The unit and its component line companies were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the Valorous Unit Award, the Meritorious Award, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm and the Vietnam Civic Action Award First Class. The unit was first made famous for taking the Baghdad International Airport in 2003. Joe Lipsius, 272nd Inf. The Battalion served under Multi-National Division Baghdad on the Karada Peninsula as well as the Al Muthana and Al Jedidah regions of Eastern Baghdad. 2-69 AR is currently stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia as part of the 3rd Armor Brigade Combat Team ("Sledgehammer"), 3rd Infantry Division and 3-69 AR is stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia as part of the 1st Armor Brigade Combat Team ("Raider"), 3rd Infantry Division. In June 2005, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor was called to be the tip of the spear again against the insurgent influence in the city of Ramadi in the Al Anbar province. The proud and valorous heritage of the Battalions of the 69th Armor Regiment continues, embodied in the exceptional professionalism and combat proficiency of today's Armor Soldiers of the 2nd and 3rd Battalions. It activated on 31 July 1940 at Fort Knox, KY, and inactivated there on 10 January 1942. It inactivated there on 16 March 1956. In 2013, 3rd Battalion was deployed to eastern Afghanistan in Wardak, Nangarhar, & Ghazni Provinces. These routes were notorious for ambush actions dating back to the French Indochina War of the 1950s. (Click for explanation of photos.) 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs Throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom 3-69 AR was featured several times on CNN, ABC News, and the PBS . Super Sixth: The 6th Armored Division in WW II 69th Tank Battalion, 6th Armored Division | American Battle Monuments The battalion served first under 2nd BCT, 2ID and later under 4th BCT, 10th MTN DIV while detached from the rest of the 3rd HBCT. The bulk of the Battalion was moved in May 1966 to Qui Nhon via LST, then overland along the infamous QL (Highway) 19 to join B Company at Camp Enari near Pleiku, the home of the 4th Infantry Division. The 52 ton M48A3 performed well during this initial two-week fight and the unit set an example for future tactical employment of armor in Vietnam. . It was eventually absorbed on 10 July 1945 by the 69th Amphibian Tractor Battalion (the 69th Amphibian Tractor Battalion was concurrently relieved from assignment to the 6th Armored Division). It crossed to England in August of 1944 and did not reach Normandy until a month later. It was redesignated for the 69th Tank Battalion on 4 November 1943. Both battalions continue to operate with the now 3rd Infantry Division (following redesigination of the 24th)(Mechanized) as part of the Army's Rapid Deployment Forces and have distinguished themselves both in armored combat and as key elements of the ready force of the United States Army. U. S. 7th Armored Division Association . This original assignment did not last for long. The 69th Armor is an armored (tank) regiment of the United States Army. The battalion played an important role by providing security assistance during the crucial Iraqi national elections in March 2010. The battalion continued to support the 4th Infantry Division along the Highway 19 corridor, from Qui Nhon to c C during the period, where it fought hot actions in and around LZ Schueller, An Khe, Plei Djereng and Plei Me. The division was activated on 15 February 1942 at Fort Knox. It was a wonderful moment that we will both remember for the rest of our lives, and we owe it to VetFriends. 1968 TET offensive. The 69th Tank Battalion, as part of the 6th Armored Division, was included in various European campaigns including Normandy, the Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and Central Europe. Bulletins thru the years - training, combat, reunion & photos of buddies and you. Attached below and to the sides of the shield a Silver scroll inscribed VITESSE ET PUISSANCE in Black letters. In July, 1994, a monument was erected and dedicated to the tank Soldiers of the 69th Armor Regiment, from all battalions, in Armor Memorial Park at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Please submit 69er names that are not yet entered in Taps - we want to remember EVERY 69er * * * Bulletins are scanned, online and searchable! [2], A Company was charged with the security of Hwy 19E between An Khe and Mang Jiang Pass, and on 10 April, routed a regimental size ambush attempt on a convoy which effectively destroyed the NVA 95B battalion as a fighting force. 