Company A was attached to the 1st Cavalry Division until October, 1967. 369 AR was the first conventional US unit to enter Iraq in 2003, and among the first units to serve four tours in Iraq. T he 6th Armored Division had three Tank Battalions: the 15th, the 68th and the 69th. During this period Alpha Company supported the three Sky Trooper brigades in heavy combat operations along the South China Sea coast, distinguishing itself in savage fighting against Main Force Viet Cong, for countless fortified village complexes in Binh Dinh province and the Bong Son plain area. Lineage and Honors Information as of 16 May 2012, Robert J. DalessandroDirector, Center of Military History, Constituted 15 July 1940 in the Regular Army as Company B, 69th Armored Regiment, an element of the 1st Armored Division, Activated 31 July 1940 at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Inactivated 10 January 1942 at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Activated 15 February 1942 at Fort Knox, Kentucky (69th Armored Regiment concurrently relieved from assignment to the 1st Armored Division and assigned to the 6th Armored Division), Reorganized and redesignated 20 September 1943 as Company B, 69th Tank Battalion, Reorganized and redesignated 10 July 1945 as Company B, 69th Amphibian Tractor Battalion (69th Tank Battalion concurrently relieved from assignment to the 6th Armored Division), Inactivated 8 March 1946 at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, Redesignated 21 August 1950 as Company B, 69th Medium Tank Battalion, an element of the 6th Armored Division, Activated 5 September 1950 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Inactivated 16 March 1956 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, (69th Medium Tank Battalion relieved 1 February 1957 from assignment to the 6th Armored DIvision), Redesignated 1 July 1957 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Medium Tank Battalion, 69th Armor (organic elements concurrently constituted), Battalion assigned 8 July 1957 to the 10th Infantry Division and activated in Germany, Relieved 14 June 1958 from assignment to the 10th Infantry Division and assigned to the 2d Infantry Division, Inactivated 1 March 1963 at Fort Benning, Georgia, and relieved from assignment to the 2d Infantry Division, Redesignated 21 March 1973 as the 2d Battalion, 69th Armor, assigned to the 197th Infantry Brigade, and activated at Fort Benning, Georgia, Relieved 16 October 1991 from assignment to the 197th Infantry Brigade and assigned to the 24th Infantry Division, Relieved 16 February 1996 from assignment to the 24th Infantry Division and assigned to the 3d Infantry Division, Relieved 16 March 2004 from assignment to the 3d Infantry Division and assigned to the 3d Brigade Combat Team, 3d Infantry Division, Redesignated 1 October 2005 as the 2d Battalion, 69th Armored Regiment, *Presidential Unit Citation (Army), Streamer embroidered IRAQ 2003, Presidential Unit Citation (Navy), Streamer embroidered SAIPAN AND TINIAN, Presidential Unit Citation (Navy), Streamer embroidered OKINAWA, Presidential Unit Citation (Navy), Streamer embroidered WONJU-HWACHON, *Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered BAGHDAD, *Meritorious Unit Commendation (Army), Streamer embroidered IRAQ 2009-2010, Navy Unit Commendation, Streamer embroidered PANMUNJOM, *Army Superior Unit Award, Streamer embroidered 1994, Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered YUSUFIYAH, IRAQ. The gauntlet and lightning flashes symbolize armor and striking power. This is a beachfront resort Hotel directly on the ocean. U.S. Throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom 3-69 AR was featured several times on CNN, ABC News, and the PBS . B/2-69 AR and E/2-69 AR were awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation. Online FPS game Enlisted features 369 AR as an unlockable 'squad'. The former Company C, 69th Tank Battalion, was reconstituted on 21 August 1950 in the Regular Army as Company C, 69th Medium Tank Battalion, an element of the 6th Armored Division. The 69th Armored Regiment's history began on 15 July 1940 when it was formed and assigned to the 1st Armored Division. In this section you can see items that are related to the 6th Armored Division. Wisely, peacetime conscription started in September 1940, with the Selective Training and Service Act. Thank you so much again for helping me [2], A Company completed its mission with the 1st Cavalry in October 1967 and returned to Camp Enari with Battalion HQ. [2], A Company was charged with the security of Hwy 19E between An Khe and Mang Jiang Pass, and on 10 April, routed a regimental size ambush attempt on a convoy which effectively destroyed the NVA 95B battalion as a fighting force. I'm the first to ever contact him. If you have an item that you would like to add to the museum than you can contact us through the form on this website. 