8th Armor

• Formation: The 8th Armored Division, known as the "Thundering Herd," was activated on April 1, 1942, at Fort Knox, Kentucky. • World War II Service: The division landed in France in January 1945 and saw combat in the Rhineland, Central Europe, and the Ardennes-Alsace campaigns. • Bridge at Remagen: Elements of the 8th Armored Division helped secure crossings of the Rhine River, including actions near the famous Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen. • Liberation of Concentration Camps: The 8th Armored Division was involved in liberating several Nazi concentration camps, including Halberstadt-Zwieberge and Langenstein-Zwieberge subcamps. • Nickname Origin: The nickname "Thundering Herd" reflected the division's reputation for rapid and powerful armored advances across enemy lines. • Combat Achievements: The division captured over 18,000 prisoners and destroyed or captured hundreds of enemy vehicles during its combat operations in Europe. • Unique Insignia: The division’s shoulder patch features a gold and black armored triangle with a tank track and cannon, symbolizing armor, mobility, and firepower. • Postwar Fate: After WWII, the 8th Armored Division was inactivated in November 1945 at Camp Patrick Henry, Virginia, and was not reactivated during the Cold War. • Medal of Honor: Staff Sergeant John R. Crews of the 8th Armored Division received the Medal of Honor for his bravery during combat in Germany in April 1945. • Legacy: The division’s legacy is preserved by veterans associations and historical groups, who commemorate its service and sacrifices each year.