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Field
Artillery in the European Theater
US Army, Europe
Looking for more information from military/civilian
personnel assigned to or associated with the U.S. Army
in Germany from 1945 to 1989. If you have any
stories or thoughts on the subject, please email me (webmaster).
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| The
1950s |
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| (Source:
Annual History, USAREUR, 1 July 1958-30 June 1959, HQ USAREUR) |
Atomic Delivery Weapons for NORTHAG
a. The USAREUR/NORTHAG Agreement. US EUCOM Operations Plan 100-3 made USAREUR responsible for providing ground-delivered atomic support to non-U.S. NATO nations in Central Europe. The Northern Task Force (NORTAF), composed of two 280-mm gun, two Honest John rocket, and two Corporal missile battalions as well as the necessary logistical support units, had been formed to furnish atomic support to NORTHAG. The new USAREUR/NORTHAG agreement, which had been drafted in February 1958 to replace the US Seventh Army/NORTHAG Agreement then in existence, was not ratified until 15 June 1959. This new agreement covered the movement, operational control, administration, logistical support, and communications of NORTAF. After approval by US CINCEUR/SACEUR, the order for the deployment of this force would be issued by CINCUSAREUR, through the Commanding General US Seventh Army.
Two types of movement were planned: The first, designated ADRIAN, was a gradual movement under the guise of training and would take place either during a period of tension or in the early stage of a simple alert. The second, designated CHEVRON, was a rapid movement to be executed when direct deployment to concentration areas or battle positions was required, as upon declaration of ORA or GAO. The time needed to travel from home stations to GAO positions would depend upon the distances involved and the conditions under which the movement was to be executed. Under relatively ideal conditions, times would vary approximately 12 hours for the first unit to arrive in position to 72 hours for the last. When deployed, the units would carry the prescribed load of atomic munitions, which would form part of the NATO allocation of weapons to NORTHAG. Atomic weapons subsequently allocated would be provided through US Advanced Weapons Ammunition Supply Points (US AWASP's) and would remain under physical custody of US forces at all times. Upon crossing the CENTAG/NORTHAG boundary the task force would be relieved from assignment to the US Seventh Army, assigned to USAREUR (Theater Army), and attached to NORTHAG for operational command. Since the delivery units would normally be employed in army and corps atomic artillery roles, COMNORTHAG probably would further attach them to corps or lower level headquarters, except that he would retain operational control of the Corporal battalions.
To preclude any misunderstanding, USAREUR amplified in March 1959 the procedures prescribed for the emergency deployment of NORTAF to the NORTHAG sectors. No atomic warheads under NORTAF control were to precede the delivery units into the NORTHAG area. Warhead supply planning for NORTAF was to conform to these instructions.
b. Reduction of Support. On 15 September 1958 USAREUR advised US CINCEUR that the United Kingdom expected to deploy one Corporal unit in the NORTHAG area on or about 1 November 1958. If the British unit attained its operational readiness capability one month later, USAREUR would like to withdraw one of the US Corporal battalions currently commited to support NORTHAG in the event of an emergency. In acceding to USAREUR's request for approval, US CINCEUR specified that operational plans earmarking US delivery units to NORTAF would be revised as NORTHAG's non-US NATO ground atomic delivery capability progressed.
In February 1959 General Hodes informed COMNORTHAG that the time appeared to be proper to plan for reducing NORTAF, because a number of non-US NATO atomic delivery units were expected to become operational in his area in the near future. With a British Corporal regiment expected to become operational, one US Corporal battalion might be withdrawn from the commitment to the US task force by 30 June 1959. It also seemed appropriate to plan on phasing out the entire task force commitment by June 1960 in consideratioon of the other non-US atomic delivery units that would become available in the NORTHAG area by that time.
In his reply COMNORTHAG mentioned the many problems with which his command was faced in building up atomic delivery units. Although he was urging the five national elements of NORTHAG to have their own organic atomic units, there was still some uncertainty regarding the buildup plan. He suggested, therefore, that CINCUSAREUR postpone his efforts to establish specific dates or plans for a phased reduction of NORTAF. In reality General Hodes did not intend to establish specific dates for the release of each battalion from the NORTAF commitment, but wanted to reach an agreement that US units would be withdrawn from NORTAF on a one-for-one basis as NORTHAG's own atomic delivery units became operational. In any event, the planning assumptions specified in the April 1958 LANDCENT message were for the 1958-59 timeframe and were not valid beyond 1959.
On 30 March 1959 General Hodes requested COMLANDCENT's assistance in eliminating the requirement for US atomic delivery support to NORTHAG during 1960. This could be accomplished by three specific kinds of action: First, by announcing unequivocally to the Central Region army groups and defense ministries that USAREUR planned to support only the US Seventh Army with ground atomic delivery units after mid-1960; second, by promulgating 1960-61 planning guidance according to which each member nation of LANDCENT would have to provide its own ground atomic delivery units, and third, by LANDCENT headquarters taking an increasingly active lead in site selection, unit stationing, land acquisition, infrastructure funding, and other aspects of the NATO stockpile program that would fall within its responsibility. NATO organic atomic capability could come about only if the NATO subordinate commands and the national authorities in the Central Region made a concerted, unified