6:68th Armor

• Origins: The 6th Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment (6/68 Armor) traces its lineage to the 68th Armor Regiment, which was originally constituted in 1940 as part of the U.S. Army’s rapid expansion prior to World War II. • World War II Service: Elements of the 68th Armor Regiment participated in major campaigns in Europe, including the Normandy landings, the Battle of the Bulge, and the liberation of France. • Cold War Stationing: During the Cold War, 6/68 Armor was stationed in Germany as part of the 8th Infantry Division, providing a crucial armored deterrent against Warsaw Pact forces. • Reforger Exercises: The unit regularly participated in REFORGER (Return of Forces to Germany) exercises, showcasing rapid deployment and readiness against potential Soviet aggression. • Distinctive Insignia: The 68th Armor Regiment’s insignia features a stylized tank tread and muzzle, reflecting its heritage as one of the Army’s historic armored units. • Gulf War Service: While the 6/68 Armor battalion itself did not deploy as a unit to the Gulf War, other elements of the 68th Armor Regiment played significant roles in Operation Desert Storm. • Unit Nickname: The 68th Armor Regiment is known by the nickname "Thunder," and this legacy is shared by all its battalions, including 6/68 Armor. • Deactivation: The 6th Battalion, 68th Armor was inactivated in the early 1990s as part of post-Cold War drawdowns and restructuring of U.S. forces in Europe. • Reunions and Legacy: Veterans of the 6/68 Armor maintain an active association, organizing regular reunions and preserving the history of their unit through stories and memorabilia. • Honors and Awards: The regiment, including the 6/68 Armor, has earned numerous campaign streamers and unit citations for its service in multiple conflicts, highlighting its long-standing contribution to U.S. military history.