US Armored Divisions

by Steven Zaloga

Published 17 March 2004
The armored division were the shock force of the US Army's combat formulations during the fighting in northwest Europe in the final year of the war. This book examines the combat mission of the armored division in the US Army wartime doctrine. The organization of the US armored division is examined, with special attention to the "Combat Command" concept. The order of battle of each of the divisions is provided, along with a brief summary of the unit's combat record. This account is rounded out by relevant statistical data including divisional strength and losses. Based on new archival material, this book provides information not previously available in published accounts.

Although they are less well known than the more glamorous armored divisions, vast numbers of separate tank and tank destroyer battalions were in service in the European Theater of Operations from 1944 to 1945, engaged in supporting the infantry divisions. This title focuses on these units: the standard tank battalions, tank battalions (light), tank battalions (mine exploder) and tank battalions (Special) - secret CDL night fighting battalions. Self-propelled and towed tank destroyer battalions are also covered, as well as a list of all the battalions that took part in the Northwest Europe campaign.