Where can you find info on the 710 Tank Battalion in World War 2?

Answer 1

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.