The renowned actor, Morgan Freeman, delves deep into his family history and the history of the 761st Tank Battalion, the first all-Black tank unit to serve in combat in the US military during WWII, in a new documentary. The documentary, premiering this October, reveals surprising revelations about Freeman’s family and the heroic battalion that fought under General George S Patton’s command. It’s a poignant exploration of Black soldiers’ contributions to American history, a subject often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
By Aubree Ross
A Surprising Revelation
Morgan Freeman discovered unexpected facts about his family while filming the documentary. He learned that his biological father and two uncles were called to war. Although his father was sent home, his uncles went on to fight. The family believed one of his uncles was missing in action, but research during the documentary revealed he was murdered in France, leaving Freeman eager to uncover more about his uncle’s time there and the circumstances of his death.
The 761st Battalion’s Heroism
The 761st Tank Battalion, also known as The Original Black Panthers, played a crucial role during WWII. Serving under General George S Patton, the battalion exhibited immense bravery and resilience in combat. The documentary sheds light on the battalion’s valor and the significant yet often unrecognized contributions of Black soldiers to the US military.
A Journey of Discovery
Freeman’s journey in the documentary is not just personal but also a broader exploration of Black history. The actor, intrigued by the experiences of Black people in history, especially during the wars, embarked on this project nearly two decades ago. Initially intended as a movie, the project transformed into a documentary, providing a more in-depth look into the lives and struggles of the Black soldiers of the 761st Battalion.
Filling the Gaps in History
Freeman hopes that the documentary will address the gaps in American history regarding Black people’s involvement and contributions. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing not just the atrocities committed against Black people but also their significant contributions to American history. The documentary aims to provide a more inclusive and accurate representation of Black soldiers during WWII, who were often absent in army films like Private Ryan.
Morgan Freeman’s new documentary is a significant step in highlighting the untold stories of Black soldiers in WWII and his family’s history. It brings to the forefront the valor of the 761st Battalion and seeks to correct the historical narrative by including the contributions of Black individuals in shaping American history. The revelations made in the documentary are not just a personal journey for Freeman, but also a call for acknowledgment and appreciation of the sacrifices and contributions made by Black soldiers. The documentary is a reminder of the richness of Black history and its integral role in the tapestry of American history.