About this Unit
The 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment (2/34th Armor) was first constituted in 1941 as part of the 34th Armored Regiment and assigned to the 5th Armored Division during World War II. The unit saw combat in the European Theater, participating in campaigns across France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany, and earned numerous campaign streamers for its distinguished service. In the decades following WWII, 2/34th Armor underwent several activations and inactivations, serving in various armored and training roles within the U.S. Army. In recent years, the battalion has been part of the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas, deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, continuing its legacy of excellence in armored warfare.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The 2nd Battalion, 34th Armor Regiment traces its lineage back to the 34th Armored Regiment, which was constituted in 1941 during the rapid expansion of the U.S. Army prior to World War II.
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World War II Service: The parent 34th Armored Regiment was part of the 5th Armored Division and saw extensive combat in the European Theater, particularly in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany.
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Cold War Presence: During the Cold War, 2-34 Armor served in Germany as part of NATO forces, helping to deter Soviet aggression and maintain European security.
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Vietnam War: Elements of the 34th Armor Regiment served in Vietnam, providing armored support for infantry operations and earning campaign participation credit.
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Adoption of the M1 Abrams: In the 1980s, 2-34 Armor became one of the early units to field the M1 Abrams main battle tank, reflecting its commitment to maintaining cutting-edge armored capabilities.
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Desert Storm: While not all battalions were deployed, the 34th Armor Regiment's units supported Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm through deployments and training exercises.
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Fort Riley Assignment: 2-34 Armor is based at Fort Riley, Kansas, and has served as a key armored battalion within the 1st Infantry Division ("The Big Red One").
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: 2-34 Armor deployed multiple times to Iraq, participating in major combat operations, stabilization missions, and training of Iraqi forces.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The unit’s insignia features a tank tread and a gauntlet, symbolizing the strength and armored fist of the battalion.
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Motto – “Fear God, Dreadnaught”: The battalion’s motto reflects its fighting spirit and resilience, with "Dreadnaught" historically meaning "fear nothing."
