US Is No Match For Enemy Tanks
Like mercury spilling on a laboratory floor, the tanks and other armored forces of Germany rolled across the plains of Poland in 1939 and again in 1940 rifled through the fortified hills and valleys of France. Like mercury this armored force dissolved, so to speak, the best armament Poland, France, England, Yugoslavia and Greece could produce. The countries of the world looked on, at first with incredulity, and then with alarm approaching panic. Passive, static and cordon defense had failed to halt or stop the tanks supported by planes and infantry. German armor was uncontained.
In April of 1941, the military decided to create provisional antitank companies in infantry regiments. "The Chief of the Armored force did not want the burden of antitank defense, deeming it counter to the offensive character of the Armored force. He recommended the creation of a provisional antitank arm which was the view favored by General Headquarters."
In operational readiness maneuvers in late 1941, first in Louisiana and then in the Carolinas, the antitank units proved their worth.
After quite a bit of debate, the name changed from Antitank Units, assigned and commanded by the Armored Forces to Tank Destroyer Force, composed of battalions and only nominally connected with the older arms. A new provisional arm of the US military was born. Tank Destroyer. Tank destroyer battalions were now trained in both offensive and defensive tactics.
Implementing the Plan for TD
February 14, 1942. Just a few short months after the US Military made the final decision to develop an "antitank", now Tank Destroyer arm, the second phase began with the opening of the new Tank Destroyer Tactical and Firing Center in Temple, Texas. This is just two months after Perl Harbor and Germany and Italy declared war on the US.
- To formulate, develop, and make recommendations to the War Department concerning tactical and training doctrine, improvement, and future expansion of tank destroyer forces.
- To cooperate with chiefs of supply arms and services in developing tank destroyer material and in making recommendation to the War department on this subject.
- To organize and operate the Tank Destroyer Tactical and Firing center, Tank Destroyer Board, and Tank Destroyer school.
- n simpler terms, the command had to create something from very little. They had to create housing for troops and families, facilities for training the troops, and acquire the equipment and personnel needed for doing so.
These responsibilities broke down into a number of problems that demanded immediate attention such as: billeting of military personnel, completing the acquisition of the reservation area and moving approximately 200 families, construction of the cantonment, construction of the ranges to meet expanding requirements, preparation for training of tank destroyer units in temporary field camps pending the completion of the construction, and establishment of subordinate headquarters to direct training.
The 893rd TD Battalion arrived at Camp Hood on 31 March 1942 and the 753rd on 1 April 1942. The facilities were only partially ready. The men were housed in field camps largely constructed of salvage material from old abandoned CCC camps in the Eighth Corps Area.
Even to the enlisted men, Tank Destroyer Battalions were now a reality.
The Tank Destroyer Center Headquarters wasn't officially opened at Camp Hood, Texas until 20 August 1942, the camp itself was officially opened and dedicated on 18 September 1942. The Tank Destroyer sleeve patch, the first identifying insignia for tank destroyer use, designed by General Bruce and staff, was officially presented. This patch is now our website logo seen on nearly every page in the top right corner.
Next - Creating the Tank Destroyers
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