Men of Armor, Part One: Beginnings, North Africa, and Italy, Part I

Men of Armor, Part One: Beginnings, North Africa, and Italy, Part I

Author: Jeff Danby

Publisher: Casemate

Published: 2021-07-31

Total Pages: 405

ISBN-13: 1636240143

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“With its focus on tank crew members and their commanders this is a unique addition to the literature on WWII.” —A. Harding Ganz, Associate Professor Emeritus of the Ohio State University at Newark, author of Ghost Division After the shocking fall of France in June 1940, the U.S. Army embarked on a crash program to establish a new armored force. One of the units formed was the 756th Tank Battalion (Light), activated at Fort Lewis in June 1941. Because of severe equipment shortages, the new battalion trained without tanks for several months, but by early 1942 were equipped with new M3 light tanks. While companies A and C took part in Operation Torch, B was withheld for lack of cargo space in the transport ships and rejoined the battalion two months later in North Africa. The units undertook reconnaissance missions following the landings in Salerno. In December 1943 the battalion was ordered to upgrade to a medium tank (Sherman) unit. Given less than a month to reorganize and train in M4s, the battalion was sent into the Mignano Gap and supported the 34th Infantry Division in the capture of Cervaro and Monte Trocchio. B Company also supported the troops of the 100th Battalion on bloody but ill-fated attempts to cross the Rapido river before finally establishing a secure bridgehead. The nearby town of Caira was also captured, opening an avenue for an attack on Cassino. Based on decades of research, and hours of interviews with veterans of the 756th Tank Battalion, Jeff Danby’s vivid narrative puts the reader in the turret of B Company’s Shermans as they ride into battle. “The level of detail is impressive.” —WWII History Magazine


Book Synopsis Men of Armor, Part One: Beginnings, North Africa, and Italy, Part I by : Jeff Danby

Download or read book Men of Armor, Part One: Beginnings, North Africa, and Italy, Part I written by Jeff Danby and published by Casemate. This book was released on 2021-07-31 with total page 405 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “With its focus on tank crew members and their commanders this is a unique addition to the literature on WWII.” —A. Harding Ganz, Associate Professor Emeritus of the Ohio State University at Newark, author of Ghost Division After the shocking fall of France in June 1940, the U.S. Army embarked on a crash program to establish a new armored force. One of the units formed was the 756th Tank Battalion (Light), activated at Fort Lewis in June 1941. Because of severe equipment shortages, the new battalion trained without tanks for several months, but by early 1942 were equipped with new M3 light tanks. While companies A and C took part in Operation Torch, B was withheld for lack of cargo space in the transport ships and rejoined the battalion two months later in North Africa. The units undertook reconnaissance missions following the landings in Salerno. In December 1943 the battalion was ordered to upgrade to a medium tank (Sherman) unit. Given less than a month to reorganize and train in M4s, the battalion was sent into the Mignano Gap and supported the 34th Infantry Division in the capture of Cervaro and Monte Trocchio. B Company also supported the troops of the 100th Battalion on bloody but ill-fated attempts to cross the Rapido river before finally establishing a secure bridgehead. The nearby town of Caira was also captured, opening an avenue for an attack on Cassino. Based on decades of research, and hours of interviews with veterans of the 756th Tank Battalion, Jeff Danby’s vivid narrative puts the reader in the turret of B Company’s Shermans as they ride into battle. “The level of detail is impressive.” —WWII History Magazine

Men of Armor - The History of B Company, 756th Tank Battalion in World War II

Men of Armor - The History of B Company, 756th Tank Battalion in World War II

Author: Jeff Danby

Publisher: Casemate

Published: 2021-07-31

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13: 9781636240138

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The story of B Co., 756th Tank Battalion from activation through to the eve of the battle for Monte Cassino, from the tanker's perspective.


Book Synopsis Men of Armor - The History of B Company, 756th Tank Battalion in World War II by : Jeff Danby

Download or read book Men of Armor - The History of B Company, 756th Tank Battalion in World War II written by Jeff Danby and published by Casemate. This book was released on 2021-07-31 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The story of B Co., 756th Tank Battalion from activation through to the eve of the battle for Monte Cassino, from the tanker's perspective.

