The American Tank Ace That Killed 12 Tank and 258 Armoured Vehicles in 81 Days

World War II saw the emergence of tank Aces who became famous for their incredible milestones at the war front. Among the most widely recognized tank crew and tank platoon commander was the American Ace of Aces, Lafayette G. Pool. Pool killed over 1000 German soldiers and took 250 as war prisoners. Furthermore, he destroyed 12 tanks, 258 armored vehicles, and self-propelled guns. He achieved all these within a period of 81 days, using three different Sherman Tanks from 27th June to 15th September, 1944.

Born in Odem, Texas in July 23rd, 1919, Pool Joined the US Army on 13th of June, 1941. The following year, Pool began to serve in the freshly formed 3rd Armored Division and served until he got injured.

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Between June and September of 1944, Pool served with the US Combat Command A’s 3rd Armored Division in France. He victoriously Commandeered three Sherman tanks: M4A1, and two M4A1 (76) Ws. The three tanks all bore the same “IN THE MOOD” 1-3 nickname. Pool maintained his four-man crew throughout his stint in France and included:

a) Corporal Wilbert “Red” Richards as the driver
b) Private First Class Bert Close as the assistant driver and bow gunner
c) Corporal Willis Oiler as the gunner
d) T/5 Del Boggs as the loader.

The first tank used by Pool lasted between 23rd and 29th of June of 1944 during the time which his platoon laid siege on Normandy at Villiers-Fossard. Pool and his crew’s Sherman tank were however knocked out by a Panzerfaust, retiring it completely.

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One of Pools tanks: IN THE MOOD Sherman M4A1(76)W

Pool’s second tank was hit by friendly fire after lasting between July 1st and 17th August, 1944. During this time, Pool’s Combat Command A was on the verge of clearing the German forces from Fromental Village when P-38 knocked out the Sherman.

On the night of 15th September 1944, while Combat Command A attempted to force a Siegfried Line at Munsterbusch, Pool’s third Sherman was completely destroyed by a Panther that had laid an ambush. The panther hit the Sherman twice before Pool could salvage the situation and back-up. The two hits flipped the Sherman over the edge of a ditch.

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The 3 locations where Pools Shermans were destroyed

This double hit blew Pool out of his commanding hatch and badly mangled his leg with a shell splinter. He was lucky to have survived the ordeal although his leg had to be amputated.

Pool’s successful encounters in the war led him to be nicknamed “War Daddy” by his crew. A movie, ‘Fury’, made to his honor was released in 2014 and was played by Brad Pitt.

Before his death on March 30th, 1991, he had received medals which included:

  1. Distinguished Service Cross
  2. The Legion of Merit
  3. The Silver Star
  4. The Purple Heart
  5. The Fourragère
  6. The Légion d’Honneur

Joris Nieuwint

Joris Nieuwint is a battlefield guide for the Operation Market Garden area. His primary focus is on the Allied operations from September 17th, 1944 onwards. Having lived in the Market Garden area for 25 years, he has been studying the events for nearly as long. He has a deep understanding of the history and a passion for sharing the stories of the men who are no longer with us.

@joris1944 facebook.com/joris.nieuwint