10 April: Reported to White Battalion, 273rd Infantry Regiment, 69th Division, and formed part of the advance guard for Combat Command A, 9th Armored Division. [2], As part of the 197th Brigade (Separate), 2d Battalion, 69th Armor led the assault of the 24th Infantry Division into Iraq during Operation Desert Storm in February 1991. In March 2007, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor was deployed as part of the Baghdad "surge." This fifteen-month deployment was part of the General Petraeus "surge" of force. Regtl. The 1st Battalion was alerted to begin preparations for deployment to the Republic of Vietnam in December of 1965. Crest: The two ruined towers bearing a fleur-de-lis and an anchor allude to the two areas, Europe and the Pacific. Armored. The 2nd Battalion at Fort Benning, and the 3rd Battalion assigned to Fort Stewart, Georgia, were organic to the 24th Infantry Division (Mechanized). The insignia was redesignated for the 69th Medium Tank Battalion on 25 February 1954. 2023 Copyright VetFriends.com. The Battalion displaced its forward headquarters in March, from Hwy 14S to Camp Radcliff in An Khe, under the operational control of the 173rd Airborne Brigade and was again involved in fighting along the coastal plain near Bong Son. The Battalion served under Multi-National Division Baghdad on the Karada Peninsula as well as the Al Muthana and Al Jedidah regions of Eastern Baghdad. 1st Platoon, B Company earned a special Presidential Unit Citation in August, 1966 for their actions at LZ 27 Victor, a small Korean enclave in the triple canopy jungles of the Ia Drang-Chu Pong mountain area, where nine months earlier, the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) fought savage battles with infiltrating North Vietnamese units. [2], The battalion continued operations west of Pleiku and along the coastal plain during 1969 with both the 4th Division and the 173rd Airborne Brigade. The unit was first made famous for taking the Baghdad International Airport in 2003. [2], The Battalion's first major combat operation took place in April, 1966 in the tangled jungle growth of the Hobo Woods and along the trails of the Filhol Rubber plantation again, northwest of Saigon. [3], LTC Theodore S. Riggs took command of the battalion in March 1968, prior to its displacement to An Khe. find my friend." Contrasting with the old battalion M48A2 vehicles, the new A3 models still featured the 90mm cannon, a M2HB cupola mounted .50 caliber machinegun and a 7.62mm, M72 coaxial machinegun. It inactivated on 1 July 1963 in Hawaii and relieved from assignment to the 25th Infantry Division. Both battalions have transformed from tank pure battalions into Combined Arms Battalions (CAB), each comprising two mechanized infantry and two tank companies. [2], LTC (MG Retired) Stan R. Sheridan assumed command of 1/69 Armor in September 1968 as the battalion forward HQ again moved, this time west to the area of Landing Zone Oasis, HQ of the 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division along QL 19W, conducting numerous reconnaissance-in-force operations north and east of c C and along the Cambodian border. Contrasting with the old Battalion M48A2 vehicles, the new A3 models still featured the 90mm cannon, a M2HB cupola mounted .50 caliber machinegun and a 7.62mm, M72 coaxial machinegun. Deployment commenced on 25 January 1966 with the Battalion laying over in Okinawa to take over 52 new M48A3 tanks and familiarize crews with the new series, AN-GRC 12 radios. During the defense of St. Vith, he commanded an ad hoc CCB task force from a foxhole at the base of the Pruemerberg hillside at the . Co. & 69th Inf. