The 788th Amphibian Tractor Battalion, originally activated as a tank battalion in 1943, was under the command of Lt. Col. Francis G. Hufford. After undergoing rigorous training, the battalion was re-designated as an amphibian tractor battalion and assigned to the 13th Armored Group. Equipped with various models of Amphibian Tractors, the battalion played a crucial role in Pacific invasions during World War II.
With a focus on amphibious operations, the 788th underwent extensive training to master the use of their new vehicles. Despite initial dissatisfaction, the soldiers of the battalion eventually became proficient and confident in their expertise. Had they remained a tank battalion destined for Europe, their fate would have been less severe compared to other armored units. The battalion's transition to amphibious warfare aligned with the evolving American amphibious policy during the war.
Generated from the website