1:40th Armored Division

```html • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • 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. • Community Involvement: As a National Guard unit, 1/40th Armor hosted open houses, parades, and tank demonstrations for the public, fostering strong community ties. • 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. • 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. ```