About this Unit
HHC 4/40 Armor, or Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th Battalion, 40th Armor Regiment, traces its lineage to the storied 40th Armor Regiment, originally activated during World War II. The battalion was reactivated and assigned to the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado, in the 1980s, serving as a key armored unit during the Cold War era. While under the 4th Infantry Division, HHC 4/40 Armor provided command, control, and logistical support for the battalion’s tank companies. The unit was inactivated in the mid-1990s during post-Cold War restructuring, but its legacy continues through the ongoing service of the 40th Armor Regiment in the United States Army.
Historical Facts
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Origins: HHC, 4th Battalion, 40th Armor (HHC 4/40 Armor) traces its lineage to the 40th Armor Regiment, which was constituted during World War II as part of the United States Army’s armored forces.
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Cold War Service: The battalion was stationed in Germany during the Cold War, serving as a key armored unit in the defense of NATO’s central front against potential Warsaw Pact aggression.
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Reforger Exercises: HHC 4/40 Armor regularly participated in REFORGER (Return of Forces to Germany) exercises, showcasing rapid deployment capabilities and interoperability with allied NATO forces.
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Fort Carson Assignment: In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the battalion was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado, playing a vital role in armor training and readiness.
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Gulf War Preparation: Although not deployed as a unit to Operations Desert Shield/Desert Storm, HHC 4/40 Armor provided trained personnel and leadership to units that did participate in the conflict.
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Unit Motto: The regimental motto of the 40th Armor, "Duty First," is a guiding principle for the battalion, emphasizing dedication and mission accomplishment.
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Tank Models: Over the years, the battalion has operated several generations of tanks, including the M48 Patton, M60 series, and eventually the M1 Abrams main battle tank.
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Community Impact: While stationed at Fort Carson, HHC 4/40 Armor was known for its active involvement in the local community, including support for schools, parades, and veterans’ events.
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Inactivation: The battalion was inactivated in the mid-1990s as part of the post-Cold War drawdown and restructuring of the U.S. Army, marking the end of an era for the unit.
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Legacy and Alumni: Veterans of HHC 4/40 Armor maintain strong ties through reunions and online communities, preserving the history and camaraderie of their service together.
