The 4th Artillery was authorized and constituted by an Act of Congress on June 1812 as the 4th Artillery Regiment. The Regiment has seen continuous duty since that date.

The 8th Battalion, 4th Artillery has served in varied capacities throughout its illustrious service; Coast Artillery, Harbor Defense, Anti-Aircraft Artillery, Pack Artillery, 175mm Gun Battalion and as a 175mm/ 8 inch (SP) Gun Battalion.

On 1 March 1967, the 8th Battalion, 4th Artillery was activated at Fort Sill, Oklahoma as a 175mm Gun Battalion. Its mission was to deploy on 24 July 1967 to the central highlands of Vietnam.

Major Robert W. (Bill) Kindt received DA orders to activate the battalion and he, along with 1st Lt Bill Tredennick, reported to the 6000 area of Fort Sill. They found two members already working. They were WO1 Joe Talley; battalion supply officer, and Private Don Brodie, a supply clerk