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! [2], 1st Platoon, B Company earned a special Presidential Unit Citation in August, 1966 for their actions at LZ 27 Victor, a small Korean enclave in the triple canopy jungles of the Ia Drang-Chu Pong mountain area, where nine months earlier, the 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) fought savage battles with infiltrating North Vietnamese units. (69th Tank Battalion relieved 1 February 1957 from assignment to the 6th Armored Division) Redesignated 15 February 1957 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3d Medium Tank Battalion, 69th Armor, assigned to the 25th Infantry Division, and activated in Hawaii (organic elements concurrently constituted and activated) Gen. Robert V. Maraist (Aug 45 - inactivation), Rhineland(15 Sep 44 - 21 Mar 45)Central Europe(22 Mar 45 - 11 May 45). The panther is symbolic of the tremendous power and striking ability of the Regiment. [2], LTC (Lieutenant General, Retired) Paul S. Williams, Jr. took command of 1/69 Armor in March 1967 and continued operations in support of the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. [2], LTC James L. Marini took command in December 1969 and continued operations until the battalion stood down with the 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division and returned to the U.S. in mid-1970. [2], The Battalion shipped from Okinawa to Vietnam and, and true to the policy at the time, was fragmented, with the Battalion HQ, trains, A and C companies going to Cu Chi supporting the main elements of the 25 Division, while B Company joined the 3rd Brigade of the 25th Division in Pleiku. The unit's combat actions earned the Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Commendation. Until VE-day the 69th patrolled and policed its area. The Battalion continued operations west of Pleiku and along the coastal plain during 1969 with both the 4th Division and the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Co A, 777th Tk Bn: 6 Mar 45-8 Mar 45: 777th Tk Bn: 29 Mar 45-15 Jun 45: Chemical. United States Army combined arms battalion, Thunder Run: The Armored Strike to Capture Baghdad, Baghdad International Airport (BIAP) formerly Saddam International Airport, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=3rd_Battalion,_69th_Armor_Regiment&oldid=1099274630, Armor battalions of the United States Army, Articles with dead external links from April 2019, Articles with permanently dead external links, Short description is different from Wikidata, Articles with unsourced statements from July 2012, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, LTC Ernest P. "Rock" Marcone, 2002 2004, LTC Jessie L. Robinson, 27 July 2008 October 2009, LTC Jeff Denius, October 2009 October 2011, LTC Orestees "Bo" T. Davenport, October 2011 October 2013, LTC Harry "Zan" Hornbuckle III, October 2013 July 2015, LTC Johnny A. Evans Jr., July 2015 May 2017, LTC William F. Coryell, May 2017 May 2019, This page was last edited on 19 July 2022, at 22:40. Company A was attached to the 1st Cavalry Division until October 1967. Veteran L. Prickett, "Dear VetFriends, Thanks so much for your help! The insignia was redesignated for the 69th Medium Tank Battalion on 25 February 1954. [2], The 1st Battalion was again reactivated and assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division in Germany in 1975. The Presidential Unit Citations (Navy) were awarded for service in the Pacific during World War II and the Korean War. Also during this period, a provisional detachment of tanks taken from each line company, was detailed to support elements of the 101st Airborne Division and the 44th ARVN Regiment in the Phan Thiet-Song Mao area. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Archer ,1/35, US Armored Division Patches..# AR99019, sealed .+ bonus set at the best online prices at eBay! 69th Armor tankers learned on-the-job the importance of rear and flank security, the effect of canister in dense jungle, the exaggerated needs for constant maintenance halts and the value and down-sides of assorted OVM and equipment. Obviously surprised by the presence of the U.S. tanks, the enemy fled the field after the B Company M48s destroyed several of the assaulting PT 76b tanks and BTR50 fighting vehicles. Operations were based in the Chalis Qada area. [page 210] . This world is a better place because Joe Lipsius passed through. [2], LTC Fairfield was promoted and subsequently reassigned as command of 1/69 Armor passed to LTC Clyde O. Clark. Meanwhile, B and C Companies were placed OPCON to the Republic of Korea's 'Tiger' Division, headquartered at Camp Thunderbolt near Qui Nhon to support Operation Maeng Ho 11. In March 2007, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor was deployed as part of the Baghdad "surge." In six days after hitting France the 9th Armored was in Luxembourg near the German frontier. The 9th Armored, which was activated in 1942, was late in getting overseas. Click here to read: Tributes to Joe Lipsius, We