As with the rest of the US Armed Forces, the Coast Artillery was undermanned and poorly equipped except for coastal artillery weapons when war broke out in Europe in 1914. The War Department formed a Board of Review that recommended an increase in strength, which resulted in 105 new CA companies in 1916-17, although these were initially undermanned. After the American entry into World War I, the Coast Artillery as a whole was ordered brought up to strength, and 71 new companies were organized by July 1917. A new regimental organization was adopted soon after. The Coast Artillery was designated to provide almost all US-manned heavy artillery (155 mm gun and larger), railway artillery, and later anti-aircraft artillery units. As with most WWI equipment, these units were primarily equipped with French- and British-made weapons, with few American-made heavy weapons arriving in France before the Armistice. As with other American WWI units, the CA units operated alongside French forces for the most part.
The CA units sent to France and Britain with the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF) were organized into a total of 11 brigades comprising 33 regiments, plus a replacement regiment, nine trench mortar battalions and thirteen anti-aircraft battalions (aka sectors). Each artillery regiment had an authorized strength of 24 guns. However, 20 regiments did not complete training before the Armistice (up to 6 of these never received guns) and only 13 regiments saw action. A total of 61 regiments were organized worldwide.
No US railway guns existed when the US entered WWI in early 1917. Due to low production and shipping priorities, the Army's railway gun contribution on the Western Front consisted of four CA regiments operating French-made weapons. These were organized as the 30th Separate Artillery Brigade (Railway), also designated as the Railway Artillery Reserve (RAR), which usually operated mingled with French units in an Allied RAR. The 40th Artillery Brigade of three regiments was also a railway artillery brigade of the RAR; however, it did not complete training before the Armistice. The US Navy manufactured and operated five 14"/50 caliber railway guns that were delivered in time to support the final Allied offensives. With a view to getting numerous US-made weapons into the fight eventually, the Army also converted some of the many US coast artillery weapons to railway mounts. A total of 96 8-inch guns, 129 10-inch guns, 49 12-inch guns, and 150 12-inch mortars could be taken from fixed coast defense batteries or spares. Twelve 7-inch ex-Navy guns and six 12-inch guns being built for Chile were also available. To shorten a long story, none of these weapons were shipped to France except three 8-inch guns, as few of any type were completed before the Armistice. Forty-seven 8-inch railway guns were ordered, with 18 completed by the Armistice and the remainder completed later. Eight 10-inch railway mounts of 54 ordered were completed by this time, and twelve 12-inch railway mounts were completed by 1 April 1919. Three railway mountings for the Chilean 12-inch guns were ready for shipment by the Armistice; the remaining three barrels were retained as spares. Ninety-six 12-inch railway mortars were ordered, with 45 complete by 7 April 1919 and all major components of the remainder also complete. It is unclear how many additional railway guns and mortars were completed, but all 47 8-inch weapons and probably the 96 12-inch mortars were. The 7-inch and 8-inch guns and 12-inch mortars used a common carriage, with outriggers and a rotating mount allowing all-around fire. This allowed the weapons to be used in coast defense against moving targets. The 8-inch guns and 12-inch mortars were retained on railway mountings after the war, while most of the 7-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch guns were returned to the coastal forts.
The official birthday of the Army Warrant Officer Corps is 9 July 1918, when an Act of Congress established the Army Mine Planter Service as part of the Coast Artillery Corps, replacing previous civilian manning of mine planter vessels. Implementation of the Act by the Army was published in War Department Bulletin 43, dated 22 July 1918.
Coast Artillery Regiments serving in France
By William C. Gaines
Volume 23, Issue 2 The Coast Defense Journal
Coastal Defense Study Group
42nd Artillery CAC
Victory Ribbon - France/Defensive Sector
42nd Coast Artillery (Railway) Regiment Constituted in France as 42nd Arty, CAC, July 1918. Activated Toul 8-6-18, its elements obtained from 52nd & 53rd Artys, CAC. Assigned to 30th Arty Bde, CAC, part of the Railway Artillery Reserve, AEF. The 42nd Arty consisted of a HHC and three battalions, each having a HHD and two lettered firing batteries. HHC and 1st Bn HHD were organized from a detachment of HHC and Supply Cos, 52nd Arty, CAC. The 2nd and 3rd Bn HHDs came from HHC and Supply Co, 53rd Arty, CAC. Btrys A, B, C, & D were formed by redesignating Btrys I, K, L, & M, 52nd Arty, CAC. Btrys E & F were formed by redesignating Btry H & F, 53rd Arty, CAC. 1st Bn supported VII French Army while 2nd and 3rd Bns supported French IV and VIII Armies, after which they were in reserve from late September until the Armistice. Returning stateside, 42nd Arty was retained active for training purposes at Cp. Eustis, VA, until 8-21-21. 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Bn HHDs were inactivated 6-1-21, their assets forming Service Btry, 42nd Arty, CAC. On 8-17-21, the 42nd Arty was inactivated at Cp. Eustis. On 6-1-22, the inactive elements were additionally designated separate companies of the CAC: HHB (201st Co), Service Btry (202nd Co), Btry A (130th Co), Btry B (117th Co), Btry C (122nd Co), Btry D (203rd Co), Btry E (78th Co), & Btry F (84th Co). On 7-1-24, 42nd Arty, CAC, was redesignated 42nd CA (Ry) Regt (Inactive). Btry E was transferred to CD Sandy Hook as HHB 7th CA (HD) Regt. The 142nd Co., CAC, transferred from CD Manila and Subic Bays to 42nd CA (Ry) Regt, becoming Btry E. The 42nd CA (Ry) Regt was never reactivated and was disbanded 6-10-44.