effort to bring it into being. On 5 May 1959 LANDCENT notified the defense ministries of the countries in the Central Region of USAREUR's intentions of withdrawing US Atomic delivery units, and at the same time reminded them of the Allied Command Europe Plan for NATO Atomic Stockpile, dated 12 September 1958, which provided for three Corporal battalions for NORTHAG. LANDCENT also asked SHAPE to leave the Corporal support of NORTHAG at a minimum of three battalions. Upon reexamination of the problem, General Eddleman -- the new CINCUSAREUR -- notified US CINCEUR that his command would provide NORTHAG with the necessary US Corporal support until the Northern Army Group's non-US capability was increased to the equivalent of three Corporal battalions. At the end of the reporting period it was estimated that NORTAF would be phased out within a year except for one US Corporal battalion. The commitment for the last Corporal battalion would continue until FY 1962, when the third NORTHAG Corporal battalion was expected to become operational. |
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| (Source: USAREUR Quarterly Station List, 30 June 1957) |
ORDER OF BATTLE - 7th ARMY NON-DIVISIONAL ARTILLERY (JUNE 1957)
The following lists show the non-divisional field artillery units assigned to USAREUR in June 1957 and their attachments to the various Army and Corps groups. Please contact the webmaster for any corrections, additions, suggestions or comments. |
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| 7th ARMY ARTILLERY |
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42nd FIELD ARTILLERY GROUP: |
UNIT DESIGNATION |
DUTY STATION |
COMMENTS |
| HHB, 42nd FA Gp |
Baumholder |
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| 264th FA Bn (280mm GUN) |
Bad Kreuznach |
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| 265th FA Bn (280mm GUN) |
Baumholder |
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| 530th FA Bn (MSL)(CPL) |
Gonsenheim |
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| 559th FA Bn (MSL)(CPL) |
Gonsenheim |
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| 601st FA Bn (MSL)(CPL) |
Zweibrücken |
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| 868th FA Bn (280mm GUN) |
Baumholder |
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| V CORPS ARTILLERY |
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UNIT DESIGNATION |
DUTY STATION |
COMMENTS |
| HHB, V Corps Arty |
Darmstadt |
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30th FIELD ARTILLERY GROUP: |
UNIT DESIGNATION |
DUTY STATION |
COMMENTS |
| HHB, 30th FA Gp |
Hanau |
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| 84th FA Btry (762mm RKT) |
Hanau |
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| 55th Armd FA Bn (105mm HOW)(SP) |
Hanau |
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| 288th Armd FA Bn (155mm HOW)(SP) |
Hanau |
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| 593rd FA Bn (8in HOW)(SP) |
Büdingen |
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| 594th FA Bn (155mm HOW)(SP) |
Giessen |
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36th FIELD ARTILLERY GROUP: |
UNIT DESIGNATION |
DUTY STATION |
COMMENTS |
| HHB, 36th FA Gp |
Babenhausen |
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| 7th FA Btry (762mm RKT) |
Darmstadt |
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| 216th FA Bn (280mm GUN) |
Darmstadt |
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| 267th Armd FA Bn (155mm HOW)(SP) |
Babenhausen |
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| 519th FA Bn (155mm HOW)(T) |
Babenhausen |
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| 531st FA Bn (CPL) |
Babenhausen |
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| 553rd FA Bn (8in HOW)(T) |
Darmstadt |
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72nd FIELD ARTILLERY GROUP: |
UNIT DESIGNATION |
DUTY STATION |
COMMENTS |
| HHB, 72nd FA Gp |
Wertheim |
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| 1st FA Btry (762mm RKT) |
Kitzingen |
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| 534th Armd FA Bn (155mm HOW)(SP) |
Bad Kissingen |
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| 558th FA Bn (CPL) |
Kitzingen |
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| 720th FA Bn (155mm HOW)(T) |
Erlangen |
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| 804th FA Bn (8in HOW)(SP) |
Wertheim |
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| VII CORPS ARTILLERY |
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UNIT DESIGNATION |
DUTY STATION |
COMMENTS |
| HHB, VII Corps Arty |
Möhringen |
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18th FIELD ARTILLERY GROUP: |
UNIT DESIGNATION |
DUTY STATION |
COMMENTS |
| HHB, 18th FA Gp |
Ansbach |
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| 3rd FA Btry (762mm RKT) |
Ansbach |
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| 74th FA Bn (155mm HOW)(T) |
Crailsheim |
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| 291st FA Bn (8in HOW)(T) |
Schwäbisch Hall |
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| 557th FA Bn (CPL) |
Ansbach |
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| 599th Armd FA Bn (155mm HOW)(SP) |
Erlangen |
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| 750th FA Bn (8in HOW)(SP) |
Ansbach |
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35th FIELD ARTILLERY GROUP: |
UNIT DESIGNATION |
DUTY STATION |
COMMENTS |
| HHB, 35th FA Gp |
Schwäbisch Gmünd |
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| 287th FA Bn (155mm HOW)(T) |
Dachau |
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| 538th FA Bn (155mm HOW)(T) |
Neu Ulm |
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| 775th FA Bn (8in HOW)(T) |
Schwäbisch Hall |
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| 802nd FA Bn (8in HOW)(SP) |
Neu Ulm |
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| 867th FA Bn (280mm GUN) |
Neckarsulm |
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ABBREVIATIONS:
T ... Towed
SP ... Self Propelled
HOW ... Howitzer
RKT ... Rocket
CPL ... Corporal |
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| PENTOMIC Changes 1957/58 - Field Army & Corps Artillery Groups |

