FORT SILL, Okla. Nov. 12, 2015 -- Third Battalion, 13th Field Artillery recently had a weeklong celebration honoring its proud history dating from World War I to the present.
Retired veterans who served in the unit traveled to Fort Sill and attended the events, Oct. 5-9.
The battalion kicked off its Regimental Week with the "Inferno Run,"a special seven-kilometer formation run. Six-man teams from each battery and company took turns pushing two 75 mm howitzers along the trail. The run paid homage to heroism from the unit's Soldiers in France during World War I, where artillerymen marched from Esnes to Malincourt and overcame withering fire from heavy German resistance, an act earning them the title Red Dragons.
Later that morning, Soldiers welcomed visiting veterans for the inauguration of the newly constructed Regimental Room, featuring old photos, maps, uniforms and other memorabilia from throughout 13th FA's long history. The vintage items were donated by retired Soldiers and surviving family members of veterans who previously served in the unit.
One of the visiting alumni, Randall Kehrt of Louisville, Ky., served as battalion fire direction center chart operator from 1975 to 1978 with the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii at Schofield Barracks. He contrasted his service time with what he saw in his visit to the battalion.
"I enjoyed seeing the modern rocket unit that the Red Dragons are now, compared to the 105 mm M102s we had in the mid-1970s. The biggest shock for me was to see women serving in the unit, since during my time they were not allowed in any combat arms jobs. I am very happy that the peacetime years spent in Hawaii after the Vietnam conflict will be remembered by the many pictures I took with my old 110-film pocket camera and shared with the unit," he said.
The 13th Field Artillery Regiment was organized in 1917 and fought in World War I with the American Expeditionary Force. The unit was present for the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and fought throughout the Pacific Campaign of World War II. While on occupation duty in Japan, the 13th FAR was called into action for the Korean War. Soldiers saw combat during the Vietnam War, Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Several battalions can trace their lineage to the regiment. Seventh Battalion fought 11 campaigns in the Vietnam War under the 173rd Airborne Brigade before being deactivated in 1970. Today, 3rd Battalion is the only remaining component in active service.
Sgt. 1st Class Derek Smart, currently a platoon sergeant from B Battery, looked back on his time with the battalion.
"I came to the unit as a fresh sergeant in January 2004. I deployed twice to Iraq in 2005 and 2008 and was stationed in Korea before returning to Fort Sill. Since joining the unit, I've grown personally and professionally, made three promotions, served in each of the batteries, and met amazing friends and mentors. I'm very proud to say that I've been a Red Dragon for so long, over 10 years," he said.
Throughout the week, Soldiers participated in several challenging events designed to build teamwork, trust and camaraderie while promoting knowledge of the regiment's history. During the scavenger hunt, teams explored Fort Sill's famous landmarks in search of facts about the unit in World War I.
At the Fort Sill Artillery Bowl, Soldiers emulated the warfighting spirt of World War II in a gladiator-style pugil stick tournament. Soldiers also competed in an ultimate football tournament and a golf scramble at the installation golf course.
The final test of the week was the annual Axe Competition, a series of physical events testing teamwork, motivation and essential Army skills.
"Everyone showed great sportsmanship throughout the week. It really gave me the opportunity to reach out to other Soldiers, NCOs and officers in the other batteries and form stronger bonds. It gives me strength and confidence to know I'm part of the Red Dragon family," said Pfc. Kyle Jones, an Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System operator from Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 3-13th FA, and a pugil winner.
Spc. Margaret Silva, a machinist from 66th Forward Support Company, gained a better understanding of her unit. "This was a great chance to do friendly competition and learn about our distinguished history, which I did not know much about before," she said. "I'm proud the regiment is still standing and supporting freedom today."
More than 400 Soldiers, veterans and guests of the battalion participated in the week's festivities. For the closing event, Red Dragons gathered for a formal induction ceremony at the Patriot Club. Lt. Col. Patrick Stich, 3-13th FA commander, recognized each of the winning teams, administered a mass re-enlistment and presented the Molly Pitcher Award to several exemplary spouses.
In the week's culminating event, 70 Soldiers chose to formally affiliate with the 13th Field Artillery Regiment, earning the right to wear the distinctive unit insignia on their Army Service uniforms.
"I saw junior leaders stepping up, developing unit cohesion and Soldiers physically pushing themselves to the limit," said Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Batts, reflecting on the success of Regimental Week. "The whole week was about keeping the spirit of the regiment alive by honoring those who came before by giving everyone a sense of belonging and pride in the best battalion in 75th Field Artillery Brigade."
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