6th Armored Division
The U.S. Army's 6th Armored Division was activated on February 15, 1942, and trained in the United States before being deployed to the European theater. After a period of preparation in the United Kingdom, it was engaged in ground operations in Western Europe beginning in the summer of 1944. The division was attached primarily to the Third U.S. Army, commanded by General George S. Patton.
The 6th Armored Division landed in Normandy in July 1944, after the launch of Operation Cobra. It participated in the exploitation of the American breakthrough out of the Normandy bocage and took part in the rapid advance across France, pursuing the retreating German forces. It contributed to operations in northern France, crossing several major rivers and securing important communication routes as it advanced eastward.
In the fall of 1944, the division was engaged in combat along the German border, operating as part of the Rhineland campaign. It participated in operations in the Saar region, where American forces encountered increased German resistance.
During the winter of 1944-1945, the 6th Armored Division was engaged in operations related to the Battle of the Bulge. It took part in fighting to contain the German offensive and then reduce the enemy salient, operating in particular in the sectors west and south of Bastogne during the American counteroffensive.
In early 1945, the division resumed its offensive towards the interior of Germany. It took part in operations to cross the Rhine, then advanced rapidly into central Germany. During this advance, it took part in the capture of towns, the reduction of pockets of resistance, and the liberation of detention camps, notably the Flossenbürg camp in April 1945. The division continued its operations until the German surrender in May 1945, before being engaged in occupation duties.
The 6th Armored Division's service record during World War II includes campaign credits for Normandy, Northern France, the Ardennes-Alsace, the Rhineland, and Central Europe. Its engagement spanned from the Normandy breakthrough to the final operations on German soil.
