Full Interview: Thomas S. Mangrum, Sr.

A veteran of World War II, Thomas S. Mangrum, Sr. was among the Americans to serve with the 761st Tank Battalion - a unit that made history as the first African-American tankers to see combat. During World War II, the unit saw some of the heaviest fighting during the Battle of the Bulge.
Recorded April 1, 2016.

[@BobJenkins-nq9sm]

I’ll never understand how these videos can be 5+ years old and have so few views. This man is a hero.

[@matrox]

You tube blocks it as an excuse not to monetize fully.

[@travisaldous2294]

HONORED TO HAVE MET HIM, GREAT GUY, what kind of jerk would give this a thumbs down ?

[@Albert-the-Astro]

A nazi maybe?

[@stevemeska7784]

When I saw the title of this video I wondered of this man was from North Carolina, then watched it and found out he originally was. He definitely has that Mangrum / Mangum smile! Thank you, Sir, for what you did for all of us. Truly an American hero.

[@jaybales3160]

Excellent informative interview. Thank you very much for sharing your military experiences to include the horrible combat memories. You have certainly done well for yourself and family, congratulations. I salute you sir.

[@Tman-dl8fm]

He's my grandfather *

[@JeanLucCaptain]

I just watched Honor Deferred. Good documentary about the heroes the US tried to erase.

[@caramelktx32]

Paul?

[@Pastshelfdate]

For a decade or two, I've been trying to overcome ADD/senior moments, so I can find the PBS' American Experience episode about the 761st. Finding this interview is wonderful. I am especially taken by the use of special code talkers, who I think were speaking what I've heard called the Gullah dialect. Too bad racism got in the way, and not enough heed was paid to Sgt Mangrum's approach. Thank you for recording this interview with him, while he's still with us.

[@ronhaworth5471]

A childhood friend Father USMC, WW2 worked with code takers.He is indigenous person.

[@TheViolinKid]

That's exactly what they were speaking. I didn't know that happened until this video. As a North Carolinian, my mind is blown.

[@joannamcpeak7531]

Wow!! Mr.vMangrum, your story is so interesting! I love that you already knew code before you had even joined the military. Thank you so much for your service!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@sassyt1545]

Bless you, Mr. Mangrum.

[@davehiggins5903]

Thank you sir for your service for our country, truly an American hero.

[@matrox]

Great interview, one of the better ones.

[@destinjohnny007]

What a great, great American hero. Sir you are the definition of a man. Thank you for putting your life on the line so I could have my freedoms.

[@dharrell2000]

Thank you for your service 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@jwalkerblk]

Just finished watching the special about the 761st it was great but so shameful to see how these men were treated in the country they fought and died for.

[@BobJenkins-nq9sm]

I don’t know how Greg kept himself together at the end of this interview. Very moving.

[@matrox]

The 761st was under the command of General Patton and his 3rd Army.

[@danielwolf6875]

They are the Heros.... ❤️‍🔥

[@TRYtoHELPyou]

Legend ❤

[@LBGirl1988]

hero!!!!

[@matrox]

I like this brutha.

[@FairyRingRAW]

Shout out louisburg NC

[@treasuresnpain3567]

This MAN bleeds red white and blue.

[@politehammer9714]

This Black MAN... this Black Foundational Descendant of americanKKK holocaust SLAVERY is to be compared to Crispus Attucks! And the red, white, and blue treated the Germans, and the Japanese better than it treated it's Black soldiers!🔥💯😡

[@ronhaworth5471]

Thank you for your service.My uncle was in a tank turret, WW2.ARMY

[@matrox]

OV1🤔 Mohawk!😁 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grumman_OV-1_Mohawk

[@cellmate1]

Did he have military people in his family???

[@matrox]

No just him.😏

[@ronhaworth5471]

I'm glad you discussed your treatment as a citizen of OUR Country.Little has changed unfortunately.Racism runs deep!!

[@JeanLucCaptain]

The 761st were Lucky. Most black American soldiers got the worst commanders, little if any combat training and were used as cannon fodder by incompetent racists. They were labor units one day that were given guns.