endeavor in these pages to remember the heroic service of the men of The Fighting 69th Infantry Division during World War II. B Company was given the mission of reaction force and route security between Dak To and the besieged Special Forces border camp of Ben Het. The 52 ton M48A3 more than earned its stripes during this initial two week blooding and the unit set the example for future tactical employment of Armor in Vietnam. The United States entered the 1940s with Nazi Germany striving to engulf Europe. The 69th Armor is an armored (tank) regiment of the United States Army. 1/69 Armor played a critical role in the defense of Pleiku, Kontum, Dak To and Hwy 19 during the Jan/Feb. The 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment (3-69 AR) is a United States Army combined arms battalion and part of the Third Infantry Division based at Fort Stewart, Georgia. In January 2003, 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor deployed to Kuwait awaiting orders to begin combat operations. [2], LTC James L. Marini took command in December, 1969 and continued operations until the Battalion stood down with the 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division and returned to the U.S. in mid-1970. Joe's certainly was a life well lived. By the end of WWII, more than 10 million men had been inducted. Joe was 97 years old. The 69th Armored Regiment's history began on 15 July 1940 when it was formed and assigned to the 1st Armored Division. History [ edit] Members of the 44th Armored Infantry, supported by tanks of the 6th Armored Division, move in to attack German troops surrounding Bastogne. Description: A Silver color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86cm) in height overall consisting of a shield blazoned: Per bend Argent and Vert on the first a panther passant on division line, head to chief Sable. Symbolism: The shield is in the green and white (silver) of the Armored Force. General Reinhardt met Soviet 58th Guards General Rusakov on April 25, 1945. Company A was attached to the 1st Cavalry Division until October, 1967. This chart is available for purchase at HistoryShots.com. The battalion displaced its forward headquarters in March, from Hwy 14S to Camp Radcliff in An Kh, under the operational control of the 173rd Airborne Brigade to join Operation Walker and was again involved in fighting along the coastal plain near Bong Son. In January 2007, 3rd Battalion 69th Armor Regiment deployed with the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division to Operation Iraqi Freedom V. The battalion was initially tasked with securing the volatile city of Ramadi, appropriately dubbed by intelligence personnel as the "most dangerous city in the world. Thank you for signing up for the VetFriends Newsletter! On 19 March 2003, 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor was the tip of the spear, leading the famous "March to Baghdad." The Battalion displaced its forward headquarters in March, from Hwy 14S to Camp Radcliff in An Khe, under the operational control of the 173rd Airborne Brigade and was again involved in fighting along the coastal plain near Bong Son. It was re-designated on 14 January 1957 as Company C, 69th Tank Battalion (the 69th Medium Tank Battalion was relieved on 1 February 1957 from assignment to the 6th Armored Division), and on 15 February 1957 as Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Medium Tank Battalion, 69th Armor. This original assignment did not last for long. [2], Similarly, B Company's actions along the Plei Me/Duc Co corridor, paralleling the Cambodian border set the tone for future savage fighting Battalion elements would encounter in this critical Central Highlands area of enemy infiltration. It was reassigned to the 6th Armor Division in February, 1942, where it remained until September of 1943 when elements of the Regiment were broken up and reassigned. The unit spearheaded no fewer than ten campaigns, from 1951 through the Armistice in 1953 with the 25th Division and earned the Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Commendation. The battalion was based primarily at FOB Brassfield-Mora,[3] Patrol Base Uvanni,[4] and Patrol Base Olsen. When the campaign started, 369 AR led the rest of 3ID on the drive to Baghdad. LTC Theodore S. Riggs took command of the Battalion in March, 1968, prior to its displacement to An Khe. New Apr 2020 "814th Tank Destroyer Battalion: December 1944: (Attached to 7th Armored Division) Combat Interviews, After Action Report, Morning Reports" by