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Brothers in Arms: The Epic Story of the 761st Tank Battalion, WWII's Forgotten Heroes
A powerful wartime saga recounting the extraordinary story of the 761st Tank Battalion, the first all-black armored unit to see combat in World War II.
“More than a combat story . . . it’s also the story of how black soldiers had to fight (literally and figuratively) for the right to fight the Germans.”— USA Today
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar first became immersed in the history of the 761st Battalion through family friend Leonard “Smitty” Smith, a veteran of the unit. Working with acclaimed writer Anthony Walton, Abdul-Jabbar interviewed surviving members of the battalion to weave together a page-turning narrative based on their memories, stories, and historical accounts, from basic training through the horrors of the battlefield to their postwar experiences.
Trained essentially as a public relations gesture to maintain the support of the black community for the war, the battalion was never intended to see battle. In fact, General Patton originally opposed their deployment, claiming African Americans couldn’t think quickly enough to operate tanks in combatconditions. But in the summer of 1944, following heavy casualties in the fields of France, the Allies—desperate for trained tank personnel—called the battalion up anyway.
While most combat troops fought on the front for a week or two before being rotated back, the men of the 761st served for more than six months, fighting heroically under Patton’s Third Army at the Battle of the Bulge and in the Allies’ final drive across France and Germany. Despite a casualty rate that approached 50 percent and an extreme shortage of personnel and equipment, the 761st would ultimately help liberate some thirty towns and villages, as well as several branch concentration camps. The racism that shadowed them during the war and the prejudice they faced upon their return home are an indelible part of their story. Shining through most of all, however, are the lasting bonds that united them as soldiers and brothers, the bravery they exhibited on the battlefield, and the quiet dignity and patriotism that defined their lives.
“More than a combat story . . . it’s also the story of how black soldiers had to fight (literally and figuratively) for the right to fight the Germans.”— USA Today
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar first became immersed in the history of the 761st Battalion through family friend Leonard “Smitty” Smith, a veteran of the unit. Working with acclaimed writer Anthony Walton, Abdul-Jabbar interviewed surviving members of the battalion to weave together a page-turning narrative based on their memories, stories, and historical accounts, from basic training through the horrors of the battlefield to their postwar experiences.
Trained essentially as a public relations gesture to maintain the support of the black community for the war, the battalion was never intended to see battle. In fact, General Patton originally opposed their deployment, claiming African Americans couldn’t think quickly enough to operate tanks in combatconditions. But in the summer of 1944, following heavy casualties in the fields of France, the Allies—desperate for trained tank personnel—called the battalion up anyway.
While most combat troops fought on the front for a week or two before being rotated back, the men of the 761st served for more than six months, fighting heroically under Patton’s Third Army at the Battle of the Bulge and in the Allies’ final drive across France and Germany. Despite a casualty rate that approached 50 percent and an extreme shortage of personnel and equipment, the 761st would ultimately help liberate some thirty towns and villages, as well as several branch concentration camps. The racism that shadowed them during the war and the prejudice they faced upon their return home are an indelible part of their story. Shining through most of all, however, are the lasting bonds that united them as soldiers and brothers, the bravery they exhibited on the battlefield, and the quiet dignity and patriotism that defined their lives.
330 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
104 people are currently reading
879 people want to read
About the author
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
54 books643 followersAs a center for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1975 to 1989, American basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, originally Lew Alcindor, led the all-time scores in history of national basketball association in 1984.
This former professional player current serves as assistant coach. Typically referred to as Lew Alcindor in his younger days, he changed his name when he converted to Islam.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_...
This former professional player current serves as assistant coach. Typically referred to as Lew Alcindor in his younger days, he changed his name when he converted to Islam.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kareem_...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
October 12, 2015
In WWII, there were 433 Medals of Honor awarded to American military personnel for their self-sacrificing acts of heroism. During the war, 1.2 million Black American men served and fought in the US military, and despite hundreds of well-documented stories of self-sacrifice by these men, not one of them were awarded the Medal of Honor. This did not change until 1993 when an Army review commission was created to rectify this act of racial discrimination. One of the Medal of Honor recipients from this review commission was Ruben Rivers of the 761st “Black Panther” Tank Battalion, which was an entirely Black battalion. The 761st has been said to be the greatest tank battalion the Army has ever seen, and through the prose of Kareem Abdul-Jabar, we are afforded the opportunity to learn about these men and their lives.
Abdul-Jabar does not pull any punches in this book. His words are vivid and work efficiently in sharing the facts with the audience in addition to creating a narrative with melodic flow. Entrenched in the nonsensical racism of their day, the 761st experienced their hardest battles at home, in the US. Seeing the contrast in their treatment abroad versus their treatment in the US, and by White US soldiers, gives the reader a true sense of how these men redefined what it means to be patriotic. These men fought for a country they loved despite the complexities of such a love—despite being hated, treated poorly, and viewed as less than human due to the color of their skin. This is the American history we need to be more present in our educational system and media, because overall, this is a story of human achievement and empathy.
