Unit History:  Activated on 15 December 1941 at Fort Bliss, Texas. Entered combat in September 1944 in Lorraine equipped with towed guns. Transferred to Ardennes sector in December. Shifted southagain 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 Killersby Harry Yeide. Used by permission.

Combat Equipment:  9/44 - Towed 3" Gun; 3/45 - M36

Commanding Officers:  Lt. Col. Frank S. Buchanan (KIA); Lt. Col. Glen S. Finley, Jr. (9/44)

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.  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.

2.)  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.

3.)  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

4.)   Recon Company Group Photo- This image, taken at Camp Claiborne, LA in 1943 shows members of the Reconnaissance company of the 691st Tank Destroyer Battalion.  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.

5.)  Photo Gallery