Morgan Freeman Sheds Light on Rescuing a Black WWII Tank Battalion from Obscurity
Renowned actor Morgan Freeman is on a mission to bring attention to the remarkable story of the 761st Tank Battalion, the first Black tank battalion to fight in World War II. Despite their significant contributions, the battalion’s story has largely remained unknown. Freeman aims to change that by producing a documentary titled “761st Tank Battalion: The Original Black Panthers,” which will air on the History Channel. This article explores Freeman’s efforts to shed light on this forgotten piece of American history.
Morgan Freeman, whose work is already celebrated in the Library of Congress, recently visited the institution’s main reading room to draw attention to a book titled “Come Out Fighting: The Epic Tale of the 761st Tank Battalion 1942-1945.” Authored by Trezzvant Anderson, a young Black reporter who accompanied the battalion during the war, the book chronicles the battalion’s heroic journey across Europe. Freeman expressed his surprise at not having heard of Anderson before, stating that he deserves greater recognition.
Motivated by the lack of awareness surrounding the 761st Tank Battalion, Freeman embarked on the production of a documentary that aims to bring their story to the public. Titled “761st Tank Battalion: The Original Black Panthers,” the documentary will feature a cameo appearance by Lloyd Austin, the first Black secretary of defense. Freeman expressed his astonishment that such a significant piece of American history remains largely unknown, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging all aspects of the nation’s past.
While the story of the 761st Tank Battalion has been previously documented in a 1992 documentary narrated by Denzel Washington and a 2004 book by Kareem Abdul Jabbar, it has not received the same level of recognition as other war stories, such as the popular HBO series “Band of Brothers.” Freeman aspires to create a similar impact with his documentary, showcasing the depth, bravery, and resilience of the battalion’s members.
The Library of Congress holds two copies of Anderson’s book, but one is in such poor condition that it remains in storage. Freeman, however, took the initiative to read excerpts from the book, emphasizing its significance as a tribute to the military prowess, courage, and bravery of the Black soldiers who fought against great odds. He highlighted the fact that the 761st Tank Battalion played a crucial role in General George Patton’s charge toward Germany, even though Patton himself held racist views.
The battalion faced numerous challenges and losses during their time on the front lines. They participated in the Battle of the Bulge, broke through the heavily fortified Siegfried line, crossed the Rhine, and entered the Third Reich. Their unwavering determination and bravery earned them the respect of a captured German officer, who acknowledged their unparalleled courage.
Upon returning home, the members of the 761st Tank Battalion faced the harsh reality of a deeply segregated country. Despite their accomplishments, they received little recognition from the government and society at large. It took 33 years for the battalion to be awarded a presidential unit citation, and posthumous honors were delayed even longer. Freeman emphasized the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the sacrifices made by these soldiers.
Morgan Freeman’s dedication to bringing the story of the 761st Tank Battalion to light serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing the contributions of all individuals, regardless of their race or background. Through his documentary, Freeman aims to ensure that this remarkable piece of American history receives the attention and recognition it deserves. The bravery and resilience of the 761st Tank Battalion serve as an inspiration for future generations, highlighting the need to learn from the past and celebrate the accomplishments of all those who have fought for their country.
