Palmer Introduces Gold Medal Bill in Honor of the 761st Tank Battalion

Press Release

Today, Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) and Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) introduced a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 761st Tank Battalion in honor of them being the first Black American armored unit and for their valiant service during World War II.

"The 761st Tank Battalion helped pave the way for Black American soldiers and made significant contributions to the Allied Forces during World War II," said Rep. Gary Palmer. "The battalion's motto was "Come Out Fighting,' and they took that to heart. They were on the front line for 183 straight days without being pulled and inflicted significant damage to German forces in November 1944. Fifty percent of the battalion suffered casualties, but their sacrifice helped propel the Allies to victory."

Palmer concluded, "The sacrifice and the service of the 761st Tank Battalion was not truly recognized until January 24, 1978, when they received a Presidential Unit Citation. This delayed gratification came almost 33 years after the battalion's service in World War II. In 1997, seven men who served with the 761st were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Bill Clinton. In honor of their trailblazing effort for Black American soldiers and their loyal service to their country, the 761st Tank Battalion deserves the Congressional Gold Medal."

"As the first African American armored unit to see combat in World War II, the 761st Tank Battalion blazed trails for Black Americans serving in the U.S. military and helped propel the Allied Forces to victory," said Rep. Sewell. "During this Black History Month, I'm proud to join Congressman Palmer in introducing this bill to ensure their valiant contributions to our nation are properly recognized and never forgotten."

In addition to being introduced by Reps. Palmer and Sewell, this bill is cosponsored by Reps. Glenn Grothman (WI-6), Tim Burchett (TN-2), Mike Carey (OH-15), Richard Hudson (NC-9), Andy Harris (MD-1), Morgan Griffith (VA-9), Jerry Carl (AL-1), Chuck Edwards (NC-11), and Robert Latta (OH-5).

Background on the legislation: Awards the Congressional Gold Medal to the 761st Tank Battalion in recognition of their role in the success of Allied forces in Europe during World War II, and for the example they set as the first Black soldiers to go to war as part of an American armored unit. The gold medal will be given to the National Museum of African American History and Culture where it will be available for display and research.

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