Germans Shocked as a Single Pershing Destroyed a Panther in Seconds — Cologne Duel

Discover the full story behind one of World War II’s most iconic tank duels: the 1945 Pershing vs. Panther battle in front of Cologne Cathedral. On March 6, 1945, American tank gunner Clarence Smoyer and his crew in the new M26 Pershing faced a deadly German Panther tank in a thirty-second showdown that became the most famous tank engagement ever filmed. After the Panther destroyed two Sherman tanks and killed three U.S. soldiers, Sergeant Robert Earley’s Pershing crew was ordered to stop the threat—and what followed was captured on camera by Army filmmaker Jim Bates, later broadcast in newsreels around the world.

This documentary reveals the complete true story of that day:
• The development of America’s first heavy tank and why the Pershing was rushed into combat
• How German commander Wilhelm Bartelborth hesitated when he encountered the unfamiliar Pershing—giving Smoyer the split seconds he needed to fire first
• The high-stakes duel that unfolded in the shadow of Cologne Cathedral
• The technological race between American and German armor during the final months of WWII
• The emotional aftermath and the extraordinary reunion decades later between former enemies Clarence Smoyer and German tanker Gustav Schaefer

Featuring verified military records, veteran interviews, battlefield analysis, and restored archival footage, this is the definitive documentary on the Cologne tank battle—an unforgettable story of courage, innovation, and the human cost of war during the fight for Germany’s final strongholds.

Perfect for: World War II history fans, armor and tank warfare enthusiasts, military documentary viewers, and anyone interested in late-war combat on the Western Front.