6th Armored Division | |
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6th Armored Division shoulder sleeve insignia
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Active | 1942–45 1950–56 |
Country | United States |
Branch | United States Army |
Type | Armor |
Role | Armored warfare |
Size | Division |
Nickname(s) | "Super Sixth" |
Engagements | |
Commanders | |
Notable commanders |
BG Carlos Brewer MG William H. H. Morris MG Robert W. Grow BG George W. Read, Jr.. |
U.S. Armored Divisions | |
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5th Armored Division (Inactive) | 7th Armored Division (Inactive) |
The 6th Armored Division ("Super Sixth") was an armored division of the United States Army during World War II. It was formed with a cadre from the 2nd Armored Division. 6th AD was formed under the 1942 Table of Organization and Equipment.
The division was activated on 15 February 1942 at Fort Knox, with Brig. Gen. Carlos Brewer assigned as its first commanding general. It moved to Camp Chaffee on 15 March 1942 to make way for other Armored units, and then completed its assembly and unit training. The division then participated in the VIII Corps Louisiana Maneuvers from 25 August 1942, and then returned to Camp Chaffee on 21 September 1942. The 6th AD then moved to Camp Young at the Desert Training Center on 10 October 1942, and participated in the first California Maneuvers. The 6th AD then moved to Camp Cooke to continue its training. The 6th AD then staged at Camp Shanks on 3 February 1944, departed the New York Port of Embarkation on 11 February 1944, and arrived in England on 23 February 1944.
After continuing its training in England, 6th AD landed on Utah Beach in Normandy on 19 July 1944 as a follow-on unit, and went on the offensive as separate combat commands in the Cotentin Peninsula in support of the Normandy Campaign.
At the end of the Normandy Campaign, 6th AD assembled at Le Mesnil on 25 July 1944. 6th AD then passed through 8th Infantry Division to clear the heights near Le Bingard on 27 July 1944, and Combat Command A secured a bridgehead across the Sienne (fleuve) near Pont de la Roque on 29 July 1944, and overran Granville on 31 July 1944. 6th AD then returned to Avranches, where it relieved 4th AD and secured the area bridges.