3d Battalion, 69th Armor similarly operated with the 24th Division during war. ABMC Headquarters 2300 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 500 Arlington, VA 22201 Phone: 703-584-1501 In January 2005, the Battalion again deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. They suffered three casualties that year.[4]. 69th ARMORED REGIMENT - United States Army Center of Military History ABMC Headquarters 2300 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 500 Arlington, VA 22201 Phone: 703-584-1501 6th Armored Division Justbeforethe 69th departed the USA for Europe, Major General Emil F. Reinhardt took division command. For its actions and the extraordinary heroism of its soldiers, A Company was awarded the Valorous Unit Citation. The unit, along with many others, was deactivated in 1946 following the end of the Second World War. [page 210] . The 69th Tank Battalion, as part of the 6th Armored Division, was included in various European campaigns including Normandy, the Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and Central Europe. It was reorganized and re-designated on 20 September 1943 as Company C, 69th Tank Battalion. This deployment was part of the transition from Operation Iraqi Freedom to Operation New Dawn. The battalion continued its second half of the deployment north of Ramadi, and executed numerous expeditionary combat operations near Lake Tharthar, Habbaniyah, and the southern region of the Salah ad Din Province. The Battalion was instrumental in keeping these vital roads open for re-supply of units heavily engaged with the North Vietnames during the heavy battles around Dak To and Kontum in November, 1967. I'm the first to ever contact him. [2] Both received the Superior Unit Award. Thank you so much again for helping me
The 69th Tank Battalion, as part of the 6th Armored Division, was included in various European campaigns including Normandy, the Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and Central Europe. The Regimental HQ and 1st Battalion remained with the 6th Armored Division as the 69th Tank Battalion, while the 3rd Battalion was re-designated as 708th Amphibian Tank Battalion and was a participant in several critical amphibious campaigns and distinguished itself during the bloody fighting on Okinawa earning the battalion the Navy Presidential Unit Citation. Contrasting with the old battalion M48A2 vehicles, the new A3 models still featured the 90mm cannon, a M2HB cupola mounted .50 caliber machinegun and a 7.62mm, M72 coaxial machinegun. The unit, along with many others, was deactivated in 1946 following the end of the Second World War. Meanwhile, B and C Companies were placed OPCON to the Republic of Korea's 'Tiger' Division, headquartered at Camp Thunderbolt near Qui Nhon to support Operation Maeng Ho 11. 6th Armored Division. We will miss him. 31 December 1944 find my friend. Both Battalions were redeployed to Georgia and awarded the Presidential Unit Award. We will be posting a tribute and the family's eulogy. As part of the 197th Infantry Brigade (Separate), 2d Battalion, 69th Armor led the assault of the 24th Infantry Division into Iraq during Operation Desert Storm in February 1991. Click here to read about Joe's: EARLY LIFE | MILITARY CAREER
Shield: The shield is in the green and white of the Armored Force. [2], LTCs Leo M. Brandt, Donald J. Pagel and MAJ George Latturner each commanded the battalion for short periods from April to December 1969. In 2002 the 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor deployed with 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division to Operation Desert Spring in preparation for future combat operations in a six month training mission. In November 1951, it was again reflagged the 89th Tank Battalion and assigned to the 25th Infantry Division. US Army 69th Infantry Division shoulder sleeve patch with a stylized 69th Tank Battalion; 6th Armored Division; 212th Armored Field Artillery Battalion; 128th Armored Field Artillery Battalion; 231st Armored Field Artillery Battalion; Combat Command A; The 69th Armor Regiment was constituted on 15 July, 1940, at Fort Knox, Kentucky, in the Regular Army and initially assigned to the 1st Armor Division. The battalion also participated in Intrinsic Action in Kuwait and Kosovo Force Operation support in Kosovo. If you have a tribute, please email it to Webmaster Michael McKibben at mmckibben@leader.com and it will be posted shortly. Find your friends and loved ones * * *, Sadly, Anne and Sherry Lipsius, wife and daughter, notified us on September 6, 2015 that our intrepid Webmaster, Joe Lipsius, passed away peacefully that morning. The 89th Tank Battalion returned to Hawaii with the 25th Infantry Division where it remained until deactivation in 1957. 