In the book a few notable historical figures share the pages, such as Jackie Robinson who was a brief member of the 761st, and General Patton who encouraged the 761st but consistently voiced his perspective that African-Americans were not fit to fight. Never has the 761st truly received the notoriety they earned, but in “Brothers in Arms” Abdul-Jabar serves us a slice of justice. Loved this book
Abdul-Jabar does not pull any punches in this book. His words are vivid and work efficiently in sharing the facts with the audience in addition to creating a narrative with melodic flow. Entrenched in the nonsensical racism of their day, the 761st experienced their hardest battles at home, in the US. Seeing the contrast in their treatment abroad versus their treatment in the US, and by White US soldiers, gives the reader a true sense of how these men redefined what it means to be patriotic. These men fought for a country they loved despite the complexities of such a love—despite being hated, treated poorly, and viewed as less than human due to the color of their skin. This is the American history we need to be more present in our educational system and media, because overall, this is a story of human achievement and empathy.
In the book a few notable historical figures share the pages, such as Jackie Robinson who was a brief member of the 761st, and General Patton who encouraged the 761st but consistently voiced his perspective that African-Americans were not fit to fight. Never has the 761st truly received the notoriety they earned, but in “Brothers in Arms” Abdul-Jabar serves us a slice of justice. Loved this book
May 12, 2018
I heard Kareem speak last week in Beverly Hills and he talked about this , saying that most white people had never heard of the 761st. Well I had to admit to being a white person who had not, so I read his book. The thing of course, that sets the 761st apart from other brave troops who saw vicious combat and were killed and maimed is the despicable and unfathomable way they were treated by both civilians and white fellow troops at all points at all times. It's so frustrating and sad and I got teary on several occasions. So anything to do with that subject was very effective. What keeps me from giving it a higher rating is sentences like these:
"All ten divisions of Patton's XX and XII Corps were arranged along a front, in this case a vertical north-south line, measuring approximately sixty miles. The five divisions of XX Corps were spread out along the northern portion of the front, running south from the vicinity of the city of Thionville to Pont A Mousson: These divisions were the 90th, 9th, 95th and 5th Infantry Divisions and the 10th Armored Division. The five divisions of XII Corps held the southern portion of the front extending from Pont A Mousson to Moncourt Woods: These divisions numbered from north to south were the 80th, 35th, and 26th Infantry Divisions....still with me? How about "They were far outgunned by the Panzers...the original 75mm of the M-4s had a muzzle velocity of 2,050 feet per second; the longer barreled 76mm of the M4A3E8 had a muzzle velocity of 2,900 fps, a 50% improvement..." See? Blah blah! Maybe if I was a boy I could read that sort of thing with more gusto and less zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....
"All ten divisions of Patton's XX and XII Corps were arranged along a front, in this case a vertical north-south line, measuring approximately sixty miles. The five divisions of XX Corps were spread out along the northern portion of the front, running south from the vicinity of the city of Thionville to Pont A Mousson: These divisions were the 90th, 9th, 95th and 5th Infantry Divisions and the 10th Armored Division. The five divisions of XII Corps held the southern portion of the front extending from Pont A Mousson to Moncourt Woods: These divisions numbered from north to south were the 80th, 35th, and 26th Infantry Divisions....still with me? How about "They were far outgunned by the Panzers...the original 75mm of the M-4s had a muzzle velocity of 2,050 feet per second; the longer barreled 76mm of the M4A3E8 had a muzzle velocity of 2,900 fps, a 50% improvement..." See? Blah blah! Maybe if I was a boy I could read that sort of thing with more gusto and less zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....
March 15, 2023
Great book that brings to light the WW2 exploits of the first all African American armored unit. This goes through the trials and tribulations of their training - experiencing hostile white southern populations where their bases were located - to their superior officers, their service in Europe and their lives after war. Also goes through their struggle to gain recognition for what they accomplished in the years after. A great read of a unit that helped pave the way for the de-segregation of the military.
January 30, 2022
Another gem of “hidden” history. Amazed by the tenacity and courage showing by the men of the 761st Tank Battalion (an all Black battalion. They not only fought Germans and Italians throughout Europe, but internal battles and prejudice within the US Army. The struggle continued when they returned home to the country for which they fought, only to be treated as second class citizens. Read it!
April 19, 2022
Highly recommended!! An absolutely fascinating account of an infuriatingly overlooked piece of WW2 history. The book is very well researched and really puts you in the perspective of the time and people. I love how focused the story is while still showing it's larger place in well known historical events. I love KAJs essays and articles and can't wait to read his other books!
September 17, 2022
I was all set to rate this book a little lower than five stars - there are inaccuracies, it's a little dry and the incredible detail of numerous specific events makes me wonder whether some artistic license was employed. But the subject matter is important and Abdul-Jabbar's fine rendering of this piece of history demands a higher rating.
September 24, 2017
Brothers in Arms is the actual, heroic account of the 761st Tank Battalion, an African-American armored unit that fought in World War II.
The book chronicles the lives of young black men from all over the United States who registered for the draft or volunteered in the United States Army in 1942. Most men who served were in segregated combat groups. Recent high school graduates, or some with higher learning, they were principled, proud, and eager to learn. They took pride in serving their country and selection for the 761st Tank Battalion. The most famous member was famed baseball player, First Lieutenant Jackie Robinson, transferred to another Tank Battalion, who after the war desegregated professional baseball.
