During World War II, the United States Army had a separate tank battalion called the 761st Tank Battalion. African-American soldiers made up the majority of its ranks since, according to War Department policy, they were not allowed to serve in the same units as white soldiers.
The 761st's unit symbol, which depicted a black panther's head, earned them the nickname "Black Panthers," and the unit's slogan was "Come out fighting."
The unit was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation for its efforts throughout the conflict. A significant number of individual members were also awarded medals, including 300 Purple Hearts, 11 Silver Stars, and 1 Medal of Honour.
183 days of nonstop operation were put the unit through. In November 1944, the 761st Tank Battalion lost 156 personnel—24 dead, 81 wounded, and 44 non-battle losses. Additional losses for the battalion were 14 evacuated tanks and 20 damaged in battle.
In the brand-new documentary Black Patriots: The 761st Battalion, Morgan Freeman will recount the tale of the first Black tank regiment to participate in World War II combat.March 8, 2023, in New York, NY The two-hour documentary "Black Patriots: The 761st Battalion" (working title) on the HISTORY® Channel will star Academy Award® winner Morgan Freeman.
The compelling documentary will tell the true tale of the 761st Tank Battalion, the first Black tank unit to serve in combat during World War II, and explore in-depth the two key battles they faced: the spread of Nazism in Europe and racism, oppression, and inequality at home.
It is produced by Freeman and Lori McCreary's production company, Revelations Entertainment, in collaboration with GroupM Motion Entertainment.
" It is an honor for me to work with The HISTORY Channel to share the crucial tale of the valiant 761st Battalion. I've wanted to share the narrative of the 761st for more than 20 years. And today, at a time when Black history is being withheld and repressed, the bravery and valor of these remarkable men not only merits but demands that their stories be shared. Their service to this nation through sacrifice was essential to our victory over Nazi Germany. However, they have never been given due credit.
The HISTORY Channel's "Black Patriots: The 761st Battalion" (w.t.) is created by Revelations Entertainment in collaboration with GroupM Motion Entertainment. For Revelations Entertainment, it is directed by Phil Bertelsen, who also serves as executive producer alongside James Younger, Lori McCreary, and Kelly Mendelsohn.
GroupM Motion Entertainment's executive producers are Richard Foster and Chet Fenster. The HISTORY Channel's executive producers are Eli Lehrer and Jennifer Wagman.
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