43rd Artillery, CAC
Victory Ribbon - France/Meuse-Argonne/St. Mihiel
43rd Coast Artillery (Railway) Regiment Constituted as 43rd Arty, CAC, 7-15-18 and organized 6-7-18 at Haussimont, France, by redesignating Btrys C & D, 2nd Bn, 57th Arty, CAC, and Btrys C, D, E, & H, 51st Arty, CAC, as Btrys A, B, C, D, E, F, 43rd Arty, CAC. Assigned to 30th Arty Bde, CAC, part of the Railway Artillery Reserve, AEF, the regiment consisted of HHC and three battalions, each having a HHD and two lettered firing batteries. HHC was formed by personnel from 30th Bde, CAC. 1st Bn HHD redesignated from 2nd Bn HHD, 57th Arty, CAC; 2nd & 3rd Bns HHD from personnel of 30th Bde, CAC, plus additional battery redesignations. Btry A activated by redesignating Btry C, 57th Arty; Btry B by redesignating Btry B, 57th Arty; Btrys C, D, E, & F, 43rd Arty, by redesignating the same companies in 51st Arty, CAC. The 1st & 3rd Bns participated in the Lorraine, St. Mihiel, and Meuse- Argonne Operations in support of 1st U.S. Army in France until the Armistice. Returning to the U.S., the 43rd Artillery was retained active for training purposes at Cp. Eustis, VA, until 8-21-21. 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Bn HHDs were inactivated 6-1-21, their assets forming Service Btry, 43rd Arty, CAC. The 43rd Arty, CAC, was inactivated at Cp. Eustis 8-17-21. On 6-1-22, the regiments components were additionally designated separate companies of the CAC: HHB (204th Co), Service Btry (205th Co), Btry A (206th Co), Btry B (207th Co), Btry C (46th Co), Btry D (208th Co), Btry E (107th Co), Btry F (5th Co). On 7-1-24, 43rd Arty, CAC, was redesignated 43rd CA (Ry) Regt (Inactive). Btry C transferred to 4th CA (HD) Regt, Btry F to 1st CA (HD) Regt. Two inactive coast artillery companies, 138th & 187th Cos from CD Manila and Subic Bays, were transferred to 43rd CA and redesignated Btrys C & F, 43rd CA (Ry) Regt, to replace the original Btrys C & F. The 43rd, never reactivated in WWII, was disbanded on 6-10-44.
44th Coast Artillery (HD)
Victory Ribbon - France/Defensive Sector/Champagne-Marne/St. Mihiel
Regiment Constituted March 1918 in France as Provisional Howitzer Regt, 30th Bde, CAC, and organized 3-26-18. Formed by redesignating selected firing batteries of the 51st, 52nd, & 53rd Arty Regts, CAC, AEF. During a reorganization of the coast artillery in France during August 1918, the Howitzer Regt was redesignated 81st Arty, CAC, but after a few weeks the designation was changed to 44th Arty, CAC. Returned to U.S. February 1919 and processed through Cp. Mills, NY, where all non-RA personnel were discharged. The skeletonized regiment was briefly posted at Ft. Totten before transfer to Cp. Jackson, SC, and inactivation 8-21-21. The inactive 44th Arty, CAC, became the 44th CA (TD) Regt (Inactive) 7-21-24 and transferred to OR. On 4-28-36, the inactive regiment was transferred back to RA. By 1939, 44th CA, now a “colored” regiment, was assigned to Third Corps Area. The 44th CA (TD) Regt (Inactive)(Cld) was re-designated 54th CA (155 mm Gun) Regt (Cld) 12-16-40.
45th Artillery Regiment, CAC
Victory Ribbon - France
Constituted July 1918 in the RA as the 45th Arty, CAC, and organized at Cp. Eustis, VA. Shipped to France October 1918 via Newport New POE, arriving St. Nazaire (Loire-Inferieure) 11-3-18 until the Armistice 11-11-18. Returned to U.S. in January 1919 and processed at Cp. Mills, NY, and demobilized in February 1919 at Cp. Dix, NJ.
46th Coast Artillery (155 mm Gun)
Victory Ribbon - France
Regiment Constituted in July 1918 as the 46th Arty, CAC, and activated September 1918 at Cp. Eustis, VA. Moved to Cp. Stuart, Newport News, VA, in October and shipped out for France via the Newport News POE 10-14-18, arriving 10-25-18. Posted at Libourne (Gironde), where it remained until the Armistice. Returned to the U.S. in February 1919 and was demobilized at Cp. Dix 3-1-19.
47th Artillery Regiment, CAC
Victory Ribbon - France
Constituted July 1918 and organized at Cp. Eustis, VA, the same month. Moved to Cp. Stuart, Newport News, VA, in October 1918 and shipped out for France that same month via the Newport News POE. Arrived in Brest, France, 10-26-18 and moved to Angouléme (Charente) where it remained until the Armistice 11-11-18. Returned to U.S. in February 1919 and processed at Cp. Stuart before moving to Cp. Dix for demobilization in March 1919.
48th Artillery Regiment, CAC
Victory Ribbon - France
Constituted July 1918 and organized at Cp. Eustis, VA, the same month. Moved to Cp. Stuart, Newport News, VA, in October 1918 and shipped out for France that same month via Newport News POE. Arrived in Brest, France, 10-26-18 and moved to La Charité (Nièvre) 10-29-18, attached to the 20th Engineers until the Armistice 11-11-18. Returned to U.S. in March 1919 and processed at Cp. Stuart before moving to Cp. Grant, IL, and demobilized March 1919.
49th Artillery Regiment, CAC
Victory Ribbon - France
Constituted in July 1918 and organized that same month at Cp. Eustis, VA. Moved to Cp. Stuart, Newport News, VA, September 1918 and moved through Newport News POE in October, arriving in France later that month. Returned to U.S. March 1919 and processed at Cp. Merritt, NJ, before moving to Cp. Grant, IL, for demobilization in March 1919.
50th Artillery Regiment, CAC
Victory Ribbon - France
Constituted in July 1918 and organized that month at Cp. Eustis, VA. Moved to Cp. Stuart, Newport News, VA, in September 1918 to stage for deployment to France. In October the regiment moved to Newport News POE and departed for France, arriving Brest 10-21-18. Moved to Montoirde-Bretagne (Loire-Interieure) 10-30-18 until the Armistice. Returned to the U.S. February 1919. Demobilized Cp. Dix, NJ, Merritt.
