12th Armored Division (United States)
The 12th Armored Division was an armored division of the United States Army in World War II. It fought in the European Theater of Operations in France, Germany and Austria, between November 1944 and May 1945.
| 12th Armored Division | |
|---|---|
12th Armored Division shoulder sleeve insignia | |
| Active | 15 September 1942 – 3 December 1945 |
| Country | United States |
| Branch | United States Army |
| Type | Armor |
| Role | Armored warfare |
| Size | Division |
| Nickname(s) | "Hellcat Division" "Suicide Division" "Mystery Division" |
| Motto(s) | Speed Is the Password |
| Engagements | World War II
|
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Roderick R. Allen |
| U.S. Armored Divisions | ||||
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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. Patton Jr., to cross the Rhine River.
The 12th Armored Division was one of only ten U.S. divisions (and only one of two U.S. armored divisions) during World War II that had African-American combat companies integrated into the division. The group was known as Company D. One of the African American soldiers, Staff Sergeant Edward A. Carter Jr. was awarded The Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry in combat during World War II, and was later awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously.