UNITED STATES ARMY

5th FIELD ARTILLERY GROUP FLAGS & GUIDONS 1944 Regulations

US Army field artillery battalions had a standard organization: a headquarters battery, three firing batteries and a service battery. If not self-propelled, all guns and howitzers were tractor towed except the 105mm howitzer, which was towed by a 2.5-ton truck. Self-propelled 105mm FA battalions had six howitzers per firing battery for a total of eighteen. Most other battalions had four howitzers or guns per battery for a total of twelve. Battalions armed with the heavy 240mm howitzer or 8-inch gun had two per battery for a total of six. Firing batteries also included an ammunition section and a maintenance section. The headquarters battery included the battalion fire direction center and a communications section, and the service battery had supply, maintenance and ammunition sections. The distinguishing flag for FA groups was diagonally divided, scarlet over yellow, with the number of the group centered and countercharged. Distinguishing flags were made of wool bunting; dimensions were 3 feet at the hoist by 4 feet on the fly. The distinguishing flag was always carried or displayed with a National Standard, Service of the same material and dimensions with an additional 2 1/2-inch fringe of knotted yellow silk. The group headquarters battery guidon was of the same design as the distinguishing flag; the battalions had scarlet guidons with the Field Artillery branch insignia, numerals and letters in yellow. All guidons were made of cotton or wool bunting; dimensions were 20 inches at the hoist by 27 inches on the fly with a 10-inch fork. Both battalions of the 5th Field Artillery Group were detached to the 1st Infantry Division for the D-Day landing.

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