51st Coast Artillery (TD) Regiment (6th Provisional Regiment)
Victory Ribbon - France/Defensive Sector/St. Mihiel/Meuse-Argonne
Constituted July 1917 and organized Ft. Adams August 1917 as 6th Provisional Regt, CAC, one of three regiments forming 1st Expeditionary Bde, AEF. Hq & Supply Co and 12 firing batteries were organized by redesignating existing coast artillery companies in the Coast Defenses of Portland, Boston, and Narragansett Bay: HQ & Supply Co from 2nd Co, Ft. Mott; Btry A from 1st Co, Ft. McKinley; Btry B from 2nd Co Ft. Greble; Btry C from 3rd Co, Ft. Strong; Btry D from 5th Co, Ft. McKinley; Btry E from 1st Co, Ft. Preble; Btry F from 4th Co, Ft. Williams; Btry G from 3rd Co, Ft. Williams; Btry H from 2nd Co, Ft. Williams; Btry I from 2nd Co, Ft. Andrews; Btry K from 1st Co, Ft. Banks; Btry L from 3rd Co, Ft. Andrews; Btry M from 4th Co, Ft. Andrews. The 6th Prov Regt departed New York, arriving France 9-11-17. Redesignated 51st Arty, CAC, 2-5-18. Btrys I & K, rearmed with British Mk VII 8-inch howitzers in December 1917, were detached from 51st Arty in the latter part of March 1918 and assigned to the Prov Howitzer Regt as the 5th & 6th Howitzer Btrys. The 51st Arty was part of the 30th Bde, CAC, Railway Artillery Reserve (RAR) until August 1918. In early August 1918, the RAR was substantially restructured. CAC regiments such as the 51st were reorganized to conform to standardized field artillery organization, with an HHC, a supply company, and six lettered firing batteries. Eight of the 12 firing batteries in the 51st Arty were transferred to other regiments. In August 1918, Btrys A & B retained their designation; Btrys L & M redesignated Btrys C & D, 51st Arty; Btry C was redesignated Btry C, 43rd Arty; Btry D redesignated Btry D, 43rd Arty; Btry E redesignated Btry E, 43rd Arty; Btry F redesignated Btry C, 57th Arty; Btry G redesignated Btry D, 57th Arty; Btry H redesignated Btry F, 43rd Arty; Btry I redesignated Btry C, 44th Arty; Btry K redesignated Btry D, 44th Arty; Btrys E and G, 53rd Arty, temporarily assigned to the Howitzer Regt, were transferred to the 51st Arty as Btrys E and F. The reorganized 51st Arty supported the Allies until the Armistice. The 51st Arty arrived New York 2-3-19. Briefly quartered at Cp. Mills, NY, it was transferred to Ft. Hamilton, one of three active tractor-drawn artillery regiments retained postwar.
52nd Artillery, Coast Artillery Corps Regiment (7th Provisional Regiment)
Victory Ribbon - France/Defensive Sector/Aisne-Marne /Champagne-Marne/St. Mihiel/Meuse-Argonne
Constituted in July 1917 as the 7th Provisional Regt, CAC, and organized at Ft. Adams in August 1917, as part of the 1st Expeditionary Bde, AEF. The 7th Prov Regt, with Hq & Supply Co and 12 firing batteries, was organized by redesignating companies from Coast Defenses of Long Island Sound, Eastern NY, Southern NY, Narragansett Bay, and Port Royal Sound. Hq & Supply Co was organized July 1917 with personnel from the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, & 7th Cos, Ft. Hancock. Btry A was 1st Co, Ft. H.G. Wright; Btry B was 6th Co, Ft. Terry; Btry C was 2nd Co, Ft. Terry; Btry D was 6th Co, Ft. H.G. Wright; Btry E was 2nd Co, Ft. H.G. Wright; Btry F was organized as 2nd Co, Ft. Schuyler, June 1917; Btry G was 2nd Co, Ft. Totten; Btry H was 6th Co, Ft. Totten; Btry I was 4th Co. Fort Adams, posted at Ft. Wetherill; Btry K was 2nd Co, Ft. Adams; Btry L was 6th Co, Ft. Hamilton; and Btry M was 4th Co, Ft. Hamilton.
The regiment departed Ft. Adams via New York, arriving France 9-11-17. The 7th Prov Regt was assigned to 30th Bde, CAC, Railway Artillery Reserve (RAR). Redesignated 52nd Arty, CAC, 2-5-18, Btrys E, F, G, & H were attached to the Prov Howitzer Regt 3-26-18. The three original provisional regiments were reduced to six firing batteries each in August 1918 as the RAR was reorganized. Btrys E & F, 52nd Arty, were permanently reassigned to 44th Arty (formerly Howitzer Regt) as Btrys E & F. Btrys G & H of the 52nd were redesignated Btrys A & B of the 44th. Btrys L & M were redesignated Btrys C and D of the newly organized 42nd Arty, CAC. Two batteries from 53rd Arty were assigned to the 52nd as new Btrys E & F. Btry E (II) had been organized at Ft. Adams in August 1917, with personnel from 1st & 2nd Cos, Ft. Hunt. Designated Btry I, 8th Prov Regt, in February 1918, it became Btry I, 53rd Arty, CAC. Btry I became Btry E, 52nd Arty, 7-17-18. Btry F (II) was organized at Ft. Adams from the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th Cos, Ft. Washington. This detachment was designated Btry K, 8th Prov Regt 7-17-18. In February the battery was redesignated Btry K, 53rd Arty, CAC. As part of the regiment’s reorganization, three battalion HHDs were organized to coordinate the two firing batteries in each of the three battalions. The three battalions of the 52nd Arty supported the Allied Armies on the Western Front until 10-10-18, then went into reserve until the war ended.
The 52nd arrived Newport News, VA, 1-3-19 and went to nearby Cp. Stuart. After a short period of rest and delousing, the regiment moved by train a short distance to Cp. Eustis. The 52nd Arty, CAC, was one of four railway artillery regiments retained active at the end of the World War. All four, the 42nd, 43rd, 52nd, & 53rd, were assigned to the 30th Bde, CAC, at Cp. Eustis, VA, reequipped with American ordnance.
