The 739th Tank Battalion was activated in March 1943 at Fort Lewis, Washington, with officers from various states and enlisted personnel from Oklahoma, Texas, and Louisiana. The battalion took part in maneuvers in Oregon, trained at the firing range at Yakima, Washington, and underwent special training at Fort Knox, Kentucky. From January to April 1944, the unit trained at Camp Bouse, Arizona, with the CDL (Gizmo) Tanks, then returned to Fort Knox. The 739th embarked to England in August 1944 and, after further training in South Wales, shipped to Leharve, France, in November 1944. In April 1945, Lt. General William Simpson of 9th Army Headquarters issued a letter of commendation to the 739th BN for its actions in combat involving the CDL, mine exploder, fighter, and flame thrower tanks. The battalion was deactivated in December 1945.