Washington D.C. — U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) joined Rep. Gary Palmer (AL-06) to introduce a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the 761st Tank Battalion, the first Black American armored unit in World War II.

“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. 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.”

“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. 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.”

The bill is also 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).

Bill text is available here.

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