Military Series – The 761st Tank Battalion – also known as the “Black Panthers”
Long before the superhero Black Panther made his debut on the silver screen in 2014 alongside the first Avenger, the original Black Panthers were unleashed in the European Theater of WWII in 1944. The African American 761st Tank Battalion, better known as the Black Panthers, arrived in Normandy, France in October 1944 and entered combat shorty after their landing. They would endure a record 183 straight days in combat and would liberate 30 towns on their crusade into Germany. Before they became the first African American tankers in the U.S. Army to see combat though, their quest began back home in the deep south where some of their first battles were with white comrades and civilians who were reluctant to accept them as equals.
Watch the TV Documentary “761st Tank Battalion: The Original Black Panthers” it explores the story behind the first Black tank regiment, to participate in action during World War II. It focuses on the two major fights they faced, the expansion of Nazism in Europe and racism, persecution, and injustice at home.
The 761st Tank Battalion – also known as the “Black Panthers” – was the first African American tank battalion to see combat in World War II. The unit’s motto was “Come Out Fighting” and that’s just what they did.
The Black Panthers arrived in France in the fall of 1944 and would go on to fight in combat for an astonishing 183 straight days shortly after landing.
While fighting in the war, the Black Panthers distinguished themselves in the Battle of the Bulge and in breaking through the Nazi’s Siegfried line, allowing American troops to push further into Germany. The unit’s members earned a reputation for being fierce fighters, such as Staff Sgt. Ruben Rivers, and many of the members earned Silver Star Medals, the Medal of Honor and other honors. Gen. Patton himself addressed the Black Panthers and acknowledged the importance of their work; despite the challenges of segregation, Black service members were greatly successful in battle and were valued members of the U.S. Armed Forces.