1. 18th Arty Gp |

2. 30th Arty Gp |

3. 35th Arty Gp |
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4. 36th Arty Gp |

5. 42nd Arty Gp |

6. 72nd Arty Gp |
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| (Source: USAREUR Quarterly Station List, 30 June 1958) |
REDESIGNATIONS UNDER CARS - 7th ARMY NON-DIVISIONAL ARTILLERY (1957/58)
The following lists show the non-divisional artillery units assigned to USAREUR in June 1958 and their new designations under CARS. Please contact the webmaster for any corrections, additions, suggestions or comments. |
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| 7th ARMY ARTILLERY |
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42nd ARTILLERY GROUP: |
ORIG DESIGNATION |
NEW DESIGNATION |
DUTY STATION |
| HHB, 42nd FA Gp |
HHB, 42nd Arty Gp |
Baumholder |
| 3rd Msl Bn, 21st FA (HJ) |
3rd Msl Bn, 21st Arty (HJ) |
Wackernheim |
| 265th FA Bn (280mm GUN) |
3rd Gun Bn, 81st Arty (280mm) |
Baumholder |
| 559th FA Bn (MSL)(CPL) |
2nd Msl Bn, 84th Arty (CPL) |
Gonsenheim |
| 601st FA Bn (MSL)(CPL) |
2nd Msl Bn, 40th Arty (CPL) |
Zweibrücken |
| 868th FA Bn (280mm GUN) |
3rd Gun Bn, 84th Arty (280mm) |
Baumholder |
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| V CORPS ARTILLERY |
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30th ARTILLERY GROUP: |
ORIG DESIGNATION |
NEW DESIGNATION |
DUTY STATION |
| HHB, 30th FA Gp |
HHB, 30th Arty Gp |
Hanau |
| 57th AAA Bn (AW)(SP) |
5th AW Bn, 2nd Arty? |
Hanau |
| 94th AAA Bn (AW)(SP) |
4th Gun Bn, 57th Arty (Skysweeper)? |
Wiesbaden |
| 55th FA Bn (8in How)(T) |
2nd How Bn, 75th Arty (8in)(SP) |
Hanau |
| 264th FA Bn (280mm GUN) |
3rd Gun Bn, 82nd Arty (280mm) |
Giessen |
| 530th FA Bn (MSL)(CPL) |
1st Msl Bn, 39th Arty (CPL) |
Gonsenheim |
| 593rd FA Bn (8in How)(SP) |
2nd How Bn, 83rd Arty (8in)(SP) |
Büdingen |
| 594th FA Bn (8in How)(SP) |
2nd How Bn, 92nd Arty (8in)(SP) |
Giessen |
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36th ARTILLERY GROUP: |
ORIG DESIGNATION |
NEW DESIGNATION |
DUTY STATION |
| HHB, 36th FA Gp |
HHB, 36th Arty Gp |
Babenhausen |
| 1st Msl Bn, 32nd FA (HJ) |
1st Msl Bn, 32nd Arty (HJ) |
Hanau |
| 62nd AAA Bn (AW)(SP) |
3rd Gun Bn, 7th Arty (Skysweeper)? |
Käfertal |
| 216th FA Bn (280mm GUN) |
2nd Gun Bn, 38th Arty (280mm) |
Darmstadt |
| 531st FA Bn (MSL)(CPL) |
1st Msl Bn, 38th Arty (CPL) |
Babenhausen |
| 546th FA Bn (155mm How)(T) |
2nd How Bn, 5th Arty (155mm)(SP) |
Babenhausen |
| 553rd FA Bn (8in How)(T) |
3rd How Bn, 18th Arty (8in)(SP) |
Darmstadt |
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72nd ARTILLERY GROUP: |
ORIG DESIGNATION |
NEW DESIGNATION |
DUTY STATION |
| HHB, 72nd FA Gp |
HHB, 72nd Arty Gp |
Wertheim |
| 1st Msl Bn, 41st FA (HJ) |
1st Msl Bn, 41st Arty (HJ) |
Kitzingen |
| 534th FA Bn (155mm How)(SP) |
1st How Bn, 92nd Arty (155mm)(SP) |
Bad Kissingen |
| 558th FA Bn (MSL)(CPL) |
2nd Msl Bn, 82nd Arty (CPL) |
Kitzingen |
| 613th FA Bn (280mm GUN) |
3rd Gun Bn, 80th Arty (280mm) |
Bamberg |
| 804th FA Bn (8in How)(SP) |
3rd How Bn, 35th Arty (8in)(SP) |
Wertheim |
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| VII CORPS ARTILLERY |
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18th ARTILLERY GROUP: |
ORIG DESIGNATION |