53rd Coast Artillery (Railway) Regiment (8th Provisional Regiment)
Victory Ribbon - France/Defensive sector/Champagne-Marne/Meuse-Argonne/St. Mihiel
Constituted in July 1917 and organized in August 1917 at Ft. Adams as the 8th Provisional Regt, CAC, third regiment in the Provisional CA Bde organized for France in WWI. Hq & Supply Co was organized by redesignating 118th Co, CAC; Btry A from 1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Cos, Ft. Howard, and 1st Co, Ft. Smallwood; Btry B by redesignating 10th Co, Ft. Monroe; Btrys C & D by redesignating 12th & 11th Cos, Ft. Monroe; Btry E by redesignating 3rd Co, Ft. Wadsworth; Btry F by redesignating 3rd Co, Ft. Hamilton; Btry G by redesignating 3rd Co, Ft. Tilden; Btry H by redesignating 3rd Co, Ft. Moultrie; Btry I by redesignating 1st & 2nd Cos, Ft. Hunt; Btry K from 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th Cos, Ft. Washington; Btry L by redesignating 2nd Co, Ft. Caswell; and Btry M by redesignating 2nd Co, Ft. Screven. Prior to the brigade’s departure for France, Hq & Supply Co, 8th Prov Regt, provided 17 men for HHC of the brigade that was redesignated 1st Expeditionary Brigade, AEF.
On 8-17-17, the regiment departed New York, arriving Le Havre, France, 9-25-17. Entraining for Mailly le Camp (Aube) and Haussimont, it trained until early 1918.
The 8th Prov Regt was redesignated 53rd Arty, CAC, 2-5-18. In March 1918, Btrys E & G were assigned to the Prov Howitzer Regt until August 1918, when they were transferred to the 51st Arty, CAC, as Btrys E & F. In late July and August, 53rd Arty was reorganized, to consist of HHB, Supply Co, and six lettered firing batteries. Btrys L & M were redesignated Btrys E & F of the 53rd. The regiment operated with First U.S. Army and IV and VIII French Armies from September until the Armistice, when the regiment was attached to Second U.S. Army.
54th Artillery Regiment, CAC
Victory Ribbon - France
Constituted 12-1-17 and organized at Fts. McKinley and Williams 12-25-17, by redesignation of RA and NG companies in CD Portland. Hq Co and Btrys A & C organized by redesignation of RA companies; Supply Co and Btrys B, D, E, and F by redesignation of NG companies. 1st Co, CD Portland, redesignated Hq Co; 20th Co, CD Portland, redesignated Supply Co; 2nd Co, CD Portland, redesignated Btry A; 18th & 19th Cos, CD Portland, redesignated Btry B; 12th & 16th Cos, CD Portland, redesignated Btry C; 9th & 22nd Cos, CD Portland, redesignated Btry D; 24th & 29th Cos, CD Portland redesignated Btry E; 6th & 25th Cos, CD Portland, redesignated Btry F. The regiment filled out its ranks with NA draftees, and trained until 3-7-18, then moved to Hoboken POE for deployment to France. Departed in stages 3-16-18 to 3-22-18.
All elements arrived Le Havre, France, between 3-31-18 and 4-8-18. The 54th Arty transferred to Mailly-le-Camp (Aube) until it moved to Haussimont (Marne) 5-2-18, where it was designated replacement regiment for American railway and tractor-drawn regiments. On 9-21-18, 54th Arty was reorganized into three battalions with new stations. The 1st Bn (Btrys A & B) was reassigned Training Bn and posted at Angers (Marne-et-Loire). The 2nd Bn was designated Tractor Replacement Bn and stationed at Doulevant-le-Chateau (Hauts Marne). The 3rd Bn was designated Railway Artillery Training Bn and remained at Haussimont (Marne) and Angers (Marne-et-Loire). This arrangement remained in force until the Armistice. The 54th Arty was reassembled and sailed from Brest, arriving Boston 3-7-19. The regiment moved to Cp. Devens, MA, and was demobilized 3-13-19.
55th Coast Artillery (TD) Regiment
France/Aisne-Marne /Champagne/Oise-Aisne/Meuse-Argonne
Constituted 1917 and organized CD Boston 12-1-17 as 55th Arty, CAC, by redesignation of 152nd Co, CAC;, 96th Co, CAC; 11th Co, MANG, CAC; 83rd Co, CAC; 4th Co, MANG; 9th Co, RING; 3rd Co MANG; and 5th Co, MANG. In addition, many individual transfers were made from the 1st, 2nd, 6th, & 9th Cos, MANG, and 13th Co, RING. The 55th Arty departed New York for Europe 3-25-18. After additional training, the 55th Arty was assigned to the 31st Bde, CAC, in August 1918 and served in France until the Armistice. The 55th Arty departed Brest, arriving New York 1-22-19 and moved to Cp. Mills, NY, until 1-26- 19, when it moved to CD Long Island Sound. 1st Bn was stationed at Ft. H.G. Wright, 2nd & 3rd Bns at Ft. Terry. There most of the regiment’s NG and NA personnel were discharged. On 1-29-19 the 55th Arty CAC was transferred with 31st Bde to Ft. Winfield Scott, arriving 2-23- 19 with 9 officers and 170 EM. The 31st Bde was then transferred to Ft. Lewis, WA, arriving 10-4-19, and its strength was gradually built up to near peacetime levels.
56th Artillery Regiment, CAC
France/Aisne-Marne /Champagne/Oise-Aisne/Meuse-Argonne
Constituted 1917 as the 56th Arty, CAC, and activated in CD Long Island Sound 12-20-17. Consisted of HHB, Supply Co, and six lettered firing Btrys, A-F. These elements were organized by the redesignation of 14th Co, LIS (100th Co, CAC); 13th Co, LIS (3rd Co, CTNG, CAC); 13th Co, LIS (133rd Co, CAC); 16th Co (I), LIS (org 1917); and 37th Co, LIS (11th Co, CTNG, CAC); 3rd Co (I), LIS (146th Co, CAC); 38th Co, LIS (13th Co, CTNG CAC); 29th Co, LIS (9th Co, CTNG CAC); and 27th Co, LIS (4th Co, CTNG CAC). HHB, Supply Co, and Btrys C, E, & F stationed at Ft. H.G. Wright; Btrys A, B, & D posted at Ft. Terry. The regiment remained in CD LIS until 2-22- 18, departing for France 3-28-18 via New York. The 56th Arty arrived Brest 4-2-18 and moved to Clermont-Ferrand (Puy-de-Dôme) where it trained with French artillery until 7-28-18. The regiment moved to Charly (Aisne) and operated with III Corps, First U.S. Army, on the Western Front until 11-11-18. The 56th Arty served in the Aisne-Marne operations in August 1918; the Defensive Sector (Champagne) August 1918; OiseAisne Operations of August-September and the Meuse-Argonne Operations of September-November 1918. When the regiment returned to the U.S. 1-18-19, NG and NA personnel were discharged at Ft. Schuyler. The 56th Arty was one of six tractor-drawn artillery regiments retained active for training purposes following WWI. Assigned to 39th Bde, CAC, and stationed at Ft. Schuyler in the CD of Eastern New York until 10-17-19, it was transferred to Cp. Jackson, SC, until 39th Bde, including the 56th Arty, was inactivated and demobilized 7-31-21. Three of its RA coast artillery companies: the 100th, 133rd, & 146th Cos, were reconstituted in 1922 and consolidated with companies serving in CD LIS. In 1924, the 37th Co., CAC, which had served as Btry B, 56th Arty, CAC, and had been demobilized in 1921, was reconstituted and assigned as Service Btry, 62nd CA (AA) Regt.
