US AIRBORNE

The 602nd Glider Field Artillery Battalion (GFAB) was informed on July 12, 1944, about its participation in an airborne operation. This unit evolved from the 602nd Amphibious Field Artillery Battalion, stationed on Kiska Island, and the 602nd Pack Artillery, deployed in Italy. To meet the specific demands of glider missions, the battalion underwent significant reorganization. According to the glider field artillery battalion Table of Organization (T/O), it transitioned from three batteries of four guns each to two batteries of six guns each. Consequently, Battery C was temporarily disbanded, and the unit was equipped with gear tailored for glider operations.

From July 23, 1944, the battalion trained intensively at Marcigliana Airfield, north of Rome, for two weeks. Soldiers practiced securing equipment in gliders and conducted two trial flights to perfect airborne artillery transport techniques. Meanwhile, a detachment of 68 men and three officers from Battery C was temporarily attached to the 601st Field Artillery Battalion at Mount Peschio. The 602nd GFAB, consisting of 657 men, was commanded by Major George M. Hunt, assisted by Major William E. Dressler. The unit joined the First Airborne Task Force and gathered in Frascati, Italy, on August 1, 1944, alongside other Allied units. Its primary mission was to provide direct fire support to the 551st Parachute Infantry Battalion (PIB) and bolster the firepower of the 460th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion (PFAB).

Operation Dragoon – August 15, 1944

On August 15, 1944, the battalion departed Italy in 66 gliders split between two airfields: Grosseto and Ombrene. Towed by C-47s of the 440th Troop Carrier Group, the gliders crossed the Mediterranean to land in the La Motte area in southern France. The first group from Grosseto, carrying the Service Battery and battalion command, took off at 3:45 PM, followed by another group with Battery B and the Medical Detachment at 4:00 PM. Battery A departed Ombrene at 4:00 PM. Despite challenging conditions, most gliders landed successfully by 6:30 PM, though nine soldiers were injured, and five initially went missing (later found unhurt).

The battalion's efficient organization enabled 11 75mm howitzers to be operational by 8:35 PM. However, no fire missions were required that evening, allowing the soldiers to fortify their positions and prepare for potential counterattacks.

Combat Support in Southern France

The next day, resupply parachute drops provided ammunition, rations, water, and other equipment. Tragically, a container exploded, killing Pvt. Thomas Collinson as he repaired a damaged howitzer. Some soldiers sought shelter under trees due to faulty or missing parachutes on the supplies. That day, Battery A relocated to support the 551st PIB's assault on Draguignan, firing 160 rounds at enemy positions.

On August 17, the battalion intensified its support, firing 361 shells to aid the 551st PIB in capturing Draguignan. Enemy mortar and machine-gun positions were destroyed, and snipers were neutralized. Unfortunately, three soldiers were wounded when a shell exploded under unknown circumstances.

The following day, August 18, the battalion was reassigned to Puget-sur-Argens to support the 517th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR). After regrouping, the unit departed La Motte and reached Puget later that day.

Further Campaigns

Beyond Provence, the 602nd GFAB participated in intense fighting in the Vosges Mountains, providing critical support to the 36th Infantry Division. During the Battle of the Bulge, its artillery fire was instrumental in repelling German counterattacks in this pivotal campaign.

Legacy

The 602nd Glider Field Artillery Battalion exemplified adaptability and courage under demanding conditions. Although its dissolution date remains undocumented, it likely disbanded in the postwar period during major U.S. Army reorganizations. Its legacy endures as a testament to the Allied determination to liberate Europe and the vital role of airborne artillery in achieving victory.