On May 8th, 1942, Bickelman enlisted into the army at 18 years old. Being part of the 67th Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Division, he passed in combat on August 7th 1944. Ranking as a private, he spent his time carrying out orders issued by his commanding officers. By doing so, Bickelman developed technical while operating a tank and leadership skills. 

 

 

 

 

67th Armored Regiment

During the start of World War II, all armored units in the army were expanded as response to the sudden growing pressure. In 1942, the 67th Armored Regiment was sent overseas and fought in their first conflict Operation Torch; an allied invasion of French North Africa. The next year, the regiment fought in an allied invasion of Sicily, Italy. Upon arriving in England after their invasion, the men prepared for Operation Overlord which was then carried out on June 9th 1944 in Normandy, France.  

Tank similar to the one that Bickelman might have operated.

Distinctive unit insignia of the 67th Armored Regiment

In the equipment that would have been seen on a soldier, the M1903 and the M1903A3 rifle were used in both training and was used heavily in combat during the invasion in North Africa, Europe and the Pacific. 

Operation Overlord 1944

Normandy during Operation Overlord