During the course of the Second World War, the United States Army 
raised and maintained eighty-nine combat divisions, including 
sixteen armored divisions. Most of those units were created during 
the war and served only for the duration of the conflict. After going 
overseas and fighting to achieve victory, most of the World War II 
divisions were disbanded and faded into obscurity.

    This heavily illustrated narrative is the story of one of those units, 
the 12th Armored Division, which trained on the plains of West Texas 
at Camp Barkeley near Abilene. From its initial action, to the 
liberation of Nazi death camps, to the ultimate victory and peace, the 
division's story serves as a vehicle to study the many temporary army 
units that served our country during its most trying time. 

_________________________________________________________

JOHN C. FERGUSON is the volunteer services coordinator at the San 
Jacinto Battleground and Battleship Texas State Historic Sites. His 
duties include training staff and volunteers in the art of historical 
interpretation, and presenting educational and historical programs to 
the public. John is the author of three books dealing with U.S. military 
and Texas history including Texas Myths and Legends (McWhiney 
Foundation Press, 2003).



What people are saying about this book

"Highly recommended for military history collections in all university
libraries and public libraries in the West Texas area."—Review of 
Texas Books

"This well written monograph contains many superb illustrations and 
maps and a detailed chronology. Even though the 12th Armored 
Division was inactivated in December 1945, the heritage and fighting 
spirit of the stalwart Hellcats lives on in this excellent unit history."
—WWII History Magazine

"a good starting point for someone interested in the 12th Armored."
—ARMY Magazine

"As this generation leaves us, we may thank John Ferguson for 
chronicling the young men who overcame a determined foe and the 
worst winter on record."—Southwest BookViews

"An eye-opening account...[and] a superb addition to military history
and reference shelves."—Midwest Book Review


Other Histories about Texas Travel Destinations



THE TEXAS YOU EXPECT™

978-1-933337-16-6 PAPER

$9.95
JUST VISITIN'

978-1-933337-14-2 PAPER

$16.95


FRONTIER TEXAS

1-880510-83-9 CLOTH

$19.95


THE WOMEN THERE DON'T TREAT YOU MEAN

1-933337-06-0 HARDCOVER W/CD

$14.95


THURBER TEXAS

1-933337-00-1 PAPER

$16.95
SACRIFICED AT THE ALAMO

1-880510-80-4 CLOTH

$24.95


THE ROAD TO DR PEPPER, TEXAS

1-933337-04-4 PAPER

$16.95
RATTLESNAKE BOMBER BASE

1-880510-90-1 PAPER

$18.95