To award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 761st Tank Battalion, the first Black soldiers to serve in an American armored unit, for their valor and crucial contributions to the Allied victory in Europe.
Gary Palmer
Representative
AL-6
This bill authorizes the Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 761st Tank Battalion, also known as the "Black Panthers," in recognition of their courageous service and crucial contributions during World War II. The medal will be given to the National Museum of African American History and Culture for display, honoring the 761st as the first Black soldiers to serve in an American armored unit and their significant role in the Allied victory in Europe. The bill also allows for the creation and sale of bronze duplicates of the medal to support the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
Congressional Gold Medal for the 'Black Panthers' of WWII: 761st Tank Battalion Finally Gets Its Due
Congress is set to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 761st Tank Battalion, known as the "Black Panthers," recognizing their crucial role in the Allied victory in Europe during World War II. This unit, activated on April 1, 1942, was the first predominantly Black American armored battalion to see combat, serving with distinction for over four years, until June 1, 1946. The bill, officially named the "761st Tank Battalion Congressional Gold Medal Act," finally honors their bravery and sacrifice.
Breaking Barriers, Winning Battles
The 761st Tank Battalion didn't just fight the enemy; they fought prejudice, too. Even with Lieutenant Jackie Robinson (yes, that Jackie Robinson) among their ranks, these soldiers faced an uphill battle for recognition. Despite resistance, they served under General Patton, enduring a grueling 183 days of continuous combat, including pivotal roles in the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of American paratroopers in Bastogne (SEC. 2). They inflicted an estimated 130,000 casualties on the Germans, suffering nearly 50% casualties themselves and losing 71 tanks. They were among the first American units to breach the Siegfried Line and link up with Russian forces.
Delayed Recognition, Enduring Legacy
Tragically, the 761st's heroism wasn't fully acknowledged upon their return home. It took until 1978 for the unit to receive a Presidential Unit Citation (SEC. 2). This Congressional Gold Medal aims to correct that historical oversight. The medal itself, designed by the Secretary of the Treasury, will be presented to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, ensuring their story is preserved and accessible (SEC. 3). The museum is also encouraged to make the medal available for display elsewhere, particularly at locations with ties to the battalion.
Making It Happen (And Paying For It)
The bill authorizes the creation of bronze duplicates of the medal, which can be sold to the public (SEC. 4). The proceeds from these sales will go back into the U.S. Mint's Public Enterprise Fund, essentially making the project self-funding (SEC. 6). All medals created under this act are designated as national medals and classified as numismatic items (SEC. 5). This means they're officially recognized as items of historical and collectible value, further cementing the 761st's place in American history.