First to Fight - The Black Tankers of WWII

Veterans of the first black tank unit to see combat recall the struggles they faced during WWII. A probing look at the plight of African-American soldiers during World War II. Includes interviews with veterans of the 761st Tank Battalion. See how the U.S. Military has endeavored to correct its racist past.



The 761st Tank Battalion made history as the first all black tank unit to see combat. Like the better-known Tuskegee Airmen, they proved they were as competent as any soldier in the U.S. military. Over the course of 183 days on the front, the 761st helped liberate more than 30 towns under Nazi control. Collectively they were awarded 11 Silver Stars, 70 Bronze Stars, 250 Purple Hearts, and a Medal of Honor. And more than 30 years after coming home, the 761st was finally recognized with the prestigious Presidential Unit Citation.

Through the stories of a select group of surviving veterans, FIRST TO FIGHT examines the history of the battalion--how they came to be; the racism they faced; their battles to be allowed to fight; and courageous service in the European Theater. The program also examines the larger issue of how the U.S. military has evolved from a segregated to an integrated institution.

Category:

Education

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• First
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• WWII

[JEREX101]

Tuskegee airmen.........761st battalion... Buffalo soldiers....man our ancestors achieved great things in history...they made us the proud Negroes we are today....thanks to our ancestors......

[dcrasta]

Thank you for your service to America at a time where America did not appreciate your contribution. Our ancestors honor us, how do we honor them?

[Hatinonthehaters]

God bless these men and women. Fighting for their Country. Thank You.

[BekaShakur]

Sweet Land of Bigotry, good 1

[MrFredGoldstein]

Bless these brave men.

They are the unsung heroes of WWII.

[clearlogicify]

Washington didn't want blacks (freed or not) in the continental army either. Same issues, he feared poor fighting qualities but black's being at the same social lvl as his regular whites was even more alarming to him. He had to accept them when interesting in fighting the Brits was at the weakest.

Strange that these people would fight the white man's wars, with the ironic image of a black panther in their battle standard. Almost painful irony.

Interesting vid again though.

[SgtKingK]

Thank you all

[SgtKingK]

I am glad our story is being told. Up to this poitn I ahve been met with hostilty bya lot of neo Nazi revionsist

[cdowdell01]

Our passion is their passion!

[IraqNegroVeteran]

This makes me proud.