The men experienced painful memories of innate hostility from the civilian population during Basic Training at camps in Louisiana and Texas. In addition, there was something amiss about parity and respect from their white peers and commanding officers. The exceptions were Lieutenant Paul L. Bates and Captain David Williams who developed a close and harmonious relationship with the men. Villagers and townspeople in Europe greeted the Tank Battalion with warmth and respect.
The 761st Tank Battalion fought bravely during the Battle of the Bulge; however, after the war, they did not receive the recognition they deserved. It was difficult purchasing home loans and the advantage of good, salaried employment. One of the men, Leonard Smith, did obtain the status of a New York City police officer; however, two of his friends, just as intelligent and hardworking were not accepted. Mr. Smith believed that at that time, the City had a quota of how many African-Americans they would hire. William McBurney studied drafting, but could not obtain a job as a drafter.
I am trying to be more concise in reviewing this book. There is so much history to absorb, but, at times, I found it difficult and painful to read.
In the past, the men received Purple Hearts, Bronze Stars and Silver Stars, and on January 24, 1978, President Jimmy Carter awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for their World War II service.
Although the men said they would never return to Louisiana or Texas, surviving veterans attended a monument memorial dedicated to the 761st Tank Battalion at Fort Hood, Texas, on November 10, 2005. The monument is located on 761st Tank Battalion Drive. The townspeople were hospitable and apologized for their family members’ behavior during the 1940s.
This is a poignant story of the young men’s pure innocence, their loss of innocence seeing their friends’ tragic demise, their unthinkingly, enthusiastic and eager readiness to take part in warfare, and the unfortunate racialization experienced. Yet, it made them tough, self-aware, and disciplined. Their camaraderie made them brothers.
I gave this book five stars.
The book chronicles the lives of young black men from all over the United States who registered for the draft or volunteered in the United States Army in 1942. Most men who served were in segregated combat groups. Recent high school graduates, or some with higher learning, they were principled, proud, and eager to learn. They took pride in serving their country and selection for the 761st Tank Battalion. The most famous member was famed baseball player, First Lieutenant Jackie Robinson, transferred to another Tank Battalion, who after the war desegregated professional baseball.
The men experienced painful memories of innate hostility from the civilian population during Basic Training at camps in Louisiana and Texas. In addition, there was something amiss about parity and respect from their white peers and commanding officers. The exceptions were Lieutenant Paul L. Bates and Captain David Williams who developed a close and harmonious relationship with the men. Villagers and townspeople in Europe greeted the Tank Battalion with warmth and respect.
The 761st Tank Battalion fought bravely during the Battle of the Bulge; however, after the war, they did not receive the recognition they deserved. It was difficult purchasing home loans and the advantage of good, salaried employment. One of the men, Leonard Smith, did obtain the status of a New York City police officer; however, two of his friends, just as intelligent and hardworking were not accepted. Mr. Smith believed that at that time, the City had a quota of how many African-Americans they would hire. William McBurney studied drafting, but could not obtain a job as a drafter.
I am trying to be more concise in reviewing this book. There is so much history to absorb, but, at times, I found it difficult and painful to read.
In the past, the men received Purple Hearts, Bronze Stars and Silver Stars, and on January 24, 1978, President Jimmy Carter awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for their World War II service.
Although the men said they would never return to Louisiana or Texas, surviving veterans attended a monument memorial dedicated to the 761st Tank Battalion at Fort Hood, Texas, on November 10, 2005. The monument is located on 761st Tank Battalion Drive. The townspeople were hospitable and apologized for their family members’ behavior during the 1940s.
This is a poignant story of the young men’s pure innocence, their loss of innocence seeing their friends’ tragic demise, their unthinkingly, enthusiastic and eager readiness to take part in warfare, and the unfortunate racialization experienced. Yet, it made them tough, self-aware, and disciplined. Their camaraderie made them brothers.
I gave this book five stars.
December 18, 2020
I thought this book was very well-written and told this epic story wonderfully. That being said, it was a hard read. The experiences these men faced at home while trying to do right by their country were absolutely horrific. It makes me so angry to read about things like this, but I know how important it is and MORE people need to read these stories. More Americans need to understand what our Black countrymen have had to deal with, live through, PUT UP WITH, just to be seen as whole, as a person. As equal. And we still aren’t there.
April 26, 2019
Inspiring read!! Amazing group of some of the bravest men in WWII history. Spending over 180 days in heavy combat, rescuing concentration camps, and helping to win the war. So tragic that they received such horrendous treatment when they returned home during the height of the civil rights movement. Having served heroically for our country but receiving racial injustices and discrimination upon their return. Utterly disgusting part of history.
May 21, 2020
Excellent.
I learned a lot from this book. The story of this tank battalion and the difficulty they faced in combat and at home is an important part of American history.
I was fascinated to learn Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s personal history; that his father was a cop in NYC who served with one of these heroes on the Department.
Well worth your time!