Men of Armor: The History of B Company, 756th Tank Battalion in World War II

Men of Armor: The History of B Company, 756th Tank Battalion in World War II

Author: JEFF. DANBY

Publisher: Casemate

Published: 2022-04-30

Total Pages: 384

ISBN-13: 9781636240152

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Detailed narrative of the tankers of B Company, 756th Tank Battalion, from the attacks on Cassino through to the battle of Rome.


Book Synopsis Men of Armor: The History of B Company, 756th Tank Battalion in World War II by : JEFF. DANBY

Download or read book Men of Armor: The History of B Company, 756th Tank Battalion in World War II written by JEFF. DANBY and published by Casemate. This book was released on 2022-04-30 with total page 384 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Detailed narrative of the tankers of B Company, 756th Tank Battalion, from the attacks on Cassino through to the battle of Rome.

Men of Armor

Men of Armor

Author: Jeff Danby

Publisher: Casemate

Published: 2022-12-01

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781636240169

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Winner, 2022 Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Writing Awards, Unit History This second volume follows on from the first in recounting the WWII history of B Company, 756th Tank Battalion in vivid detail. The outfit, since upgraded from M5 light tanks to M4 ‘Sherman’ mediums, claws through some of the toughest battles of WWII—from a horrific stalemate at Cassino in February 1944, through the bloody Operation Diadem May breakout, to the stunning capture of Rome on 4 June 1944. This unique multi-volume history covers the full spectrum of experiences of the men in one tank company from inception in June 1941 through the occupation of Germany in 1945. An American tank company in WWII consisted of only five officers and approximately 100 enlisted men—all living, traveling and fighting in seventeen tanks, two jeeps, one truck, one half-track and one tank retriever. Uniting the official record with the rich, personal accounts of the participants, the reader is swept along a highly detailed and shocking journey chronicling the evolution of American armor doctrine and tank design from June 1941 through VE Day. The B Company tankers often fought at a disadvantage—struggling to survive a myriad of battlefield challenges and triumph against enemy armor better armed and better protected. What was once envisioned as a warfare of sweeping armored formations managed by West Point lieutenant colonels and ROTC captains quickly devolved into small unit street fights relying more and more on the initiative, resourcefulness and cunning of lowly OCS lieutenants and combat-seasoned sergeants. The journey is long, unforgiving and brutal, and 47 tankers would be lost along the way.


Book Synopsis Men of Armor by : Jeff Danby

Download or read book Men of Armor written by Jeff Danby and published by Casemate. This book was released on 2022-12-01 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Winner, 2022 Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Writing Awards, Unit History This second volume follows on from the first in recounting the WWII history of B Company, 756th Tank Battalion in vivid detail. The outfit, since upgraded from M5 light tanks to M4 ‘Sherman’ mediums, claws through some of the toughest battles of WWII—from a horrific stalemate at Cassino in February 1944, through the bloody Operation Diadem May breakout, to the stunning capture of Rome on 4 June 1944. This unique multi-volume history covers the full spectrum of experiences of the men in one tank company from inception in June 1941 through the occupation of Germany in 1945. An American tank company in WWII consisted of only five officers and approximately 100 enlisted men—all living, traveling and fighting in seventeen tanks, two jeeps, one truck, one half-track and one tank retriever. Uniting the official record with the rich, personal accounts of the participants, the reader is swept along a highly detailed and shocking journey chronicling the evolution of American armor doctrine and tank design from June 1941 through VE Day. The B Company tankers often fought at a disadvantage—struggling to survive a myriad of battlefield challenges and triumph against enemy armor better armed and better protected. What was once envisioned as a warfare of sweeping armored formations managed by West Point lieutenant colonels and ROTC captains quickly devolved into small unit street fights relying more and more on the initiative, resourcefulness and cunning of lowly OCS lieutenants and combat-seasoned sergeants. The journey is long, unforgiving and brutal, and 47 tankers would be lost along the way.

