About this Unit
The 4th Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment (Airborne), particularly Alpha Company (A/CO), traces its lineage to the historic 68th Armor Regiment, established during World War II. Reactivated and designated as an airborne unit, the 4-68th Armor became notable for its integration of armored tactics with airborne operations, often training alongside paratrooper units to ensure rapid deployment and armored support behind enemy lines. During its service, A/CO 4-68th Armor ABN participated in major training exercises and served as a critical armored element within the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The unit was recognized for its adaptability and effectiveness until its inactivation during post-Cold War force restructuring in the mid-1990s.
Historical Facts
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Combined Armor and Airborne Heritage: The 4th Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment (often referenced as 4-68 Armor) with Company A (A/CO) has a unique lineage, combining the traditions of armored units with the airborne capabilities, particularly when assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg.
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Vietnam Service: Elements of the 68th Armor Regiment saw action in Vietnam, where they served with distinction, operating M48 Patton tanks in challenging jungle terrain and contributing to armored assaults and convoy security.
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Airborne Armor Experiment: In the 1980s, the 4-68 Armor (A/CO) participated in experiments integrating light armored vehicles with airborne forces. The unit was equipped with M551 Sheridan light tanks, which could be airdropped or airlanded, giving paratroopers added firepower.
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Pioneering the Use of M551 Sheridan: Soldiers in 4-68 Armor A/CO were among the few ever qualified to airdrop the M551 Sheridan tank, a feat requiring specialized training both for tank crews and pilots.
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Operation Just Cause: The 4-68 Armor (A/CO) played a significant role in Operation Just Cause in Panama (1989), where Sheridans were parachuted in to provide direct-fire support for airborne infantry.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The 68th Armor Regiment's insignia features a black panther, symbolizing stealth and power, personal traits valued by tankers and paratroopers alike.
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Nickname "Silver Lions": The 4-68 Armor earned the nickname "Silver Lions," a reference to their courage and the silver color of their tank destroyer heritage.
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Desert Training: The unit conducted extensive training in desert environments, preparing for rapid deployment to hotspots like the Middle East, and participated in large-scale exercises such as REFORGER and NTC rotations.
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Deactivation and Legacy: The 4-68 Armor was inactivated in the 1990s as part of post-Cold War drawdowns, but its traditions and lineage are preserved in successor armor units.
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Veteran Camaraderie: Former members of 4-68 Armor (A/CO) have a strong veteran network, sharing stories of their airborne armor experience at reunions and online forums, keeping the unit's history alive.
