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During the maiden combat mission of the 761st Tank Battalion, the Black Panthers, the American forces seek to secure a river crossing by occupying the town of Vic-sur-Seille. They must also clear the nearby mountains to stop the murderous …

1944-11-07

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During the maiden combat mission of the 761st Tank Battalion, the Black Panthers, the American forces seek to secure a river crossing by occupying the town of Vic-sur-Seille. They must also clear the nearby mountains to stop the murderous mortar fire of the German 361st Engineer Battalion and the 953rd Grenadier Regiment. On November 7, 1944, Company A of the Black Panthers along with infantry elements of the 26th Division formed Provisional Task Force A for the attack. It was the start of 183 days of continual operational deployment for the 761st.

Vir-sur-Seille, France

The 76ist Tank Battalion was a separate tank battalion of the United States Army during World War II. The 76ist was made up primarily of African-American soldiers, who by War Department policy were not permitted to serve alongside white troops; the U.S. military did not officially desegregate until after World War II. The 76ist were known as the Black Panthers after their unit's distinctive insignia; their motto was "Come out fighting". The battalion received a Presidential Unit Citation for its actions. In addition, a large number of individual members also received medals, including one Medal of Honor, 11 Silver Stars and about 300 Purple Hearts. They have been called "one of the most effective tank battalions in World War II".

Wikipedia: 761st Tank Battalion (United States)

German

American