I learned a lot from this book. The story of this tank battalion and the difficulty they faced in combat and at home is an important part of American history.
I was fascinated to learn Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s personal history; that his father was a cop in NYC who served with one of these heroes on the Department.
Well worth your time!
October 3, 2023
Excellent and important account of the experiences of the Black men in the 761st Battalion in WWII. The appalling way these men were treated both before and after their heroic service to this country is disgraceful and needs to receive wider attention. Well-written and narrated, this book is a "must read".
July 20, 2017
I so much appreciated learning about the 761st tank battalion. What an incredible group of men! And to think that each time they were put with another battalion, they were despised, insulted, and abused makes my blood boil. Despite this constancy, they remained constant in their loyalty towards America; their patriotism a beacon light to all. To learn that after service they returned home to hatred, especially in the south, and lower class citizenship is despicable. It makes me appreciate their sacrifices all the more and reminds me not to judge others. How blessed I am to live in America, thanks to men like Leonard Smith and William McBurney and tens of thousands of others.
December 24, 2020
“THE 761ST TANK BATTALION'S VETERANS returned home without ticker-tape parades or fanfare to resume their daily lives in a country in which, in most southern and border states, they could not vote, use public facilities, sit beside whites in buses or at lunch counters, provide their children with an equal education, or find work at anything but the most menial of jobs.”
What else is there to say? These heroic men were pushed harder, treated worse, and recognized less than any of their peers, and still fought unerringly for each other and their country. It’s a story worth knowing and remembering. There isn’t enough that can be said about them.
What else is there to say? These heroic men were pushed harder, treated worse, and recognized less than any of their peers, and still fought unerringly for each other and their country. It’s a story worth knowing and remembering. There isn’t enough that can be said about them.
February 24, 2025
An interesting book on a topic I knew little about. Well written and organized. I don't know much about the books on black tankers, but I feel you can't go wrong with this one.
February 13, 2025
I used this book for research, and it surprisingly was one of the most action packed, descriptives books about WWII I've read. It had first person perspectives with quotes and excerpts from interviews with members of the 761st and had multiple, cited photos that were easy to use. It was a fairly enjoyable read. Recommended regardless though!
June 28, 2017
This book was eye opening and heart breaking. Got a little bogged down in the battle details in the middle and was sometimes hard for me to follow but should be mandatory reading for anyone interested in WWII
April 4, 2020
Very good read. An eye opener for me (a white lad from England) into the struggle members of the 761st faced as heroes liberating Europe while dealing with the prejudice of the day. The book is easy to read and does not get bogged down with too much ww2 facts. I really enjoyed it!
November 4, 2020
Surprisingly Emotional
Although 75 years later and having heard part of the history previously, this book brought it to a very personal level. To see both segregation and WWII combat from the eyes of the people going through it made it emotional for me.
Although 75 years later and having heard part of the history previously, this book brought it to a very personal level. To see both segregation and WWII combat from the eyes of the people going through it made it emotional for me.
November 3, 2019
A Review of the Audiobook
Published in 2004 by Books on Tape.
Read by Richard Allen.
Duration: 9 hours, 39 minutes.
Unabridged.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is most famous as a basketball player - in high school his team won 71 games in a row. He won three national championships in the three seasons he was allowed to play in college (freshmen had to play on a freshman team back then so his first season doesn't count). No one scored more career points in the NBA than Abdul-Jabbar. He is arguably the best basketball player ever.
Turns out that he is also a thoughtful, active man with an interest in social justice and history. That's where this book comes in. The 761st Tank Battalion was brought to his attention because, it turns out, he knew one of its members growing up - he just didn't know his story.
The problem is, no one really knew the story of these young men - and they should.
The 761st Tank Battalion was one of the lead elements of General Patton's push into Germany during the last months of World War II. They were sort of a hybrid unit that was spread out among infantry units, designed to work with infantry. This simple fact would have hurt their unit's fame if they had been an all-white unit - their actions were just tossed in with other unit's statistics they fought with for just a few days. But, when you toss in the obvious racism of the day (multiple citations were sent up the chain of command, only to be tossed in the trash or ignored. This was corrected in the 1990's by an independent commission), you can see why no one heard of these soldiers.
Abdul-Jabbar focuses on...
Read more at:
https://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2019...
Published in 2004 by Books on Tape.
Read by Richard Allen.
Duration: 9 hours, 39 minutes.
Unabridged.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is most famous as a basketball player - in high school his team won 71 games in a row. He won three national championships in the three seasons he was allowed to play in college (freshmen had to play on a freshman team back then so his first season doesn't count). No one scored more career points in the NBA than Abdul-Jabbar. He is arguably the best basketball player ever.
Turns out that he is also a thoughtful, active man with an interest in social justice and history. That's where this book comes in. The 761st Tank Battalion was brought to his attention because, it turns out, he knew one of its members growing up - he just didn't know his story.
The problem is, no one really knew the story of these young men - and they should.
