Lafayette “Lafe” Pool was born to a Texas farm family in 1919. When he graduated from high school, he attempted to enlist in the Navy. His twin brother was taken, but he wasn’t because of an eye injury. He went to college, but in 1940 he joined the Army. He memorized the eye chart so he could pass the physical. He was assigned to the 3rd Armored Division and showed so much promise during training that he became a sergeant in command of his own tank. They were shipped to Great Britain to prepare to fight in France. While there, famous boxer Joe Louis toured their base. When volunteers were asked for to box a little with the “Brown Bomber”, Pool jumped in the ring. He had been a very good amateur boxer and actually thought he could go toe to toe with the most famous boxer in the world. After punching Louis a couple of times like he wanted to win the bout, Louis got Pool in a clutch and whispered “White man, I’m going to teach you a big lesson.” Louis proceeded to pound the snot out of Pool.
On June 23, 1944, Pool and his crew landed in Normandy. He commanded a M4A1(76)W Sherman tank. The 76 indicated the 76mm gun which was more powerful than the standard Sherman’s. The Sherman was a medium tank that was not as powerful or armored in comparison to the German Panther tanks. But being made in America meant Shermans were much more numerous than German tanks. The tank was also much better mechanically and easier to repair. However, in a one-on-one fight with a German tank, the Sherman was at a disadvantage. Duels were rare because the Shermans were used mainly to support infantry. Pool, who was called “War Daddy” (Brad Pitt’s character in “Fury” has that name and it may have been inspired by Pool) because of his desire to kill Germans, had a crack crew. His gunner was one of the most accurate shots in the division. They called their tank “In the Mood” after a Glenn Miller hit song.
Soon after entering France, “In the Mood” was knocked out by a panzerfaust (the German equivalent of a bazooka). No one was injured and they got a new tank. Pool insisted on being the tank that spearheaded his unit’s advances. This was a very dangerous job because his tank was essentially bait for German ambushes. Pool always rode with his upper body exposed out of the commander’s hatch on the turret. Tank commanders sacrificed safety for a better view. “In the Mood” started racking up an impressive score of enemy armored vehicles destroyed. He was so successful that his commanding officer wanted him to accept a promotion to Lieutenant. Pool refused because he liked being the commander of just his tank. Pool and his crew survived a friendly fire bombing by an American P-38 fighter/bomber and were assigned a new tank. From August 29-31, 1944, “In the Mood” was credited with 4 enemy tanks, 3 anti-tank guns, and around 50 armored vehicles. Pool and his crew were heroes and it was decided that they would be pulled out of combat to go back to America to be part of a war bonds drive. Unfortunately, before that could happen, “In the Mood” was involved in its 21st assault. Lt. Col. Walter Richardson ordered Pool to leave his usual position leading the unit and instead go to the safer flank position. “No spearheading today, Pool. You guys are heroes, and I want you going home to mama safe and sound. You take the flank.” The next day, on Sept. 19, his tank was ambushed by a Panther and he was thrown out of the turret, landing with a badly wounded leg. “In the Mood” was hit two more times and destroyed with the death of a substitute loader. Lafe had his leg amputated and his war was over.
In their 81 days in combat, the crew of “In the Mood” established a record number of kills. They were credited with 12 tanks and a total of 258 armored vehicles. This made Pool the unofficial “ace of aces” in the Army. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and four Bronze Stars. When asked about the secret to his success, Pool responded: “Learn to survive. Shoot to kill and always go forward. Never retreat.”
https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/american-tank-ace-lafayette-pool/
https://www.historynet.com/tanker-ace-war-daddy-his-final-fight/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lafayette_G._Pool
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