NEW DESIGNATION |
DUTY STATION |
| HHB, 18th FA Gp |
HHB, 18th Arty Gp |
Ansbach |
| 1st Msl Bn, 33rd FA (HJ) |
1st Msl Bn, 33rd Arty (HJ) |
Ansbach |
| 23rd AAA Bn (AW)(SP) |
() |
Nellingen |
| 36th FA Bn (8in How)(T) |
1st How Bn, 36th Arty (8in)(SP) |
Schwäbisch Hall |
| 557th FA Bn (MSL)(CPL) |
2nd Msl Bn, 81st Arty (CPL) |
Ansbach |
| 599th AFA Bn (155mm How)(SP) |
2nd How Bn, 34th Arty (155mm)(SP) |
Nürnberg |
| 750th FA Bn (8in How)(SP) |
1st How Bn, 75th Arty (8in)(SP) |
Ansbach |
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35th ARTILLERY GROUP: |
ORIG DESIGNATION |
NEW DESIGNATION |
DUTY STATION |
| HHB, 35th FA Gp |
HHB, 35th Arty Gp |
Schwäbisch Gmünd |
| 73rd AAA Bn (AW)(SP) |
1st AW Bn, 44th Arty? |
Knielingen |
| 269th FA Bn (8in How)(T) |
3rd How Bn, 37th Arty (8in)(SP) |
Schwäbisch Hall |
| 287th FA Bn (155mm How)(T) |
2nd How Bn, 37th Arty (155mm)(SP) |
Dachau |
| 538th FA Bn (155mm How)(T) |
3rd How Bn, 28th Arty (155mm)(SP) |
Neu Ulm |
| 802nd FA Bn (8in How)(SP) |
3rd How Bn, 17th Arty (8in)(SP) |
Schwäbisch Gmünd |
| 867th FA Bn (280mm GUN) |
3rd Gun Bn, 39th Arty (280mm) |
Nürnberg (1) |
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| (1) I believe that the 3rd Bn, 39th Arty moved from Neckarsulm to Nürnberg before June 1958; did this cause the unit to be relieved from attachment to the 35th Gp? |
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| (Source: Unit History compiled in 2004 by Robert Shook and other former members of the 594th FA Bn) |
Cover
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Robert has completed a project that involved finding and contacting many former members of the 594th Field Artillery Battalion, a 155mm SP unit that served in Germany from 1952-1958.
The personal recollections and great photos included in this unit history relate the story of the outfit from its formation at Camp Polk, LA in 1950 as an all-black artillery outfit; its arrival in Mannheim in late 1952 and subsequent move to Rivers Barracks, Giessen; its attachment to the 36th Field Artillery Group; the integration process; and its final inactivation in Germany in 1958.
The great efforts of Robert and the other contributors has resulted in a fascinating unit history that should serve as an inspiration for others who want to see their units' accomplishments and their personal experiences recorded and passed on to future generations.
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| Artillery Weapons - 1940s-60s |
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| NATO Atomic Artillery Demonstration |
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| (Source: NATO Atomic Artillery Demonstration presented by V Corps, October 1960) |
Cover
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Brochure compiled by the Guest Observer Bureau, on occasion of a demonstration of US Army nuclear-capable field artillery and air defense equipment. The demonstration was organized by elements of V Corps.
Several of the pages describing organization of nuclear capable units, operational concepts and equipment characteristics are presented in the following sections.
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| SURFACE-TO-AIR MISSILE NIKE AJAX/NIKE HERCULES |
ORGANIZATION

