From 1987 to 1989, I was assigned to the 4th Battalion, 64th Armor Regiment located in Fort Stewart, GA. I attribute my current attitude and leadership philosophy to the examples of leadership shown by the senior noncommissioned officers in that unit. To that end, I chose to examine the beginnings of the 64th Armor Regiment and its sister battalions. My review pertains to the African-American soldiers who served in three tank battalions during the World War II Era. These units were the 758th' 761st and 784th Tank Battalions of the 5th Tank Group (Black Panther, Tank Battalion). Specifically, I will cover formations, duties, training, discipline, weapons, and heroes from these units.

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