27th Armor Div

• Origins: The 27th Armored Division was a unit of the United States Army National Guard, formed in 1955 from the 27th Infantry Division following the Korean War as part of the Army’s Pentomic reorganization. • New York Roots: The division was headquartered in New York State, and its lineage traces back to the famed “New York Division” of World War I and II. • Cold War Mission: The 27th Armored Division’s primary mission was to be a rapid reaction force in the event of a Soviet attack on Western Europe during the Cold War. • Distinctive Patch: The unit retained the iconic “NY” monogram shoulder patch from its infantry days, making it easily recognizable. • Training Exercises: The division participated in numerous large-scale exercises, including Operation Pine Tree in 1957, which tested the US Army’s ability to mobilize National Guard units rapidly. • Integration of Modern Armor: The 27th was one of the first National Guard divisions to be equipped with the M48 Patton tank, reflecting the Army’s modernization efforts. • Community Impact: The division’s presence in upstate New York brought economic and social benefits to the area, with thousands of Guardsmen serving from local communities. • Deactivation: The 27th Armored Division was inactivated in 1968 as part of a broader restructuring of the Army National Guard, reverting to the 27th Infantry Brigade (Separate). • Legacy: The division’s lineage and honors continue today through the 27th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, which has served in Iraq and Afghanistan. • Notable Commanders: Major General Almerin C. O’Hara, a World War II veteran, was one of the division’s first commanding generals, helping to guide its transformation into an armored force.