2:68th Armor

• Origins: The 2nd Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment (2/68th Armor) traces its lineage to the 68th Tank Battalion, originally activated in 1940, making it part of the early mechanized forces of the U.S. Army. • World War II Service: The 68th Armor Regiment fought bravely in Europe during WWII, taking part in campaigns across France, Belgium, and Germany, including the Battle of the Bulge. • Cold War Deployments: During the Cold War, elements of 2/68th Armor served in West Germany as part of NATO forces, standing ready to counter any Soviet aggression. • Persian Gulf War: 2/68th Armor was part of the 8th Infantry Division (Mechanized) and played a role during Operation Desert Storm, contributing to the liberation of Kuwait in 1991. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The unit’s insignia features a black panther, symbolizing stealth, strength, and courage—qualities associated with armored units. • Nickname: The battalion has been known by the nickname "Panthers," reflecting the emblematic animal on its crest. • Training Excellence: 2/68th Armor has been recognized several times for excellence in gunnery and maneuver training, earning accolades at major training centers such as Grafenwoehr and Hohenfels in Germany. • Post-Cold War Reorganizations: Like many armored units, 2/68th Armor underwent several activations, inactivations, and reassignments as the U.S. Army restructured after the Cold War. • Decorations: The regiment and its battalions have received several Presidential Unit Citations and campaign streamers for their actions in WWII and later conflicts. • Modern Legacy: Elements of the 2/68th Armor have participated in peacekeeping and combat operations in the Balkans, Iraq, and Afghanistan, adapting to new missions beyond traditional tank warfare.