The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA

Woods bases Meriwether Hunter’s characterization on the heroism shown by the 761st Tank Battalion during World War II. As mentioned in the novel, the all-Black battalion was nicknamed “the Black Panthers” and had the motto “Come Out Fighting” (135). As the first Black tankers in the United States Army, the 761st fought not only against Nazi Germany but also against the racist stereotypes perpetuated by their fellow Americans. At the time, most military officers thought that “African Americans would not be effective in combat arms units” and relegated them to support roles (Heusinkveld, Hank. “The 761st Tank Battalion: Fighting the Enemy, Beating Stereotypes.” U.S. Army, 9 Feb. 2007). The battalion was formed on March 15, 1942; trained in Camp Hood, Texas; and landed in France on October 10, 1944, with 676 enlisted men, 30 Black officers, and six white officers. In November 1944, Major General Paul awarded the 761st a special commendation for their success in several battles, citing the battalion’s “conspicuous courage” and “the gallantry with which they faced some of Germany’s finest troops” (Heusinkveld).

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA takes particular inspiration from the Battle of the Bulge, one of the most significant conflicts in which the 761st Tank Battalion participated.