U.S. 12th Armored Division
| 12th Armored Division | |
|---|---|
12th Armored Division shoulder sleeve insignia
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| Active | 15 September 1942 – 3 December 1945 |
| Country |
 United States
|
| Branch |
 United States Army
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| Type | Armor |
| Role | Armored warfare |
| Size | Division |
| Nickname(s) | "Hellcat Division" "Suicide Division" "Mystery Division" |
| Motto(s) | Speed Is the Password |
| Engagements | |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders |
Roderick R. Allen |
| U.S. Armored Divisions | |
|---|---|
| Previous | Next |
| 11th Armored Division (Inactive) | 13th Armored Division (Inactive) |
The 12th Armored Division was an armored division of the United States Army in World War II. It fought in the European Theater of Operations in France, Germany and Austria, between November 1944 and May 1945.
The German Army called the 12th Armored Division the "Suicide Division" for its fierce defensive actions during Operation Nordwind in France, and they were nicknamed the "Mystery Division" when they were temporarily transferred to the command of the Third Army under General George S. Patton, Jr., to cross the Rhine River.
The 12th Armored Division was one of only ten U.S. divisions (and only one of two U.S. armored divisions) during World War II that had African-American combat companies integrated into the division. One of the African American soldiers, Staff Sergeant Edward A. Carter, Jr. was awarded The Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry in combat during World War II, and was later awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously.
The 12th Armored Division was activated on 15 September 1942. Organization and initial training was at Camp Campbell, Kentucky, and continued at Camp Barkeley in Abilene, Texas. The division consisted of approximately 11,000 soldiers, and was composed of tank, field artillery, motorized infantry battalions and other support units.
In early 1943 the division adopted the nickname "The Hellcats", symbolizing its toughness and readiness for combat.
While at Camp Barkeley, the 44th Tank Battalion was sent to the Pacific Theater of Operations on a special mission and later distinguished itself as the first unit to enter Manila. The 44th was replaced by the 714th Tank Battalion.
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