Palmer, Sewell Introduce Bill to Award the 761st Tank Battalion a Congressional Gold Medal
For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Hope Dawson (202) 225-4921
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representatives Gary Palmer (AL-06)and 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 paved 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 embodied it fully. They were on the front lines 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 service of the 761st Tank Battalion was not truly recognized until 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. It is time these men receive the recognition they deserve.”
“As the first African American armored unit to serve in combat during World War II, the 761st Tank Battalion not only helped propel the Allied Forces to victory, but also forged new paths for Black Americans to serve in the U.S. military,” said Rep. Terri Sewell. “Again, this Black History Month, I am proud to join Rep. Palmer in introducing a bill that honors and recognizes the courageous contributions of the 761st Battalion and ensures they are never forgotten.”
In addition to Rep. Sewell, the bill is co-sponsored by Reps. Neal Dunn (FL-02), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), Stephanie Bice (OK-05), Ron Estes (KS-04), Pete Stauber (MN-08), and Barry Moore (AL-01).
Read the text of the bill here.