About this Unit
The 1st Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment (1/70th Armor) was originally constituted on July 15, 1940, as part of the 70th Tank Battalion, seeing its first major action in World War II, including the D-Day landings at Utah Beach. The unit later participated in campaigns across Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, and Central Europe. Over the decades, 1/70th Armor underwent various activations and inactivations, serving with distinction in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. In more recent history, the battalion has been reactivated to support training and operational missions, continuing its legacy as a vital armored component of the U.S. Army.
Historical Facts
• Origins in WWII: The 1st Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment (1/70th Armor) traces its origins to the 70th Tank Battalion, which was activated on 15 June 1940 and saw extensive action in World War II.
• Normandy Landings: Elements of the 70th Tank Battalion landed at Utah Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944, supporting the 4th Infantry Division during the Normandy invasion.
• Battle of the Bulge: The battalion participated in the Battle of the Bulge, one of the largest and bloodiest battles fought by U.S. forces during WWII.
• Presidential Unit Citation: The 70th Tank Battalion was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism during the capture of Cherbourg, France.
• Post-WWII Service: After WWII, the battalion went through several redesignations and activations, eventually becoming 1st Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment.
• Cold War Era: During the Cold War, 1/70th Armor was stationed in West Germany as part of U.S. Army Europe, prepared for a potential Soviet invasion.
• Desert Storm: 1/70th Armor participated in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, helping to liberate Kuwait as part of the 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized).
• Modern Deployments: The unit has seen deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
• Decorations: Throughout its history, 1/70th Armor has earned multiple campaign streamers and unit awards for valor and meritorious service.
• Distinctive Insignia: The unit’s distinctive insignia features a tank tread, cannon, and fleur-de-lis, symbolizing its armored warfare mission and service in France during WWII.