The 2nd Armored Division’s nickname, “Hell on Wheels,” is taken from a comment made about the unit by straight shooter General George Patton, the division’s second commander: “They’ll be hell on wheels when they meet the enemy.” His prediction proved to be highly accurate as the 2nd Armored landed on the beaches of Normandy on 9 June 1944 and proceeded to take part in the Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and Central European Campaigns; in July 1945, they became the first American unit to enter Berlin since it fell to the Russians on the second of May. The Division was awarded the Belgian Fourragere 1940 for actions in Belgium and in the Ardennes.
During the Persia Gulf War, the 1st and 3rd Brigade’s of 2nd Armored Division took part in two of the three campaigns (Defense of Saudi Arabia, Liberation and Defense of Kuwait), fighting in pivotal battles such as the Battle of 73 Easting and the Battle of Norfolk. In 1992, the 2nd Division was reflagged as the 2nd Armored Division, which in turn was reflagged as 4th Infantry Division in 1995.
Related Items
2nd Armored Division Unit Crest (DUI)
2nd Armored Division combat Service ID Badge (CSIB)