69th Armor Regiment | Detailed Pedia Background: The distinctive unit insignia was originally approved for the 69th Armored Regiment on 7 September 1942. The Battalion then redeployed to Fort Benning, Georgia in October 2010. [2], The battalion continued operations west of Pleiku and along the coastal plain during 1969 with both the 4th Division and the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Nearly 200 of the enemy were killed during this two day action with no U.S. KIA. 6th Armored Division - Order of Battle of the United States Army - WWII Regtl. Co A, 777th Tk Bn: 6 Mar 45-8 Mar 45: 777th Tk Bn: 29 Mar 45-15 Jun 45: Chemical. It has no heraldic significance. [2], LTC James L. Marini took command in December, 1969 and continued operations until the Battalion stood down with the 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division and returned to the U.S. in mid-1970. It moved to Camp Chaffee on 15 March 1942 to make way for other Armor units, and then completed . A large group of infantry and some supporting unit officers were called from the 96th Infantry . The 69th Infantry Division arrived in England, 12 December 1944, where it continued its training. GitHub export from English Wikipedia. 6th Armored Division 2 The 6th Armored Division was one of General George S. Patton's famous Third Army divisions during World War II in Europe. Both battalions have transformed from tank pure battalions into combined arms battalions (CAB), Each comprising two tank companies and one mechanized infantry company as of August 2019. The 69th Tank Battalion, as part of the 6th Armored Division, was included in various European campaigns including Normandy, the Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and Central Europe. With the inauguration of the Regimental Combat Arms System, the formerly splintered elements of the 2nd Battalion were reconstituted into the Regular Army as the 69th Armor Regiment. We now have the room block reserved and you can make your reservations, more event details will follow, just follow this link: Click here for 2012 Norfolk Reunion Photos! At a glance. All rights reserved. During this period Alpha Company supported the three Sky Trooper brigades in heavy combat operations along the South China Sea coast, distinguishing itself in savage fighting against Main Force Viet Cong, for countless fortified village complexes in Binh Dinh province and the Bong Son plain area. Donald P. Boyer was the S-3 (Operations) Officer of 38th Armored Infantry Battalion. 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment - Wikipedia The 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment (3-69 AR) is a United States Army combined arms battalion and part of the Third Infantry Division based at Fort Stewart, Georgia. Medal of Honor Recipients of the 69th Armor Regiment. The 1st Battalion was again reactivated and assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division in Germany in 1975. The Division was activated May 15, 1943. In June, 1996, a M48A3 tank was obtained from Vietnam, refurbished and placed in the Patton Museum of Cavalry and Armor at Fort Knox. LTC Fairfield was promoted and subsequently reassigned as command of 1/69 Armor passed to LTC Clyde O. Clark. Thank you for signing up for the VetFriends Newsletter! Once again it assigned to the 6th Armored Division, where it served until it was stood down in 1956, ending its assignment to the 6th Armored Division. Colonel Bedford H. Forrest was killed in action in France November 26, according, to word received by his mother Mrs. Mattie S Forrest of Saluda. 1/69 Armor played a critical role in the defense of Pleiku, Kontum, Dak To and Hwy 19 during the Jan/Feb. It reactivated on 15 February 1942 at Fort Knox, KY, ( the 69th Armored Regiment was concurrently relieved from assignment to the 1st Armored Division and assigned to the 6th Armored Division). The Fighting 69th Infantry Division Website. (69th Tank Battalion relieved 1 February 1957 from assignment to the 6th Armored Division) Redesignated 15 February 1957 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Medium Tank Battalion, 69th Armor, assigned to the 25th Infantry Division, and activated in Hawaii (organic elements concurrently constituted and activated) It was redesignated for the 69th Amphibian Tractor Battalion on 8 January 1946. The Battalion played an important role by providing security assistance during the crucial Iraqi national elections in March 2010. Throughout the deployment, B/2-69 AR and E/2-69 AR were attached to 1-10 FA and served in the Baqubah area. Tanks from 1st Platoon, A Company, 369 AR entered the