American Historical Ephemera & Early Photography Online

Archive appears to be from an unidentified soldier of the 2nd Platoon, Company C, 777th Tank Battalion. Bulk of collection comprised of 157 photographs, predominantly snapshots ranging in size from approx. 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 in. to 3 1/4 x 5 1/4 in., many labeled on verso with place and date. Locations include England, Belgium, and Germany. Large number of photographs identified as Leipzig, Germany, 1945, indicating that the soldier was likely part of the 777th Tank Battalion as it advanced with the 69th Infantry Division from the Rhine and into downtown Leipzig in the closing days of the war. Photographs show soldiers in the field and at leisure, scenes from various cities and the countryside, views of destruction, and a large number feature soldiers posed with and on tanks, some with identified soldiers.

[With:] Two 10th Armored Division shoulder sleeve patches featuring a tank tread, cannon, and a red lightning bolt; "The 777th Tank Battalion," 34pp, commemorative pamphlet detailing the service of the battalion and listing those who were awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and Purple Heart; one issue of "Tiger Tracks," a pictorial publication of the 10th Armored Division of the U.S. Army during World War II including history of the Division's activities; "Sworld [sic] News Supplement," April 1945, featuring a story on "Task Force Zweibel" and the 777th's involvement in the capture of Leipzig as well as a story on the Russian advance into Berlin; 31 postcards predominantly featuring views of Germany and German subjects; various WWII-era banknotes; and several news.

The 777th Tank Battalion was heavily involved in the final campaigns of World War II, fighting to capture cities and engage enemy forces in Germany. Key actions included supporting the assault on Leipzig, taking towns like Schonan and Uder, attacking enemy positions in castles and barracks in Weissenfels, and patrolling escape routes near the end of the war.