3:103rd Armor

• Origins in the National Guard: The 3rd Battalion, 103rd Armor (3/103rd Armor) traces its lineage back to Pennsylvania National Guard cavalry units organized before World War II. • World War II Service: Elements of the unit's predecessors served in the European Theater during World War II, providing reconnaissance and armored support. • Cold War Era: The 3/103rd Armor became an integral part of the 28th Infantry Division, serving as its primary armor battalion during the Cold War, ready to deploy in defense of NATO. • Transition to Armor: The battalion transitioned from cavalry to armor in the postwar period, operating tanks such as the M48 Patton and later the M60 and M1 Abrams. • Community Ties: Headquartered in central Pennsylvania, the 3/103rd Armor was known for its deep connections to local communities, often participating in civic events and parades. • Training Excellence: The unit regularly trained at Fort Indiantown Gap, developing a reputation for excellence in gunnery and maneuver training among National Guard units. • 9/11 Response: Following the September 11 attacks, members of the 3/103rd Armor were mobilized for homeland security missions and later for overseas deployments. • Operation Iraqi Freedom: Soldiers from the battalion deployed to Iraq, where they performed security, convoy escort, and stability operations in various regions. • Deactivation and Reorganization: As part of Army transformation initiatives, the 3/103rd Armor was deactivated in 2005, with many of its soldiers and traditions absorbed into new units. • Legacy and Honors: The battalion and its antecedent units earned campaign streamers and decorations for service in World War II, the Cold War, and the Global War on Terrorism, preserving a proud legacy in Pennsylvania military history.