The 1st Armored Division of the United States Army, also known as “Old Ironsides,” is a highly decorated and storied division with a rich history dating back to 1940. It has been at the forefront of many of the major conflicts that the United States has been involved in and has a proud tradition of bravery and heroism.

The division was initially formed in 1940 and was deployed to North Africa in 1942 as part of the American response to the German invasion of North Africa. During the North African Campaign, the 1st Armored Division played a key role in defeating the German Afrika Korps, led by General Rommel, and paved the way for the Allied victory in North Africa.

The 1st Armored Division A Proud History Of Old Ironsides

Following the North African Campaign, the 1st Armored Division was deployed to Italy, where it fought in the Italian Campaign. The division played a crucial role in the liberation of Rome and the defeat of German forces in Italy.

During the Korean War, the 1st Armored Division was again called into action and was one of the first divisions to be deployed to the Korean Peninsula. The division played a critical role in stemming the tide of the North Korean invasion and was instrumental in pushing back North Korean forces and securing a stalemate that ultimately led to an armistice.

In more recent times, the 1st Armored Division has been deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The division played a key role in the initial invasion of Iraq and the subsequent liberation of Baghdad. The division has also been deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom and has been involved in the ongoing conflict there.

The 1st Armored Division is one of the largest and most well-equipped divisions in the United States Army and is known for its mobility, firepower, and versatility. It is comprised of a mix of armored and infantry units and is capable of conducting a wide range of missions, from offensive operations to peacekeeping and stability operations.

1st Armored Division Old Ironsides Army Challenge Coin

Divisions of the US Army

The US Army is organized into a number of divisions, each with its own unique history and mission. Some of the most notable divisions in the US Army include:

  • 1st Cavalry Division: Known as the “First Team,” the 1st Cavalry Division is a highly mobile division that is capable of rapidly deploying to crisis zones around the world. The division is equipped with a mix of armored and infantry units and is capable of conducting a wide range of missions, from offensive operations to peacekeeping and stability operations.
  • 10th Mountain Division: The 10th Mountain Division is a light infantry division that is trained for operations in mountainous and arctic environments. The division has a long history of service and has been deployed to a number of conflicts, including Operation Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom.
  • 82nd Airborne Division: The 82nd Airborne Division is the US Army’s premier airborne division and is capable of rapidly deploying by parachute to any location in the world. The division is known for its mobility, versatility, and the ability to conduct a wide range of missions, from offensive operations to peacekeeping and stability operations.
US Army 82nd Airborne Military Challenge Coin
US Army 82nd Airborne Military Challenge Coin
  • 101st Airborne Division: The 101st Airborne Division is known as the “Screaming Eagles” and is one of the most elite divisions in the US Army. The division is capable of rapid deployment by helicopter and is trained for a wide range of missions, from offensive operations to peacekeeping and stability operations.
US Army 101st Airborne Military Challenge Coin
US Army 101st Airborne Military Challenge Coin

These are just a few of the many divisions that make up the United States Army and each one has a rich history and proud tradition of service to the nation. The divisions of the US Army are some of the most highly trained and equipped military units in the world.