The 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion: Fighting on Both Fronts

by Samuel de Korte

Overview

Finalist, 2022 Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Writing Awards

The 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion was activated on 25 July 1942 at Camp Carson, USA and, like many other tank destroyer battalions, would be sent to Europe. It saw combat in France, where a platoon earned the Distinguished Unit Citation, and later continued to fight gallantly in Germany and Austria until the war was over.

However, unlike many other tank destroyer battalions that fought in the Second World War, this unit was crewed only by black soldiers. The men had been subjected to racism from their countrymen during training, although the battalion did eventually win the respect of the white soldiers they fought alongside. When the third platoon deployed their guns on the slopes near Climbach, France, they weren’t just fighting against the Germans, but also against any prejudices that their white countrymen might have had.

Having earned the respect of the 103d Infantry Division, the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion shared in their triumphs and tragedies. So when the division needed to retreat during a blizzard, or when Task Force Rhine pushed its way across the German plains, or when the division suffered heavy losses at Schillersdorf, the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion was there with them.

Included in this book are lists of medals awarded to the men during the war, as well as a list of casualties and those that served in the unit.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781399008686
Publisher:	Pen and Sword
Publication date:	04/13/2022
Pages:	240
Sales rank:	644,860
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

Samuel de Korte is a graduate of Utrecht University, where he received an MA in the Cultural History of Modern Europe, and in his spare time enjoys researching or writing articles about popular history. He wrote his thesis about the representation of Black Americans during the Second World War in contemporary media, indicating that although they formed a substantial part of the American armed forces, they don't receive an equal share in the representation. His research provided the starting point for this book.

Table of Contents

Foreword viii

Chapter 1 The Sources, History, and Criticism 1

Chapter 2 Activating the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion 9

Chapter 3 The 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion 34

Chapter 4 Three-inch Fury 49

Chapter 5 Getting out of the Northern Wind 74

Chapter 6 Fighting and Resting 87

Chapter 7 Racing through the Alps 102

Chapter 8 The 827th and the 679th Tank Destroyer Battalion 114

Chapter 9 The Dusk of the Tank Destroyers 136

Appendix A List of men in the unit 155

Appendix B List of casualties 181

Appendix C Medals and citation 184

Literature and sources 202

Endnotes 207

Index 220

Editorial Reviews

"Readers who are interested in World War II or black military history will definitely want to read this book."

The Journal of America's Military Past

"Samuel De Korte offers a thorough and unfiltered look at a segregated unit’s World War II experience. From activation, to fighting on the battlefields of Central Europe, to returning home, the book illustrates the exemplary actions of the personnel in fighting for not only the liberty of Europe but also for liberty within their homeland."

Army History Magazine

"The images in The 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion are astounding. Most have never seen the light of day since their initial archival. These never-before published images make this work unique. Rather than being generic, they relate directly to the units and the men being discussed."

SirReadaLot.org

"Their story may have started out dark and gloomy, but it ended with pride and respect. The men of the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion had a mission of their own to accomplish and this well-written piece will show readers exactly how they did it."

On Point: The Journal of Army History

"More than just a unit history, this book relates the struggles of its veterans against both racism and the German Army. The authors effectively balance these two sides of the 614th's war, giving the unit's members their just due while presenting them as men performing a duty and serving their country, just as millions of others did. The work is a fitting tribute to a group of soldiers who served their country honorably and well."

WWII History Magazine

"...a well-researched and fast-paced account of the unit's service, from activation and training through combat and deactivation."

Historical Miniatures Gaming Society

"...the role of African-Americans in the front lines of combat is revealed in meticulous detail."

Midwest Book Review