About this Unit
The 3rd Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment (3/68th Armor) has a distinguished history within the United States Army Armor Branch. Originally constituted during World War II, the unit has served in various armored and mechanized roles, supporting both European and domestic operations throughout its history. During the Cold War, 3/68th Armor was stationed in Germany as part of the U.S. Army’s forward-deployed forces, emphasizing deterrence against Warsaw Pact threats. In more recent years, the battalion has participated in training exercises and deployments, adapting to modern combined arms tactics and supporting operations in the Middle East.
Historical Facts
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Origins: The 3rd Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment (3/68 Armor) traces its lineage to the 68th Armor Regiment, which was constituted in the Regular Army in 1940.
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World War II Service: Elements of the 68th Armor fought in major campaigns during WWII, including Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe.
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Cold War Presence: During the Cold War, 3/68th Armor was stationed in West Germany as part of NATO forces, playing a deterrence role against potential Warsaw Pact aggression.
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Operation Desert Storm: 3/68 Armor deployed to the Middle East in 1990-91 as part of Operation Desert Storm, participating in the ground campaign that liberated Kuwait.
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Modernization: The battalion has operated several generations of main battle tanks, from the M4 Sherman in WWII, to the M60 Patton during the Cold War, and later the modern M1 Abrams.
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Fort Carson: In the 1980s and 1990s, 3/68 Armor was based at Fort Carson, Colorado, as part of the 4th Infantry Division.
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Deactivation and Reactivation: Like many Cold War armored units, 3/68th Armor has undergone periods of inactivation and reactivation as the Army’s force structure changed.
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Distinctive Insignia: The 68th Armor Regiment’s coat of arms features a black panther, symbolizing stealth, power, and aggressiveness on the battlefield.
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Gulf War Notable Actions: During the Gulf War, 3/68 Armor was recognized for rapid offensive maneuvers, seizing key objectives and capturing enemy equipment.
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Legacy: Veterans and alumni of 3/68 Armor maintain strong connections and traditions, sharing stories and preserving the unit’s legacy through reunions and online communities.