57th Coast Artillery (TD) Regiment
Victory Ribbon - France/Defensive Sector/St. Mihiel/Meuse-Argonne
Constituted November 1917 as 57th Arty, CAC, and organized 1-11-18 at Ft. Hancock. HHC and Btrys A & C were organized with RA personnel from 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Cos, CD Sandy Hook; Supply Co and Btrys B, D, E, & F were formed with personnel from the 9th CDC, NYNG, redesignated as 20th, 19th, 21st, 22nd, & 24th Cos, CD Sandy Hook. Training continued into spring 1918. The 57th Arty departed Ft. Hancock 5-9-18 for the Hoboken POE, sailing for France that same night and arriving Brest 5-23-18. Entrained for O&TC at Libourne. In mid-July, 2nd Bn was transferred to the newly organized 43rd Arty, CAC, a railway artillery regiment. To replace the battalion, Btrys F & G of 3rd Bn, 51st Arty, CAC, were assigned to the 57th, becoming Btrys C & D of the new 2nd Bn on 7-15-18. Regiment assigned to the 31st Arty Bde, CAC. On 9-11-18, 57th Arty, having completed its training, was moved by train to the front near Saint Aubin, where it supported II Colonial Corps, 2nd French Army. The regiment supported First U.S. Army until the Armistice. Regiment arrived New York 1-14-19 and returned to Ft. Hancock, where NG and NA personnel were demobilized, reducing the regiment to 400 RA officers and men.
58th Artillery Regiment, CAC
Victory - France/Defensive Sector
Constituted as the 58th Arty, CAC, and activated at Fts. Totten and Schuyler 1-30-18 for service in France. 1st and 2nd Bns organized by individual RA transfers. Personnel from 1st-6th Cos, CD Eastern New York, were reassigned to HHC and Btry A; personnel for Supply Co and Btrys B, C, & D were organized from the 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 31st, 32nd, 34th, & 36th Cos, 8th CD Command, NYNG. HHC and Btrys A & B were organized at Ft. Totten; Btrys C & D and Supply Co were organized at Ft. Schuyler. The 3rd Bn, Btrys E & F, were organized at Ft. Howard, Btry E by redesignating 5th Co, CD Baltimore (1st Co, Ft. Smallwood, org. June 1917); Btry F by individual transfer of personnel from the 1st and 2nd Cos, MDNG, CAC.
After several months of training and organization, 1st & 2nd Bns departed New York, arriving Brest 5-23-18. The two battalions went into camp to await 3rd Bn, which departed Baltimore via NYC, and arrived Brest 5-31-18. The 1st & 2nd Bns moved to the O&TC at Limoges 5-31-18 and united with 3rd Bn, assigned to 32nd Bde, CAC. The 58th Arty operated in the Marbache Sector as part of the Second Army Defensive Sector in the Lorraine Operations from 10-24-18 to 11-11-18.
The regiment departed France, arriving New York 5-24-19, and traveled to Cp. Upton, where its NG and NA personnel were discharged 5-8-19. The RA personnel were reassigned in the New York area and the regiment was demobilized 5-13-19.
59th Coast Artillery (TD)(HD) Regiment
Victory Ribbon - France/Defensive Sector/St. Mihiel/Meuse-Argonne
Constituted 12-1-17 as 59th Arty, CAC, and activated 1-1-18 at Ft. Hamilton by individual transfers from RA and 13th CD Command, NYNG, personnel in the CD Southern New York. HHC, 59th Arty, CAC, and Btrys A & C made up of transferred personnel from RA companies. Supply Co, Btrys B, D, E, and F composed of transferred personnel from 13th CDC. The ranks of the regiment were filled out with NA draftees. Upon organization at Fts. Hamilton and Wadsworth in the early spring of 1918, the regiment was assembled at Ft. Hamilton and moved to Hoboken, NJ. Sailing to Brest, France, on 3-28-18 and arriving 4-4-18, the regiment was quartered at Pontanezen Barracks until 4-6-18, when it entrained for three months training at O&TC No. 2 at Limoges. The 59th Arty completed training in early July and was assigned to the 32nd Bde, CAC, and moved to La Courtine before moving to Vignery 8-4 &8-5- 18. It supported First U.S. Army’s St. Mihiel operations between 8-30-18 and 9-16-18. Later, during the Meuse-Argonne operations from 9-26-18 to 11-11-18, the 59th supported elements of V Corps, First Army. It was at Romagne near Sedan when the Armistice was signed. The 59th Arty sailed from Brest, arriving New York 1-24-19, and moved to Cp. Upton, where NG and NA men were discharged 1-30-19.
