Military Officer - February 2006 - (Page 66) Germans had learned much about maneuvering their tanks on lessthan-ideal terrain and had effectively adjusted their design. The Panzers possessed superior armor, firepower, and maneuverability. The Shermans simply were outmatched — some sources estimate the actual combat effectiveness for a battalion of Sherman tanks was three weeks. This figure makes the accomplishments of the 761st truly remarkable. During their 183 days at the front, the Panthers would fight with the 26th, 71st, 79th, 87th, 95th, and 103rd infantry divisions; the 17th Airborne Division; and the 3rd, 7th, and 9th armies. The unit received many letters of commendation for its performance, and it was arguably the best tank battalion left in the United States. Whether or not the 761st was intended to be sent into combat, American forces in Europe needed fresh, proficient tank units. On June 9, 1944, the Panthers were placed on full alert for deployment overseas. By early October, the 761st had crossed the English Channel and had landed at Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. The scene of carnage just a few months earlier had given way to the hum of a secure tent city. With their new tanks, many the Sherman’s most recent model, the Panthers took six days to roll the 400 miles to the front. They were ready. “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.” — Lt. Gen. George S. Patton Jr. Patton needed the 761st. On Nov. 2, Patton himself addressed the battalion as only he could: “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.” Tank losses had been heavy since Normandy, due in large part to the inferiority of Allied tanks. The Baptism by fire November would prove to be the deadliest month for the 761st. Of the 34 men who died before victory in Europe, 27 lost their lives in November alone. And of those, 15 died Nov. 8-9 in the battles for Morville-les-Vic and Vic-sur-Seille in France. The 761st was to take Morvilleles-Vic primarily for its bridges. The town was heavily defended by the Germans. The area was wooded and the surrounding terrain was muddy, bogging down the tanks. C Company was nearly annihilated after it hit an antitank ditch. The Panthers escaped their damaged tanks and took cover under the tanks and in the tank ditch. Their situation seemed hopeless, until 1st Sgt. Samuel Turley covered their escape, giving his life to save his men — an act that resulted in his consideration for the Medal of Honor. Heroic acts seemed de rigueur. Staff Sgt. Reuben Rivers, who had been in the thick of the fighting since the first days of combat, continued to lead in the fighting around Guebling. Despite a serious injury Nov. 16, he refused medical attention and would not evacuate. He continued to fight until Nov. 19 and died while covering A Company’s withdrawal and PHOTO: NATIONAL ARCHIVES To the front Once the Allies had a foothold on the Continent, it was a race to the Rhine. But Patton first had to break through the Siegfried Line, Germany’s nearly 400-mile-long defensive line. The Westwall, as the Germans referred to it, was built in the 1930s and had thousands of bunkers, tunnels, and tank traps. Patton needed combined arms. He needed the power on the ground that tanks afforded him. 66 MILITARY OFFICER FEBRUARY 2006
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