The WWII US Army created several dozen of these "independent" tank battalions, in addition to the 16 armored divisions. This was because on the eve of the war, no one knew whether tanks should be massed in their own formations to use for breakthrough and exploitation, as the Germans seemed to be doing blitzing through Europe, or, should tanks be dispersed throughout the infantry to support the foot soldiers, which was the traditional view, the shortcomings of which the French were demonstrating. In the end the US Army decided to do both, creating armored divisions for breakthroughs, and the independent tank battalions for close support of infantry.
Because they were independent - meaning they were not an official permanent part of any larger formation - and had only about 850 men or so, these independent battalions can be difficult to research. In practice many of the tank battalions were "attached" to the same infantry division for long periods, and developed good teamwork and a close relationship, though still, in theory, "independent". Most of the tank battalions went to Europe, but the 710th was in the Pacific. Perhaps for its unusualness in being an independent tank battalion, and for its heroic battlefield performance, you are fortunate that there is quite a bit of information on this particular unit. Please see the "related links" below for some good information, and places to begin followup inquiries.
helmet
The 899th TD Battalion was attached to 9th Infantry Div from 19 Jun 44 to 24 July 44, and operated with that division in the Carentan area of northern France. Sorry for this partial answer; I'm looking for more info about this unit myself. Jim Brown Kapolei, HI
Answer The 661st Tank Destroyer Battalion earned credits for 2 campaigns:RhinelandCentral Europe. Activated on 17 April 1943 at Camp Bowie, Texas. Arrived at Le Havre, France, on 21 January 1945 equipped with M18s. Committed to battle at Rocherath-Krinkelt, Belgium, on 16 February 1945. Fought along the Siegfried Line near Helenthal, Germany, in March. Crossed the Rhine on 27 March and advanced across Germany to Leipzig by 17 April, where the men saw their last fighting. Attached to: 28th, 69th, 106th Infantry divisions. It was attached to the 69th Infantry Division. If you search for info on this division, you may find some reference to the 661 TD. Source: Dept of Army Pamphlet 672-1, "Unit Citation and Campaign Participation Credit Register". Above Quoted from: http://homepage.mac.com/yeide/TDBattalionHistories.htm LInk: http://www.69th-infantry-division.com/histories/661.html
I found a reference to a Veteran's Association of the 704 TD Battalion. However, the date was a few years ago so they may no longer exist. You can try this info: http://www.amazon.com/Men-704th-Illustrated-Destroyer-Battalion/dp/188585112X Here are books and references that may mention your grandfater. The Men of the 704th by Richard Buchanan, Saint Vincent College Center (Jun 1998), ISBN-13: 978-1885851123 Reluctant Valor: The Oral History of Captain Thomas J. Evans, United States Third Army, 4th Armored Division, 704th Tank Destroyer Battalionby Thomas Evans, Saint Vincent College Center (Jun 1995), ISBN-13: 978-1885851055 CODE NAME: HARPOON THE COMBAT HISTORY OF THE 704TH TANK DESTROYER BATTALION (SELF-PROPELLED), paperback book, Publisher: La Puente, CA Baron Publishing Co. 1982 http://www.allbusiness.com/amusement-recreation-services/miscellaneous-amusement/4045059-1.html The 704th Tank Destroyer Battalion was formed in December 1941 at Pine Camp, New York, departed US 3 September 1943 for England. They arrived in France 13 July 1944. Credited with Ardennes-Alsace, Central Europe, Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland Campaigns. They also served with the 101st Airborne, 26th, 87th and 94th Infantry Divisions and the 6th Cavalry Group during the war. They used the M-18 Hellcat during their service.
Find a veterans group of the same unit; That would be the quickest way.
helmet
The 776th Tank Destroyer Battalion didn't fight in the Pacific theater during World War II. Google 776th Tank destroyer battalion. Here is the link; http://www.100thww2.org/support/776combat.html
The 899th TD Battalion was attached to 9th Infantry Div from 19 Jun 44 to 24 July 44, and operated with that division in the Carentan area of northern France. Sorry for this partial answer; I'm looking for more info about this unit myself. Jim Brown Kapolei, HI
Facts about the 263rd Field Artillery Battalion can be found in the unit's history, a copy of which I own.
On July 16, 1846, 541 men enlisted in the army and were organized into what was dubbed the Mormon Battalion. http://www.mormonwiki.com/Mormon_Battalion has full info.
You will find that info in the owner/driver's manual.
Answer The 661st Tank Destroyer Battalion earned credits for 2 campaigns:RhinelandCentral Europe. Activated on 17 April 1943 at Camp Bowie, Texas. Arrived at Le Havre, France, on 21 January 1945 equipped with M18s. Committed to battle at Rocherath-Krinkelt, Belgium, on 16 February 1945. Fought along the Siegfried Line near Helenthal, Germany, in March. Crossed the Rhine on 27 March and advanced across Germany to Leipzig by 17 April, where the men saw their last fighting. Attached to: 28th, 69th, 106th Infantry divisions. It was attached to the 69th Infantry Division. If you search for info on this division, you may find some reference to the 661 TD. Source: Dept of Army Pamphlet 672-1, "Unit Citation and Campaign Participation Credit Register". Above Quoted from: http://homepage.mac.com/yeide/TDBattalionHistories.htm LInk: http://www.69th-infantry-division.com/histories/661.html
What about it? What info. do you need?
Not enough info in the question. Some vehicles, they are in the tank, some next to the tank, and some they are on the engine.
national archives
you can find info on the internet,or in your local library.
find, create, share info about environment day