34th Tank Battalion

• World War II Origins: The 34th Tank Battalion was activated on 15 June 1942 at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas, as part of the 5th Armored Division, known as the “Victory Division.” • Normandy Landings: The battalion landed in Normandy, France, in July 1944, shortly after D-Day, and saw first combat in late July during Operation Cobra, the breakout from the Normandy beachhead. • Rapid Advance: The 34th Tank Battalion was recognized for its rapid armored advances across France, at times covering over 100 miles in a single day during the pursuit of retreating German forces. • Liberation of Luxembourg: The unit played a key role in liberating Luxembourg, with its tanks being among the first Allied vehicles to enter the city on 10 September 1944. • Battle of the Bulge: During the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, the battalion was involved in the defense and subsequent counterattack, helping to relieve the besieged town of Bastogne. • Crossing the Rhine: In March 1945, the battalion famously crossed the Rhine River at Wesel, Germany, contributing to the final push into the heart of Nazi Germany. • Decorations: The unit earned a Presidential Unit Citation for its extraordinary heroism during the campaign in France. • Equipment: The battalion was originally equipped with M4 Sherman tanks, which were crucial to its success in both offensive and defensive operations throughout Europe. • Post-War Service: After World War II, the 34th Tank Battalion was inactivated in 1945 but has been reconstituted in various forms in the Army Reserve and National Guard. • Legacy: Veterans from the 34th Tank Battalion have attended numerous reunions, sharing stories that reflect the battalion’s esprit de corps and significant contributions to Allied victory in Europe.