Soldiers of the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion in a half-track.

Time and time again, readers have enriched Black Wide-Awake with comments, questions, suggestions, corrections, and contributions. This morning, I was surprised to  find an email from Samuel de Korte, a Dutch historian who closely studies Black Americans in World War II. de Korte has published a book on the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion and reached out to offer additional information about Sgt. William L. Tabron.

de Korte sent two photographs of the 614th and this account of the heroic service that resulted in the award of Sgt. Tabron’s Bronze Star:

“Sergeant William L. Tabron, 34460307, Field Artillery, Company ‘C’, 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion. For heroism in action. During the day of 14 December 1944, Sergeant Tabron was a member of task force whose mission was to capture the town of Climbach, France. While approaching their objective the entire task force was pinned down by heavy small arms and artillery fire emanating from enemy pillboxes. Disregarding the intense enemy fire, Sergeant Tabron, with his crew, went forward with their towed gun and set up in an open field exposed to hostile fire. With utter disregard for his life, he courageously manned his .50 caliber machine gun to protect his crew, some of which were wounded, from enemy grenadiers attempting to flank their position. Unnerved by the wounds received in this action, he remained at his post until the infantry successfully pressed forward its attack. His devotion to duty and self-sacrifice was an inspiration to all. Residence: Wilson, North Carolina.”

Soldiers of the 614th with an anti-tank gun.

de Korte also shared an article published in the 23 February 1945 issue of the Army weekly magazine Yank that mentions Sgt. Tabron’s injury.

Photos of troops courtesy of United States Army Heritage and Education Center. Heartfelt thanks to Samuel de Korte!