50th Armored Division

• Origins: The 50th Armored Division was a division of the Army National Guard, primarily made up of units from New Jersey, with elements from Vermont and later other northeastern states. • World War II Ties: The division was formed in 1946, inheriting the lineage of the 44th Infantry Division, which had seen combat in World War II. • Cold War Role: The 50th Armored Division was a key part of the United States’ strategic reserve during the Cold War, ready to be deployed in case of a conflict with the Soviet Union. • Unique Patch: The division’s shoulder sleeve insignia featured a gold “50” on a blue pentagon, symbolizing its armored status and its number. • Major Equipment: Over its history, the division fielded various armored vehicles including the M48 and M60 Patton tanks, and later the M1 Abrams. • Disaster Relief: Members of the 50th Armored Division were called up for state emergencies, such as providing assistance during Hurricane Agnes in 1972. • Integration: The division was notable for integrating units from several states, including the addition of Vermont’s 86th Brigade in the 1980s. • Annual Training: The division conducted major annual training exercises at places like Fort Drum and Fort Indiantown Gap, simulating large-scale armored warfare. • Deactivation: The 50th Armored Division was deactivated in 1993 as part of post-Cold War force reductions, with many of its units reflagged under new organizations. • Legacy: Today, the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team of the New Jersey Army National Guard carries on much of the division’s lineage and traditions.