Description
828th Tank Destroyer Battalion Patch – 3.50" x 3.50" Embroidered Patch with Sew-On Backing
Superior Materials: Made with premium polyester thread and tough twill fabric, ensuring lasting color, strength, and edge retention.
Advanced Embroidery Technology: Designed using high-precision machinery to capture sharp detailing and consistent stitch quality across every patch.
Sew-On Application: Crafted for permanent attachment to jackets, gear, or historical displays—ideal for collectors and reenactors.
Durable and Washable: Built to withstand wear, outdoor exposure, and washing without fraying or fading.
Versatile Use: A powerful emblem for WWII historians, veterans, reenactors, and tank destroyer unit collectors.
Formations & Origins
The 828th Tank Destroyer Battalion was activated in 1942 as part of the U.S. Army’s response to the evolving threat of German armored divisions during World War II. Formed under the doctrine that mobile anti-tank units could counter blitzkrieg-style warfare, the battalion was among the many independent units trained specifically to seek out and neutralize enemy armor. It operated as a self-contained battalion, designed to be attached where needed for support across different fronts.
Notable Commanders
While detailed records of battalion-level commanders are limited, the 828th served under regional corps and divisional leadership throughout the European theater. Officers were tasked with maintaining tactical mobility, fire discipline, and the coordination of anti-tank actions often in dynamic and fluid battlefield conditions. The success of tank destroyer units often depended on the initiative and adaptability of these battlefield leaders.
Major Campaigns/Operations
The 828th Tank Destroyer Battalion deployed to Europe in the latter stages of the war, taking part in key operations across France and Germany. Their movements aligned with the final Allied push into Nazi-occupied territory, supporting infantry divisions in operations that involved clearing roads, defending against panzer counterattacks, and providing armored protection in forested and urban environments. The unit contributed to the liberation effort and the occupation phase, ensuring security and order in transitioning regions.
Specialized Role/Equipment
The battalion operated tank destroyer vehicles such as the M10 Wolverine and M18 Hellcat—lightly armored, fast-moving gun platforms designed to destroy enemy tanks at range. Their tactical strength came from mobility, ambush positioning, and concentrated firepower. The unit trained extensively in target acquisition, long-range engagement, and battlefield maneuver, forming a core part of the U.S. Army’s mobile defense doctrine.
Acts of Heroism
Though often overshadowed by larger tank or infantry divisions, the men of the 828th showed remarkable courage in highly dangerous roles. Their missions frequently placed them on the front edge of combat, intercepting German armor or defending flanks under heavy pressure. Soldiers from the battalion endured artillery fire, minefields, and rapid redeployments while consistently executing their mission under fire.
Legacy & Notable Achievements
The 828th Tank Destroyer Battalion stands as a symbol of tactical innovation and adaptability during WWII. Though not widely publicized, its service contributed to the successful neutralization of enemy armor and protected countless Allied units from mechanized threats. Today, its legacy lives on through unit historians, military scholars, and collectors who honor the unique role of America’s tank destroyer force.
Keywords: 828th Tank Destroyer Battalion patch, WWII tank destroyer unit, M10 Wolverine patch, M18 Hellcat insignia, armored support WWII, U.S. Army tank destroyer patch, sew-on WWII patch.