Morgan Freeman to tell the story of the first Black tank unit to serve in combat in WWII in the new documentary Black Patriots: The 761st Battalion

The two-hour documentary titled “Black Patriots: The 761st Battalion” (working title) featuring Academy Award®-winning actor Morgan Freeman, has been greenlighted. The documentary is produced by Freeman and Lori McCreary’s production company, Revelations Entertainment, and in association with GroupM Motion Entertainment. The film covers the true story of the 761st Tank Battalion, which was the first Black tank unit to serve in combat during World War II. It delves deeper into the two major battles they faced, including the expansion of Nazism in Europe and racism, oppression, and inequality at home. The documentary marks Revelations’ third major collaboration with The HISTORY Channel.

Freeman expressed his gratitude, saying,

“It is my honor to partner with The HISTORY Channel on telling the important story of the heroic 761st Battalion. The 761st is a story I’ve wanted to tell for more than two decades. And now, during this time when the sharing of Black history is being censored and omitted, the bravery and valor of these incredible men not only deserves but needs to be told. Their sacrifice for this country was crucial to our victory over Nazi Germany. But they have never received proper credit.”

The 761st Tank Battalion, also known as the first Black Panthers, played a significant role in military operations against Nazi Germany during World War II. Formed in the spring of 1942, this majority Black battalion fought one battle overseas while simultaneously fighting another at home against racism, segregation, and inequality. The documentary will feature Freeman interviewing one of the last surviving members of the 761st, as well as the current and first Black Secretary of Defense, Secretary Lloyd Austin. It will also include new and archival interviews, period footage, still photographs, and new commentary and stories from family and relatives of the Black Panther soldiers. The documentary will also feature insights and opinions of prominent historians on WWII and experts on race and inequality in America.

“Black Patriots: The 761st Battalion” (working title) is directed by Phil Bertelsen, who will serve as executive producer along with James Younger, Lori McCreary, and Kelly Mendelsohn for Revelations Entertainment. Richard Foster and Chet Fenster are the executive producers for GroupM Motion Entertainment. Eli Lehrer and Jennifer Wagman are the executive producers for The HISTORY Channel.