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History of HHC 2ND BDE 1ST AD

Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division (1st AD), has a distinguished history within the U.S. Army. The 2nd Brigade, known as the "Iron Brigade," was activated in 1942 and saw extensive combat during World War II in North Africa, Italy, and Germany. Over the decades, HHC 2nd Brigade has provided command and control for brigade operations during major conflicts, including Operation Desert Storm and multiple deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Today, HHC 2nd Brigade continues to support the 1st Armored Division with leadership, planning, and logistical expertise, maintaining a legacy of excellence and adaptability.

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ABOUT HHC 2ND BDE 1ST AD

  • Historical Lineage: Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade, 1st Armored Division (HHC 2nd BDE, 1st AD) traces its roots back to World War II, having been constituted in 1942 as part of America's build-up for the war in Europe.
  • Nickname: The 2nd Brigade is known as the "Iron Brigade," reflecting the 1st Armored Division's famous nickname, "Old Ironsides."
  • World War II Service: The brigade participated in the North African and Italian Campaigns, playing a key role in battles such as Kasserine Pass and Monte Cassino.
  • Operation Desert Storm: The 2nd Brigade, 1st AD, was deployed to the Gulf War in 1991, where it breached Iraqi defenses and helped liberate Kuwait.
  • Bosnia and Kosovo Deployments: In the 1990s, elements of the brigade were deployed to the Balkans as part of peacekeeping and stabilization missions during the Yugoslav Wars.
  • Transformation: In 2005, the 2nd Brigade transformed into a Brigade Combat Team (BCT) structure as part of the Army's modularity initiative, enhancing its self-sufficiency and combat effectiveness.
  • Iraq and Afghanistan Operations: The brigade was heavily involved in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, conducting combat and stability operations in Baghdad, Ramadi, and other key locations.
  • Fort Bliss Relocation: In 2011, the 1st Armored Division and its 2nd Brigade relocated from Germany to Fort Bliss, Texas, as part of the Army's global repositioning.
  • Modern Training: HHC 2nd BDE, 1st AD, regularly participates in large-scale training exercises such as National Training Center (NTC) rotations and multinational exercises with NATO partners.
  • Decorations and Honors: The brigade and its subordinate units have earned numerous awards, including the Presidential Unit Citation and Valorous Unit Award, for their distinguished service in combat operations.

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