11th Armored Division (United States)

The 11th Armored Division ("Thunderbolt Division") was an armored division of the United States Army that saw combat in the European Theater of Operations during World War II. It was activated on August 15, 1942, at Camp Polk, Louisiana, and deactivated on August 31, 1945, in Germany.

The division was composed of the 41st Tank Battalion, 42nd Tank Battalion, 63rd Tank Battalion, 21st Armored Infantry Battalion, 41st Armored Infantry Battalion, 48th Armored Infantry Battalion, the 55th Field Artillery Battalion, 66th Field Artillery Battalion, 90th Field Artillery Battalion, and the 490th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, along with supporting engineer, medical, maintenance, and reconnaissance units.

The 11th Armored Division landed in France on December 16, 1944, and entered combat during the Battle of the Bulge. After helping to contain the German offensive, the division participated in the Allied advance into Germany. The division played a key role in the liberation of several concentration camps, including Mauthausen, during its advance.

After the surrender of Germany, the 11th Armored Division performed occupation duties until its deactivation. The division earned considerable battle honors and its soldiers received numerous individual awards for their service during the war. Though short-lived, the 11th Armored Division distinguished itself in combat and contributed significantly to the Allied victory in Europe.