Brothers in Arms

Brothers in Arms tells the story of the 761st Tank Battalion, an all-Black armored unit that served with distinction in World War II. The narrative follows these soldiers from their formation and training in the segregated U.S. military through their deployment to Europe in 1944. The book documents the unit's path through major battles and campaigns, including their role in the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of Nazi concentration camps. Through personal accounts and historical records, Abdul-Jabbar and Walton reconstruct the daily experiences of these tank crews as they fought both the enemy abroad and racism at home. The personal story of Leonard Smith, a sergeant in the 761st, serves as a thread that connects the larger historical events and unit actions. The authors integrate military records, letters, interviews and other primary sources to present a complete picture of the battalion's wartime service. This account of the 761st Tank Battalion addresses universal themes of courage and brotherhood while highlighting the complex intersection of patriotism, discrimination, and military service in American history. The book adds an essential perspective to both World War II literature and African American military history.

Readers praise the thorough research and engaging storytelling about the all-Black 761st Tank Battalion in WWII. Many note the book brings deserved attention to these overlooked soldiers and their impact. Likes: - Detailed personal accounts and firsthand stories - Clear explanations of military tactics and equipment - Connection to broader civil rights context - Abdul-Jabbar's personal perspective as son of a 761st veteran Dislikes: - Some find the writing dry and technical in parts - A few readers wanted more personal narratives - Critics note occasional repetition of facts Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (463 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (157 ratings) One reader called it "an important historical account that reads like a novel." Another noted it "fills a crucial gap in WWII history." A critical review mentioned "too much focus on technical details at the expense of human stories."

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🎖️ The 761st Tank Battalion (featured in the book) was the first African American armored unit to see combat in World War II, earning the nickname "Black Panthers." 📚 Co-author Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's interest in this story stemmed from his father Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Sr., who served in the Quartermaster Corps during World War II. ⭐ The unit served under General George Patton, who initially opposed black tankers but later praised them, saying "they are the first and best танк unit I've ever seen." 🏅 The 761st Tank Battalion spent 183 consecutive days in combat, helping liberate 30 towns and several concentration camps during their service. 🎬 The battalion's story inspired aspects of the 2014 film "Fury" starring Brad Pitt, though the film didn't directly portray the 761st Tank Battalion.