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History of Company C, 3rd Tank Battalion, 77th Armor

Company C, 3rd Tank Battalion, 77th Armor traces its lineage to the storied 77th Armor Regiment, originally activated during World War II. As part of the 3rd Tank Battalion, Company C participated in major Cold War training exercises in Europe and was integral to armored maneuvers during the Fulda Gap defense planning. The unit later saw action during Operation Desert Storm, providing armored support in the swift offensive against Iraqi forces in 1991. Over the years, Company C has continued to serve with distinction in various training and deployment missions, upholding the traditions of the 77th Armor.

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ABOUT Company C, 3rd Tank Battalion, 77th Armor

  • World War II Origins: The 77th Armor traces its lineage back to the 756th Tank Battalion, which first saw combat in North Africa during World War II, fighting in campaigns such as Sicily, Italy, and Southern France.
  • Korean War Service: The 756th was redesignated as the 73rd Tank Battalion, which later contributed personnel and traditions to the 77th Armor. This legacy carried over to the Cold War era.
  • Cold War Stationing: Company C, 3rd Tank Battalion, 77th Armor was primarily stationed in West Germany as part of the US Army’s commitment to NATO during the Cold War, often tasked with defending the Fulda Gap against potential Warsaw Pact aggression.
  • Unit Equipment: Throughout its history, Company C operated several generations of tanks, including the M48 Patton and later the M60 Main Battle Tank, reflecting the evolution of armored warfare technology.
  • Reforger Exercises: The company regularly participated in REFORGER (Return of Forces to Germany) exercises, which were massive NATO maneuvers designed to test rapid deployment and readiness against Soviet threats.
  • Berlin Brigade Support: Elements of the battalion, including Company C, were occasionally detached to reinforce the Berlin Brigade, symbolizing US resolve during periods of heightened East-West tension.
  • Unit Motto: The regiment motto "Fortitude and Courage" captured the spirit and ethos of the 77th Armor and its subordinate companies, including Company C.
  • Distinctive Unit Insignia: The distinctive insignia of the 77th Armor features a mailed fist and armored knight’s helmet, symbolizing the strength, protection, and offensive power of the armored force.
  • Post-Cold War Inactivation: After the end of the Cold War and the US military drawdown in Europe, the 3rd Battalion, 77th Armor, and its companies, including Company C, were inactivated in the early 1990s as part of Army restructuring.
  • Legacy and Honors: Company C, 3rd Tank Battalion, 77th Armor, shares battle honors and commendations earned by the regiment in World War II, the Cold War, and other operations, and its veterans often reunite to preserve the unit’s rich legacy.

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