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History of 8th Tank Battalion

The 8th Tank Battalion was activated on 1 May 1943 as part of the 4th Marine Division during World War II. It played a critical role in key Pacific campaigns, including the battles of Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima, providing armored support for infantry assaults. The battalion was equipped primarily with M4 Sherman tanks and was noted for its adaptability and effectiveness in amphibious operations. After the war, the 8th Tank Battalion was deactivated but later reactivated in the Marine Corps Reserve, continuing its legacy of armored excellence until the Marine Corps divested its tank units in 2021.

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ABOUT 8th Tank Battalion

  • Formation: The 8th Tank Battalion was activated on 23 September 1943 at Camp Campbell, Kentucky, as part of the 4th Armored Division.
  • World War II Service: The battalion saw extensive action in the European Theater during World War II, playing a key role in the breakout from Normandy and the liberation of France.
  • Battle of Arracourt: The 8th Tank Battalion participated in the Battle of Arracourt in September 1944, one of the largest tank battles fought by U.S. forces in Europe, successfully repelling German armored counterattacks.
  • Bastogne Relief: The battalion was instrumental in the relief of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944, helping to break the German encirclement of the 101st Airborne Division.
  • Speed and Mobility: Known for its rapid advances, the battalion earned a reputation for speed and aggressive maneuver, often spearheading the 4th Armored Division’s attacks.
  • Decorations: The 8th Tank Battalion received the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism during the relief of Bastogne.
  • Postwar Service: After World War II, the battalion was inactivated but later reactivated as part of the Army Reserve, continuing its legacy in various forms.
  • Nickname: The battalion, as part of the 4th Armored Division, was sometimes referred to as “Patton’s Best,” reflecting General Patton’s high regard for the division’s performance.
  • Famous Members: The battalion counts among its members several decorated soldiers, including Medal of Honor recipients such as Sergeant Curtis G. Culin, inventor of the “Culin hedgerow cutter.”
  • Legacy: The unit’s history and traditions are preserved by veterans’ associations and in military museums, highlighting its contributions to armored warfare and U.S. military history.

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