US Army

761st Tank Battalion - unsung heroes.

US Army.

Men of the overwhelmingly African-American 761st Tank Battalion check their equipment during training in England, prior to their "blooding" in Normandy. The 761st served from Normandy, through the Battle of the Bulge and on into Germany as a front-line combat unit; in fact, they spent a greater proportion of their time in the front line than most. Their performance in action was outstanding, and they were highly regarded by their higher commanders. Even Patton - who privately had strong reservations about "the ability of Negro troops to think fast enough" (he was from an old Confederate military family, after all) to function as armoured troops, was grudgingly appreciative. After Normandy, he specifically requested their assignment to his command and welcomed them (somewhat reservedly) with the following address - "Men, you're the first Negro tankers to ever fight in the American Army. I would never have asked for you if you weren't good. I have nothing but the best in my Army. I don't care what color you are as long as you go up there and kill those Kraut sons of bitches. Everyone has their eyes on you and is expecting great things from you. Most of all, your race is looking forward to you. Don't let them down and, damn you, don't let me down.". They didn't let him down. With well-deserved respect, JR.