Taken from the Brigade’s colored unit patch, the 42nd Field Artillery Combat Service ID Badge focuses heavily on the nascent days of the unit, which was originally formed as a Headquarters Battery in a Coast Artillery Corps regiment (42d Artillery). A scarlet bend with superimposed cannon implies a dangerous road ahead for the "Wheel Horses" Brigade, with the gold cannon suggesting distinctive service in reply. A fleur-de-lis is a reminder of World War I service in France in 1918; three cannonballs represent three battalions of the 42d Artillery at the time it was formed.
Although the unit earned a combat streamer for World War II, it has no inscription indicating combat action, but the Brigade made up for lost time with its brilliant execution in the Persian Gulf War (Southwest Asia conflict). Living up to their motto of "
Nous Soutiendrons"
(“We Will Support,”) the Brigade provided precision artillery fire for four Divisions (1st Cavalry, 1st Infantry, 101st Airborne, and 3d Armored), and on February 27-28 it emerged victorious in an encounter with two Iraqi Republican Guard Divisions, Medina and Tawakalna.
Related Items
42nd Field Artillery Brigade Patch (SSI)
42nd Field Artillery Brigade Unit Crest (DUI)