AD MSL BN |
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The NIKE-HERCULES Battalion consists of a battalion headquarters battery, with 17 officers and 101 enlisted men, and 4 firing batteries containing 8 officers and 133 enlisted men. |
TACTICAL USAGE
Each Nike missile battery is divided into three principal areas: The administrative area, the fire control area, and the launching area.
The administrative area is composed of the facilities necessary for billeting, feeding, and recreation of the personnel of the battery. The fire control area consists of three radars, a computer, three van-type trailers and necessary electrical equipment. The fire control area must be a minimum distance of 1,000 yards from the launching area, and there must be line-of-sight between the two areas.
The control equipment for the radars and computer are housed in three trailers. The Battery Control Trailer contains the computer, the acquisition radar scope and its controls, and a switchboard. From this trailer the Battery Commander directs the acquisition of targets and the firing of the missile. The Radar Control Trailer contains the controls and electronic equipment for the target and missile tracking radars. The third trailer, the Maintenance and Spare Parts Trailer contains the electronic equipment shop equipment and spare components.
The first of three radars is the Acquisition Radar which is a search radar. It rotates constantly at a predetermined speed and targets coming within its range are presented pictorially on a radar scope to the Battery Commander at his tactical control position. The Battery Commander, by electronic interrogation, can determine whether target indications appearing on the scope are friendly or hostile.
The second radar is the Target Tracking Radar. As targets are acquired by the Acquisition Radar, they are transferred to the Target Tracking Radar which automatically tracks the target in range, direction and elevation, establishing its location. This information is transmitted electrically to the Computer for use in guiding the missile to its destination.
The Missile Tracking Radar tracks the missile automaticalyl throughout its flight and continuously sends the location of the missile to the computer. In addition, steering commands received from the computer are transmitted to the missile which directs it toward the predicted intercept point. Continuous commands are sent to the missile to correct for evasive action of the target. When target and missile converge, the missile is detonated and the Missile Tracking Radar automatically transfers to the next missile readied for firing.
The third area, which is apart from the Administrative and Control Areas, is the Launching Area. This area is composed of the buildings and items of equipment necessary for assembling, testing, fueling, and firing a NIKE missile.
The Missile Assembly and Test Building provides facilities for the uncrating, assembling, and testing of the missiles in the battery. Each missile is given a series of mechanical, hydraulic and electrical checks to assure its proper functioning.
Three Launching Sections form the firing components of the battery. Each Launching Section consists of four launcher-loaders from which missiles are fired, a missile storage building, and a personnel shelter which protects personnel during firing and houses electronic equipment.
OPERATIONAL CONCEPTS
The Nike utilizes a command guidance type of control. The target is initially picked up by the acquisition radar. From the information provided by the acquisition radar, the target-tracking radar acquires the designated target and tracks it throughout the engagement. Another radar, the missile-tracking radar, locks on the missile prior to firing and tracks that missile throughout the entire flight. The two tracking radars feed target and missile. Using this information, the computer continuously determines a predicted point of interception and issues those steering orders necessary to guide the missile continuously toward the predicted point of interception. At that time which will result in the highest kill probability, the computer issues a burst order to the missile. This order detonates the three missile warheads simultaneously. Orders are transmitted by the computer to the missile through the missile tracking radar.
The battery control officer, stationed in the battery control trailer, is provided with all of the information and controls necessary to engage targets effectively. A series of lights and a meter show the battery control officer the number of rounds prepared for firing and the progress of the fire unit in accomplishing the steps
necessary to prepare and fire the round. Prior to firing, the predicted point of intercept and the present position of the target are continuously displayed on the two plotting boards in the battery control trailer. With this information, knowing the rules of engagement and the restricted areas, the battery control officer determines the most advantageous time to fire the round. After the round has been fired, these two plotting boards plot the course of the target flight paths. Controls necessary for premature or delayed detonation of the warheads are incorporated into the system.
The Nike system is designed to operate with three sections per battery and four launches per section, but may use a smaller number. The battery is only 25% mobile and is classified as a semi-mobile battery.
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NIKE-AJAX
NIKE-
HERCULES |
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1. Nike-Ajax System (KB)
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2. Nike-Ajax Missile (KB)
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3. Nike-Hercules System (KB) |
4. Nike-Hercules Missile (KB) |

5. (KB) |

6. (KB) |

7. (KB) |
8. (KB) |
9. (KB) |
10. (KB) |
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| HOWITZER 8" SELF PROPELLED |
ORGANIZATION

8in SP How Btry |
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There are three principal elements within this Self-Propelled Howitzer Battery organization; the battery headquarters, a detail section, and the firing battery. The detail platoon has the communications and survey personnel necessary to support the battery's operations. The firing battery, the largest element of the battery, is commanded by the executive officer. It consists of a firing battery headquarters, four howitzer sections and an ammunition section.
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TACTICAL USAGE
The 8" howitzer battery is the general support weapon of the field artillery and is normally employed in battalion-sized organizations; however, a battery or either of its two platoons can operate independently in certain tactical situations for limited periods. The battery is 100% mobile.
OPERATIONAL CONCEPTS
The 8" howitzer battery may receive a fire mission while on the march or while in a prepared position. If the battery is on the march when the fire mission is received, the howitzers are immediately moved off the road and emplaced. The spade is dropped and the weapon is backed onto the spade. The turret rear doors are opened and the crew prepares the weapon for action. The battery executive officer lays the weapon on the azimuth of fire as aiming posts are placed out. The fire direction center computes the mission and sends firing data to the weapons. The projectile is fuzed and placed on the loading tray, and power rammed into the breech recess. The powder charge is inserted with the primer. The gunner places deflection and elevation on the panoramic telescope and traverses the turret electrically to the aiming posts. Upon command of the chief of section, the weapon is fired sending the 200 lb HE projectile on the way to the target.
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| M-55 SP 8-in Howitzer |
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1. (KB)
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4. M55, 3rd How Bn, 35th Arty (KB) |

