The 761st Tank Battalion was an independent tank battalion of the United States Army during World War II. Its ranks primarily consisted of African American soldiers, who by War Department policy were not permitted to serve in the same units as White troops; the United States Armed Forces did not officially desegregate until after World War II. The 761st were known as the Black Panthers after their distinctive unit insignia, which featured a black panther’s head, and the unit’s motto was “Come out fighting”. Decades after the war, the unit received a Presidential Unit Citation for its actions. In addition, a large number of individual members also received medals, including one Medal of Honor, eleven Silver Stars and approximately 300 Purple Hearts.
Signees
William “Billy” Keyes
Born in 1921 Keyes served in the 761st Tank Battalion, famously known as the “Black Panthers.” This battalion was the first African American armored unit to see combat in the U.S. Army. Military Service and [Read more]