Worn from 15 October 1942 to 1 March 1952

Tab: "Black Cat"





Activated at Camp Beale, California. The Arabic number thirteen shows the division's designation. The word "Cat" in the nickname on the tab denotes caterpillar tractors, for which the tank is considerd an offspring and a black cat is a sign of bad luck to anyone crossing its path. In sixteen days of combat, the "Black Cats" suffered over one thousand casualties. Historic records tell us that in the battle for the city of Braunau, Austria, the victorious Thirteenth set up its headquarters in Adolf Hitler's birthplace.



Campaigns: WWII (Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, Central Europe)