9th Armored Division (United States)
| 9th Armored Division | |
|---|---|
9th Armored Division shoulder sleeve insignia
|
|
| Active | 15 July 1942 – 13 October 1945 |
| Country |
 United States
|
| Branch |
 United States Army
|
| Type | Armor |
| Role | Armored warfare |
| Size | Division |
| Nickname(s) | "Phantom" |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Geoffrey Keyes, John W. Leonard, Thomas L. Harrold |
| U.S. Armored Divisions | |
|---|---|
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| 8th Armored Division (Inactive) | 10th Armored Division (Inactive) |
The 9th Armored Division (the "Phantom Division") was an armored division of the United States Army during World War II. In honor of their World War II service, the 9th was officially nicknamed the "Phantom Division."
The 9th Armored Division was cited for extraordinary heroism and gallantry in combat in the vicinity of Waldbillig and Savelborn, Luxembourg from 16–22 December 1944 during which they repulsed constant and determined attacks by an entire German division. Outnumbered five to one, with its infantry rifle companies surrounded for most of the time, clerks, cooks, mechanics, drivers and others manned the 10,000 yards (9,100 m) final defensive line. Supported by the outstandingly responsive and accurate fire of its artillery battalion, this widely dispersed force stopped every attack for six days until its surrounded infantry were ordered to fight their way back to them. This staunch defense disrupted the precise German attack schedule and thus gave time for the United States III and XII Corps to assemble unhindered and then launch the coordinated attack which raised the siege of Bastogne and contributed to saving much of Luxembourg and its capital from another German invasion. They were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for their heroism.
The division was activated on 15 July 1942 at Fort Riley, KS. It reached the United Kingdom in September 1944.
The 9th Division was one of several real U.S. Army divisions that participated in Operation Fortitude, the deception operation mounted by the Allies to deceive the Germans about the real landing site for Operation Neptune, the amphibious invasion of Northern France. The 9th was assigned to a camp on the British coastline opposite of the German defenses in Pas-de-Calais, ostensibly as part of the "First US Army Group" (FUSAG) under Gen. John W. Leonard.
Activated: 15 July 1942. Overseas: 26 August 1944. Campaigns: Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, Central Europe. Days of Combat: 91. Distinguished Unit Citations: 11.
Awards: Medal of Honor: 1 Distinguished Service Cross: 1 Distinguished Service Medal: 2 Silver Star: 191 Legion of Merit: 13 Soldier's Medal: 11 Bronze Star: 1,263 Air Medal: 28
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