The 2nd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment,

The 2nd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, participated in Molly Pitcher Day on Sicily Drop Zone July 6. Paratroopers, families, friends and guests observe an air assault raid conducted by Paratroopers assigned to the 2-319th AFAR. They placed two M119A2 howitzers that were sling loaded beneath two CH47 Chinook helicopters into firing position, then fired accurately into Coleman Impact Area on Fort Bragg. After the demonstration they sling loaded the howitzers to be taken off the drop zone. “Molly Pitcher,” who’s real name was Mary Hayes, was the wife of an artilleryman during the Revolutionary War. Like many wives, Hayes was present on the battlefield to provide the Soldiers with water during the fight. When the Soldiers were thirsty they would yell “Molly, pitcher,” to have a drink brought to them. However, when her husband was injured, Hayes left her pitcher behind, took control of the cannon and continued firing at the British. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Matthew G. Ryan, 2/82 PAO)