The 761st Tank Battalion was one of the lead elements of General Patton's push into Germany during the last months of World War II. They were sort of a hybrid unit that was spread out among infantry units, designed to work with infantry. This simple fact would have hurt their unit's fame if they had been an all-white unit - their actions were just tossed in with other unit's statistics they fought with for just a few days. But, when you toss in the obvious racism of the day (multiple citations were sent up the chain of command, only to be tossed in the trash or ignored. This was corrected in the 1990's by an independent commission), you can see why no one heard of these soldiers.
Abdul-Jabbar focuses on...
Read more at:
https://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2019...
July 15, 2012
In the flush of outrage and patriotism in the days and months following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Americans by the hundreds of thousands volunteered to serve in our nation's armed forces. It was no different for black Americans, who were ready to fight for their country, even one that still treated them as decidedly second-class citizens. Eager to maintain the support of black citizens for the war effort, the government attempted to placate them by accepting blacks into the still racially segregated armed services in support roles such as cooks, mechanics, quartermasters (supply troops) and the like, while never actually intending to let them fight. This is well-known, but to this day, a myth persists that no blacks fought in combat during World War Two, except perhaps in isolated instances such as the famed Tuskegee Airmen of the 332nd Fighter Group. But in fact, driven by the urgent need for combat replacements in the last year of the war, tens of thousands of black soldiers fought and were killed and wounded in front line combat, mostly in all-black units. The 761st Tank Battalion was just such a unit.
With "Brothers in Arms, The Epic Story of the 761stTank Battalion, WWII's Forgotten Heroes", Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who has become a capable historian in his post-NBA years, and Anthony Walton, finally do justice to the remarkable but almost completely unknown story of the 761st Tank Battalion, whose motto was "Come Out Fighting!"
Highly trained, but manning poorly-designed Sherman tanks that were in many ways mobile death traps and were in all ways under-armored and outgunned by the vaunted German Panzers, the 761st fought their way over 2,000 combat miles from the hedgerows of Normandy to the concentration camps of Mauthausen. You could say they had to fight a two-front war - not only against the best Nazi Germany could throw at them, but also the worst to which some of their own countrymen could subject them. Both in stateside training and European combat, they fought to overcome indifference, stereotypes, outright racism and even violence. They struggled against mistrust, disrespect, disdain, ignorance, doubting leaders, poor leadership and tactics, neglect and exhaustion. They dealt with the ambiguous and contradictory feelings toward them personified in their sometime commander General George S. Patton, who had made it plain in past writings that he thought blacks couldn't think quickly enough for armored warfare, yet was only too glad to have their support in critical battles. They fought for weeks and months without more than a day's break from combat, adequate winter clothing or even a change of uniform. To drag a wounded comrade to safety under fire or to scout ahead or attack German positions on foot was nearly an everyday occurence. Rather than being part of a self-contained armored division staffed with infantry trained to support tank operations, the 761st Battalion was a detached unit (known to themselves and the rest of the Army as a "bastard" battalion) that was shuffled around different armored or infantry units according to need or the whim of commanders. They would be placed alongside an all-white unit whose reactions to them ranged from caution to outright contempt, and win most of them over with their courage, skill, dedication and humanity, demolishing stereotypes that blacks weren't brave or intelligent enough fight or lead. Then they would be abruptly bounced to another unfamiliar unit and have to start again from scratch, suffering the crushing indignity of going from heroes and life-savers one day to "n----r tankers" the next.
Through it all, they fought with unheralded but unexcelled valor and determination, and often with conspicuous gallantry. And when they returned home, sure that their bravery and sacrifices in blood and lives would open America's eyes to their worth as men and finally gain them full participation in American life, they found a country mostly eager and determined to go on as if they had never even set foot overseas. Their status as an unattached unit hampered record keeping, as did "lost" commendations and paperwork and old stereotypes, to the extent that even other black Americans refused to believe that they had fought at all, let alone from inside the iconic Sherman tank. Their skill in maneuvering thirty-two ton tanks through difficult terrain and demolishing German fortifications and machine gun teams with 75mm armor-piercing shells did little to prepare them for the postwar workforce and the reluctance of white managers to hire them, even after some obtained college degrees.
It would have been little wonder had they given up and retreated into bitterness and disillusionment. But instead, we see in almost all of them a determination to start families and make new lives for themselves. (We also see that men whose courage had been forged in bitter fighting against elite German armored units and SS troops were not easily intimidated by jeering crowds and phalanxes of police with nightsticks, dogs and fire hoses). What is surprising is that so many people had to work so long and hard for them to receive the recognition that should have been theirs from the beginning.
While not without minor flaws (such as the need for more maps), the thoroughly researched and well-written "Brothers in Arms" illuminates an important part of black history and American history (including the history-shaping involvement of one John Roosevelt Robinson with the unit). The experience of the black serviceman in World War II is an important prelude to the Civil Rights struggles of the '50s and '60s. It's hard to read this account knowing that what they went through was just the beginning of a fight that would stretch on for another two decades. It's hard, knowing they thought they had won peace for their children, but their children would have to continue struggling.
"Brothers in Arms" also retells an important part of military history. The flawed and bloody campaign for the Saar, a low point in Patton's career, has been almost completely overshadowed by the Battle of the Bulge and the final drive through Germany (in both of which the 761stalso fought) and receives deserved attention here.
