Boykin Jr, Calvin C. Gare La Bete (Beware the Beast): A History of the 814th Tank Destroyer Battalion, 1942-1945. College Station, TX: C & R Publications, 1995.

228 pages
ISBN 0-9646161-0-6

Foreword; acknowledgements; biography of Lt Col Robert B. Jones; introduction; 7th Armored Division units; photos; maps; index.

Appendix: Address Directory; Members Interred in American Overseas Cemetaries; Heraldry of the Battalion; Awards; Biographical Sketches; Bibliography.

This is the complete story of the 814th TD Battalion in WWII. The book first covers tank destroyer doctrine, equipment, and training in general with a variety of weapons (towed 37mm gun, M6, M10, M8, M20, M36, etc).

From activation at Fort Polk in May 1942, Camp Bowie, Camp Hood, back to Fort Polk, Camp Myles Standish, Fort Devens, and finally across the Atlantic to England in February 1944, the book then covers the movements and operations of the 814th. The battalion arrived at Utah beach on 8 August, was on the 13th attached to 7th Armored Division, and immediately began advancing toward the Seine. It campaigned on the Meuse, in Lorraine, and in Holland before moving south to counter the German offensive in the Ardennes. There the 814th took part in the Battle of the Bulge, including the defense of St Vith. Later crossed into Germany and involved in reduction of the Ruhr Pocket.

The book concludes with a roster and address directory of individuals who served in the battalion (prepared in 1945), reunion photos, and biographical sketches of veterans with "then" and "now" photos.

A fine unit history that neatly combines "big picture" background, detailed accounts of battalion operations, and memorable personal stories.

In print and available from C & R Publications, 8407 Shadow Oaks, College Station, TX 77845 for $47.00.

Thanks to C & R for providing this copy.