About this Unit
The 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment (2/69 Armor) is a distinguished armored battalion of the United States Army, first activated in 1940. It saw significant combat during World War II, including campaigns in North Africa and Europe. During the Vietnam War, 2/69 Armor earned recognition for its actions as part of the 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, engaging in armored operations throughout the Central Highlands. In recent decades, the battalion has deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, continuing its tradition of excellence as part of the 3rd Infantry Division.
Historical Facts
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Vietnam Combat Debut: 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment (2/69 AR) was deployed to Vietnam in 1966 and was among the first U.S. tank units to see extensive combat in the Vietnam War, supporting infantry and conducting search-and-destroy missions.
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Battle of Ben Het: 2/69th Armor played a key role in the defense of Ben Het Special Forces Camp in 1969, engaging North Vietnamese PT-76 tanks in one of the few tank-on-tank battles of the Vietnam War.
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Gulf War Service: The battalion fought in Operation Desert Storm in 1991 as part of the 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized), participating in the famous "left hook" maneuver into Iraq.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The 69th Armor Regiment’s insignia features a gauntlet and mace, symbolizing the unit’s striking power and readiness for armored combat.
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Kosovo Deployment: In the late 1990s, 2/69th Armor was deployed to Kosovo as part of peacekeeping operations with KFOR, helping to stabilize the region after the conflict.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: 2/69th Armor was among the first armored units to cross into Iraq in 2003, leading the assault on Baghdad as part of the "Thunder Run" raids that hastened the fall of the city.
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"Panther Battalion" Nickname: The battalion is nicknamed the "Panther Battalion," and its soldiers often refer to themselves as "Panthers."
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Home Station: 2/69th Armor has been based at Fort Moore, Georgia (formerly Fort Benning), as part of the 3rd Infantry Division, a storied unit with a long history.
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Presidential Unit Citation: The battalion has earned several unit awards, including Presidential Unit Citations for extraordinary heroism in action.
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Legacy of Service: Since its activation in 1940, 2/69th Armor has served in World War II, Vietnam, the Gulf War, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan—demonstrating a continuous legacy of service across generations.
