The 4th Battalion, 77th Artillery Regiment (Airborne) served as the air defense artillery battalion of the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) during Vietnam, providing paratroopers and air assault units with critical fire support and later air defense capabilities. Its legacy continues within the 77th Artillery lineage, which remains active in modern Army formations. Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and unique designs that celebrate the legacy of the 4th Battalion, 77th Artillery Regiment.
The 77th Field Artillery Regiment was constituted in 1918 and has served in various artillery roles across multiple conflicts. The 4th Battalion, 77th Artillery traces its roots to this lineage, eventually becoming part of the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam era, when the division transitioned into an airmobile (air assault) division.
Vietnam War Service
The 4th Battalion, 77th Artillery Regiment (Aerial Rocket Artillery – ARA) was activated and deployed to Vietnam in 1968 as part of the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile). The battalion flew UH-1 Huey helicopters armed with rockets, giving the division unprecedented aerial firepower. Known as “Guns A-Go-Go,” the unit provided close air support, suppressive rocket fire, and rapid reaction strikes in support of airborne and air assault operations.
The battalion played a major role in numerous campaigns, including:
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A Shau Valley operations (1968–1971), supporting infantry assaults in one of Vietnam’s most dangerous regions.
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Hamburger Hill (Ap Bia Mountain, 1969): Delivered heavy aerial rocket fire to support the 101st’s infantry attacks during the infamous battle.
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Counteroffensive Phases VI–VII and Sanctuary Counteroffensive (Cambodia): Provided aerial artillery fire against enemy base areas and strongholds.
Its innovative use of helicopter-mounted rocket artillery made it one of the most unique artillery units in Army history.
Post-Vietnam Era & Transition
Following Vietnam, the 4-77th was reorganized into a conventional artillery battalion within the 101st Airborne Division. In the 1980s and 1990s, it supported the division as it evolved into an air assault force, ensuring continued fire support for rapid deployment operations.
Later redesignations shifted elements of the 77th Artillery Regiment into air defense artillery (ADA) roles, aligning with the Army’s modernization. Parts of its lineage remain active today in air defense formations.
Identity & Legacy
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Parent Regiment: 77th Artillery Regiment
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Division Affiliation: Primarily with the 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile/Air Assault)
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Nickname/Call Sign: “Guns A-Go-Go” (during its ARA years in Vietnam)
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Motto: “Nulla Vestigia Retrorsum” (“No Step Backward”)
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Unique Distinction: One of the Army’s only Aerial Rocket Artillery battalions, pioneering helicopter-based artillery firepower in combat.
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Decorations: Campaign streamers and unit citations from Vietnam, including Valorous Unit Awards and Meritorious Unit Commendations.
Enduring Significance
The 4th Battalion, 77th Artillery Regiment represents innovation and adaptability in the U.S. Army’s history—transforming traditional artillery into airborne and helicopter-mounted fire support. From the jungles of Vietnam to the legacy carried on in modern ADA units, the battalion’s history highlights the ability of airborne divisions to evolve and dominate the battlefield.
Airborne Apparel Company is proud to offer reproductions and unique designs that celebrate the legacy of the 4th Battalion, 77th Artillery Regiment.