Unit History: Activated on 15 December 1941, at Fort Bliss, Texas. Entered combat in September, 1944, in Lorraine, France, equipped with towed guns. Transferred to Ardennes sector in December. Shifted south again and joined operations in the Saar region in February and March 1945. Converted to the M36 beginning late that month. Advanced across Germany and reached Limbach on 24 April, where action all but ceased. Attached to: 17th Airborne Division; 6th Armored Division; 5th, 26th, 35th, 44th, 65th, 76th, 80th, 87th Infantry divisions; 2d Cavalry Group. History text from the book The Tank Killers by Harry Yeide. Used by permission.
Combat Equipment: 9/44 – Towed 3″ Gun; 3/45 – M36
Commanding Officers: Lt. Col. Paul J. Matte (Original CO, 12/24/41); Lt. Col. Frank S. Buchanan (KIA, 10/12/44)); Lt. Col. Glenn S. Finley, Jr. (10/44)
Code Name/s: Handcuff
Campaign Credits: Northern France……………Jul. 25, to Sept. 14, 1944
Rhineland……………………Sept. 15, 1944 to Mar. 21, 1945
Ardennes-Alsace…………..Dec. 16, 1944 to Jan 25, 1945
Central Europe……………..Mar. 22, to May 11, 1945
Awards: None
Location August 1945: Offenbach, Germany
Additional Information/Materials:
1.) Website dedicated to the 691st Tank Detroyer Battalion. Former site created by Heather E. (Latoche) Neilsen from items belonging to her grandfather, Tony Latoche. Tony died before Heather was born so this was her way of getting to know him better. Unfortunately this site is no longer active so we are trying to obtain whatever materials we can from Heather and will post them here when available.
2.) Unit History – Courtesy of the Tank Destroyer Association by L. L. Gill, TDA Historian.
Battalion History…………….8 Pages
Casualties…………………….4 Pages
Company A…………………13 Pages
Company B………………… 12 Pages
Company C…………………..7 Pages
Recon, Med. Det., etc.…….14 Pages
Roster………………………..18 Pages
3.) Operations of C Company, 691st TD Bn at Rechicourt, France. This Advanced Infantry Officers Course document was written by Maj. Joseph W. Long (C Company Commander) and pulls from his personal experience during the action, which took place from October 7, 1944.
4.) Unit Historical Report – from the Combined Arms Research Library of the Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Jan. 1 to 31, 1945…………..2 Pages
Mar. 1 to 31, 1945…………..2 Pages
Apr. 1 to 30, 1945…………..3 Pages
May 1 to 9, 1945…………….1 Page
5.) Miscellaneous Documents-from the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum and Boyhood Home, Aiblene, Kansas.
Various Documents, 1943-1945……………………………..25 Pages
6.) Recon Company Group Photo– This image was taken at Camp Claiborne, LA, in 1943. It was provided courtesy of Debra Marsh whose father, Cecil H. Marshall, is shown in the top row, fifth from the right. Page two of the document provides first, last or full names for all the men.
7.) Photo Gallery