The Infantry's Armor

The Infantry's Armor

Author: Harry Yeide

Publisher: Stackpole Books

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 418

ISBN-13: 0811705951

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Tanks, amphibian tanks, and amphibian tractors in action in all theaters, from Africa and Europe to the Pacific How the battalions fought the war, often in the tankers' own words Crystal-clear maps The U.S. Army's separate armored battalions fought in obscurity by comparison with the flashy armored divisions, but they carried the heavier burden in the grim struggle against the Axis in World War II. The battalions participated in every armored amphibious assault that the army conducted. They did most of the bloody work in Italy, made vital contributions in France, and constituted the entire effort in the Pacific.


Book Synopsis The Infantry's Armor by : Harry Yeide

Download or read book The Infantry's Armor written by Harry Yeide and published by Stackpole Books. This book was released on 2010 with total page 418 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Tanks, amphibian tanks, and amphibian tractors in action in all theaters, from Africa and Europe to the Pacific How the battalions fought the war, often in the tankers' own words Crystal-clear maps The U.S. Army's separate armored battalions fought in obscurity by comparison with the flashy armored divisions, but they carried the heavier burden in the grim struggle against the Axis in World War II. The battalions participated in every armored amphibious assault that the army conducted. They did most of the bloody work in Italy, made vital contributions in France, and constituted the entire effort in the Pacific.

Load Kick Fire

Load Kick Fire

Author: Gene Palumbo

Publisher: Createspace Independent Pub

Published: 2012-07-25

Total Pages: 138

ISBN-13: 9781469907567

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In LOAD KICK FIRE, 89 year old Gene Palumbo gives a first-hand account of the life of a tanker and as a reconnaissance soldier during World War II.At Fort Knox, Kentucky, Palumbo trained as a tanker and soon found himself on the front lines in Europe, where he fought for 22 months with the 756th Tank Battalion, B Company. From the mountains of Cassino, Italy, to the taking of Rome, to the D-Day landing in Southern France, to Germany, Austria and Hitler's Eagles's Nest, Palumbo describes the horrors of war. Told in a straight-forward, honest voice, Palumbo grapples with seeing so many die, all the time wondering why he got to live. Palumbo finally returns home, only to find he has another battle to fight - the one within himself.


Book Synopsis Load Kick Fire by : Gene Palumbo

Download or read book Load Kick Fire written by Gene Palumbo and published by Createspace Independent Pub. This book was released on 2012-07-25 with total page 138 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In LOAD KICK FIRE, 89 year old Gene Palumbo gives a first-hand account of the life of a tanker and as a reconnaissance soldier during World War II.At Fort Knox, Kentucky, Palumbo trained as a tanker and soon found himself on the front lines in Europe, where he fought for 22 months with the 756th Tank Battalion, B Company. From the mountains of Cassino, Italy, to the taking of Rome, to the D-Day landing in Southern France, to Germany, Austria and Hitler's Eagles's Nest, Palumbo describes the horrors of war. Told in a straight-forward, honest voice, Palumbo grapples with seeing so many die, all the time wondering why he got to live. Palumbo finally returns home, only to find he has another battle to fight - the one within himself.

