[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 30 (Friday, February 16, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E374-E375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    ACKNOWLEDGING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE 761ST TANK BATTALION, IN 
                   CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 16, 2007

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
service, courage and commitment to the United States displayed by the 
men who fought in the 761st Tank Battalion in World War II. The 761st 
Tank Battalion, also known as the Black Panthers, made history as the 
first all black tank unit to see combat.
  Like the pilots of the 332nd Fighter Group, more affectionately known 
as Tuskegee Airmen, the men of 761st enlisted for service during a 
period in United States history characterized by strict segregation and 
barbaric acts of violence perpetrated against people of color. At home 
and in the military, these men experienced discrimination, were 
relegated to menial service positions and were called to duty only in 
times of intense crisis. Federal law prohibited black soldiers from 
serving alongside white troops and although all black regimens were 
formed few expected to see combat.
  Following the efforts of Louisiana General Leslie J. McNair, the 
commander of the Army Ground Forces and the Black Press, who 
successfully argued that ``colored'' units should be employed in 
combat, the U.S. Army began to experiment with segregated combat units. 
On October 10, 1944, the 761st landed in France on the Normandy 
Peninsula. They were the first battalion deployed. Thirty black 
officers and 676 black enlisted men were assigned to General Patton's 
U.S. Third Army. Despite Patton's vocalization of doubts surrounding 
the use of black soldiers, the soldiers of the 761st committed 
themselves to fighting for their country on behalf of their race; an 
action some undoubtedly hoped would change perceptions of black people 
as inferior and subhuman. The battalion first saw combat on November 7, 
1944. For 183 days, these men engaged and defeated the German Army in 
towns throughout France and Germany.
  Although it would take years for historical records to be amended and 
rightfully reflect the courage and skill employed by the 761st we know 
now just how integral they were to achieving victory in WWII. 
Throughout their tour in combat the battalion helped to liberate more 
than 30 towns under Nazi control. Collectively, the men of the 761st 
were awarded 11 Silver Stars, 70 Bronze Stars, 250 Purple Hearts and a 
Medal of Honor. In 1945 a recommendation for a Presidential Unit 
Citation was submitted. President Jimmy Carter awarded it in 1978.
  The men of the 761st fought for the right to represent this country 
during the Second World War. Before leaving and upon returning they 
continued to fight the bigotry, hatred and racism that served to thwart 
the great promises of this Nation. At all times they acted with 
dignity, conducting themselves admirably and

[[Page E375]]

always with grace. Because of their efforts, and the efforts of other 
Black soldiers in segregated units, black soldiers now fight alongside 
white soldiers today.
  I rise today in recognition of the efforts of the 761st battalion and 
in honor of Black History Month. I commend them for their resolve and 
hope that their courage, conviction and commitment forever be 
remembered by all.

                          ____________________