12th Armored Division (U.S. Army) Accent Coffee Mug

The 12th Armored Division is a formation of the United States Army that served during the Cold War era, primarily stationed in West Germany as part of NATO forces. It was activated on November 15, 1942, at Camp Bowie, Texas, and was first designated as the 12th Cavalry Reconnaissance Group before being re-designated as an armored division in September 1943. The division consisted of three armored regiments (the 47th, 48th, and 49th) and supporting units such as artillery, engineer, and service battalions. Notable engagements during World War II include the Normandy landings, the Battle of the Bulge, and the crossing of the Rhine River. Post-World War II, the division was inactivated on November 25, 1945, but it was reactivated again in 1957 during the Cold War. It was deactivated once more in 1963 and its elements were reassigned to other divisions. However, the lineage was preserved and honored by the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade, which served during the Gulf War and the Global War on Terrorism. The 12th Armored Division represents a significant chapter in U.S. military history, marked by service, sacrifice, and strategic importance during critical periods of international conflict.