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 Contributions
Keyes was drafted into the Army and became part of the 761st Tank Battalion, which entered combat in November 1944. The battalion fought valiantly for 183 consecutive days across Europe, participating in major campaigns including the Battle of the Bulge.
They were instrumental in liberating over 30 towns and played a significant role in General Patton’s strategies in enemy territory.
Liberation of Gunskirchen Concentration Camp
The 761st Tank Battalion helped liberate the Gunskirchen Concentration Camp in Austria on May 4, 1945. This occurred near the end of World War II. The camp was a subcamp of the Mauthausen concentration camp system and held around 15,000 Hungarian Jewish prisoners.
The 761st arrived with units like the 71st Infantry Division. They found horrifying conditions. Bodies were piled high. Survivors were starving, sick, and near death. The SS guards had fled shortly before liberation.
The soldiers of the 761st quickly began providing food, water, and medical aid. They even gave their own rations to the prisoners. Many soldiers had seen combat for months. Later, they recalled the camp as one of the most haunting experiences of the war. It was also one of the most emotional experiences.
Their actions at Gunskirchen underscored the unit’s bravery. It was not just in battle, but also in facing the human toll of the Holocaust. They responded to this challenge with courage.
Personal Reflections and Legacy
Despite his significant contributions, Keyes remained humble about his service. He once remarked, “The dead guys are heroes. They gave up something. They gave up a lot. I didn’t give up a damn thing. I’m better off now than a whole lot of other people. I’m lucky”.
After the war, he became a charter member of the Buffalo Soldiers. He amassed an impressive collection of historical memorabilia. This collection reflects his deep connection to history and service.
In recognition of their bravery and service, the 761st Tank Battalion received the Presidential Unit Citation in 1978. This award is a testament to their enduring legacy in American military history.
Erin MacPherson is a reporter for WMAR-2 News. She played a pivotal role in advancing The Log Book Project. This was possible by connecting it with World War II veteran William Keyes. Mr. Keyes served in both the 4341st and the 761st Tank Battalion. MacPherson graciously presented the project’s log book to Mr. Keyes and offered to produce a follow-up story, thereby amplifying the project’s reach and honoring the veteran’s contributions.
Additionally, MacPherson conducted a live interview with Nick Devaux, the founder of The Log Book Project, on WMAR-2 News’ “Voices For Veterans” segment. This conversation was initially broadcast live on Facebook before being featured on WMAR-2 News, further highlighting the project’s mission to preserve firsthand accounts from World War II veterans.
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