Brothers in Arms

The Epic Story of the 761st Tank Battalion, WWII's Forgotten Heroes

By: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Anthony Walton

Narrated by: Richard Allen

Length: 9 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

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 pause-resisting 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 combat conditions. 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 30 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.

©2004 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Anthony Walton (P)2004 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"A wealth of visual and tactical detail about what it was like to work, and often live, on the inside of a tank.... While it will leave aficionados satisfied, this is military history that will prove compelling to anyone with an interest in black men's experience during the 20th century." (Publishers Weekly)

“An absorbing chronicle of the little-recognized all-black tank unit.” (The New York Times)

“A carefully researched and engrossing account that paints the individual dramas of the tankmen against the backdrop of the war...A fine tribute to these unsung heroes and a valuable addition to the literature on African American service in World War II.” (Washington Post Book World)

A Must Told Story

Sad that those men had to battle both racism and the German enemy. These black men were definitely the stepping stones for the black serviceman in modern times.

history every American should know about

yet another story in World War II about the contributions of people that were persecuted in their own country. like the Navajo windtalkers and Japanese-Americans a part of American history people should learn about

great story!

the story brought tears to my eyes at the end of this great tail about the lost paperwork, no recognition when they got home. The treament of these proud men during and after the war and the cover-up of their story is and always will be the typical American way!

Details.

The details. I enjoyed learning another part of history that is hardly documented in the history books. I relished in the revelation of the sequence of events that led to the journey of those brave men who fought with honor and dignity in helping in the liberation of Europe. They say history is written by the conquers but they are also are selective in what is revealed.

A flood of detail telling the story of Black Americans fighting in WW2.

This is so good. A blow by blow account of the Afro-American experience in tanks during WW2.

Tremendous story

I love the entire book…I felt as if I was transported back to those battles…thank you to all those who served in the 761st….I will never forget your sacrifice. You made it possible for me to serve in the ASAF!!

I salute the men of the 761st Tank battalion

This was a great story from beginning to end. The horrors of war and racism clearly shown with a detailed account. I appreciate the effort gathering these stories before these men rest in peace. Immortality arises when people remember your name.

Enlightening

The only issues I have with the book are that the narrator mispronounces many words in the book; although most are foreign words. Wish the story was more detailed on the individual battles. Great story and as a history buff; very enlightening esp the racial issues of the time. THESE MEN ARE REAL HEROES!!!

Courage above and beyond the race !ine

I was about in my 50's when I first became aware of this courageous and beautiful piece of our history. This brought tears to my eyes and a big amount of pride to my heart. I would give anything to have seen this story and part of our history made into a movie. I am now 75 yrs. of age and still enjoy listing to this story. I was never afforded the truth about our history as a young man living through that erra. I am a vet 82 airborne U.S. army member. I have much to be proud of and think it is important that this story as well as the (555) Triple Nickle, the first all black paratrooper,s unit of the 82nd airborne during WW ll, story is known to all of America.

African American contribution to winning WW2

This is an excellent contribution to the history of African Americans in World War II. This is actually important for the entire history of our country. Rightfully so, the Tuskegee Airmen, the Black Eagles have gotten quite a bit of recognition. This book ads the black soldiers who drove tanks push the Nazis back from France all the way to Berlin. They made tremendous sacrifices, which are well documented in this book . A monumental addition to American history.