But I recommend "Brothers in Arms" simply because the men of the 761st Tank Battalion, as well as all black WWII veterans, deserve for their story to be told.
With "Brothers in Arms, The Epic Story of the 761stTank Battalion, WWII's Forgotten Heroes", Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who has become a capable historian in his post-NBA years, and Anthony Walton, finally do justice to the remarkable but almost completely unknown story of the 761st Tank Battalion, whose motto was "Come Out Fighting!"
Highly trained, but manning poorly-designed Sherman tanks that were in many ways mobile death traps and were in all ways under-armored and outgunned by the vaunted German Panzers, the 761st fought their way over 2,000 combat miles from the hedgerows of Normandy to the concentration camps of Mauthausen. You could say they had to fight a two-front war - not only against the best Nazi Germany could throw at them, but also the worst to which some of their own countrymen could subject them. Both in stateside training and European combat, they fought to overcome indifference, stereotypes, outright racism and even violence. They struggled against mistrust, disrespect, disdain, ignorance, doubting leaders, poor leadership and tactics, neglect and exhaustion. They dealt with the ambiguous and contradictory feelings toward them personified in their sometime commander General George S. Patton, who had made it plain in past writings that he thought blacks couldn't think quickly enough for armored warfare, yet was only too glad to have their support in critical battles. They fought for weeks and months without more than a day's break from combat, adequate winter clothing or even a change of uniform. To drag a wounded comrade to safety under fire or to scout ahead or attack German positions on foot was nearly an everyday occurence. Rather than being part of a self-contained armored division staffed with infantry trained to support tank operations, the 761st Battalion was a detached unit (known to themselves and the rest of the Army as a "bastard" battalion) that was shuffled around different armored or infantry units according to need or the whim of commanders. They would be placed alongside an all-white unit whose reactions to them ranged from caution to outright contempt, and win most of them over with their courage, skill, dedication and humanity, demolishing stereotypes that blacks weren't brave or intelligent enough fight or lead. Then they would be abruptly bounced to another unfamiliar unit and have to start again from scratch, suffering the crushing indignity of going from heroes and life-savers one day to "n----r tankers" the next.
Through it all, they fought with unheralded but unexcelled valor and determination, and often with conspicuous gallantry. And when they returned home, sure that their bravery and sacrifices in blood and lives would open America's eyes to their worth as men and finally gain them full participation in American life, they found a country mostly eager and determined to go on as if they had never even set foot overseas. Their status as an unattached unit hampered record keeping, as did "lost" commendations and paperwork and old stereotypes, to the extent that even other black Americans refused to believe that they had fought at all, let alone from inside the iconic Sherman tank. Their skill in maneuvering thirty-two ton tanks through difficult terrain and demolishing German fortifications and machine gun teams with 75mm armor-piercing shells did little to prepare them for the postwar workforce and the reluctance of white managers to hire them, even after some obtained college degrees.
It would have been little wonder had they given up and retreated into bitterness and disillusionment. But instead, we see in almost all of them a determination to start families and make new lives for themselves. (We also see that men whose courage had been forged in bitter fighting against elite German armored units and SS troops were not easily intimidated by jeering crowds and phalanxes of police with nightsticks, dogs and fire hoses). What is surprising is that so many people had to work so long and hard for them to receive the recognition that should have been theirs from the beginning.
While not without minor flaws (such as the need for more maps), the thoroughly researched and well-written "Brothers in Arms" illuminates an important part of black history and American history (including the history-shaping involvement of one John Roosevelt Robinson with the unit). The experience of the black serviceman in World War II is an important prelude to the Civil Rights struggles of the '50s and '60s. It's hard to read this account knowing that what they went through was just the beginning of a fight that would stretch on for another two decades. It's hard, knowing they thought they had won peace for their children, but their children would have to continue struggling.
"Brothers in Arms" also retells an important part of military history. The flawed and bloody campaign for the Saar, a low point in Patton's career, has been almost completely overshadowed by the Battle of the Bulge and the final drive through Germany (in both of which the 761stalso fought) and receives deserved attention here.
But I recommend "Brothers in Arms" simply because the men of the 761st Tank Battalion, as well as all black WWII veterans, deserve for their story to be told.
February 27, 2019
Informative read about an all African-American tank unit that fought bravely in the European Theater of Operations. They faced discrimination from white officers, white MPs, and white townspeople while training in Louisiana and Texas. Early in the US's involvement "colored" units were viewed as not fit for combat and were relegated to support roles like food service and transport. As the war went on and casualties mounted and the need for combat soldiers, the 761st was called up to Gen. Patton's Third Army in the EOT. After additional training in England, they joined up with Patton's about 6 weeks after D-Day, during their eastward advancement across France. They fought bravely in the Saar Offensive - which is often overlooked in history books and curricula - then participated in the Battle of the Bulge. As they pushed into Germany and Austria they liberated a concentration camp. The authors did a great job of providing background about the enlisted men and officers who proudly served their country. Much research was done to trace their route and the battles they participated in. Fortunately, this is more than an impersonal military history - combo of military + social history interwoven with the personal stories of the men of this battalion. We learn where they were from, why they joined, why they fought, what they feared and how they coped. I recommend for readers of WWII history and African-American history; as well as fans of "Band of Brothers" and "Patton."
