserne, Schwäbisch Gmünd
Schwäbisch Gmünd
Schwäbisch Gmünd is a town in the eastern part of the German state of Baden-Württemberg. With a population of around 62,000, the town is the second largest in the Ostalbkreis and the whole region of East Württemberg after Aalen...
, West Germany. The 4th Bn, 41st FA was assigned to the 7th Army in Germany and moved its headquarters to Hardt Kaserne. They were the first of three tactical nuclear
Tactical nuclear weapon
A tactical nuclear weapon refers to a nuclear weapon which is designed to be used on a battlefield in military situations. This is as opposed to strategic nuclear weapons which are designed to menace large populations, to damage the enemy's ability to wage war, or for general deterrence...
battalions to fall under the 56th Field Artillery Group in command structure. The 56th FA Group was also headquartered in Schwäbisch Gmünd at Bismarck Kaserne. The next tactical battalion grouped was the 1st Bn, 81st FA, the garrison for which was moved in October, 1963 from Mainz
Mainz
Mainz under the Holy Roman Empire, and previously was a Roman fort city which commanded the west bank of the Rhine and formed part of the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire...
to Neu Ulm, both in West Germany. The third tactical battalion was deployed in May 1965 as the 3rd Bn, 84th FA to a headquarters in Neckarsulm
Neckarsulm
Neckarsulm is a city in northern Baden-Württemberg, Germany, near Stuttgart, and part of the district Heilbronn. As of 2004, Neckarsulm had 27,296 inhabitants....
, West Germany.
In 1965 the 56th Artillery Group assumed the critical role of a Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) force and was required to maintain a portion of each unit at the highest level of combat readiness. These portions were to react within seconds of verified orders, and the entire command was to be fully operational within 2 hours of any alert activation. The increased requirements of the QRA mission, necessitated some modifications to upgrade the Pershing missile system and at the same time caused the Army to increase the number of launchers at each battalion from four to 36.
In September 1970, the 56th Artillery Group was reformed as the 56th Field Artillery Brigade. The newly designated brigade was to command 1st Bn, 41st FA, 1st Bn, 81st FA, and 3rd Bn, 84th FA as Pershing firing battalions. Also subordinate to the Brigade was the 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry Regiment, tasked to provide defensive support to the firing units according to their security needs. A host of additional units provided support from medical to logistical, ensuring the Brigade's ability to operate.
In 1974 a new terminal guidance system was in development for the Pershing missile. This system would be developed and test fired 5 times by 1977. This was to become the Pershing II missile system.
The Soviet Union had developed the SS-20 nuclear missile by this time. The SS-20 was an ambitious program which would required enormous capital investment by the Soviets. Their efforts to regain dominance within the region seemed attainable as they knew their SS-20 would counter the Pershing threat. The Pershing II was a military secret, well kept, and this allowed the Soviets to squander vast resources in their hurried efforts to field a system which was in effect, already obsolete.
In 1978 the NATO Commander requested the United States to take action and deploy assets necessary to counter the threat posed by the SS-20. This request was not immediately addressed, as the American government wanted the Soviets to expend the maximum amount possible on the SS-20.
In 1982, the 55th Maintenance Battalion was activated as part of the 56th Field Artillery Brigade. The 579th Ordnance
Military logistics
Military logistics is the discipline of planning and carrying out the movement and maintenance of military forces. In its most comprehensive sense, it is those aspects or military operations that deal with:...
Company, 3rd Ordnance Battalion, 59th Ordnance Brigade was inactivated and reformed as Headquarters Company and as the D Company general support unit. The three service batteries in the field artillery battalions were inactivated and reformed as forward service companies under the 55th Maintenance Battalion.
In November 1983, with the Soviets fully invested in the SS-20, and on the verge of bankruptcy, the Americans began fielding the Pershing II. By 1985 all three firing battalions were completely operational with Pershing II and the Soviet Union faced a threat they were financially unwilling to counter.
On 11 January 1985 three soldiers, SSG John Leach, SGT Todd A. Zephier, and PFC Darryl L. Shirley of Battery C, 3rd Battalion, 84th Field Artillery were killed in an explosion at Camp Redleg, Heilbronn
Heilbronn
Heilbronn is a city in northern Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is completely surrounded by Heilbronn County and with approximately 123.000 residents, it is the sixth-largest city in the state....
