A lot has been written about World War II and its troops but very little is written about the contributions of African-Americans as, to use vernacular of that time, they were best suited to be cooks and supply clerks.  Not true! 

PATTON’S PANTHERS begins with Ruben Rivers, a young farm kid in faded overalls, walking to Tecumseh to enlist in the U. S. Army. He would have to walk the whole distance in the rain. Another young man, only sixteen years of age, has enlisted after his mother lied to the recruiting sergeant about her son's age. On the troop train, the recruits are ordered to pull the window shades down. Later they find the reason might save their lives. 

As more and more “tankers” (troops trained to fight in tanks) are needed in the European theater, all Negro tanks unit are formed. These include the 758^th, 761^st, and 784^th Armored Battalions comprising the 5^th Tank Group. The book centers on the actions of only one battalion, the 761^st, also known as the “Black Panthers”. The battles fought and won by this battalion helped turn the tide of war against the Axis enemy. When General George S. Patton asked for more tanks, he was told the only unit available was the 761^st  which was assigned to Patton’s Third Army and contributed greatly to Patton’s victories.  

Oh yes, Ruben Rivers? He advanced to the rank of Sergeant very quickly and was an outstanding example of a “tanker”. He took his place as the lead tank into the battle at Guebling, France. An anti-tank mine destroyed his tank and laid open his leg.  This was only the beginning of the trials that he was to face.  Definitely read the book to discover what became of Ruben! 

If you are a lover of military history, PATTON'S PANTHERS is one book you must not miss.