Originally constituted in July 1916 in the Regular Army under the same designation it carries today, the 13th Field Artillery Regiment saw action in every major war or conflict in which the U.S. was involved during the 20th century.
Nicknamed “The Clan,” the Regiment’s history include participation in five World War I campaigns, five World War II campaigns, eight Korean War campaigns, thirteen campaigns in the Vietnam War, and all three campaigns of the Southwest Asia conflict (First Gulf War). In addition to earning an Arrowhead device for four World War II campaigns for taking part in an assault landing, the Regiment has been the recipient of a Presidential Unit Citation, four Meritorious Unit Commendations (all for service in Vietnam), a Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, and a Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.
Note that these are Regimental awards only; the Battalions serving under the 13th have been awarded a great deal of decorations that were not necessarily also awarded to the Regiment. In all, seven battalions have been raised that served under the 13th Field Artillery colors, but today only the 3rd Battalion remains active; it is based at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and comprises a a Headquarters Battery, three Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Batteries, and a Forward Support Company.
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Also known as a unit crest or DUI, a Distinctive Unit Insignia is worn by all Soldiers (except General Officers) in units that have been authorized to be issued the device. It is worn centered on the shoulder loops of the Army Green Service Uniform (AGSU) and the blue Army Service Uniform (ASU, Enlisted only) with the base of the insignia toward the outside shoulder seam. DUIs are not worn on the Dress variations of either uniform, however.
The red dragon rampant found on the 13th Field Artillery Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia is in honor of a march from the French village of Esnes to Malincourt on the night of 26-27 September 1918. It symbolizes the extremely difficult terrain and enemy resistance the unit faced that, in combination, turned the scene into an inferno which the dragon symbolizes.Full guidance on wear of the DUI is found in DA Pamphlet 670-1,
Section 21-22, "Distinctive unit insignia" and 21–3(d) and (e),
"Beret" and
"Garrison Cap," respectively.