68th Armor

• Origins in World War I: The 68th Armor traces its lineage to the 68th Infantry, constituted on 9 July 1918, during World War I as part of the National Army. • Transformation to Armor: The unit was redesignated as the 68th Armored Regiment in 1940 as the U.S. Army mechanized its forces in preparation for World War II. • World War II Campaigns: The 68th Armor fought in several major campaigns, including Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace (Battle of the Bulge), and Central Europe. • “Tankers” Nickname: Members of the 68th Armor Regiment are often referred to as "Tankers" due to their expertise with armored vehicles, especially the M4 Sherman tanks during WWII. • Patton’s Third Army: The regiment served with distinction under General George S. Patton’s Third Army during the rapid advance across France in 1944. • Post-WWII Service: After World War II, the 68th Armor became part of the U.S. Army’s regular armored units, serving in various posts in Germany during the Cold War. • Vietnam War Deployment: Elements of the regiment, such as the 1st Battalion, 68th Armor, served in Vietnam, participating in combat operations and earning commendations. • Modernization and the M1 Abrams: The unit transitioned to the M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank, remaining at the forefront of U.S. armored warfare technology. • Operation Iraqi Freedom: The 68th Armor played vital roles in Operation Iraqi Freedom, participating in the initial 2003 invasion and subsequent operations. • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The 68th Armor’s insignia features a black panther, symbolizing stealth and power — a nod to its original designation as the 68th Tank Battalion, “Panthers.”