About this Unit
The 6th Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment (6/68th Armor) traces its lineage to the formation of the 68th Armor Regiment in 1940 as part of the U.S. Army’s armored force expansion during World War II. Throughout its service, elements of the unit participated in key campaigns in Europe, including the Rhineland and Central Europe operations. During the Cold War, 6/68th Armor was stationed in West Germany as part of the U.S. Army’s forward-deployed forces, contributing to NATO’s deterrence mission. The battalion continued to serve in various capacities until its inactivation, reflecting the evolving structure and needs of the U.S. Army’s armored forces.
Historical Facts
• Origins: The 6th Battalion, 68th Armor Regiment (6/68 Armor) traces its lineage to the 68th Armor Regiment, which was originally constituted in 1940 as part of the U.S. Army’s rapid expansion prior to World War II.
• World War II Service: Elements of the 68th Armor Regiment participated in major campaigns in Europe, including the Normandy landings, the Battle of the Bulge, and the liberation of France.
• Cold War Stationing: During the Cold War, 6/68 Armor was stationed in Germany as part of the 8th Infantry Division, providing a crucial armored deterrent against Warsaw Pact forces.
• Reforger Exercises: The unit regularly participated in REFORGER (Return of Forces to Germany) exercises, showcasing rapid deployment and readiness against potential Soviet aggression.
• Distinctive Insignia: The 68th Armor Regiment’s insignia features a stylized tank tread and muzzle, reflecting its heritage as one of the Army’s historic armored units.
• Gulf War Service: While the 6/68 Armor battalion itself did not deploy as a unit to the Gulf War, other elements of the 68th Armor Regiment played significant roles in Operation Desert Storm.
• Unit Nickname: The 68th Armor Regiment is known by the nickname "Thunder," and this legacy is shared by all its battalions, including 6/68 Armor.
• Deactivation: The 6th Battalion, 68th Armor was inactivated in the early 1990s as part of post-Cold War drawdowns and restructuring of U.S. forces in Europe.
• Reunions and Legacy: Veterans of the 6/68 Armor maintain an active association, organizing regular reunions and preserving the history of their unit through stories and memorabilia.
• Honors and Awards: The regiment, including the 6/68 Armor, has earned numerous campaign streamers and unit citations for its service in multiple conflicts, highlighting its long-standing contribution to U.S. military history.
