Bouse in La Paz County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
739th Tank Battalion (SP) (ME)
Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe
The 739th Tank Battalion was activated in March 1943 at Fort Lewis, Washington. The officers were from various states, the enlisted personnel from Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana.
The battalion participated in maneuvers in Oregon, the firing range at Yakima, Washington and special training at Fort Knox, Kentucky.
From January to April, 1944 the unit trained at Camp Bouse, Arizona with the CDL (Gizmo) Tanks, then returned to Fort Knox.
The 739th embarked to England in August 1944 and after further training in South Wales, shipped to Leharve, France in November 1944.
In April 1945 Lt. General William Simpson, 9th Army Headquarters, issued a letter of commendation to the 739th BN for its actions in combat involving the CDL, mine exploder, fighter and flame thrower tanks.
The battalion was deactivated in December 1945.
This monument is dedicated to the members of this unit and to those who gave their lives for the freedom that we now enjoy.
Erected 1999 by Veterans of the 739th Tank Battalion, the Lost Dutchman, Billy Holcomb & Squibob Chapters of E Clampus Vitus and the Bouse Chamber of Commerce. (Marker Number 95.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Desert Training Center, and the E Clampus Vitus series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1943.
Location. 33° 55.898′ N, 114° 0.292′ W. Marker is in Bouse, Arizona, in La Paz County. Marker is on Broadway Avenue (Arizona Route 72 at milepost 27) south of Main Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bouse AZ 85325, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 738th Medium Tank Battalion, Special (here, next to this marker); Monument Row (here, next to this marker); Camp Bouse (here, next to this marker); 748th Tank Battalion (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Camp Bouse (here, next to this marker); George L. Wendt (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Camp Bouse (a few steps from this marker); The 526th Armored Infantry Battalion (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bouse.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,556 times since then and 45 times this year. Last updated on November 3, 2014, by Michael Kindig of Elk Grove, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 26, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.