![]() In 1943, it was reorganized from a heavy division to a light division as part of a general streamlining of all armored divisions, except the 2nd Armored Division and the 3rd Armored Division. The 12th was originally organized as a heavy armored division with two armored regiments, the 43rd and 44th, and one armored infantry regiment, the 56th Armored Infantry Regiment. Walt Disney himself designed a logo for the 714th Tank Battalion. The 44th was replaced by the 714th Tank Battalion. While at Camp Barkeley, the 44th Tank Battalion was sent to the Pacific Theater of Operations on a special mission and later distinguished itself as the first unit to enter Manila. In early 1943 the division adopted the nickname "The Hellcats", symbolizing its toughness and readiness for combat. The division consisted of approximately 11,000 soldiers, and was composed of tank, field artillery, motorized infantry battalions and other support units. ![]() Organization and initial training was at Camp Campbell, Kentucky, and continued at Camp Barkeley in Abilene, Texas. The 12th Armored Division was activated on 15 September 1942. ![]() was awarded The Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry in combat during World War II, and was later awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. One of the African American soldiers, Staff Sergeant Edward A. armored divisions) during World War II that had African-American combat companies integrated into the division. ![]() The 12th Armored Division was one of only ten U.S. The German Army called the 12th Armored Division the "Suicide Division" for its fierce defensive actions during Operation Nordwind in France, and they were nicknamed the "Mystery Division" when they were temporarily transferred to the command of the Third Army under General George S. It fought in the European Theater of Operations in France, Germany and Austria, between November 1944 and May 1945. ![]() The 12th Armored Division was an armored division of the United States Army in World War II. ![]()
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