January 6, 2022
There is a great story here of the 761st Tank Battalion, an all black tank battalion that fought in the European Theater of WW2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (the retired NBA superstar) and Anthony Walton bring forward the story of this unit - it is significant because it was one of the few black tank units to fight in the then segregated US Army in WW2. An important part of this story is the racial prejudice that these men faced both within the army and in many of the areas where they trained - one of the more prominent incidences being the events that led to the court martial of Jackie Robinson. Abdul-Jabbar and Walton due a great job telling the story of the men and what they faced, both on the battlefield and in prejudice.
For a history like this, it helps to provide some broader context of what is going on around the unit. Here, the book suffers. The commentary on the Sherman tank and the broader war is sometimes accurate, but all too often veers into questionable, controversial, or flat out incorrect areas. As one example, the authors at times confuse the term panzer (shorthand name generally for German tanks) with Panther (the Panzer Mark V German tank.)
This book is a worthwhile read because it does a great job telling the story of the unit and the men that were a part of it. When it moves into areas to provide greater context on the war or the Sherman tank, it is best to be careful and skeptical in these areas.
For a history like this, it helps to provide some broader context of what is going on around the unit. Here, the book suffers. The commentary on the Sherman tank and the broader war is sometimes accurate, but all too often veers into questionable, controversial, or flat out incorrect areas. As one example, the authors at times confuse the term panzer (shorthand name generally for German tanks) with Panther (the Panzer Mark V German tank.)
This book is a worthwhile read because it does a great job telling the story of the unit and the men that were a part of it. When it moves into areas to provide greater context on the war or the Sherman tank, it is best to be careful and skeptical in these areas.
August 17, 2023
This book made me proud, but it also made me cry. Kareem and his co-writer Anthony Walton tell a story of brave American soldiers doing their job in the face of an obscene level of racist abuse from the country whose uniform they wore and even from their fellow American soldiers. It's a story that needs to be told. It's a book that needs to read by every American--especially every white American. Many black families learn the basics of this and other stories because they are passed down by elders. Most white families, I'm sad to say, did not and do not talk about this essential part of American history.
But Kareem and Walton needed to do a better job of researching what I will call the technical aspects of armored combat during World War II. Calling a German tank a "panzer tank" is like calling a horse a "horse animal." Also, there was no such thing as a "Mark IV Panther." The Mark III and Mark IV were the mainstay of the German armed forces for most of the war. The much more powerful Mark V was the Panther, and its design was inspired by the excellent Soviet T-34. The famous and even more powerful Tiger was the Mark VI.
And also, Joseph Goebbels, not Hermann Goring, was the German propaganda minister.
A book this important should get such easily-researched details right.
But Kareem and Walton needed to do a better job of researching what I will call the technical aspects of armored combat during World War II. Calling a German tank a "panzer tank" is like calling a horse a "horse animal." Also, there was no such thing as a "Mark IV Panther." The Mark III and Mark IV were the mainstay of the German armed forces for most of the war. The much more powerful Mark V was the Panther, and its design was inspired by the excellent Soviet T-34. The famous and even more powerful Tiger was the Mark VI.
And also, Joseph Goebbels, not Hermann Goring, was the German propaganda minister.
A book this important should get such easily-researched details right.
February 5, 2019
I just finished ‘The Infantry’s Armor’ by Yeide and I hoped this would bring me from the general to the specific. Yeide lays out the actions of all the independent tanks battalions including the 761st.
I expected ‘Brothers in Arms’ to provide details but the opening was marred by some simple inaccuracies that any WWII novice historian would catch. It made it hard to keep reading.
But I wasn’t disappointed.
Once the story in earnest begins, it is a quick and descriptive narrative that is easily followed by those familiar with tactical operations. The narrative is rich and shows how leaders figured out how to fight. The small inaccuracies existed but were easy to ignore based on the story. A good read.
For those interested, an example of an inaccuracy is on page 1. High-velocity 75 and 88 mm guns are not artillery. They are direct fire versus indirect fire weapons. Had it not been for these small things, it would have got 4 stars.
I expected ‘Brothers in Arms’ to provide details but the opening was marred by some simple inaccuracies that any WWII novice historian would catch. It made it hard to keep reading.
But I wasn’t disappointed.
Once the story in earnest begins, it is a quick and descriptive narrative that is easily followed by those familiar with tactical operations. The narrative is rich and shows how leaders figured out how to fight. The small inaccuracies existed but were easy to ignore based on the story. A good read.
For those interested, an example of an inaccuracy is on page 1. High-velocity 75 and 88 mm guns are not artillery. They are direct fire versus indirect fire weapons. Had it not been for these small things, it would have got 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 14, 2023
At first glance of this book, I was surprised who wrote this book. I didn't know what to expect but I found the book by Kareem Abdul-Jabber very interesting. His work gives the reader a rare look at the valor displayed by the 761st tank battalion in WWII. It was an all-black unit of skilled tankers who earned the respect of their commanders and commanders of other units whom they supported.
