704th Tank Destroyer Battalion

The US Army's 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion was activated in April 1942 as part of the establishment of specialized anti-tank units provided for in early American doctrine. After training in the United States, the battalion was equipped with self-propelled tank destroyers and prepared for direct support of infantry divisions engaged in the European theater.

The battalion was deployed to the United Kingdom in early 1944 and took part in the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944. It was engaged on Omaha Beach, where its elements landed in difficult conditions to provide anti-tank support and direct support to the US infantry units engaged in establishing the beachhead. After securing the beaches, the 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion continued operations in Normandy, participating in combat in the bocage and supporting American divisions as they advanced inland.

Following the Allied breakthrough in the summer of 1944, the battalion participated in the advance across France, operating in support of several large units as operational needs dictated. It crossed the Seine River and advanced eastward, participating in operations in northern France and the approach to the German border. In the fall of 1944, it was engaged in the Rhineland campaign, where it supported American forces in combat against German defenses established west of the Rhine.

During the winter of 1944-1945, the 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion participated in operations related to the Battle of the Bulge, providing anti-tank and defensive support to American units engaged in responding to the German offensive. It took part in the fighting to contain and then reduce the salient created by German forces.

In 1945, the battalion was engaged in the final offensive in Germany. It participated in operations to cross the Rhine and then advance into central Germany, helping to reduce the last pockets of enemy resistance until the German surrender in May 1945. After the end of hostilities, it was assigned to security and occupation duties before being deactivated.

The service record of the 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion during World War II includes campaign credits for Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes-Alsace, Rhineland, and Central Europe. Its engagement spanned from the June 6, 1944, landings to the final operations on German soil.