60th Coast Artillery (AA) Regiment
Victory Ribbon - France/Meuse-Argonne/St. Mihiel
Constituted 12-23-17 as the 60th Arty, CAC, and activated at Cp. Stuart, VA, 1-1-18. Regiment composed of HHC, Supply Co, and firing Btrys A-F. HHC organized by redesignating 8th Co, CD Chesapeake Bay (previously 168th Co, CAC; and 8th Co, Ft. Monroe). Supply Co organized by transfer of personnel from Cos in CD Potomac. Btry A organized by redesignating 4th Co, CD Delaware (previously 112th Co, CAC; and 4th Co, Ft. DuPont). Btry B organized from 5th Co, VANG. Btry C organized by redesignating 4th Co, CD Potomac (previously 4th Co, Ft. Washington). Btry D organized from 1st Co, DCNG. Btry E organized by redesignating 6th Co, CD Chesapeake Bay (previously 6th Co, Ft. Monroe). Btry F organized from 9th Co, VANG. Supply Co and Btrys C & D remained in CD Potomac until they joined 1st and 3rd Bns 3-23-18 at Cp. Stuart. The 60th Arty arrived Brest 5-5-18. They spent the next two days at Cp. Pontanezen before leaving for O&TC at Libourne, reached 5-10-18. After some two months of training and one of target practice, the regiment entrained for Toul on 9-6-18, and the St. Mihiel and Meuse-Argonne Offensives, in support of the First U.S. Army. Following the Armistice, the regiment concentrated at Brieulle and then moved to Lissey on 11-24-18. It arrived in Brest and was housed at Pontanezen Barracks until sailing 1-26-19, arriving New York 2-4-19. The 60th was processed at Cp. Merritt, NJ, before moving to Washington, D.C. 2-9-19. The 1st Bn was demobilized at Ft. Howard, MD, 2nd Bn at Ft. Washington, and the HHB & 3rd Bn at Ft. Monroe. NG and NA personnel were discharged and regulars reassigned. By 2-21-19, the 60th Artillery, CAC, had been fully demobilized.
61st Coast Artillery (AA) Regiment
Victory Ribbon - France
Constituted 12-10-17 and activated at Ft. Moultrie 3-9-18. Regimental HHC and 1st Bn (Btrys A & B) were organized through individual transfers from CD Charleston. The 2nd Bn (Btrys C & D) and Btry F, 3rd Bn, were formed at Ft. Screven through individual transfers from CD Savannah. The 3rd Bn and Btry E formed at Ft. Barrancas through individual transfers from CD Pensacola. Regiment assembled at Ft. Monroe between February and June 1918. On 6-15-18 the regiment moved to Cp. Eustis, VA, to stage for shipment to France. On 7-18-18, 61st Arty, CAC, departed for France through Newport News POE. Arrived St. Nazaire (Loire-Inféreure) 7-31-18 and Castillon (Girond) 8-7-18 for service with 33rd Bde, CAC. The regiment was still in training when the Armistice was signed. The 61st Arty returned to New York 2-27-19 and on the following day was processed for demobilization at Cp. Upton, NY. NG and NA personnel were discharged; most of the RA troops were reassigned to Ft. Moultrie.
62nd Artillery Regiment, CAC
Victory Ribbon - France
Constituted as 62nd Arty, CAC, December 1917 and organized 1-7-18 at Ft. Winfield Scott. Assigned to 33rd Bde, CAC, and shipped to Cp. Mills, NY, departing Hoboken and arriving France 7-21-18, where it moved to O&TC at Libourne (Gironde) 8-3-18. The regiment, still at Libourne when the Armistice was signed 11-11-18, returned, arriving Norfolk 2-19-19. Moved to Cp. Stuart, where it was processed, then to Cp. Eustis, where it was demobilized March 1919.
63rd Coast Artillery (AA) Regiment
Victory Ribbon - France
Constituted December 1917 as 63rd Arty, CAC, and organized 12-10-17 at Ft. Worden, WA, with personnel transferred from the RA 63rd CA and from the 4th, 7th, 10th, and 12th Cos, First Coast Defense Command, WANG, CAC, redesignated as the 20th, 23rd, 26th, and 28th Cos, CD Puget Sound. Its ranks were filled with National Army draftees. Shipped to Cp. Mills, NY, in June 1918 and then Hoboken POE for passage to Le Havre, France, arriving 7-14-18. The 63rd Arty moved to Aixesur-Vienne (Haute-Vienne) where it remained until 10-24-18, when was assigned to 39th Bde, CAC, and moved to La Courtine (Creuse), where it remained until the Armistice. The regiment remained in France until February 1919 before returning. It was processed at Cp. Mills before being forwarded to Cp. Lewis, WA, where it was demobilized 3-21-19.
64th Coast Artillery (AA) Regiment
Victory Ribbon - France
Constituted 1-15-18 and organized 5-17-18. HHC and Btry C organized at Ft. Barrancas; Btry A at Ft. Screven; Btry B at Ft. Dade; Btrys D & E at Jackson Barracks, New Orleans; and Supply Co and Btry F at Ft. Crockett. Entrained for New York in early July 1918 and staged at Cp. Upton, NY. Assigned to 34th Bde, CAC, prior to shipment to France through Hoboken POE aboard the RMS Khyber leaving on 14th of July and, arriving in Liverpool 7-26-18. Went into rest camp before being shipped across the English Channel to Le Havre 8-6-18. Moved to O&TC at Angers (Maine-et Loire). The regiment moved to Montmorillon (Vienne) on 11- 3-18 until the Armistice. Regiment moved to Angers 11-30-18 and to St. Nazaire 1-27-19. Departed for Newport News, VA, 2-10-19 arriving 2-24-19. Moved to Cp. Stuart, VA, for processing, then to Cp. Eustis 3-1-19 for demobilization 4-1-19.
65th Coast Artillery (AA) Regiment
Victory Ribbon - France/Defensive Sector/Champagne-Marne/St. Mihiel
Constituted 12-26-17 and organized 1-1-18. HHC and Btry F organized at Ft. Worden by transfer of personnel from the 1st, 2nd, 4th, & 6th-14th Cos, CD Puget Sound. Btrys A & B organized at Ft. Rosecrans by redesignating 2nd & 6th Cos, CD San Diego. Btrys C, D, & E and Supply Co organized at Ft. Stevens from 1st through 12th Cos, CD Columbia, the 1st Provisional Co, Ft. Stevens, and the 1st Provisional Co, Coast Artillery, NA. Regiment assembled at Ft. Winfield Scott 2-28-18 and departed Ft. Mason POE for New York, arriving 3-16-18 and staging at Cp. Merritt, NJ. Departed Hoboken and arrived Liverpool 4-1-18 and Le Havre 4-6-18. Assigned 32nd Arty Bde, CAC, and moved to O&TC No. 2 at Limoges for additional training. Completed training in early July and participated in St. Mihiel operations between 8-30-18 and 9-16-18, supporting First U.S. Army. Later, during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, 9-26 to 11-11-18, the 65th supported V & VI Corps, First Army. It was at Romagne near Sedan when the Armistice was signed. On 12-27-18 the 65th Arty moved to Brest and arrived New York 1-30-19. The regiment was processed at Cp. Dix, NJ, transferred to Cp. Lewis, WA, and demobilized 2-28-19.
