Bill Text: MS HC129 | 2010 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: The 761st Tank Battalion "Black Panthers"; commend for heroic efforts during World War II.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-0)
Status: (Passed) 2010-04-23 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HC129 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2010-HC129-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2010 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Scott, Clark
House Concurrent Resolution 129
(As Adopted by House and Senate)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE 761ST TANK BATTALION, KNOWN TO MANY AS THE "BLACK PANTHERS," FOR ITS HEROIC EFFORTS DURING WORLD WAR II, AND THANKING THEM FOR THEIR STRENGTH AND PASSION IN BATTLE.
WHEREAS, during World War II, members of the 761st Tank Battalion, known to many as the "Black Panthers," stood strong with our allies and fought heroically; and
WHEREAS, this battalion was the first black armored unit to see combat during World War II; and
WHEREAS, although they spearheaded many of General Patton's attacks, they were never represented in any war film, war movie or headline regarding the war; and
WHEREAS, the Black Panthers punched the necessary gateway in the Siegfried Line through which General Patton's army subsequently poured and raced across Germany; and
WHEREAS, the Black Panthers were usually outnumbered and faced superior weaponry from German forces, but continually engaged in combat and defeated Germany's best soldiers; and
WHEREAS, in spite of fighting for six months without relief, they exhibited exceptional courage and boldness in battle and defeated German forces that had often stymied, stalled and frustrated other units under General Patton's authority; and
WHEREAS, little is known of the incredible resilience that was shown by the Black Panthers when they drove the Germans out of the town of Tillet in full retreat; and
WHEREAS, this act was remarkable because the German breakthrough in the Ardennes Forest precipitated the famous action known to the world as the Battle of the Bulge, and the 761st Tank Battalion was tasked with taking the German stronghold in the town of Tillet, a place where every other American unit that was assigned to take the town had been beaten; and
WHEREAS, the highest commendation of this legislative body is owed to the members of the 761st Tank Battalion, who served this nation faithfully in battle, often leading the charge to preserve this nation's freedom and maintain peace; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and honor real heroes who have given their blood, sweat and tears to preserve the virtues of American life and the values that we cherish:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the heroic efforts during World War II of the 761st Tank Battalion, known to many as the "Black Panthers," and thank the members of this courageous group for their strength and passion in battle.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the surviving family of the 761st Tank Battalion and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
