2nd Armored Division

• Nickname – "Hell on Wheels": The 2nd Armored Division earned its famous nickname, "Hell on Wheels," during World War II for its aggressive tactics and outstanding performance in battle. • Created in 1940: The division was formed at Fort Benning, Georgia, in July 1940, one of the first American armored divisions. • Led by General Patton: The legendary General George S. Patton was the division’s first commander before moving on to lead larger formations. • North Africa and Sicily Campaigns: The 2nd Armored Division saw its first major combat in North Africa during Operation Torch (1942) and later fought in the invasion of Sicily (1943). • Omaha Beach, D-Day: Elements of the division landed on Omaha Beach on June 9, 1944, three days after D-Day, and played a crucial role in the breakout from Normandy. • Battle of the Bulge: The division participated in the Battle of the Bulge, helping to blunt the German offensive and restore the front lines. • First to Enter Berlin Area: Elements of the 2nd Armored were among the first American units to reach the outskirts of Berlin in April 1945. • Cold War Service: After WWII, the division was stationed in Germany and the United States, serving as a key element of NATO's deterrent force during the Cold War. • Operation Desert Storm: The division’s elements, as Task Force 1-41 Infantry and others, played a significant role in the ground campaign during the liberation of Kuwait in 1991. • Deactivation: The 2nd Armored Division was inactivated in 1995 at Fort Hood, Texas, ending over five decades of distinguished service.