Men of Armor

Men of Armor

Author: Jeff Danby

Publisher: Casemate Publishers

Published: 2022-12-01

Total Pages: 533

ISBN-13: 163624016X

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Winner, 2022 Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Writing Awards, Unit History This second volume follows on from the first in recounting the WWII history of B Company, 756th Tank Battalion in vivid detail. The outfit, since upgraded from M5 light tanks to M4 ‘Sherman’ mediums, claws through some of the toughest battles of WWII—from a horrific stalemate at Cassino in February 1944, through the bloody Operation Diadem May breakout, to the stunning capture of Rome on 4 June 1944. This unique multi-volume history covers the full spectrum of experiences of the men in one tank company from inception in June 1941 through the occupation of Germany in 1945. An American tank company in WWII consisted of only five officers and approximately 100 enlisted men—all living, traveling and fighting in seventeen tanks, two jeeps, one truck, one half-track and one tank retriever. Uniting the official record with the rich, personal accounts of the participants, the reader is swept along a highly detailed and shocking journey chronicling the evolution of American armor doctrine and tank design from June 1941 through VE Day. The B Company tankers often fought at a disadvantage—struggling to survive a myriad of battlefield challenges and triumph against enemy armor better armed and better protected. What was once envisioned as a warfare of sweeping armored formations managed by West Point lieutenant colonels and ROTC captains quickly devolved into small unit street fights relying more and more on the initiative, resourcefulness and cunning of lowly OCS lieutenants and combat-seasoned sergeants. The journey is long, unforgiving and brutal, and 47 tankers would be lost along the way.


Book Synopsis Men of Armor by : Jeff Danby

Download or read book Men of Armor written by Jeff Danby and published by Casemate Publishers. This book was released on 2022-12-01 with total page 533 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Winner, 2022 Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Writing Awards, Unit History This second volume follows on from the first in recounting the WWII history of B Company, 756th Tank Battalion in vivid detail. The outfit, since upgraded from M5 light tanks to M4 ‘Sherman’ mediums, claws through some of the toughest battles of WWII—from a horrific stalemate at Cassino in February 1944, through the bloody Operation Diadem May breakout, to the stunning capture of Rome on 4 June 1944. This unique multi-volume history covers the full spectrum of experiences of the men in one tank company from inception in June 1941 through the occupation of Germany in 1945. An American tank company in WWII consisted of only five officers and approximately 100 enlisted men—all living, traveling and fighting in seventeen tanks, two jeeps, one truck, one half-track and one tank retriever. Uniting the official record with the rich, personal accounts of the participants, the reader is swept along a highly detailed and shocking journey chronicling the evolution of American armor doctrine and tank design from June 1941 through VE Day. The B Company tankers often fought at a disadvantage—struggling to survive a myriad of battlefield challenges and triumph against enemy armor better armed and better protected. What was once envisioned as a warfare of sweeping armored formations managed by West Point lieutenant colonels and ROTC captains quickly devolved into small unit street fights relying more and more on the initiative, resourcefulness and cunning of lowly OCS lieutenants and combat-seasoned sergeants. The journey is long, unforgiving and brutal, and 47 tankers would be lost along the way.

Armored Strike Force

Armored Strike Force

Author: Charles C. Roberts

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Published: 2016-07-01

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 0811763447

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The U.S. 70th Tank Battalion boasts one of the most impressive combat records of any American armored unit in World War II. It landed in North Africa as part of Operation Torch and participated in the invasion of Sicily, D-Day, the Normandy campaign, the Battle of the Bulge, and the final drive into Germany. It remains in service today as the 70th Armor Regiment, the U.S. Army's most decorated armor unit.


Book Synopsis Armored Strike Force by : Charles C. Roberts

Download or read book Armored Strike Force written by Charles C. Roberts and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2016-07-01 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The U.S. 70th Tank Battalion boasts one of the most impressive combat records of any American armored unit in World War II. It landed in North Africa as part of Operation Torch and participated in the invasion of Sicily, D-Day, the Normandy campaign, the Battle of the Bulge, and the final drive into Germany. It remains in service today as the 70th Armor Regiment, the U.S. Army's most decorated armor unit.

