1:34th Armor

• Origins: The 1st Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment traces its lineage back to the 34th Armored Regiment, which was constituted on 28 August 1941 at Fort Knox, Kentucky. • World War II Service: The unit served with distinction in World War II, participating in campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe. • Normandy Landings: Elements of 34th Armor landed in Normandy shortly after D-Day, supporting infantry and pushing through the hedgerows in the drive to liberate France. • Reactivation for Vietnam: The battalion was reactivated in 1963 and deployed to Vietnam with the 4th Infantry Division, providing armored support in the Central Highlands. • Nickname - "Centurions": 1-34 Armor is known as the "Centurions," a name reflecting both the Roman military tradition and armored strength. • Cold War Role: After Vietnam, the battalion was stationed in Germany as part of the U.S. Army’s NATO commitment, prepared to defend against Warsaw Pact aggression. • Gulf War Deployments: Although the unit itself did not deploy as a battalion in Desert Storm, many of its soldiers and leaders saw action with other units. • Transformation and Training: The 1/34th Armor has been a key training battalion at Fort Riley, Kansas, preparing new generations of tankers and armored crewmen. • Operation Iraqi Freedom: The battalion deployed to Iraq in 2005-2006, conducting combat and stability operations primarily in the Baghdad area. • Legacy of Valor: The battalion’s colors display numerous campaign streamers and decorations, including the French Croix de Guerre with Palm, evidencing its legacy of bravery and sacrifice.