About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 66th Armored Regiment (1/66 AR), known as the "Iron Knights," traces its lineage to the original 66th Armored Regiment, activated in 1940. The unit distinguished itself during World War II as part of the 2nd Armored Division, participating in key campaigns including Normandy, Northern France, and the Rhineland. In the decades that followed, 1/66 AR served in numerous conflicts, including Operations Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, demonstrating adaptability and combat effectiveness. Today, the battalion is part of the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, maintaining its legacy of excellence in armored warfare.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment (1/66 AR) traces its lineage back to July 1940, when the 66th Armored Regiment was constituted as part of the 2nd Armored Division, famously nicknamed “Hell on Wheels.”
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North African Campaign: The unit saw its first combat during the Allied invasion of North Africa in 1942 (Operation Torch), landing in Morocco and participating in the campaign that led to the surrender of Axis forces in Tunisia.
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Normandy Landings: Elements of the 66th Armor played a key role in the Normandy campaign after D-Day, fighting across France and helping to liberate key towns from German occupation.
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Battle of the Bulge: The battalion was heavily engaged during the Battle of the Bulge, contributing to the defense of Bastogne and the eventual counter-offensive that pushed German forces back.
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Cold War Service: After World War II, 1/66 AR was stationed in Germany as part of NATO, where it served as a deterrent against Soviet aggression throughout the Cold War.
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Operation Desert Storm: In 1991, the battalion deployed to the Middle East for Operation Desert Storm, where it participated in the ground offensive that liberated Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.
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Transformation and Modernization: The unit has undergone several reorganizations, adopting the latest main battle tanks including the M1 Abrams, and integrating advanced digital battlefield technology.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: 1/66 AR deployed multiple times to Iraq, where it was involved in major combat operations, stability missions, and partnered with Iraqi forces to improve local security.
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Afghanistan Deployments: The battalion also deployed to Afghanistan, conducting counterinsurgency operations and helping train Afghan security forces in support of NATO missions.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion's distinctive crest features a black panther, symbolizing stealth and power, and the motto "Semper in Hostes" (Always into the Enemy), reflecting its aggressive combat spirit.
