376 Parachute Field Artillery Battalion

Able & Baker Batteries,
376th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion
82nd Airborne Division

The 376th FA Battalion was constituted on August 16, 1942 at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana. It was organized with the 82nd Infantry Division. When the 82nd was reorganized as an Airborne Division, the 376th traded in its 105s and deuce-and-a-halves for Pack 75s and jeeps, the airborne cannon-cocker's weapon of choice. It was one of two Parachute Field Artillery Battalions with the 82nd. The other two battalions were glider artillery.

The 376th PFA accompanied the 82nd Airborne on all of its sight seeing tours. They landed in North Africa in May, 1943, parachuted in Sicily under the fireworks provided by the U.S. Navy, and then toured sunny Italy during September of '43. The 376th was given a break for training in Northern Ireland and England in preparation of the coming invasion from December of 1943 to June 5, 1944.

From England, these stalwart followers of Saint Barbara jumped in during the small excursion into France on June 6, 1944. After this exciting trip through France, they participated in Field Marshal Montgomery's coming out party in Holland where they conducted the first successful combat drop of an entire Airborne Field Artillery Battalion. They were able to see the lovely views of both Nijmegen and Eindhoven. Following these major tours, the 376th participated in various other side-shows that were taking part throughout the remainder of the war.

376th1.jpg (35935 bytes) Members of Able and Baker Batteries, 376th PFAB mingle with the Flight Nurse Crew of the C-46 "Tinker Belle" during Oklahoma City Airshow.

     We airborne cannon-cockers strive to portray the airborne forward observer of World War Two. Each infantry unit could expect a couple of FOs to be attached to their unit for a specific period of time. These FOs were well-versed in calling for and adjusting all forms of indirect fire (artillery and mortars). In every other sense, they operated as airborne infantry.
     Our issued weapon, as artillerymen, is the M1 carbine. However, after seeing how effective it was against the Wehrmacht, they were often lost, under mysterious circumstances, to be replaced by the Garand or Thompson Sub-Machine-gun.
     The 82nd Airborne served all over Europe during World War Two. It was known as a hard-hitting "shock" force. The soldiers were tough. As an American tank was withdrawing under fire from the German advance through the Ardennes Forest, it came across a lone paratrooper digging his fox hole. It stopped next to him. The tired and cold paratrooper yelled to the tank, "Looking for a safe place? Well, pull your tank in behind me! I'm the 82nd Airborne and this is as far as those bastards are going!"
     We are organized into two Batteries. Able Battery is located in the Atlanta, GA area and is commanded by Lance Jones. Baker Battery is located in Lawton, OK and is commanded by Jim Rice. Both units are equipped with jeeps. The 376th PFA conducts battle reenactments all over the South and Southwest. However, we place an emphasis on living history events such as Air Shows, Museums and Schools. We believe that it is our duty, as descendants of these airborne artillerymen, to insure that the citizens of our country never forget the sacrifices these gallant men made for our country. They gave all their tomorrow's for your today!
     Are you ready? Stand Up! Hook Up! Check the Static Line! Check Equipment! Sound Off for Equipment Check! And Stand In the Door! Let's go!

Minimum Equipment Requirements:
Uniform:
M-1942 Jump Suit
M-1C or M-2 Helmet and Liner W/Leather Chin Cup
Issue Wool Shirt
Khaki Web Waist belt with open faced buckle
Brown Jump Boots
Equipment:
Please Note: All web gear should be khaki color (if an extremely late war event, inquire before event).
M-1923 Cartridge Belt or M-1936 Pistol Belt (depends on your weapon)
M-1942 First Aid Pouch M-1910/1942 Canteen and Cover
M-1936 Suspenders or M-1928 Haversack (backpack)
Weapons:
M-l Garand Rifle M-l Carbine - the carbine should not have a bayonet lug.
M-1928A1, M1 or M1A1 Thompson SMG
M3 or M3A1 SMG
M1918A2 BAR
M1911 or M1911A1 Pistol
Suggested Uniform and Equipment items:
M43 Field Jacket & Trousers w/Airborne modifications - allowed at post Aug 1944 date events.
M-1910 Shovel and Carrier - good for entire war. Airborne also had a shortened version.
M-1943 Shovel and Carrier - only allowed at post May 1944 events.
Rigger pouches for your weapon's ammunition.

Commanders:
Able Battery (Southeast) Lance Jones (770) 830-2347 or E-mail
Baker Battery (Oklahoma) Jim Rice or E-mail

Recommended Uniform vendor:
World War Two Impressions: