In October of 1944, the 761st Tank Battalion became the first African American tank squad to see combat in World War II. In early November 1944, the 761st entered combat and remained on the front lines for 183 straight days, spearheading a number of Patton’s moves toward Germany, including being the first American unit to break through Germany’s Siegfried Line." In 1944, the 761st assigned to General S. Known as the ‘Black Panthers,’ their motto was ‘Come out fighting,’ and they lived up to it. “Black soldiers served America with distinction in every war since the American Revolution, but discrimination remained an issue in the military, including during World War II. “The 761st Tank Battalion occupies a special place in American history for their remarkable courage, both in battle and in breaking new ground for black soldiers in our country,” said Palmer in a statement released by his office. The unit served as part of General George Patton’s Third Army and was the first Black American armored unit in military history.
Congressman Gary Palmer (AL-06) and Congresswoman Terri Sewell (AL-07) have introduced legislation to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 761 st Tank Battalion, known in World War II as the “Black Panthers.”
0 kommentar(er)