Derricks' Bridgehead

Derricks' Bridgehead

Author: Lt. Col. Major Clark

Publisher: Casemate

Published: 2023-08-31

Total Pages: 294

ISBN-13: 1636242723

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Vivid, first-hand account of a unique and significant World War II all-black U.S. Army unit—the 597th Field Artillery Battalion, 92nd Division. The 597th Field Artillery Battalion, 92nd Division, was the first, last, and only all-black officered direct support field artillery battalion committed to combat in the history of the U.S. Army. It was the first all-black unit in a combat division and, together with the 600th Field Artillery Battalion, constituted the only all-black units in any combat division. Alongside impressive achievements on the battlefield in Italy in 1944–45, the unit provided more key command and staff positions exclusively for black field artillery officers than any other U.S. Army unit in combat, giving combat training and experience to more senior black field artillery officers than any of the other 16 black field artillery battalions during World War II. Colonel Wendell Derricks worked to shelter his troops from the worst of the racism exhibited during the war and, due to his ability to envision an integrated postwar army, he provided unique leadership opportunities for his senior officers. The alumni of the 597th Field Artillery Battalion have an impressive record of success, many of them were inducted into the Field Artillery Hall of Fame; some served at the Pentagon, including Lieutenant Colonel Clark; and others forged successful careers in the civilian world.


Book Synopsis Derricks' Bridgehead by : Lt. Col. Major Clark

Download or read book Derricks' Bridgehead written by Lt. Col. Major Clark and published by Casemate. This book was released on 2023-08-31 with total page 294 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Vivid, first-hand account of a unique and significant World War II all-black U.S. Army unit—the 597th Field Artillery Battalion, 92nd Division. The 597th Field Artillery Battalion, 92nd Division, was the first, last, and only all-black officered direct support field artillery battalion committed to combat in the history of the U.S. Army. It was the first all-black unit in a combat division and, together with the 600th Field Artillery Battalion, constituted the only all-black units in any combat division. Alongside impressive achievements on the battlefield in Italy in 1944–45, the unit provided more key command and staff positions exclusively for black field artillery officers than any other U.S. Army unit in combat, giving combat training and experience to more senior black field artillery officers than any of the other 16 black field artillery battalions during World War II. Colonel Wendell Derricks worked to shelter his troops from the worst of the racism exhibited during the war and, due to his ability to envision an integrated postwar army, he provided unique leadership opportunities for his senior officers. The alumni of the 597th Field Artillery Battalion have an impressive record of success, many of them were inducted into the Field Artillery Hall of Fame; some served at the Pentagon, including Lieutenant Colonel Clark; and others forged successful careers in the civilian world.

Buttoned Up

Buttoned Up

Author: Westin Ellis Robeson

Publisher: Texas A&M University Press

Published: 2018-03-05

Total Pages: 278

ISBN-13: 1623495679

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Independent tank battalions were small, self-contained armored units attached to larger infantry divisions as necessary during World War II. The United States Army believed this would provide infantry the firepower and protection it needed on an ever-changing battlefield. In Buttoned Up: American Armor and the 781st Tank Battalion in World War II, Westin E. Robeson explores the contribution of American armor to the Allied victory in World War II. Robeson first provides contextual background with a consideration of the history of the tank itself and the development of armor doctrine during the First World War and interwar years. He then addresses the rebirth of American armor in response to the German attacks in Europe. Finally, he focuses on a particular independent tank battalion, the 781st, as a case study of the effectiveness of armor in World War II. Buttoned Up introduces the reader to the application of American armored doctrine and provides a new understanding of the tank as a weapon.


Book Synopsis Buttoned Up by : Westin Ellis Robeson

Download or read book Buttoned Up written by Westin Ellis Robeson and published by Texas A&M University Press. This book was released on 2018-03-05 with total page 278 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Independent tank battalions were small, self-contained armored units attached to larger infantry divisions as necessary during World War II. The United States Army believed this would provide infantry the firepower and protection it needed on an ever-changing battlefield. In Buttoned Up: American Armor and the 781st Tank Battalion in World War II, Westin E. Robeson explores the contribution of American armor to the Allied victory in World War II. Robeson first provides contextual background with a consideration of the history of the tank itself and the development of armor doctrine during the First World War and interwar years. He then addresses the rebirth of American armor in response to the German attacks in Europe. Finally, he focuses on a particular independent tank battalion, the 781st, as a case study of the effectiveness of armor in World War II. Buttoned Up introduces the reader to the application of American armored doctrine and provides a new understanding of the tank as a weapon.