United States Army 10th Armored Division (Tiger)

OK, Grove, Headstone Symbols and Meanings, U. S. Army 10th Armored Division (Tiger)

U. S. ARMY 10TH ARMORED DIVISION (TIGER) -  The 10th Armored Division (nicknamed "Tiger Division") was an armored division of the United States Army in World War II.  In the European Theater of Operations the 10th Armored Division was part of both the Twelfth United States Army Group and Sixth United States Army Group.  Originally assigned to the Third United States Army under General George S. Patton, it saw action with the Seventh United States Army under General Alexander Patch near the conclusion of the war.

The "Tiger" nickname of the 10th originates from a division-wide contest held while it was training in the United States, symbolizing the division "clawing and mauling" its way through the enemy.  Major General Paul Newgarden, the division's first commander selected "Tiger" as the winner because a tiger has soldierly qualities, including being clean and neat and the ability to maneuver and surprise his prey.

The 10th Armored Division entered France through the port of Cherbourg, September 23, 1944, and put in a month of training at Teurtheville, France, before entering combat, as part of the Third Army under General George S. Patton.  Leaving Teurtheville, in October, the Division moved to Mars-la-Tour, where it entered combat, November 2nd, in support of the XX Corps, containing enemy troops in the area.   Later that month, the 10th participated in the capture of Metz.   It was the first time in 1500 years that the ancient fortress at Metz fell.   After fierce fighting, the 10th moved to the Siegfried Line and led the Third Army into Germany on November 19, 1944.

The 10th Armored Division was inactivated on October 13, 1945 at Camp Patrick Henry, Virginia.  On February 25, 1953, the division was allotted to the Regular Army but remained inactive.

WWII Casualties

  • Total battle casualties: 4,031
  • Killed in action: 642
  • Wounded in action: 3,109
  • Missing in action: 64
  • Prisoner of war: 216

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OK, Grove, Headstone Symbols and Meanings, 10th Armored Division (Tiger)