Following the resounding success of D-Day and the advance of the Allies through occupied areas, the inevitable conclusion of the Second World War drew nearer with each passing day. The moment had arrived to bring the fight to the very heart of Germany, confronting the enemy on their own soil.
This pivotal moment materialized during the Battle of Cologne, marked by a historic clash between the American and German forces. Among the most gripping encounters was a thrilling tank duel, pitting a Panther against an M26 Pershing in an iconic showdown.
Operation Lumberjack
Critical to the Allied advance into Germany was the strategic deployment of troops across the Rhine, aiming to establish a firm foothold along its banks. Operation Lumberjack, spearheaded by the First US Army, was launched to achieve this goal, pushing deeper into German territory and capturing key cities still held by the enemy, such as Cologne.
Cologne, an ancient city straddling the Rhine, presented a unique challenge. Tasked with securing its western flank, the 3rd and 9th Armored Divisions, along with the 9th and 104th Infantry Divisions, commenced their advance toward the city on March 1, 1945.
Before the arrival of American forces and the ensuing battle, Cologne endured its final air raid, further devastating the already-battered city.
American advance into Cologne
While much of Cologne lay in ruins, its magnificent cathedral remained standing. On March 3, Allied aircraft dropped pamphlets advising citizens to stay in the city, assuring them that they had nothing to fear from the approaching troops.
Cologne was among the first cities drawn into the conflict during Operation Lumberjack, with the Americans arriving on March 5, 1945, from three different directions. Leading the attack from the northwest was Maj. Gen. Maurice Rose with the 3rd Armored Division acting as the vanguard.
The Armored Divisions closely coordinated with infantry units, providing essential cover for the soldiers. This collaboration allowed them to effectively clear out enemies on foot and gather valuable intelligence.
Panthers, M4 Shermans and M26 Pershings roam the streets
While the majority of the Germans had given into their inevitable loss, members of the 9th Panzer, 3rd Panzergrenadier and 363rd Volksgrenadier Divisions were determined to continue fighting. This didn’t stop the American advance. By March 6, 1945, the 3rd Armored Division had broken through much of the German defenses and into Cologne’s city center, where the still-standing cathedral rose into the sky.
Strategically located nearby, and completely out of sight of the Allies, was a German Panther tank, whose crew had prepared an ambush. Around them, the tanks of the 3rd Armored Division were clearing each street of combatants. Made up predominantly of M4 Shermans, they’d been struggling, as their armor couldn’t withstand German weaponry – a problem they’d been dealing with for years.
In response to this, the Americans had commissioned a new tank, the M26 Pershing, which had double the armor of the Sherman. It was far superior, but hadn’t seen much combat yet, something that would be a big advantage during the Battle of Cologne’s tank duel.
A German Panther takes out two American M4 Shermans
During the Battle of Cologne, a gripping tank duel ensued when two tanks from Easy Company, 3rd Armored Division found themselves navigating a street obstructed by debris. They radioed for a bulldozer to clear their path, unknowingly exposing themselves to a lurking Panther tank.
Seizing the moment, the Germans opened fire on the leading Sherman, swiftly disabling it. The second tank attempted a quick retreat, but its tracks were crippled by German fire, halting its escape. Just before the fatal shot, the crew managed to evacuate. With both targets eliminated, the Panther awaited the next unsuspecting Sherman, only to be surprised by the approach of a Pershing.
Having intercepted radio chatter about the ongoing engagement, Staff Sgt. Robert Earley of the Pershing crew decided to flank the Panther from a side street. This cunning move prompted the German commander to anticipate an attack from that direction, leading him to instruct his gunner to adjust the turret’s position in anticipation of the impending threat.
Panther versus M26 Pershing
The Pershing gunner, Cpl. Clarence Smoyer, was told, “Shoot wherever you want. He’s just sitting there like he owns the place.” That’s exactly what he did. As they rounded the corner, they saw the Panther’s gun pointed right at them. Smoyer let off his shot, striking the enemy tank on its right side, yet the Germans didn’t do the same. Smoyer subsequently let off another two rounds, hitting just below the Panther’s gun and the spot between the tank’s upper hull and wheels.
Despite being hit three times, the German tank crew managed to escape. The Americans later learned the Panther commander had never seen a Pershing before and had assumed it was one of their own. As such, he’d told his men to hold fire.
What exactly makes this duel more famous than any other alteration of the war? The entire engagement was caught on video. Tech. Sgt. Jim Bates had been asked to accompany the Pershing crew that day, and he recorded the encounter between the Americans and the Panther, as well as their reactions afterward.
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As for the tank crew, it wasn’t until 2019 that Pfc. Homer “Smokey” Davis, Cpl. John DeRiggi, bow gunner William “Woody” McVey and, of course, Clarence Smoyer were awarded Bronze Stars. Smoyer was the only member of “Eagle 7” still alive, so the families of his comrades accepted the medals on their behalf.