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Sponsors present testimony for bill to designate '760 first Tank Battalion Day' in Ohio
Summary
House Bill 452 received its first hearing as sponsors sought to designate October 1 as a day to honor the 760 first Tank Battalion (referred to in testimony as the 'Black Panthers'); sponsors tied the proposal to Black History Month and local ties, and members asked for clarity on the choice of date.
The House Veterans and Military Development Committee held a first hearing on House Bill 452, a bill to establish October 1 as 760 first Tank Battalion Day in Ohio to honor the battalion often referred to as the 'Black Panthers.'
Representative Thomas presented sponsor testimony, connecting the hearing to Black History Month and recounting the unit's wartime service. Thomas described the battalion as the first African-American tank unit to see combat in World War II and said designating a day would help ensure the unit's story "is remembered and passed down to future generations." He quoted an exchange attributed to Gen. George Patton to emphasize the unit's historical significance.
Ranking member Lawson Rowe, a joint sponsor, reiterated the bill's purpose and noted several battalion members had ties to Ohio communities, including Alliance, Springfield and Dayton. Rowe also said that the last known living member, Corporal Randy Andree (referred to in testimony), died recently, strengthening the case for formal recognition.
Representative Holmes asked whether October 1 has a specific historical meaning for the battalion. Sponsors said they did not have a definitive answer at the hearing and would follow up with staff to clarify the choice of date. Members discussed whether other states have designated similar days and suggested involving surviving family members in future events.
The committee took no vote on HB 452 during the session. Chair Richardson also reminded members about a postponed committee visit to a local tank plant that the committee hopes to reschedule in April and adjourned the meeting.
