Reps. Thomas and Lawson-Rowe Pass '761st Tank Battalion Day' Bill

COLUMBUS - State Reps. Cecil Thomas (D-Cincinnati) and Meredith Lawson-Rowe (D-Reynoldsburg) announced today the unanimous passage of House Bill 452, which would designate October 1 as 761st Tank Battalion Day in Ohio, by the House Veterans and Military Development Committee.

"The heroes of the 761st Tank Battalion earned their place in American history through extraordinary courage, sacrifice, and service," said Rep. Thomas. "These African American soldiers overcame tremendous obstacles while defending their country. House Bill 452 ensures that Ohioans will have an opportunity each year to reflect on the contributions of these American heroes and the barriers they broke through both on and off the battlefield."

The 761st Tank Battalion, known colloquially as the "Black Panthers," were an independent tanker battalion of the United States Army who fought during World War II and the Korean War. Due to existing military policy at the time, this battalion was a segregated all-Black unit.

"I am pleased to announce the favorable recommendation of the House Veterans and Military Development Committee of House Bill 452," said Rep. Lawson-Rowe. "This bill not only honors the trailblazing service of the men of the 761st Tank Battalion Unit but will also serve to remind us of the progress we have made as a nation, and how far we still have to go to ensure equality for all."

The 761st Tank Battalion Unit was first deployed for combat in 1944, landing on the shores of Normandy, France in October of that year. While there, under the command of General George Patton and his Third Army, they endured a record 183 consecutive days of combat and liberated 30 towns on their crusade into Germany. Their deployment marked the first time an African American tanker battalion fought in active combat in the history of the United States Army.

For their valiant combat record, the 761st Tank Battalion Unit received seven Silver Stars, 246 Purple Hearts and 1 Congressional Medal of Honor, making them one of the most decorated tanker battalions of World War II.

House Bill 452 now awaits a vote of the full House of Representatives and can be tracked here.