66th Coast Artillery (AA) Regiment
Victory Ribbon - France
Constituted 1918 as 66th Arty, CAC, and organized at Ft. Adams 3-1-18 from personnel in CD Narragansett Bay. Departed Ft. Adams 7-18-18 and sailed from the Boston POE later in the month. Regiment (less Btry C) arrived in Le Havre 8-10-18. Btry C arrived Cherbourg 8-19-18. Assigned to Services of Supply and moved to Limoges (Haute-Vienne) where the 1st Bn remained until the Armistice. The 2nd and 3rd Bns moved to La Courtine (Crouse) on 11-6-18 and 11-10-18 respectively where they also remained until the Armistice. The regiment remained in France until shipped back to the U.S. 3-8-19 and demobilized at Cp. Upton, NY, 3-20-19.
67th Coast Artillery (AA) Regiment
Victory Ribbon - France
Constituted 3-2-18 as 67th Arty, CAC, and organized at Ft. Winfield Scott 5-21-18. HHC, Supply Cos, and Btrys A-F organized by personnel transfered from the 5th, 30th, 13th, 26th, 7th, 29th, 14th, & 17th Cos, CD San Francisco. Entrained for Cp. Mills, NY; staged for overseas movement to France. Sailed from Hoboken POE and arrived Brest 9-3-18. Stationed at Chalus (Haute-Vienne) for training until 10-25-18. Moved to Aixe-sur-Vienne (Haute-Vienne) until the Armistice. Moved to St. Salve (Gironde), arriving 12-17-18. Moved to Bordeaux and sailed for New York 2-10-19. Landed 3-1-19 and moved to Cp. Mills, NY, where it was partially demobilized. Entrained to Presidio of San Francisco, and completed demobilization 4-24-19.
68th Coast Artillery (AA) Regiment
Victory Ribbon - France
Constituted May 1918 as 68th Arty, CAC, and organized at Fts. H.G. Wright and Terry 6-1-18. Completed training 8-8-18 and moved to Boston POE, departing 8-9-18 for Hoboken and London, disembarking 8-24-18 and crossing English Channel to Le Havre 8-29-18. The regiment traveled by train to O&TC Libourne (Gironde) for additional training, assigned to 36th Bde, CAC, but the Armistice was signed prior to completing training. Departed Bordeaux, arriving NYC 2-16-19. Moved to Fts. Wadsworth and Hamilton and demobilized 3-1-19.
69th Coast Artillery (AA) Regiment
Victory Ribbon - France
Constituted 5-17-18 as 69th Arty, CAC, and activated 5-27-18 at Ft. Worden. Upon completion of organization, moved 7-31-18 to Cp. Mills, NY, for deployment to France. Moved to Philadelphia, embarking for France 8-15-18 via Avormouth, England, arriving 8-31-18; a second section of the regiment sailed from Quebec 8-16-18 via Liverpool, arriving 8-31-18. The regiment crossed the Channel to Le Havre, arriving 9-2 & 3-18. Regiment forwarded to the OT&C at Libourne (Gironde) for training. Still training in France when the Armistice was signed. Regiment embarked 2-4-19 at Bordeaux and returned to Newport News 2-18-19, moved to Cp. Eustis, VA, and demobilized 3-5-19.
70th Artillery Regiment, CAC
Victory Ribbon - France
Constituted in 1918 and organized at Ft. Hamilton 6-1-18. Moved to Ft. Wadsworth to complete organization and training until 7-15-18, then moved to Hoboken for deployment to France. The 70th Arty arrived Brest 7-23-18 to 7-26-18 and was sent to O&TC No. 4 at Angers for training, assigned to 34th Bde, CAC. The regiment had just completed training and was ready to go on line when the Armistice was signed. Departed France for CONUS, arriving 2-22-19, and was processed at Cp. Merritt, NJ, before being transferred to Cp. Sherman, OH, and demobilized 3-12-19.
71st Coast Artillery (AA) Regiment
Victory Ribbon - France
Constituted 5-2-18 as the 71st Arty, CAC, and organized at Fts. Strong, Standish, Andrews, & Banks, 5-18-18. Organization completed 7-14-18 and 71st Arty departed Boston via Halifax, arriving Liverpool 8-15-18, crossing to Le Havre 8-30-18. Sent to O&TC No. 4, St Sylvain (Maine-et-Loire). Still training when Armistice signed, remained in France until early departing France 2-12-19 for CONUS, arriving 2-22-19 and processing at Cp. Merritt, NJ, before transfer to Cp. Devens, MA, and demobilization 3-6-19.
72nd Artillery Regiment, CAC
Victory Ribbon - France
Constituted 1918 and organized 5-4-18. HHC, Supply Co, and Btrys A & B organized at Ft. Williams with personnel transferred from 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 17th, 18th, 19th, & 23rd Cos, CD Portland, at Ft. Williams, and 13th Co at Ft. Baldwin; Btrys C & D organized at Ft. McKinley with personnel transferred from the 10th, 11th, 12th, 15th, 16th, 24th, 26th, 27th, & 28th Cos at Ft. McKinley; Btrys E & F organized at Ft. Preble with personnel transferred from the 9th, 22nd, & 29th Cos at Ft. Levett and the 6th, 7th, and 21st Cos at Ft. Preble. Upon organization, the regiment moved to Montreal, departed for England 8-14-18, arriving 8-25-18 and crossing to Le Havre 8-29-18. Stationed at St. Leonard (Haute-Vienne) and OTC No. 2 at Limoges for training and assigned to 35th Bde, CAC. Training completed after the Armistice. The 72nd Arty arrived NYC 3-29-19, processed through Hoboken to Cp. Upton, NY, and was transferred to Cp. Grant, IL, where it was demobilized 4-19-19.