. The explosion occurred while removing a missile stage from the storage container during an assembly operation. An investigation revealed that the Kevlar
Kevlar
Kevlar is the registered trademark for a para-aramid synthetic fiber, related to other aramids such as Nomex and Technora. Developed at DuPont in 1965, this high strength material was first commercially used in the early 1970s as a replacement for steel in racing tires...
rocket bottle had accumulated a triboelectric charge
Triboelectric effect
The triboelectric effect is a type of contact electrification in which certain materials become electrically charged after they come into contact with another different material and are then separated...
in the cold dry weather; as the engine was removed from the container the electrical charge began to flow and created a hot spot that ignited the propellant. A moratorium on missile movement was enacted through late 1986 when new grounding and handling procedures were put into place.
In January 1986, there was a major reorganization of the tactical units in Germany. The 56th Field Artillery Brigade was redesignated as the 56th Field Artillery Command and was authorized a major general
Major General
Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general...
as commander. 1st Battalion, 81st Field Artillery was inactivated and reformed as 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery in Neu-Ulm, 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery was inactivated and reformed as 2nd Battalion, 9th Field Artillery in Schwäbisch Gmünd and 3rd Battalion, 84th Field Artillery was inactivated and reformed as 4th Battalion, 9th Field Artillery in Heilbronn. With 3rd Battalion, 9th Field Artillery at Fort Sill, all of the firing units were then under the 9th Field Artillery Regiment. The 55th Maintenance Battalion was redesignated as 55th Support Battalion and E Company was reformed as the 193rd Aviation Company. The communications assets, which were listed in the Table of Organization and Equipment (TO&E)
Table of Organization and Equipment
A table of organization and equipment is a document published by the U.S. Department of Defense which prescribes the organization, staffing, and equippage of units. Also used in acronyms as 'T/O' and 'T/E'....
at each battery, were removed and reconsolidated into the 38th Signal Battalion.
The Superior Unit Award
Superior Unit Award
The Superior Unit Award is a decoration of the United States Army which is awarded in peacetime to any unit of the Army which displays outstanding meritorious performance of a difficult and challenging mission carried out under extraordinary circumstances....
was presented to the 56th Field Artillery Command and its subordinate units for service during the Pershing II fielding, 1 November 1983 through 31 December 1986.
The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty
Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty
The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty is a 1987 agreement between the United States and the Soviet Union. Signed in Washington, D.C. by U.S. President Ronald Reagan and General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev on December 8, 1987, it was ratified by the United States Senate on May 27, 1988 and...
was ratified on 27 May 1988. The firing batteries began to draw down their equipment as the missile launchers were destroyed. The Pershing first and second stage motors, reentry vehicles, warhead and radar section airframes were returned to Pueblo Depot Activity
Pueblo Depot Activity
Pueblo Depot Activity , formerly known as Pueblo Army Depot, was a military facility originally used to store and supply ammunition for the U.S. Army. Responsibility for the depot fell upon the Army Ordnance Corp and the first civilians were hired in 1942 as operations began. The mission quickly...
for elimination. On 30 June 1991, the 56th FA was inactivated, and the final entry for this Commands history shows them as "DISCONTINUED" on 30 September 1991. This entry on the units history card shows the essence of a well known metonymic
Metonymy
Metonymy is a figure of speech used in rhetoric in which a thing or concept is not called by its own name, but by the name of something intimately associated with that thing or concept...
adage
Adage
An adage is a short but memorable saying which holds some important fact of experience that is considered true by many people, or that has gained some credibility through its long use....
, "The pen is mightier than the sword
The pen is mightier than the sword
"The pen is mightier than the sword" is a metonymic adage coined by English author Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839 for his play Richelieu; Or the Conspiracy. The play was about Cardinal Richelieu, though in the author's words "license with dates and details.....
".
Subordinate units
April 1963:- Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (HHB)
- 4th Battalion, 41st Field Artillery
- 1st Battalion, 81st Field Artillery
- 3rd Battalion, 84th Field Artillery
18 September 1970:
- Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (HHB)
- 4th Battalion, 41st Field Artillery
- 1st Battalion, 81st Field Artillery
- 3rd Battalion, 84th Field Artillery
- 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry
29 September 1972:
- Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (HHB)
- 266th Chemical Detachment
- 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery
- 1st Battalion, 81st Field Artillery
- 3rd Battalion, 84th Field Artillery
- 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry
1982:
- Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (HHB)
- 266th Chemical Detachment
- 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery
- 1st Battalion, 81st Field Artillery
- 3rd Battalion, 84th Field Artillery
- 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry
- 55th Maintenance Battalion
17 January 1986 through 31 May 1991:
- Headquarters and Headquarters Battery (HHB)
- 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery
- 2nd Battalion, 9th Field Artillery
- 4th Battalion, 9th Field Artillery
- 2nd Battalion, 4th Infantry
- 55th Support Battalion
- 193rd Aviation Company
- 38th Signal Battalion