The 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion: Fighting on Both Fronts

The 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion was a unit of black soldiers that fought in the Second World War. They earned the respect of the white soldiers they fought alongside and were present during the division's triumphs and tragedies. This book includes lists of medals awarded to the men, casualties, and those who served in the unit.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion was activated on July 25, 1942, at Camp Carson, USA, and, like many other tank destroyer battalions, it was deployed to Europe. The battalion saw action in France, where a platoon earned the Distinguished Unit Citation, and later continued to fight bravely in Germany and Austria until the end of the war. However, unlike many other tank destroyer battalions that fought in World War II, this unit was crewed exclusively by black soldiers. The men had faced racism from their fellow countrymen during training, although the battalion eventually gained the respect of the white soldiers they fought alongside.

When the third platoon deployed their guns on the slopes near Climbach, France, they were not only fighting against the Germans but also against any prejudices that their white countrymen might have had. Having earned the respect of the 103d Infantry Division, the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion shared in their triumphs and tragedies.

When the division needed to retreat during a blizzard, or when Task Force Rhine pushed its way across the German plains, or when the division suffered heavy losses at Schillersdorf, the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion was there with them.

This book includes lists of medals awarded to the men during the war, as well as a list of casualties and those who served in the unit.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 164 x 240 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399008686