Named WWII 713th Flame Throwing Tank Battalion Veteran’s Service Plaque

The metal and wood plaque is approximately 6-1/2 inches by 7-1/2 inches. The plaque is named to Corporal Francis J. Hayes of Company “C” of the 713th Tank Battalion. The plaque shows age but overall it is in very good condition, with a hanging loop on the reverse. The 713th Flame Throwing Tank Battalion was created from the 42nd Armored Regiment of the 11th Armored Division. The regiment was organized on August 15, 1942, at Camp Polk, Louisiana. Later it was broken into battalions. The 713th Battalion was the Third Battalion of the 42nd Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Thomas L. McCrary of Arlington, Virginia. While the rest of the 11th Armored Division fought in Europe in World War II, the 713th Battalion headed for the Pacific, where it was attached to the 7th Infantry Division. The battalion was organized, equipped and trained as the only armored flame throwing battalion in the army.