By Joe Wilson, Jr.
Publisher: McFarland
Overview
The 784th Tank Battalion in World War II: History of an African American Armored Unit in Europe recounts the service of the 784th Tank Battalion, one of the African-American tank battalions formed during World War II. With the onset of the war, African Americans faced a struggle merely to be allowed to serve. Figures such as Lt. General Leslie McNair and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt advocated against military discrimination, leading to the creation of segregated units like the 784th.
This history chronicles the experiences of the 784th Tank Battalion from basic training through combat, occupation duty, and eventual deactivation. Drawing extensively from observations and comments by battalion veterans, the book provides a vivid portrayal of World War II from the perspective of soldiers who endured both enemy fire and second-class treatment within their own military.
Special attention is given to how these experiences helped lay the groundwork for the American civil rights movements of the 1960s.
About the Author
Joe Wilson, Jr., the son of a tanker in the 761st Tank Battalion, is a systems accountant based in Washington, D.C. He has written for World War II magazine and is also the author of The 761st "Black Panther" Tank Battalion in World War II (1999).
Publication Details
- Publisher: McFarland
- Publication Date: Expected availability January 10, 2007