33rd AD

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Branch

U.S. Air Force

Members

About 33rd AD

The 33rd Armored Division (33rd AD) was a unit of the United States Army formed during the post-World War II era as part of the Army National Guard. Originally constituted in 1946, the division was based primarily in Illinois and carried on the lineage of the 33rd Infantry Division, which had served with distinction in World War I and World War II. The 33rd AD participated in numerous training exercises and contributed to national defense during the Cold War, maintaining readiness for potential mobilization. In 1968, as part of a broader reorganization of the Army National Guard, the 33rd Armored Division was inactivated, and its units were realigned under other formations.

Unit Members

Keith Painter

U.S. Air Force

33rd ADView Profile

Gilbert Thurman

U.S. Air Force

33rd ADView Profile

Photos

Osan Korea Electronic Warfare Technician

51 Component Repair Squadron • U.S. Air Force • 1979

Boeing 767 Captain

U.S. Air Force • 2017

Towing Gliders

U.S. Air Force • 2000

C-141 Flight Engineer Graduation

708 Military Airlift Squadron • U.S. Air Force • 1982

About 33rd AD

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Origins: The 33rd Armored Division (33rd AD) was a unit of the United States Army, originally constituted during World War II. • Nickname: The division was sometimes referred to as the “Golden Cross Division” due to its distinctive shoulder sleeve insignia, featuring a gold cross. • World War II Service: The 33rd Armored Division did not serve overseas as a division in World War II, but its lineage is tied to many units that did see action. • Postwar National Guard Role: After WWII, the 33rd was reactivated as the 33rd Infantry Division and later reorganized as the 33rd Armored Division within the Illinois Army National Guard. • Cold War Training: During the Cold War, the 33rd AD regularly participated in major training exercises, preparing for the possibility of deployment to Europe in the event of a Soviet invasion. • Illinois Roots: The division was closely associated with Illinois, drawing soldiers primarily from the state and playing a major role in the state’s military history. • Famous Commanders: Among its notable commanders was Major General Leo M. Boyle, who helped modernize the division during the 1950s. • Deactivation: The 33rd Armored Division was inactivated in 1968, as part of a nationwide reorganization of Army National Guard units. • Legacy Units: Elements of the 33rd AD continue today as part of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, which carries on its traditions. • Historical Display: Artifacts and memorabilia from the 33rd AD are preserved in several Illinois military museums, and its history is commemorated in annual National Guard events.