1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment
"Hamilton's Own"

The 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery mission is to maintain a trained and ready cadre in order to train Military Transition Teams (MiTT) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, to support 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, and to support the Battalion's deployed Security Force (SECFOR) units. This mission reflected a change in the mission of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division in 2006.

The 5th Field Artillery Battalion was constituted as part of the Regular Army in January 1907, although the 1st Battalion's lineage dates back to the Revolutionary War. On 1 March 1776, a 19 year-old Captain Alexander Hamilton, began the organization of the New York Provincial Artillery Company. This company fought with distinction through the Revolutionary War and was the only unit not deactivated following the war. For over 200 years of unbroken service, Hamilton's Own has faithfully served the country. Battery D, 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery Regiment was the direct descendent of Alexander Hamilton's original Artillery Company. Campaign streamers from the War of 1812, Indian Wars, Mexican War, and Civil War further attest to its long history.

The unit also served in the Spanish-American War and the Philippine Insurrection before being assigned to the 1st Division in 1917. From this war, the Regiment was awarded 7 campaign streamers and received the French Croix De Guerres with Palm for action in Lorraine, Picardy, the Aisne-Marne and the Meuse-Argonne campaigns.

In World War II, 8 additional campaign streamers were added to the Regimental standard along with the French Croix De Guerres with Palm, French Medaille Militaire and Belgian Fourragere.

The Battalion was redesignated on 20 January 1964 as the 1st Battalion, 5th Artillery and was equipped with 18 105mm towed howitzers. This reorganization resulted in 3 firing batteries and a Headquarters and Service Battery. By direction of the Chief of Staff of the Army, the third firing battery was designated as Battery D in recognition of the many years that Battery D of the 5th Field Artillery had carried on the Alexander Hamilton Battery traditions. During the conflict in Vietnam, the regiment earned 11 campaign streamers and was awarded 2 Meritorious Unit Commendations, Republic of Vietnam Crosses of Gallantry with Palm, and the Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Honor Medal.

In September 2003, the 1st Battalion, 5th Field Artillery deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Battalion served as direct fire support in and around Ramadi, Iraq.