The book revolves around Leonard Smith, a family friend of Abdul-Jabbar and an original member of the 761st. Although the racial cloud of inequity followed the unit throughout their military careers, they were involved in successfully defending many areas of the European theatre. Originally assembled only to gain the continued support of the Black community during the tenuous times of WWII, the 761st was called into action due to the severe causalities suffered by the Allies. The Battalion successfully defended the European theatre during many crucial battles.
While reading I kept thinking that the psychology of racism during WWII never ceases to amaze me. Even men of monumental stature can be so immature into allowing their latent racism surface in unnecessary moments. The common notion is that top military men didn't believe that black men had the mental capabilities to perform satisfactory in modern warfare. I always highly suspected that this "belief" was just pure racism. Even the most narrow minded person knows that there are black men with abilities and virtues that far exceed the average Opie. The greatest disservice and disrespect were to minimize and erase their contributions and sacrifices they gave for a country that looks only at the color of their skin and not the color of the blood they shed for us all!
Although there are a few mistakes on the history of the European Operational Theatre of WWII, and I wish there was more maps and pictures but overall, the book deals with the theme of racism in the armed forces quite well. I recommend it to any history buff. It is an easy read and a touching true story of courage, honor and brotherhood.
The book revolves around Leonard Smith, a family friend of Abdul-Jabbar and an original member of the 761st. Although the racial cloud of inequity followed the unit throughout their military careers, they were involved in successfully defending many areas of the European theatre. Originally assembled only to gain the continued support of the Black community during the tenuous times of WWII, the 761st was called into action due to the severe causalities suffered by the Allies. The Battalion successfully defended the European theatre during many crucial battles.
While reading I kept thinking that the psychology of racism during WWII never ceases to amaze me. Even men of monumental stature can be so immature into allowing their latent racism surface in unnecessary moments. The common notion is that top military men didn't believe that black men had the mental capabilities to perform satisfactory in modern warfare. I always highly suspected that this "belief" was just pure racism. Even the most narrow minded person knows that there are black men with abilities and virtues that far exceed the average Opie. The greatest disservice and disrespect were to minimize and erase their contributions and sacrifices they gave for a country that looks only at the color of their skin and not the color of the blood they shed for us all!
Although there are a few mistakes on the history of the European Operational Theatre of WWII, and I wish there was more maps and pictures but overall, the book deals with the theme of racism in the armed forces quite well. I recommend it to any history buff. It is an easy read and a touching true story of courage, honor and brotherhood.
October 28, 2023
Here's a very good book about the 761st Tank Battalion which fought in World War II. It was the first all Black tank battalion in Army history. The book focuses on three soldiers and does a great job humanizing these people. We learned about their early life, their training under very difficult circumstances in the Jim Crow south where even the army uniform meant nothing, and their experiences in Europe. The battalion arrived in France about two months after D-Day and just started pushing through Europe. They were heavily involved in the Battle of the Bulge and were among the first to follow Gen. Patton across the Rhine into Germany. There is great detail in the telling of the battle scenes. This battalion and that platoon and some other regiment. Don't know how they keep it all straight. I am very interested in learning the history of people of color which was not mentioned in my school years. This book is an excellent addition to my education. Very highly recommended.
May 27, 2024
One of the best and most harrowing books I've read about WWII. The men of the 761st Tank Brigade were heroic beyond human endurance. Formed as a public relations stunt, and to get Eleanor Roosevelt off their backs, the army relegated the unit to opponent status in U.S.-based tank-killing war games. The men of the 761st became expert tacticians, tank drivers, and marksmen. Finally called up because of the massive tank losses in Europe, they were often loaned out piecemeal to infantry units and ordered into tactically suicidal cannon-fodder scenarios by racist and incompetent superiors. When used properly, they were a devastatingly effective fighting force.
December 9, 2024
A pretty good bit of African American history of a little known contribution by Black tankers in World War II. I was somewhat knowledgeable about these events, though this book fleshed out many of the details. A good general account of the heroism and persistence of these warriors as they fought enemies abroad and racism at home in order to contribute to the Allied victory, as well as to witnessing and revealing the atrocities of the Holocaust. The war's conclusion did not end their efforts to obtain recognition for their achievements and bravery. This is the type of book I would put into the hands of young readers interested in military history as well as African-American history.
July 1, 2022
I’m not a big fan of war stories, but I’m reading my kids’ summer reading books with them and this is what my middle chose from the nonfiction list. It was a tough book. I would never want to be in a tank battalion. The 761st tank battalion, one of the few African American battalions in WW2 to face combat, also dealt with horrendous discrimination both during their training and upon returning as veterans and heroes to our country. This was an eye opening account just not my preferred genre.
March 20, 2019
This is an interesting story about an all-Black WWII unit who were true heroes. As "tankers" they faced both the deadly fire of the German army and the intolerance and outright bigotry of their American fellow-soldiers. Abdul-Jabbar is a competent writer and fills this book with details of how the 761st endured a six-month stretch spearheading the American push into Germany.
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