Tank Destroyer Forces

 

Shoulder Sleeve Insignia For the Tank Destroyer Forces

John Baxter-605th, John Rosser & Albert Simpson-639th, Arthur Pelke & Jim
Hines-774th, Bill Campbell represents 608th and Alan Corbett, for his Dad, 812th.

I am particularly honored to participate in this event, honoring the Tank Destroyer Units, known as TD’ers, that trained here during WW IL This ceremony is for me, the culmination of over five years of research into the TD units that were assigned to Fort Jackson during this difficult period in our nation’s history. The Tank Destroyers were exceptionally courageous men. They faced enemy tanks with either towed guns will little protection, or in tracked vehicles which were extremely lightly armored, vastly out­gunned and with open topped turrets with no antipersonnel machine guns. In my years of research, coming into contact with veteran tank destroyer members and their families, I can only say that I have the utmost respect for the Tank Destroyers and am very proud to be associated with them.

There were 6 TD units at Ft Jackson from 1941-45. They were the 605,608,630, 648, 774 and 812, with the 824 serving briefly prior to mustering out in 1945.

I would like at this time, to recognize some veteran fort Jackson TD’ers who are here to represent their units. Don Baxter, 605th, John Rosser and Albert Simpson, 630th and Arthur Pelke and Tim Duncan, 774th. Representing the 812th is Prof. Allen Corbett USC, whose father served with that unit and myself, representing the 608th. (Note: At the conclusion of the ceremony, Frederick Wolff from the 648th introduced himself, as I was unaware of him being present. Bill Campbell) Veteran TD’ers were asked to stand and be recognized.

(L to R) Col. Young, TTC Joe Goeppner, Col. Cough, State Guard Chaplain, 1SGT Bill Campbell, 608, Bill's wife Elfriede and Alan Corbett.