5. M55, 3rd How Bn, 35th Arty (KB) |
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| 762MM ROCKET, HONEST JOHN |
ORGANIZATION

HJ MSL Battalion |
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The HONEST JOHN Missile Battalion is authorized by TO&E, a total of 19 officers, 4 warrant officers, and 261 enlisted men. These officers and men make up the Battalion Headquarters, Headquarters and Service Battery, Medical Detachment, and Firing Battery. Within the Headquarters and Service Battery there are 10 sections: Headquarters and Service Battery Headquarters, Operations and Intelligence, Survey, Liaison, Communications Platoon, Assembly and Transport Platoon, Personnel, Maintenance, Mess, and Supply.
The Firing Battery is composed of two platoons each of two sections. Each of these sections is responsible for the operation of one 762MM Rocket Launcher. |
TACTICAL USAGE
The 762MM Rocket is a short-range weapon designed primarily for targets of opportunity. It is usually in general support of a division. The rocket launcher is a highly mobile carrier, thus the emphasis is centered upon speed both in firing and in tactical movement to capitalize on targets of opportunity. The battalion itself is 100% mobile. The rocket itself is free-flight, that is, there are no electronic flight control gear since the accuracy of the weapon depends solely upon an initial azimuth lay. After firing, the rocket becomes a missile immune to countermissile electronic interference.
Thus, once fired, the HONEST JOHN Rocket is a weapon delivering an atomic warhead comparable with the larger missiles requiring intricate and sometimes unreliable electronic guidance systems. The simplicity of operation and highly mobile characteristics of the HONEST JOHN makes it of prime importance in tactical use. The artillery commander has at his call a weapon capable of neutralizing strategic-sized targets, yet requiring only a minimum of notification or support.
OPERATIONAL CONCEPTS
To facilitate handling between the ammunition supply point and the battalion position area, the rocket is divided into three major components. These components, consisting of the warhead, the rocket motor, and the fins, all of which are rapidly assembled near the firing site. Eight spin rockets, set ninety degress apart are contained in the forward end of the rocket motor. Activation of these spin rockets as the missile leaves the launcher reduces inaccuracies caused from thrust malalignnent.
Upon receipt of a fire mission, the launcher with a rocket loaded on the rail moves from a concealed position to the firing site. As the vehicle stops with its sight mount over the surveyed hub, three crewmen lower the side and rear jacks while other crewmen elevate and extend the launching beam to the firing position. The gunner lays the beam on the proper deflection in the same manner as a conventional artillery piece. As these operations are being accomplished, the rocket specialist is inserting the igniter in the pedestal, sealing the forward end of the rocket motor with the heavy closure plug, and arming the spin rockets. With this completed, the electrical circuits are connected and the rocket is armed and ready to fire. The gunner and one canoneer set the firing deflection and elevation and stand by to apply final low level wind corrections. Low level wind measurements are obtained from the wind measuring set, converted to firing data and applied to the launcher immediately prior to firing. With wind corrections applied the crewmen take up positions on the perifery of the firing site and wait the final countdown. At the count of zero a button is pushed on the firing panel box. A split second later a gust of yellow orange flame bursts from the nozzle end of the rocket. For an instant the Honest John appears to nudge forward hesitatingly on the launcher rail. Then it surges into space with a roar at an ever mounting speed.
After the rocket leaves the launcher the crewmen rapidly march order the section. The tell tale dust cloud makes it imperative that the section displace immediately, to avoid enemy counter fire. Upon arriving at a new hide position the crewmen transfer another rocket onto the launcher, and await the next fire mission.
The battalion is capable of firing four rockets simultaneously.
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| Honest John |
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1. Honest John Rocket System (KB)
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2. M78, Truck-mounted Heating and Tie Down unit (KB)
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3. M386, Truck-mounted Rocket Launcher (KB) |
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4. M31A2, 762-mm Rocket (KB) |

5. M62, Wrecker (KB) |
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6. Unidentified Rkt Btry, Mannheim, 1954 (KB) |

