The 761st Black Panther Tank Battalion in World War II: An Illustrated History of the First African American Armored Unit to See Combat

by Joe Wilson Jr.

This is a comprehensive record of the 761st Tank Battalion, the first African American armored unit to enter combat. Assigned at various times to the Third, Seventh and Ninth armies, the "Black Panthers" fought major engagements in six European countries and participated in four major Allied campaigns, inflicting heavy casualties on the German army and capturing or destroying thousands of weapons, despite severe weather, difficult terrain, heavily fortified enemy positions, extreme shortages of replacement personnel and equipment, and an overall casualty rate approaching 50 percent. Richly illustrated and containing many interviews with surviving members of the 761st, this work gives long overdue recognition to the unit whose motto was "Come Out Fighting." It recounts the events that in 1978--33 years after the end of World War II--led to the 761st Tank Battalion's receiving a Presidential Unit Citation, the highest honor a unit can receive. Also described are the efforts that resulted, in 1997--53 years after giving his life on the battlefield--in the Medal of Honor being posthumously awarded to Sergeant Ruben Rivers.

Genres: History

323 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1999

Reviews

[pati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting history of WW2 and the many courageous soliders who fought so valiantly for the US!

[Alvin Mcchester · Rating 5 out of 5]

For many years, I have been very interested in the African American participation in the US military during World War II, especially the 761st Tank Battalion AKA the "Black Panther Tankers." This book is an informative, well written account of the first African American armored unit to enter in combat, their battles with the Nazis and racism from home, and the post-war controversy regarding the absence of MOHs (Medal of Honor) for African American troops during WWII.

As an African American man, I cannot reiterate enough that this is a must read for all, especially for young African American men. Despite the horrors of racism, lynching, and terrorism, the men of the 761st Tank Battalion did not answered the call of duty in the name of their country, they went beyond it. They fought over 180 days straight without reprieve from frontline combat, played a pivotal role in the Battle of the Bulge, and liberated Jews from several concentration camps. Men like Warren G.H. Crecy, Ruben Rivers, E. G. McConnell, and Samuel Turley presented themselves as testaments of African Americans' deep patriotism, even when it is unrequited. They are great role models for this generation of young black men. I teared up with pride when the MOH was finally awarded to some of these men by President Clinton after 50 years of struggle for recognition of what these strong, brave souls have done in the name of freedom.