81st Airborne Field Artillery Battalion Patch

81st Airborne Field Artillery Battalion Patch – 3.12" x 3.50" Embroidered Patch with Sew-On Backing

Superior Materials: Made with high-durability polyester thread stitched onto rugged twill fabric for long-lasting clarity and strength.
Advanced Embroidery Technology: Crafted using high-precision embroidery equipment for clean lines, vibrant color, and consistent detail.
Sew-On Application: Designed for permanent attachment—ideal for uniforms, jackets, display boards, or historical collections.
Durable and Washable: Engineered to withstand the wear of field conditions and repeated cleaning without fraying or fading.
Versatile Use: A proud symbol for artillery veterans, airborne historians, and collectors of airborne and field artillery insignia.

Formations & Origins
The 81st Airborne Field Artillery Battalion was originally formed during World War II as the fire support element of the 101st Airborne Division. Activated in 1942, the battalion trained for and executed airborne artillery operations—specialized missions that involved dropping artillery equipment and personnel behind enemy lines to support infantry breakthroughs. Its creation represented a pivotal shift in warfare: combining the firepower of field artillery with the mobility of airborne assault.

Notable Commanders
Throughout its service, the 81st was led by a series of seasoned artillery officers, each trained in both airborne operations and indirect fire coordination. These leaders were responsible for managing complex deployments under combat conditions—ensuring that howitzers, crews, and ammunition arrived safely and delivered effective support to paratroopers in the field.

Major Campaigns/Operations
The 81st Airborne Field Artillery Battalion participated in major airborne operations across the European theater, including Operation Overlord (D-Day), Operation Market Garden, and the Battle of the Bulge. Deployed by glider and parachute, the battalion provided crucial fire support in terrain often inaccessible to traditional artillery units. Their presence on the front lines was a decisive factor in key engagements and contributed significantly to the success of airborne operations.

Specialized Role/Equipment
The battalion was equipped with 75mm and later 105mm howitzers modified for airborne use. These guns were either dropped by parachute or delivered via glider landings. Operating in rapidly shifting battle conditions, the 81st was trained to set up and fire within minutes of landing—providing suppressive and responsive fire to protect advancing paratroopers and counter enemy armor or infantry concentrations.

Acts of Heroism
Members of the 81st demonstrated extraordinary courage by jumping or landing behind enemy lines with heavy gear, under fire, and often with little immediate support. Gun crews operated in isolation, frequently engaging the enemy at close range to support airborne infantry. Their bravery and technical precision under duress exemplified the airborne artilleryman's motto: “Swift, Accurate, Fearless.”

Legacy & Notable Achievements
The 81st Airborne Field Artillery Battalion helped pioneer the concept of mobile, rapid-deployment fire support in modern warfare. Its success paved the way for future airborne artillery doctrine and underscored the value of adaptable firepower in expeditionary combat. This patch honors their role as both artillerymen and paratroopers—two of the Army’s most demanding specialties combined in one elite unit.

Keywords: 81st Airborne Field Artillery patch, WWII airborne artillery, 101st Airborne Division patch, glider artillery unit, paratrooper artillery patch, sew-on airborne insignia, field artillery battalion WWII.