Day of the Panzer: A Story of American Heroism and Sacrifice in Southern France
A highly rated, vivid and readable account of U.S. tanks in action in 1944 based on six years of research, interviews and battlefield visits.

“[An] excellent popular history . . . a sprightly and evocative tribute to the troops of Operation Dragoon” - Publishers Weekly

This is a rarely detailed, “you are there” account of World War II combat, describing a brief but bloody tank/infantry action in August 1944. Based on six years of research—drawing from interviews, primary documents, and visits to the battlefield—The Day of the Panzer transports the reader into the ranks of L Company, 15th Regiment, Third Infantry Division, and its supporting M4s of the 756th Tank Battalion as they grapple head-on with the Wehrmacht.

On August 15, 1944, L Company hit the beaches in southern France, joined by the tank crews of 2nd Lt. Andrew Orient’s 3rd Platoon, all veterans of Cassino. Despite logistical problems, the Third Division forged north through the Rhône River valley, L Company and its supporting tanks leading the regimental charge—until they faced a savage counterattack by the Germans and a rampaging Panther tank...

In this book, the minute-by-minute confusion, thrill, and desperation of WWII combat is placed under a microscope, as if the readers themselves were participants. “Through his well-wrought prose, Danby paints a detailed picture of deadly fighting and stunning victory” - WWII History

“One of the most interesting and absorbing battles histories that this reviewer has ever read...remarkably realistic and personal.” — History Book Club

“The excellent descriptions of infantrymen, tankers and supporting troops from the 15th’s Cannon Company using M8 self-propelled howitzers and the three inch gun armed M10s of the 601st Tank Destroyer Battalion make for good reading.” —War History Online.
1120577882
Day of the Panzer: A Story of American Heroism and Sacrifice in Southern France
A highly rated, vivid and readable account of U.S. tanks in action in 1944 based on six years of research, interviews and battlefield visits.

“[An] excellent popular history . . . a sprightly and evocative tribute to the troops of Operation Dragoon” - Publishers Weekly

This is a rarely detailed, “you are there” account of World War II combat, describing a brief but bloody tank/infantry action in August 1944. Based on six years of research—drawing from interviews, primary documents, and visits to the battlefield—The Day of the Panzer transports the reader into the ranks of L Company, 15th Regiment, Third Infantry Division, and its supporting M4s of the 756th Tank Battalion as they grapple head-on with the Wehrmacht.

On August 15, 1944, L Company hit the beaches in southern France, joined by the tank crews of 2nd Lt. Andrew Orient’s 3rd Platoon, all veterans of Cassino. Despite logistical problems, the Third Division forged north through the Rhône River valley, L Company and its supporting tanks leading the regimental charge—until they faced a savage counterattack by the Germans and a rampaging Panther tank...

In this book, the minute-by-minute confusion, thrill, and desperation of WWII combat is placed under a microscope, as if the readers themselves were participants. “Through his well-wrought prose, Danby paints a detailed picture of deadly fighting and stunning victory” - WWII History

“One of the most interesting and absorbing battles histories that this reviewer has ever read...remarkably realistic and personal.” — History Book Club

“The excellent descriptions of infantrymen, tankers and supporting troops from the 15th’s Cannon Company using M8 self-propelled howitzers and the three inch gun armed M10s of the 601st Tank Destroyer Battalion make for good reading.” —War History Online.
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Day of the Panzer: A Story of American Heroism and Sacrifice in Southern France

Day of the Panzer: A Story of American Heroism and Sacrifice in Southern France

by Jeff Danby
Day of the Panzer: A Story of American Heroism and Sacrifice in Southern France

Day of the Panzer: A Story of American Heroism and Sacrifice in Southern France

by Jeff Danby

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$24.95 
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Overview

A highly rated, vivid and readable account of U.S. tanks in action in 1944 based on six years of research, interviews and battlefield visits.

“[An] excellent popular history . . . a sprightly and evocative tribute to the troops of Operation Dragoon” - Publishers Weekly

This is a rarely detailed, “you are there” account of World War II combat, describing a brief but bloody tank/infantry action in August 1944. Based on six years of research—drawing from interviews, primary documents, and visits to the battlefield—The Day of the Panzer transports the reader into the ranks of L Company, 15th Regiment, Third Infantry Division, and its supporting M4s of the 756th Tank Battalion as they grapple head-on with the Wehrmacht.

On August 15, 1944, L Company hit the beaches in southern France, joined by the tank crews of 2nd Lt. Andrew Orient’s 3rd Platoon, all veterans of Cassino. Despite logistical problems, the Third Division forged north through the Rhône River valley, L Company and its supporting tanks leading the regimental charge—until they faced a savage counterattack by the Germans and a rampaging Panther tank...

In this book, the minute-by-minute confusion, thrill, and desperation of WWII combat is placed under a microscope, as if the readers themselves were participants. “Through his well-wrought prose, Danby paints a detailed picture of deadly fighting and stunning victory” - WWII History

“One of the most interesting and absorbing battles histories that this reviewer has ever read...remarkably realistic and personal.” — History Book Club

“The excellent descriptions of infantrymen, tankers and supporting troops from the 15th’s Cannon Company using M8 self-propelled howitzers and the three inch gun armed M10s of the 601st Tank Destroyer Battalion make for good reading.” —War History Online.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781612009971
Publisher: Casemate Publishers
Publication date: 04/23/2021
Pages: 384
Sales rank: 1,022,902
Product dimensions: 5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Jeff Danby was born in Pontiac, Michigan. As the son of a high school history teacher, Jeff grew up in a house full of books—which he read voraciously. He went on to get a B.A. Degree in History (with Honors) from DePaul University with a concentration in 20th Century America. Jeff currently lives in Granville, Ohio, with his wife Melinda and three children. He is an active member of the 756th Tank Battalion Association and maintains the organization's website. He also maintains memberships in the Society of Third Infantry Division, and the 15th Infantry Regiment Association.

Table of Contents

Preface and Acknowledgments vii

Introduction xv

Chapter 1 L Company 1

Chapter 2 Respite and Preparations 21

Chapter 3 Yellow Beach 35

Chapter 4 On to Saint-Tropez 51

Chapter 5 Across Southern France 65

Chapter 6 Toward Marseille 81

Chapter 7 Roadblock 103

Chapter 8 Pursuit North 117

Chapter 9 Armor Column 139

Chapter 10 Allan 149

Chapter 11 Reconnaissance 171

Chapter 12 The Crossroads 183

Chapter 13 Trouble in the Rear 205

Chapter 14 The Gauntlet 217

Chapter 15 A Small Revenge 233

Epilogue 237

Postscript 257

Appendices 275

Notes 292

Bibliography 337

Index 351

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