Wesley Johnston.Maj. FG35039 | 1:35 . This operation proved the value of armor in reducing friendly casualties while significantly increasing losses to the enemy. "[citation needed] Additionally, the unit was tasked with forming ties with local Sunni Sheiks, including the martyred Sheik Abdul Sattar Abu Risha. It was redesignated for the 69th Amphibian Tractor Battalion on 8 January 1946. It reactivated on 15 February 1942 at Fort Knox, KY, ( the 69th Armored Regiment was concurrently relieved from assignment to the 1st Armored Division and assigned to the 6th Armored Division). Throughout the deployment, B/2-69 AR and E/2-69 AR were attached to 1-10 FA and served in the Baqubah area. The 3rd Battalion, 69th Armor Regiment (3-69 AR) is a United States Army combined arms battalion and part of the 3rd Infantry Division based at Fort Stewart, Georgia. In February 1942 it was reassigned to the 6th Armored Division where it continued to serve until September 1943 when elements of the Regiment were divided and reassigned. During a reaction force operation just prior to Tet in January, 1968, Sp5 Dwight Hal Johnson, gunner on B11, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty. Personal experience as a member of the Heavy Mortar Platoon, CSC (later HHC) 2/69th AR, Fort Benning, GA from August 1984 December 1985; US War Casualties Afghanistan (by date), http://www.benning.army.mil/armor/eARMOR/content/issues/1988/JAN_FEB/ArmorJanuaryFebruary1988web.pdf, The Institute of Heraldry 69th Armor Regiment, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=69th_Armor_Regiment&oldid=1100734449. In January 2003, 2nd Battalion, 69th Armor deployed to Kuwait awaiting orders to begin combat operations. It was eventually absorbed on 10 July 1945 by the 69th Amphibian Tractor Battalion (the 69th Amphibian Tractor Battalion was concurrently relieved from assignment to the 6th Armored Division). Hq., Cn. Mission was to follow advance of 9th Armored Division and mop up enemy pockets which had been bypassed. Occupation duties were given to the Division until it left for home and inactivation 7 September. Bravo Company's 1st Platoon, detailed to provide additional firepower to the SF camp, fought what was to be the only engagement between U.S. and NVA armor on the night of 3 and 4 March. This web site strives to tell the wartime story of our great Divisionfrom its formation to its meeting Soviet soldiers at The Elbe River on April 25, 1945 as seasoned veteransa critical event that hastened the end of the war in Europe two weeks later on May 9, 1945 (Victory in Europe or V-E Day). Once again it assigned to the 6th Armored Division, where it served until it was stood down in 1956, ending its assignment to the 6th Armored Division. [2], 1/69 Armor played a critical role in the defense of Pleiku, Kontum, Dak To and Highway 19 during the Jan/Feb. These routes were notorious for ambush actions dating back to the First Indochina War of the 1950s. Joe Lipsius, 272nd Inf. Site support by Leader Technologies provider of Leader Phone audio conferencing and teleconferencing services. B Company elements engaged units of the 18th and 22nd NVA Regiments, as well as the 2nd VC Main Force Regiment in heavy combat between 10 and 25 April in the area of Ky Son, inflicting over 100 enemy KIA. Part of the 2nd Battalion was redesignated the 109th Amphibious Tank Battalion and also participated in key amphibious operations in the PTO distinguishing itself at Saipan and Tinian and was also awarded the Navy Presidential Unit Citation. The battalion served first under 2nd BCT, 2ID and later under 4th BCT, 10th MTN DIV while detached from the rest of the 3rd HBCT. This selfless dedication to duty, to the Battalion and to themselves exemplifies the role of the soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 69th Armor in Vietnam and underscores the reasons why the Battalion was honored as the most decorated tank battalion in United States Army history. The 1st Battalion was again reactivated and assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division in Germany in 1975. In June, 1996, a M48A3 tank was obtained from Vietnam, refurbished and placed in the Patton Museum of Cavalry and Armor at Fort Knox. Search input Search The 69th Tank Battalion, as part of the 6th Armored Division, was included in various European campaigns including Normandy, the Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace and Central Europe. I had a great time and intend to go again next year. The 6th Armored Division ("Super