3rd Armored Divison

• Nickname – "Spearhead": The 3rd Armored Division earned the nickname "Spearhead" for its rapid and decisive advances during World War II, often leading Allied attacks through enemy lines. • World War II Origins: Activated in 1941, the division first saw action in Normandy, landing shortly after D-Day and pushing through France, Belgium, and into Germany. • Famous Commanders: General Maurice Rose, a notable commander of the division, was the highest-ranking U.S. Army officer killed by enemy fire in the European Theater. • Liberation of Concentration Camps: The 3rd Armored Division played a role in liberating the Dora-Mittelbau concentration camp in April 1945. • Battle of the Bulge: The division fought in the Ardennes during the Battle of the Bulge, helping to stem the German offensive. • Cold War Presence: After WWII, the division was stationed in West Germany for decades as part of NATO forces, symbolizing U.S. commitment to European defense. • Desert Storm: The 3rd Armored Division played a key role in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, leading the ground assault into Iraq and Kuwait. • Largest Armored Division: At its peak during the Cold War, the 3rd Armored was one of the largest armored divisions in the U.S. Army, with over 360 tanks and 20,000 personnel. • Deactivation: Following the end of the Cold War, the division was officially deactivated in 1992, marking the end of over 50 years of distinguished service. • Legacy and Memorials: The division's legacy is preserved at the National Armor and Cavalry Museum in Fort Benning, Georgia, and through veteran reunions and memorials in the U.S. and Europe.