7. Mannheim, 1954 (KB) |
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| 280MM GUN, ATOMIC ANNIE |
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| 280mm Gun |
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| 280mm
ATOMIC CANNON units |
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| 1953
- 1954 |
| (Source: Annual
Historical Report, HQs USAREUR, 1 Jan 1953-30 Jun 1954, HQ USAREUR
1954) |
| The 280mm
Gun Battalions
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The US Army had developed a new 280-mm cannon which could
fire atomic shells whose destructive power was approximately
equivalent to the atom bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Because
of the effectiveness of this weapon, it was considered
an excellent means of forestalling a Soviet threat and
strengthening US forces in the event of an invasion of
Western Europe.
Five 280-mm gun battalions were assigned to USAREUR and
in turn to Seventh Army, during late 1953 and early 1954:
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UNIT
DESIGNATION
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ARRIVED
IN COMD |
COMMENTS |
| 868th
FA Bn (280mm Gun) |
12
Oct 1953 |
42nd FA
Gp |
| 867th
FA Bn (280mm Gun) |
4
Nov 1953 |
42nd FA
Gp |
| 265th
FA Bn (280mm Gun) |
22
Nov 1953 |
42nd FA
Gp |
| 264th
FA Bn (280mm Gun) |
1
Apr 1954 |
42nd FA
Gp |
| 59th
FA Bn (280mm Gun) |
28
Apr 1954 |
42nd FA
Gp |
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| Each battalion
had 6 atomic cannon and an aggregate personnel strength of 494. |
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280mm
Gun battalion and firing battery organization, 1955.
(Sent in by Bill Terry, assigned to 2d Platoon, Battery B, 264th
FA BN (280mm), 30th FA Gp, in Bad Kreuznach, Germany, from February
1954 until February 1957.) |
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Battery
B, 264th FA Bn at Des Gouttes Kaserne in Bad Kreuznach in 1956.
(Scanned photo sent in by Bill Terry) |
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Atomic Weapons
Training
In October 1953, the first unit equipped with atomic artillery arrived
in the command, and on 23 October atomic field pieces were exhibited
at Mainz, Germany before the French, German, and American press.
They were used in fall and spring maneuvers in order to give troops
practice in simulated atomic attack and defense action. The atomic
artillery were also used as regular heavy artillery, firing conventional
ammunition. |
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| Atomic
Artillery (280mm) Units (1950s) |
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Best
Battery of the Year
The image on the left shows a German made, silver-plated, nickel
punch bowl and ladle engraved "264th Field Artillery Battalion,
Best Battery of the Year". On the side of the bowl, it is engraved
with: "Btry A 264 FA BN 1957".
Who can tell me more about this "Best
Battery of the Year" award? |
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| (Source: Stars & Stripes, European edition, October 24, 1953) |
280mm Guns Unveiled
By Robert J. Dunphy, S&S |

