1st Battalion,72d Armor (motars)

• Origins: The 1st Battalion, 72d Armor Regiment traces its roots to World War II, originally constituted as part of the 2d Armored Division in 1941. • Korean War Service: The battalion saw extensive combat in the Korean War, including participation in the breakout from the Pusan Perimeter and the push to the Yalu River. • Mortar Platoons: The battalion’s mortar platoons provided critical indirect fire support, often engaging enemy positions beyond the range of direct-fire tanks. • Battle of Old Baldy: During the Korean War, the unit played a key role in the fierce Battle of Old Baldy, providing armored and mortar support to infantry units. • Presidential Unit Citation: The 1-72 Armor earned the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism during combat operations in Korea. • Cold War Era: After Korea, the battalion was stationed in Germany as part of the U.S. commitment to NATO, regularly conducting live-fire mortar exercises. • Return to Korea: In 1963, 1-72 Armor was assigned to the 2nd Infantry Division in South Korea, where it continues to serve as a deterrent against North Korean aggression. • Modernization: The battalion has continuously upgraded its equipment, transitioning from the M4 Sherman to the M48 Patton, and now operates the M1A2 Abrams tank with advanced mortar support systems. • Combined Arms Training: The mortar platoons regularly train with infantry and artillery units, perfecting joint fire missions and close support tactics. • Current Role: Today, the 1st Battalion, 72d Armor remains a vital part of the 2nd Infantry Division at Camp Casey, South Korea, with its mortar platoon providing rapid, mobile indirect fire support in one of the world’s most volatile regions.