Military History Bookclub

The 761st Tank Battalion was an independent that fought with Patton’s Army during WWII. The unit was formed in 1942 in Texas and trained there for two years. 2Lt Jackie Robinson (later of the Brooklyn Dodgers) was one of the original members. But did not accompany the 761st to Europe. The unit deployed to Europe immediately after D-Day 1944 and entered the continent at Omaha Beach in October. 

General Patton requested the unit be assigned to his Army, and the 761st entered combat on 7 Nov 44 in Northern France. They participated in the Battle of the Bulge as part of Patton’s force that dashed to Bastogne to assist the 101st Airborne Division. The Battalion fought on the front lines for 183 straight days without ever being moved back to R&R locations. After Bastogne, the battalion supported the 87th Infantry’s efforts to breach the Siegfried Line and advance into Germany. The unit received a Presidential Unit Citation from President Jimmie Carter. SSG Ruben Rivers was awarded the Medal of Honor. Eleven Silver Stars, 69 Bronze Stars, and 300 Purple Hearts were awarded to unit.members.

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