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| The crew of a 280mm M65 "atomic cannon" poses for photographers during a demonstration of USAREUR's weapons for nearly 200 German, French and American newsmen at the Mainz Ordnance Depot, Oct. 1953. |
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| follow link to view photos and read the article from the Stars & Stripes archives |
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| (Moved the email from Bob Hines, 265th FA Bn, 1955-1957 to the 265th FA Bn chapter if the 42nd FA Bde Page) |
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| (Source: Email
from Rev. Bob Reid, 264th FA Bn and 3rd Bn, 82nd Arty, 1957-59) |
I was assigned
to the 264th FA Bn (280mm Gun) on April
12, 1957. I served with the 264th at Bad Kreuznach until late June
of 1959 when I returned to States for discharge. The 264th was redesignated
3rd Bn, 82nd Artillery in June of 1958.
We were moved north to Giessen, Germany and initially the whole battalion
was based at Rivers Barracks. After a few months, due to cramped space,
HH&S and A Batteries were moved to the QM Depot in Giessen across
town. B & C Batteries remained at Rivers Barracks where they shared
the post with the 594th FA Bn and the 63rd Engineer Bn. (Webmaster: 63rd not 93rd as previously reported.) The 594th
was a 8" self propelled unit. Enjoyed seeing the photos of Bad Kreuznach
post. I lived in building in the first photo.
I do not recall in my time in Germany of our being assigned to any
artillery group. I was always under the impression that we were just
part of V Corps.
I was personnel clerk in HH&S. I cut orders for the Bn. and also arranged
port calls for the troops going home. I also typed the morning reports
that had to be done every morning by 9 a.m.
While we were at Bad Kreuznach, around the spring of 1958, we shipped
home for discharge, individuals that were not high school graduates.
We referred to this as the "dumb bell" discharge. We sent home a couple
hundred, mostly canoneers from the gun batteries. One of my favorite
tasks was sending home the disliked officers by boat. In those days
about sixty percent of the troops had to cross the Atlantic on troop
ships. I was in the vantage point of being able to arrange the mode
of travel. Top notch commanders were assured of my getting them an
air port call through Frankfurt. The ones that were known to be hard-nose
rank pullers I would let my friends in 7th Army headquarters know
that I thought this or that officer would make a fine troop ship officer
on the 10 day trip on the Atlantic.
I had a few arrogant 1st Lts. that tried to go over me and get their
port calls changed so that they would fly home. I had a tight connection
in Stuttgardt and even the call of my Lt.Col. C.O. couldn't get their
transporation changed. As a result of my job, I would get a little
more in the chow line. The cooks knew to take care of me. I remember
when I would go through the chow lines at mess, a seasoned cook would
always tell the new cooks to take care of me in the chow line and
I would take care of them when it came to "flying" home.
Bob Reid |
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Source: Photo taken by Gene Bane, Stars and Stripes
(Stars & Stripes Archives)
Bad Kreuznach, Germany, September 8, 1956: Battery C's
2nd Gun Platoon from the 264th Field
Artillery Battalion, which set a 280mm gun
firing record, poses next to the "atomic cannon." They
are, in the front row from left to right, 2d Lt Loyal
G. Hightower, Sfc Wilbur H. Smith, Sp3 Clarence B. Rabe,
Sgt Harry Erickson, Sp3 Joe Stachon and Pvt William Leady;
in the back row, Sp3 Anthony J. Popelka, Sp3 Burgoa E.
Figueroa, Sp3 Frank R. Pereyda and Pfc Edward Welch.
The massive 280mm gun was capable of firing both conventional
and nuclear shells; it was transported on two vehicles
whose drivers kept in touch by telephone.
S&S Page contains a link to several photos taken by
Gene Bane of soldiers from the 264th FA Battalion with
the atomic cannon. |
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| (Source: Email
from John Sheets, 216th FA Bn, 1957-59) |
I was stationed
in Darmstadt Germany from Feb 1957 till May 1959. I was with the 216th
FA Btn (280mm
cannon).
Most ineresting story is the night we were running with "cat
eyes," on our way to an off-post firing position in Graf. The
driver of the rear unit was tracking the gun and those attached to
this cannon know this is a no-no. Rounding a bend in the road, the
gun ran off the road and into a lake. Nothing we had could pull it
out, and the next morning, we got an M60 tank retriever to pull us
out. We then had to repair the damage to the road, and while digging
found a cache of WWII german weapons. An interesting 24 hrs.
I also would be interested in contacting any other members of this
unit. I can be contacted at jdet@snip.net. Thanks, enjoy the web site.
John Sheets |
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| (Source: Email
from Donald Skinner, 3rd Bn, 39th Arty, 1958-62) |
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I was stationed in Nürnberg, Germany from 1958 to
1962 with the 39th Artillery.
I was assigned to B Battery and served as Gun Chief and
First Sergeant for about 3 years and 6 months and of that
time we spent about half of it in the field. This was
a 280 mm cannon unit and I was told that we had the gun
that fired the Atomic test round at the Aberdeen Proving
Grounds.
I really did not know there were so many 280mm units in
Europe. We were in Merrell Barracks there in Nürnberg
and made many trips to Grafenwöhr for training. There
was another location besides Graf that we went to but
I can't think of it right now.
In 1960 or 1961 my section participated in a river crossing
exercise. Lt Pollard was our section leader and I remember
spending about 2 weeks on the Rhine River practicing driving
upon a floating bridge and driving back off again. I think
what we were trying to do was see how well the bridge
would handle the gun because as I recall it weighted about
85 ton which was about a ton per foot.
While looking at the web page it brought back many fond
memories. I am retired from the military now and have
been retired since 1972.
Donald Skinner |
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| (Source: STARS
& STRIPES, May 6, 1958) |
| The 613th
FA Bn (280mm) arrived in March 1957 (probably as an Operation
Gyrsocope unit that replaced the 59th FA Bn in Pirmasens). The
battalion was initially stationed in Pirmasens, but later moved to
Bamberg. |
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| (Source: Email
from Steve Du Bos, 3rd Bn, 80th Arty & 3rd Bn, 39th Arty, around
1960) |
I was stationed
in Germany in Schwabach, Germany at O'Brien Kaserne in 1960 as a Sgt
in the FDC of Btry C, 3rd Gun Bn, 80th Arty
/ which was soon changed to Btry C, 3rd Gun Bn,
39th Arty.
Our HQ and Btry A were in Nuremburg at Merrill Barracks & B Btry was
in Munich. We had the 280mm Atomic Cannon.
I went to the 7th Army NCO Academy in Bad Toelz at Flint Kaserne.
After reenlistment I was assigned to HQs Btry, 2nd
Gun Bn, 38th Arty ouside of Darmstadt, Germany, at Ernst
Ludwig Kaserne - again with 280mm Atomic Cannon. I do not remember
what Group we were in. I thought it was the 142th Arty Group. But
I am not sure.
I would like to find my units and locations somewhere on the website
so as to know I did not serve in vain.
Steve Du Bos |
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| (Source: -- 3rd Armored Division History Site and personal notes) |
| It appears that
3rd Gun Bn, 80th Arty with a battery (A) in Schweinfurt and another
(B) in Bamberg in 1960 was equipped with the 280mm atomic cannon.
There might have been a C Btry stationed at O'Brien Barracks in Schwabach
during this same period. |
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