The 761st, a mostly black tank battalion, was activated at Camp Claiborne, Louisiana on April 1, 1942. While there, the 761st trained on M5 Stuart light tanks. After reassignment to Fort Hood, Texas for final training, the battalion was assigned to the Third Army directly under General George S. Patton's command. Patton told the 761st, "Men, you are the first black tankers to ever fight in the American Army. I would never have asked for you if you weren't good. I have nothing but the best in my Army..." The 761st fought in the Battle of the Bulge, liberated over 30 towns, and gained control over military installations throughout France, Belgium, and Austria. Facing adverse weather, difficult terrain, heavily fortified enemy positions, and extreme shortages of replacement personnel, they suffered a nearly 50 percent casualty rate. The unit was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation, 11 Silver Stars, 70 Bronze Stars, 250 Purple Hearts and a Medal of Honor.