About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 40th Armored Regiment (1/40th Armored) traces its origins to World War II, where its predecessor units served with distinction in major campaigns across Europe. Reactivated during the Cold War, the battalion became part of the 40th Armored Division, California Army National Guard, tasked primarily with armored warfare and homeland defense missions. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, 1/40th Armored participated in numerous training exercises and mobilizations, ensuring readiness for both national emergencies and overseas deployments. Although the 40th Armored Division was inactivated in 1968, the legacy of the 1/40th Armored endures in the traditions and history of California’s armored forces.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The 1st Battalion, 40th Armor (1/40th Armor) traces its lineage back to World War II as part of the 40th Armored Division, a unit of the California Army National Guard.
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WWII Service: The 40th Armored Division was originally organized as the 40th Infantry Division and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II, participating in campaigns such as Luzon and the liberation of the Philippines.
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Cold War Role: During the Cold War, the 1/40th Armor was reconstituted as an armored unit, with a primary mission of defending the U.S. West Coast and potentially deploying to Europe in case of Soviet aggression.
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National Guard Status: The 1/40th Armor was a California Army National Guard unit, with its soldiers being citizen-soldiers who balanced civilian careers with military service.
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Training with Modern Tanks: The battalion trained on M48 Patton and later M60 series main battle tanks, representing the cutting edge of U.S. armored technology during the mid-20th century.
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Support during Civil Unrest: 1/40th Armor units were mobilized to help restore order during periods of civil unrest in California, including responding to riots and natural disasters.
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Annual Training at Fort Irwin: The unit regularly participated in large-scale training exercises at Fort Irwin, California, home of the National Training Center, honing their skills in desert warfare.
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Community Involvement: As a National Guard unit, 1/40th Armor hosted open houses, parades, and tank demonstrations for the public, fostering strong community ties.
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Deactivation: The 40th Armored Division, including 1/40th Armor, was inactivated and reorganized during the post-Cold War drawdown in the early 1990s, with many soldiers and equipment reassigned.
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Legacy: The traditions and honors of 1/40th Armor live on in successor California National Guard units, and its veterans remain active in reunion groups and historical societies.
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