Field Artillery History

The Role and Methodology of the Field Artillery in World War II:
The King of Battle at the Battle of the Bulge The Field Artillery is not called upon for diplomacy, but rather eradication. It is no secret that since its existence, the Field Artillery has been the highest casualty producing asset in the United States Army's repertoire, thus earning the title "The King of Battle". Since the Revolutionary war of 1776, through the Battle of Gettysburg, and leading up until the present day war on terrorism, the field artillery has played a pivotal role in securing the victory in every battle. Above all conflicts in the United States' history, the one that best displays the incontrovertible proof that the Field Artillery possesses the ability
[“The artillery battalion of 1944 was not organically constructed or equipped to beat off close-in infantry or armored assault, but the fortuitous attachment of antiaircraft weapons sections, although these no longer did much service in their primary role, gave the gunners an antipersonnel weapon which proved to be murderously effective.(Cole, 1964, p659-660)”] The field artillery did more than fire howitzers during the Battle of the Bulge. Due to being high value targets of German paratroopers, the American field artillery units often fought off German attacks as though they were maneuver forces instead of being support
The 678th FA BN was commanded by Lt. Col. Max Billingsley, and by his order his battalion advanced into Poteau de Harlange, just over the Belgium border. Billingsley ordered his batteries to emplace around the crossroads with Battery A in a field to the west, and Batteries B and C covering the north and south, respectively. The exhausted men of the 678th had minimal time to rest as small arms fire erupted in from all directions shortly after occupying their firing point. German paratroopers were attacking the 678th FA BN, which prompted chaotic fighting around a cafe in Poteau de Harlange. The Germans surrounded Billingsley’s occupied positions and the night sky was littered with tracers flying in every direction. The German attack was bolstered by mortars, burp guns, and rifle grenades. The soldiers of the Headquarters Battery were able to take cover inside of the cafe and they quickly set up defensive fighting positions, while Batteries A,B, and C manned their firing positions with little cover. Unfortunately, the cafe was overrun by the Germans, forcing Headquarters Battery executive officer to surrender to the enemy force. He did this in an attempt to give the firing batteries an opportunity to break contact. Battery A was able to break contact