Baghdad International Airport (BIAP)shortly after midnight on 4 April and 369 AR captured (BIAP)later that day, after limited resistance from elements of the Hammurabi Division of the Republican Guard. The 2017 Annual Reunion will be in Virginia Beach, VA at the North Beach Holiday Inn Sept. 21-24, 2017. [2], LTC (Lieutenant General, Retired) Paul S. Williams, Jr. took command of 1/69 Armor in March 1967 and continued operations in support of the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. T he 6th Armored Division had three Tank Battalions: the 15th, the 68th and the 69th. 69th Infantry Division US Army Divisions Infantry 1-65 1st Infantry 2nd Infantry 3rd Infantry 4th Infantry 5th Infantry 6th Infantry 7th Infantry 8th Infantry 9th Infantry 10th Mountain 23rd Infantry 24th Infantry 25th Infantry 26th Infantry 27th Infantry 28th Infantry 29th Infantry 30th Infantry 31st Infantry 32nd Infantry 33rd Infantry The Battalion redeployed in May 2008 to Fort Benning, Georgia. "[citation needed] Additionally, the unit was tasked with forming ties with local Sunni Sheiks, including the martyred Sheik Abdul Sattar Abu Risha. In a rapid advance to the east, the 69th took Schmidtheim and Dahlem, 7 March. Free shipping for many products! 3d Battalion, 69th Armor similarly operated with the 24th Division during war.[2]. U.S. Welcome to the 6th Armored Division virtual museum. The unit's combat actions earned the Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Commendation. This operation proved the value of Armor in reducing the number of friendly casualties while significantly increasing losses to the enemy. Being always alert, the black variety of panther is considered the most dangerous of all the feline family. He is so thankful I called and we exchanged addresses and he wants to come and visit. LTC Robert J. Graebener, March 1990 - October 1991 (Colors Cased), LTC Lon E. Maggart, April 1984 April 1986, LTC Ricardo Sanchez, during Operation Desert Storm 9091, LTC Jeffery R. Sanderson, May 2002 June 2004, LTC Robert R. Roggeman, June 2004 June 2006, LTC Robert Ashe, July 2008 January 2011, LTC George E Bolton Jr., June 2019 - Present, LTC Jessie L. Robinson, 27 July 2008 October 2009, LTC Jeff Denius, October 2009 October 2011, LTC Orestees "Bo" T. Davenport, October 2011 October 2013, LTC Harry "Zan" Hornbuckle, October 2013 July 2015, LTC Johnny A. Evans Jr., July 2015 May 2017, LTC Stewart W. Wallace June 1985 - June 1987, LTC J. Steven Hunter June 1987 - October 1987, This page was last edited on 27 July 2022, at 11:53. B Company elements engaged units of the 18th and 22nd NVA Regiments, as well as the 2nd VC Main Force Regiment in heavy combat between 10 and 25 April in the area of Ky Son, inflicting over 100 enemy KIA. With the remaining elements of the 69th and 89th Tank Battalions, the 69th Armor Regiment was redisignated the 69th Armor, a parent regiment under the new system. In January 2003, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor deployed to Kuwait awaiting orders to begin combat operations. 6th Armored Division "Super Sixth" The mixture of insignia and distinctive colors of several arms incorporated in the Armored Force symbolize integrity and esprit. It distinguished itself on Okinawa where it was awarded the Navy Presidential Unit Citation. Did you proudly serve in 69TH ARMORED DIVISION? 69th Armored Regiment Unit History - rjsmith.com A/2-69 AR, D/2-69 AR, HHC/2-69 AR, and FSC/2-69 AR, along with B/1-30 IN operated out of CAMP CORREGIDOR and COMBAT OUTPOST on the eastern side of Ar Ramadi. Up until five weeks ago, Joe was still emailing about website business. [2], 1/69 Armor played a critical role in the defense of Pleiku, Kontum, Dak To and Hwy 19 during the Jan/Feb. B Company was given the mission of reaction force and route security between k T and the besieged Special Forces border camp of Ben Het. The 69th Armored Regiment's history began on 15 July 1940 when it was formed and assigned to the 1st Armored Division. The panther is symbolic of the tremendous power and striking ability of the Regiment. Crest: On a wreath of the colors Argent and Vert between two ruined towers Sable, the dexter charged with a fleur-de-lis Or and the sinister with an anchor of the like, a cubit arm in armor, the hand in a gauntlet Proper grasping two lightning flashes fesswise Gules. Co A, 86th Cml Mort Bn: 7 Apr 45-28 Apr 45: Field Artillery. Div. LTC William Grant assumed command of 1/69 Armor as the battalion was given the mission of securing the primary routes of communication on QL 19, between Qui Nhon on the coast and Duc Co on the Cambodian border; and on QL 14 between k T in the north to Ban Me Thuot in the south.