About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment (1/77th Armor) traces its origins to its activation in 1941 as part of the 77th Tank Battalion. Throughout World War II, the unit served with distinction in campaigns across North Africa, Sicily, and Europe, earning several honors for its valor in combat. In the decades following the war, 1/77th Armor participated in the Korean War and later deployments, including Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, showcasing adaptability and effectiveness in armored warfare. Today, 1/77th Armor continues to serve as a key armored battalion within the U.S. Army, upholding its proud tradition of excellence and readiness.
Historical Facts
• Origins in World War II: The 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment traces its lineage back to the original 77th Tank Battalion, which was activated in 1941 at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
• Normandy Campaign: The unit landed on Utah Beach in Normandy on D-Day plus 2 (June 8, 1944) and participated in the liberation of France as part of the 4th Infantry Division.
• Battle of the Bulge: The 1/77th Armor played a significant role in repelling German forces during the Battle of the Bulge, one of the largest battles fought by the U.S. Army in Europe.
• Vietnam War Service: During the Vietnam War, the battalion served as part of the 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized), conducting operations in the Quảng Trị Province and the DMZ area.
• Gulf War Participation: The 1/77th Armor was deployed during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, engaging in the liberation of Kuwait as part of the "left hook" maneuver with the 1st Armored Division.
• Operation Iraqi Freedom: The unit saw multiple deployments to Iraq, including the 2003 invasion, where it was involved in the capture of Baghdad and later stability operations.
• Distinctive Unit Insignia: The battalion’s insignia features a black panther, a symbol of stealth and power, adopted from its original World War II emblem.
• Modernization: The 1/77th Armor has operated several generations of tanks, from the M4 Sherman in WWII to the current M1A2 Abrams Main Battle Tank.
• Decorations and Honors: The unit has earned multiple Presidential Unit Citations, Valorous Unit Awards, and foreign decorations for its bravery and achievements in combat.
• Current Assignment: Today, the 1st Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment is part of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, continuing its legacy of armored excellence.