Sixth") was an armored division of the United States Army during World War II. It was redesignated for the 69th Amphibian Tractor Battalion on 8 January 1946. ABMC Headquarters 2300 Clarendon Blvd, Suite 500 Arlington, VA 22201 Phone: 703-584-1501 GitHub export from English Wikipedia. Obviously surprised by the presence of the U.S. tanks, the enemy fled the field after the B Company M48s destroyed 2 of the assaulting PT 76 tanks and a BTR50 fighting vehicle. Tanks from 1st Platoon, A Company, 369 AR entered the Baghdad International Airport (BIAP)shortly after midnight on 4 April and 369 AR captured (BIAP)later that day, after limited resistance from elements of the Hammurabi Division of the Republican Guard. It crossed to England in August of 1944 and did not reach Normandy until a month later. Individual soldiers received the Congressional Medal of Honor, several Distinguished Service Crosses, numerous Silver Stars, countless Bronze Stars and Purple Hearts for their extraordinary heroism in combat with the enemy. Redisignated as the 69th Medium Tank Battalion in August, 1950 and reactivated in Korea. [5] This time the battalion served as the 1st Brigade Combat Team's and 42nd Infantry Division's main effort in Samarra, Iraq. Free Shipping On All Orders Above $100 Go shop . Many document need the free Adobe Reader to view. MILITARY UNITS - 69th Armored Division VetFriends Veteran ID Card Quick Links. Col. Ethan J. Diven, commander of the "Spartan Brigade," 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, passes the unit colors to new brigade senior enlisted advisor, Command Sgt. LTCs Leo M. Brandt, Donald J. Pagel and MAJ George Latturner each commanded the Battalion for short periods, from April to December, 1969. Archer | No. The 69th Infantry Division was originally scheduled for activation before the end of World War I, but Armistice Day, November 11, 1918, halted this. In July 2003, following the downfall of the regime under Saddam Hussein. Both Battalions have had subsequent deployments to the Kuwait desert in support of Coalition forces. Crest: On a wreath of the colors Argent and Vert between two ruined towers Sable, the dexter charged with a fleur-de-lis Or and the sinister with an anchor of the like, a cubit arm in armor, the hand in a gauntlet Proper grasping two lightning flashes fesswise Gules. During this period Alpha Company supported the three Sky Trooper brigades in heavy combat operations along the South China Sea coast, distinguishing itself in savage fighting against Main Force Viet Cong, for countless fortified village complexes in Binh Dinh province and the Bong Son plain area. It was redesignated for the 69th Tank Battalion on 4 November 1943. The 6th Armored Division ("Super Sixth" [1]) was an armored division of the United States Army during World War II. The 6th Armored Division was one of the divisions in wwii that saw the most action. [2], LTC Paul S. Williams Jr. took command of 1/69 Armor in March 1967 and continued operations in support of the 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division. It was redesignated for the 69th Tank Battalion on 4 November 1943. In a rapid advance to the east, the 69th took Schmidtheim and Dahlem, 7 March. [2] Both received the Superior Unit Award. Following the outbreak of hostilities on the Korean peninsula, the 708th Amphibian Tank Battalion was subsequently restructured and re-designated the 89th Medium Tank Battalion. 69th Armored Infantry Battalion 23rd Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron (Mechanized) 216th Armored Engineer Battalion 156th Armored Signal Company 16th Armored Division Artillery 393rd Armored Field Artillery Battalion 396th Armored Field Artillery Battalion 397th Armored Field Artillery Battalion 16th Armored Division Trains Co A, 86th Cml Mort Bn: 7 Apr 45-28 Apr 45: Field Artillery. It landed in Le Havre, France, 24 January 1945, and moved to Belgium to relieve the 99th Division, 12 February, and hold defensive positions in the Siegfried Line. The 52 ton M48A3 performed well during this initial two-week fight and the unit set an example for future tactical employment of armor in Vietnam. LTC James L. Marini took command in December, 1969 and continued operations until the Battalion stood down with the 3rd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division and returned to the U.S. in mid 1970. the 1st Battalion 69th Armor distinguished itself in fierce combat in all areas of its operations during over four years of deployment in the Republic of Vietnam.