About this Unit
The 771st Tank Destroyer Battalion Headquarters Company was activated during World War II as part of the U.S. Army’s efforts to counter German armored forces in Europe. Initially organized and trained in the United States, the battalion deployed to the European Theater and began operations in France in late 1944. The 771st supported American infantry units during the Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns, providing critical anti-tank support and engaging enemy armor and fortified positions. The unit continued combat operations until the end of the war in May 1945, after which it was inactivated as part of the postwar drawdown.
Historical Facts
• Designation: The 771st Tank Destroyer Battalion Headquarters Company (771 TDB HQ Co) was a unique administrative and operational unit within the broader 771st Tank Destroyer Battalion during World War II.
• Activation: The battalion was activated on 15 December 1941 at Fort Ethan Allen, Vermont, as part of the U.S. Army’s efforts to counter German armored tactics observed in early World War II.
• Training: The unit underwent extensive training at various locations, including Camp Hood, Texas, which was the primary training center for tank destroyer tactics at the time.
• Deployments: The 771st Tank Destroyer Battalion landed in Le Havre, France, in October 1944 and entered combat in November, supporting several major operations in the European Theater.
• Bastogne Support: Elements of the battalion, including HQ Company, played a critical role in the relief of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge by providing anti-armor support to besieged Allied forces.
• Equipment: The unit was primarily equipped with the M18 Hellcat tank destroyer, renowned for its speed and mobility, which allowed the 771 TDB to respond quickly to enemy armored threats.
• Command and Control: The HQ Company was responsible for the battalion’s communications, logistics, and tactical coordination—ensuring operational effectiveness across dispersed companies.
• Decorations: Members of the 771st received several unit citations and individual awards for bravery, including the Bronze Star and Silver Star, reflecting the unit’s combat effectiveness and valor.
• End of War: By VE Day, the battalion had advanced deep into Germany, ending the war near Plauen, after having destroyed or captured numerous enemy tanks and vehicles.
• Post-war Legacy: After inactivation in 1945, the 771st Tank Destroyer Battalion and its HQ Company are remembered through veterans’ associations, reunions, and historical research, preserving the stories of their World War II service.
