St. Barbara, Patron Saint of Artillery

St. Barbara, Patron Saint of Artillery

Learn the history as it relates to the Marine Corps

Today, artillerymen worldwide recognize Barbara as the patron saint of their craft. Once a year, Marine artillerymen gather to honor Saint Barbara and celebrate the day of her feast (December 4), a tradition for all professional artillerymen. Artillerymen are a peculiar breed. Part grunt, part Motor T (transport), part communications, and part deaf, they have a long lineage dating back to the Roman legions in 399 BC.

Photo Credit: —Marines the 1st Marine Division fire an M777 Howitzer during an exercise at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.
USMC photo by Cpl. Demetrius Morgan


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