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5:77th Armor Battalion

U.S. Army•31 members

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About this Unit

5:77th Armor Battalion

U.S. Army

The 5th Battalion, 77th Armor Regiment (5/77th Armor Battalion) traces its lineage to the 77th Tank Battalion, activated in 1941. The unit saw action in World War II and was later reorganized under the 77th Armor Regiment. During the Vietnam War, the 5/77th Armor served as part of the 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized), providing armored support in the challenging terrain of Quang Tri Province from 1968 to 1971. The battalion distinguished itself in combat operations, earning commendations for its actions before its inactivation in the early 1970s.

About 5:77th Armor Battalion

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins in World War II: The 5th Battalion, 77th Armor traces its lineage back to the 77th Tank Battalion, which was originally constituted in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Service in Vietnam: The 5/77th Armor Battalion served with distinction in the Vietnam War as part of the 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized), earning several campaign streamers for its actions.
Nickname "Steel Tigers": The battalion earned the nickname "Steel Tigers" for its fierce combat performance and the power of its armored vehicles.
Quang Tri and Khe Sanh: The unit played a critical role in major operations near Quang Tri and Khe Sanh in Vietnam, often operating in conjunction with Marine and ARVN units.
First to Field M551 Sheridan: The 5/77th was among the first U.S. units to field the M551 Sheridan light tank in combat, testing its capabilities in the harsh conditions of Vietnam.
Decorations: The battalion was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation for its valor and effectiveness in combat.
Post-Vietnam Assignments: Following Vietnam, the battalion served in several posts in the United States and Germany, adapting to new technology and Cold War missions.
Deactivation and Reflagging: The 5/77th Armor Battalion was inactivated in the 1980s as part of Army restructuring, with its lineage and honors maintained by other units.
Veterans’ Legacy: Veterans of the battalion have remained connected through reunions and online communities, preserving the history and camaraderie of their service.
Lasting Impact: The battalion’s actions in Vietnam and its role in armored warfare have been studied in military academies, highlighting lessons in combined arms operations and armored tactics.

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5:77th Armor Battalion

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About this Unit

5:77th Armor Battalion

U.S. Army

Unit members

Warren Adams

U.S. Army · 1989 - 1992

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Robert Verner

U.S. Army · 1970 - 1971

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Bruce Jones

U.S. Army · 1985 - 1988

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Abel Gutierrez

U.S. Army · 1969 - 1971

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Army photos

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About 5:77th Armor Battalion

About this Unit

Historical Facts

Origins in World War II: The 5th Battalion, 77th Armor traces its lineage back to the 77th Tank Battalion, which was originally constituted in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Service in Vietnam: The 5/77th Armor Battalion served with distinction in the Vietnam War as part of the 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized), earning several campaign streamers for its actions.
Nickname "Steel Tigers": The battalion earned the nickname "Steel Tigers" for its fierce combat performance and the power of its armored vehicles.
Quang Tri and Khe Sanh: The unit played a critical role in major operations near Quang Tri and Khe Sanh in Vietnam, often operating in conjunction with Marine and ARVN units.
First to Field M551 Sheridan: The 5/77th was among the first U.S. units to field the M551 Sheridan light tank in combat, testing its capabilities in the harsh conditions of Vietnam.
Decorations: The battalion was awarded the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Unit Citation for its valor and effectiveness in combat.
Post-Vietnam Assignments: Following Vietnam, the battalion served in several posts in the United States and Germany, adapting to new technology and Cold War missions.
Deactivation and Reflagging: The 5/77th Armor Battalion was inactivated in the 1980s as part of Army restructuring, with its lineage and honors maintained by other units.
Veterans’ Legacy: Veterans of the battalion have remained connected through reunions and online communities, preserving the history and camaraderie of their service.
Lasting Impact: The battalion’s actions in Vietnam and its role in armored warfare have been studied in military academies, highlighting lessons in combined arms operations and armored tactics.