712th Tank Battalion

The 712th Tank Battalion was an independent tank battalion of the U.S. Army, activated as part of the formation of armored units intended to provide direct support to infantry divisions in the European theater. After training in the United States, the battalion was deployed to Europe in 1944, where it was used to support Allied ground operations on the Western Front.

The battalion participated in the French campaign, supporting U.S. infantry divisions in combat operations aimed at exploiting the breakthrough achieved after the Normandy landings. Its tanks were used for direct infantry support, neutralizing fortified enemy positions, and protecting lines of advance, enabling the advance through Normandy and then through northern and eastern France.

In the fall of 1944, the 712th Tank Battalion took part in the Lorraine campaign, fighting to reduce German pockets and secure towns and communication routes as they approached the German border. During the winter of 1944-1945, it was engaged in operations related to the Battle of the Bulge, providing armored support to American forces during defensive and offensive missions aimed at containing and repelling the German offensive.

In 1945, the battalion took part in the final Allied offensive in Germany. It was involved in operations in the Rhineland, crossing the Rhine, then advancing into central Germany, supporting infantry divisions in capturing towns and reducing pockets of enemy resistance until Germany's surrender in May 1945. After the fighting ended, the battalion was employed in security and control missions before being deactivated.

The 712th Tank Battalion's service record includes campaign credits for Normandy, Northern France, Lorraine, Ardennes-Alsace, Rhineland, and Central Europe. Its engagement was part of the continuous use of independent tank battalions to provide armored support to U.S. infantry divisions from Normandy to central Germany.