763rd Tank Battalion

(The following is a copy of the history from the 20th reunion in 2003)​

Short history of the 763rd Tank Battalion 1942-1945​

The 763rd Tank Battalion was constituted at Schoefield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii on March 19, 1942 with a cadre from the 193rd Tank Battalion of the Colorado National Guard.

From March 1942 to August 1944 the battalion provided island security on the many different islands of Hawaii. Early in 1944 the battalion were together on the island of Oahu for new equipment, new personnel, and training preparatory for offensive operations. In August 1944, the battalion boarded invasion ships for movement to combat areas. Once out of port and in the open ocean we were informed that we would invade the island of Yap in the Caroline Islands early in September. We were instructed with maps and mock ups of Yap. The next thing we knew we woke up next to the Island of Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands. We were then told we were to get a change of orders. After a few days at this island, we once again shipped off to sea to wander the South Pacific, crossing both the equator and the international date line. Several days later we arrived at the island of Manus which was near New Guinea. After we had been there a few days, we took to sea and were told we would now invade the island of Leyte in the Philippines.

The Assault landing took place on October 20, 1944 and after 74 days we were finally on dry land again with the 96th division. This battle ended about Christmas. After rest and replacements, on March 25, 1945, the battalion loaded on invasion ships for a short trip to Okinawa.

The invasion of Okinawa started on Easter Sunday, April 1, 1945. This campaign proved to be very costly in both lives and equipment. The greatest concentration on Artillery in the Asiatic Pacific Theater took place on and around this island. There was a total of 320 tanks lost to enemy action by all army tank units, plus the Marines lost many tanks also. The 763rd lost its commanding officer Lt. Col. Harmon L. Edmonson to mortar fire at a forward observation post on May 10, 1945. Major Alexander A. Lancaster took command at this time.

At the end of the campaign, about June 28, 1945, the 763rd had lost so many tanks that we were issued the new modified Sherman tanks and we were informed that the invasion of Japan was due to start November 1, 1945. After the war in Europe ended on May 8, 1945, the army designated a points system whereby the older members who had been with the 763rd the longest got to start homeward after the Okinawa battle. In early August 1945, the remainder of the 763rd boarded LST’s for a trip to Mindoro Island to get new replacements and train for the Japan invasion. During the trip to Mindoro the two atomic bombs were used on Japan causing then to see the futility of continuing the war and surrender.

After landing on Mindoro, we were ordered to load again about 10 days later for transport to Korea as occupation troops. After spending a few days in the middle of the ocean we were told we were not needed. We turned back and landed on the island of Luzon. The 763rd was then deactivated December 2, 1945, and most of those left were able to get home for Christmas.

Major General J. L. Bradley, 96th Division commander commended the 763rd tank battalion on June 29, 1945 and expressed appreciation for missions well done

In March 1946 President Harry Truman awarded the 96th division and all attached units including the 763rd tank battalion the Presidential Unit Citation.

Other decorations​

Meritorious Unit Commendation, Streamer Embroidered Pacific Theater G.O. Hq. 96th inf. Division Aug 27, 1945.

Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, Streamer Embroidered, G.O. 47, 1950 World War II campaign streamers

(After the above the rest of the book has a list and address of who was alive in 2003, and a list of who had died.) ​