761 Tank Battalion

Of five US Tank Group 761 Tank Battalion - nicknamed 'The Black Panthers' - the most famous. Their motto was Come out fighting.They were deployed by General George Patton and were the first African American combat unit in the war. On the eve of their first combat operation, General George Patton addressed the men of 761st Tank Battalion in his typical style:

“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 sonsofbitches [= German soldiers]. Everyone has their eyes on you and is expecting great things from you. Most of all your race is looking forward to your success. Don't let them down and damn you, don't let me down!”

The soldiers of 761st Tank Battalion would ultimately not only surprise Patton, but others too by taking part in the battle for 183 days continuously, a tremendous achievement.

Involved: As an African American Arthur Whitbeck experienced segregation in the army firsthand. On March 4, 1945 B Company of 784 Tank Battalion took part in the battle for the German village Kamperbruch.

While Patton praised the unit he was certainly not a supporter of racial equality. On the way back from the speech he reportedly remarked to his (white) fellow officers: “They gave a good first impression, but I have no faith in the inherent fighting ability of the race”.