73rd Artillery Regiment, CAC
Victory Ribbon - France
Constituted 1918 and organized 7-1-18. HHC, Supply Co, and Btrys C & D were organized at Ft. Banks; Btry A in CD Portland, Btry B in CD Portsmouth, Btry E in CD New Bedford, and Btry F in CD Narragansett Bay. Upon completion of initial training moved to Cp. Mills, NY, September 1918. Departed Hoboken POE, arrived Liverpool 10-7-18, and landed at Cherbourg 10-13-18. Moved to the RAR Training Center at Mailly-le-Camp, Haussimont (Marne), where it trained as part of 40th Bde, CAC. The Armistice was signed before the regiment went on line and the regiment departed, arriving New York 12-22-18. Processed through Cp. Mills, NY, and transferred to Cp. Devens, MA, for demobilization, completed 1-7-19.
74th Artillery Regiment, CAC
Victory Ribbon - France
Constituted 1918 and organized June 1918 at Ft. Schuyler. In September 1918 moved to Cp. Upton, NY. Departing through Hoboken POE 9-23-18, the regiment arrived at St. Nazaire 10-7- 18. Moved to O&TC No. 6 at Mailly-le-Camp and Haussimont (Marne), the training camp for the RAR, 10-22-18. Assigned to 40th Arty Bde; still in training when Armistice signed. Moved to Brest and sailed, arriving NYC 12-22-18. Moved to Cp. Mills, NY, for processing and then to Ft. Totten for demobilization January 1919.
75th Artillery Regiment, CAC
Victory Ribbon - France
Constituted in 1918 and organized 5-31-18. HHC, Supply Co, and Btry B organized at Ft. Moultrie, Btry A at Ft. Caswell, Btry C at Ft. Screven, Btry D at Ft. Barrancas, Btry E at Jackson Barracks at New Orleans, and Btry F at Ft. Crockett. Regiment moved to Cp. Merritt, NJ, and staged for overseas. Departed Hoboken, arrived in Brest 10-16-18, and was divided. Advance elements stationed at Mailly-le-Camp Haussimont (Marne) with RAR while remainder of the regiment was assigned to Services of Supply in the rear area. 1st Bn and Btrys C and E moved to Bievres (Loire-et-Cher) where Btry E remained until the Armistice. The 1st Bn moved to Alençon (Orne) on 11-5-18 while Btry C went to Reignoc (Indre-et-Loire) on 11-4-18 and remained until the Armistice. Btrys D and F remained at Brest until 11-1-18. Btry D then took station at Avoine (Indreet-Loire) on 11-5-18 while Btry F went to Lasuze-sur-Sarthe (Sarthe) 11-2-18, both remaining until the Armistice. The regiment was concentrated after the Armistice and remained in France until February 1919. Departed, arriving Newport News 3-12-19. Processed Cp. Stuart, VA, and transferred to Cp. Grant, IL, and demobilized later in March.
1st Army Artillery Park, C.A.C.
The 1st Army Artillery Park was first organized from various Companies in the Coast Defenses of San Francisco at Ft. Winfield Scott, California on 1 March 1918. During May 1918 the Artillery Park moved to Camp Mills, New York for final preparations before embarking for overseas duty. As they mobilized for sailing overseas they also passed through Camp Merritt, New Jersey.
On 15 June 1918 the Artillery Park under the command of Lt. Colonel William H Tobin went to the Port of Embarkation, Hoboken, New Jersey with 23 officers and 690 enlisted men and boarded the transport USS Kroonland. The other units aboard with the Artillery Park were: 33rd Division Casuals consisting of 1 officer, 78 enlisted men; 16 Casual officers; Engineers consisting of 9 officers, 2014 enlisted men; 23rd Depot Company with 3 officers, 100 enlisted men; 24th Depot Company with 2 officers, 98 enlisted.
On the 15th of June the Kroonland with her cargo of 54 officers and 2980 enlisted men set sail for St. Nazaire, France, in a convoy of 13 transports, escorted by the cruiser USS North Carolina and 14 Destroyers. The 13 ship convoy consisted of these troopships: Rijndam, LaLorraine, DeKalb, Finland, Appeles, Princess Matoika, Wilhelmina, Lenape, Czar, Pastores, Covington, George Washington and the Kroonland.
Upon arrival at St. Nazaire, France the Artillery Park went to O&T Center No. 5, located in Angouleme, France. Other units stationed there were the 47th Artillery, C.A.C., 54th Ammunition Train, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th HMORS (Heavy Mobile Ordnance Repair Shop) and the III Corps, IV Corps and V Corps Artillery Parks.
One Army Artillery Park was in France and operated with the First Army. The Second Army Artillery Park was ready to sail, but did not reach France. An Army Artillery Park consisted of three sections: 1) the motor section of 6 truck companies, 2) the depot section, consisting of a headquarters and 3 park batteries, and 3) an attached mobile ordnance repair shop. The whole park consisted of 1 Lt. Colonel, 3 Majors 14 Captains and 13 Lieutenants and 1,930 enlisted men. The motor section of the park was to be used to supplement the ammunition service of the army artillery units. The depot section was the repository for all spares of cannon and all other materiel for units of army artillery. The attached repair shop was used to affect the more important repairs for units of army artillery that could not be affected by the troops locally with their own repair facilities.
In August of 1918 this Army Artillery Park was assigned to the First Army and was then known as the First Army Artillery Park. While with the First Army it participated in the following battles:
1st Army Artillery Park:
St. Mihiel Offensive, France: 12 September-16 September 1918.
Meuse-Argonne Offensive, France: 26 September-11 November 1918.
Generally an Army Artillery Park consisted of these vehicles: 1 Ambulance, 8 five-passenger cars, 13 rolling kitchens, 92 motorcycles with side cars, 168 three-ton cargo trucks, 15 ration and baggage trucks, 5 artillery repair trucks, 8 light repair trucks, 3 equipment repair trucks, 5 supply trucks and 12 tank trucks.
After the Armistice was signed the First Army Artillery Park was returned to the States in May of 1919 and went to Camp Mills, New York. On 26th May 1919 the First Army Artillery Park was demobilized at the Presidio of San Francisco, California.
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