About this Unit
Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 33rd Armor Regiment (B Co, 1/33 Armor) has a distinguished history within the United States Army. Activated during World War II, the 33rd Armor Regiment fought with valor in major European campaigns, earning several unit citations for its service. In the decades following the war, B Company served in various theaters, including the Cold War in Europe and peacekeeping missions worldwide. In recent years, B Co, 1/33 Armor participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom, providing armored support and playing a crucial role in combat operations before the regiment was reorganized under the Army’s modular transformation.
Historical Facts
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Activation and Early History: Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 33rd Armor Regiment ("B Co, 1/33 Armor") traces its lineage to the activation of the 33rd Armor Regiment in 1941, at the onset of America's involvement in World War II.
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World War II Service: The 33rd Armor Regiment served with distinction as part of the 3rd Armored Division ("Spearhead") in the European Theater, participating in key campaigns including the Battle of Normandy and the push into Germany.
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Normandy Landings: Elements of the regiment were among the first armored units to land in France after D-Day in June 1944, supporting infantry advances and breaching German defenses.
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Battle of the Bulge: B Co, along with its parent regiment, played a crucial role in the Battle of the Bulge, helping to blunt the German counteroffensive and restore Allied lines.
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Cold War Era: During the Cold War, B Co, 1/33 Armor was stationed in West Germany as part of NATO’s front-line defense against potential Soviet aggression, conducting frequent field exercises to maintain readiness.
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Transition to Modern Armor: The company has transitioned through several generations of tanks, from the M4 Sherman in WWII, through the M60 Patton in the Cold War, to the modern M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank.
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Operation Desert Storm: B Co, 1/33 Armor deployed to the Middle East in 1990-1991 as part of the coalition forces that liberated Kuwait from Iraqi occupation, earning campaign streamers for its combat service.
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Distinctive Unit Insignia: The 33rd Armor's unit crest features a spearhead and a black panther, symbolizing aggressive armored action and the unit’s "Spearhead" division heritage.
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Reorganization and Redesignation: In 2005, the 33rd Armor Regiment was redesignated as the 33rd Cavalry Regiment, but B Co's legacy and traditions continue within the Army’s armored and cavalry units.
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Honors and Decorations: The regiment, and by extension B Co, has been awarded numerous honors, including Presidential Unit Citations and foreign decorations for valor and distinguished service in multiple conflicts.
