About this Unit
The 3rd Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment (3/64th Armor) was originally constituted in 1942 as part of the 64th Armored Regiment and served with distinction during World War II, participating in campaigns across the European Theater. During the Cold War, 3/64th Armor was stationed in Germany as part of the U.S. Army’s commitment to NATO, providing armored deterrence against potential Warsaw Pact aggression. The battalion later saw action in the Gulf War as part of Operation Desert Storm, where it played a key role in the rapid armored advances into Iraq. In the post-Cold War era, 3/64th Armor continued to serve with distinction, supporting operations in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom before its deactivation as part of Army restructuring.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The 3rd Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment traces its roots back to the 64th Armor Regiment, which was constituted on 3 May 1942 and activated at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas.
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World War II Service: Elements of the parent 64th Armor Regiment fought in major European campaigns, including Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
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Cold War Era: 3/64th Armor was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division and stationed in Germany for much of the Cold War, serving as a deterrent against Soviet aggression.
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Desert Storm: The battalion played a crucial combat role in Operation Desert Storm (1991), participating in the ground war that liberated Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.
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Symbolism: The unit's distinctive insignia features a mailed fist striking, symbolizing armored force and shock action, and a gold background denoting excellence.
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Operation Iraqi Freedom: 3/64th Armor deployed multiple times to Iraq, participating in major combat operations during the initial invasion in 2003 and subsequent security and stability missions.
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“Tusker” Nickname: The battalion is nicknamed the “Tuskers,” and its mascot is the elephant, representing strength, endurance, and teamwork.
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Urban Combat Pioneers: During Operation Iraqi Freedom, 3/64th Armor was among the first armored battalions to adapt its M1 Abrams tanks for urban warfare in Baghdad.
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Decorations: The battalion has been awarded multiple honors, including the Presidential Unit Citation and Valorous Unit Award for extraordinary heroism in action.
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Legacy: The 3/64th Armor Battalion was inactivated in the 2010s as part of force restructuring, but its traditions and honors continue through the lineage of the 64th Armor Regiment.
