About this Unit
The 2nd Battalion, 72nd Armor Regiment (2/72nd Armor) is a distinguished armored battalion of the United States Army, with service under the United States Army Pacific (USARPAC). The battalion traces its origins to World War II, where the 72nd Armor first served with distinction. During the Korean War, 2/72nd Armor played a pivotal role in the defense of the Pusan Perimeter and subsequent United Nations offensives. In recent decades, the unit has remained forward-deployed in South Korea, serving as a critical deterrent on the Korean Peninsula and participating in numerous joint exercises to maintain combat readiness.
Historical Facts
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Unit Lineage: The 2nd Battalion, 72nd Armor Regiment (2-72 Armor) traces its roots back to the 72nd Tank Battalion, activated during World War II, and has undergone several redesignations since its inception.
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USARPAC Assignment: 2-72 Armor has long been associated with U.S. Army Pacific (USARPAC), serving as a key armored force in Korea, primarily under the 2nd Infantry Division.
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Korean War Action: Elements of the battalion participated in major Korean War engagements, including the defense of the Pusan Perimeter and the breakout from the Naktong Bulge.
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“First to Fight” Motto: The 72nd Armor Regiment’s motto, “Crusaders,” reflects its legacy as one of the first armored units to see combat in the Korean War.
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Modernization: The battalion has operated several generations of tanks, from M4 Shermans and M26 Pershings in the early days, to the M60 series, and now the M1A2 Abrams main battle tank.
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Camp Casey Home: 2-72 Armor has been primarily stationed at Camp Casey, South Korea, serving as a forward-deployed deterrent on the Korean Peninsula for decades.
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Combined Arms Operations: The unit often trains with Republic of Korea (ROK) Army forces in joint exercises, forging strong interoperability with Korean allies.
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Deployment to Iraq: In the mid-2000s, 2-72 Armor deployed elements in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, transitioning from a defensive mission in Korea to combat operations in the Middle East.
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Decorations: The battalion and its companies have received numerous awards for valor and achievement, including Presidential Unit Citations for their actions in Korea.
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Legacy of Readiness: 2-72 Armor is renowned for maintaining high levels of readiness, often winning division and Eighth Army gunnery competitions and being among the first armored units ready to respond to crises in Northeast Asia.
