Born in Houston, Texas, on November 2, 1922, Warren Gamaliel Harding Crecy joined the U.S. Army in 1942, following in the footsteps of countless African Americans who sought to serve their country despite facing racial discrimination. Crecy’s journey took him to the 761st Tank Battalion, an all-black unit which would go on to earn the nickname “Black Panthers” for their unwavering bravery on the battlefield.
Assigned to the tank destroyer section, Crecy displayed exceptional skill and courage. The 761st Black Panther Battalion, under the command of Lt. Col. Paul L. Bates, entered combat in Europe in November 1944. Their initial mission was to support the 26th Infantry Division during the Battle of the Bulge, a critical turning point in the war.

One of the most remarkable examples of Sergeant Crecy’s valor and quick thinking occurred during a pivotal moment in combat. While engaged in a mission, his tank was immobilized by an antitank emplacement, presenting a significant threat to his crew and the success of the operation. Without hesitation, Crecy took immediate action to rectify the situation and ensure the safety of his comrades.
Crecy swiftly exited the immobilized tank, determined to neutralize the enemy position that had halted their progress. Displaying resourcefulness and bravery, he commandeered a nearby jeep armed with a .30 caliber machine gun. With relentless determination, Crecy unleashed a hail of bullets towards the German emplacement, effectively eliminating most of the enemy occupants and forcing the remaining few to retreat in the face of his onslaught. This act of heroism not only neutralized the threat but also provided an opportunity for his tank crew to regroup and reenter the battle.

However, the display of Crecy’s courage did not end there. In another critical engagement outside Morville, his second tank found itself immobilized in treacherous mud, subjected to relentless enemy fire from German machine guns. Undeterred by the dire circumstances, Crecy disembarked from the tank, surveying the intense enemy fire and realizing the peril faced by an infantry unit near his position. Recognizing the urgency to aid his fellow soldiers, Crecy climbed atop his immobilized tank and manned the .50 caliber machine gun mounted on its turret.

With remarkable marksmanship and unwavering resolve, Crecy skillfully directed a barrage of fire towards the German positions, creating a diversion and covering fire for the infantry personnel. His actions provided them with a crucial means of escape from the perilous situation they found themselves in. The selfless and decisive actions taken by Crecy undoubtedly saved lives and exemplified his exceptional leadership and dedication to his fellow soldiers.

In recognition of his outstanding bravery and resourcefulness in the face of enemy fire, Sgt. Crecy was later awarded the Silver Star. This prestigious honor acknowledged his extraordinary actions and their significant impact on the success of the mission and the safety of his comrades.

Warren Gamaliel Harding Crecy’s story is one of bravery, sacrifice, and the enduring physical and emotional toll that war inflicts on those who serve. Despite the challenges he faced, Crecy’s unwavering dedication to his country and his resilience in the face of adversity continue to inspire and serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by countless servicemen and women in the pursuit of freedom and peace.