An African American Division in World War II: A Remarkable Journey of the Military Experience

World War II was a defining moment in history, and the American military played a crucial role in the victory against tyranny. Among the many stories of bravery and sacrifice, there is one that often goes unnoticed – the remarkable journey of the African American division in the war.

During a time of widespread racial discrimination and segregation, the African Americans who served in the military faced immense challenges. Despite facing prejudice from fellow soldiers and commanders, they fought with unparalleled courage and dedication, proving their worth on the battlefield.

Segregation and Discrimination

The African American division was known as the "Buffalo Soldiers" due to their fierce fighting spirit and resilience. However, their path to military service was plagued by systemic racism and segregation.

Unjustly Dishonored: An African American Division in World War I (American Military Experience Book 1)

by Robert H. Ferrell(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1275 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	144 pages

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While the military had officially desegregated in 1948 with the signing of Executive Order 9981 by President Harry S. Truman, racial discrimination was still prevalent during World War II. The African American soldiers were often assigned to segregated units and received limited training and resources compared to their white counterparts.

These soldiers were subjected to racial slurs, mockery, and violence, both within and outside the military. Despite these challenges, they persevered, determined to make a difference on the battlefield and prove their capabilities.

The 92nd and 93rd Infantry Divisions

The African American soldiers were primarily organized into two infantry divisions – the 92nd Infantry Division and the 93rd Infantry Division.

The 92nd Infantry Division, also known as the "Buffalo Division," was composed mainly of African American soldiers, led by white officers. They fought with distinction in Italy, engaging in some of the fiercest battles of the war.

The 93rd Infantry Division, on the other hand, consisted of predominantly African American officers and soldiers. They were often deployed to the Pacific theater, where they faced not only enemy fire but also the challenges of racism within their own ranks.

Combat and Contributions

Despite the adversities they faced, the African American division made invaluable contributions to the Allied victory.

These brave soldiers fought in various capacities, from frontline combat units to support roles. They proved their mettle in crucial battles, such as the Battle of the Gothic Line and the Liberation of Livorno, where they demonstrated exceptional courage and resilience.

Not only did they excel on the battlefield, but they also provided vital support in logistics, communication, and medical roles. These contributions, often overlooked, played a significant part in the overall success of the Allied forces.

Legacy and Recognition

The African American division's journey during World War II paved the way for progress in the fight against racial discrimination within the military and society at large.

Their sacrifices and determination raised awareness of the unjust treatment they endured and inspired change. The heroic efforts of these soldiers contributed to the gradual desegregation of the military and the eventual dismantling of racial barriers.

Today, we remember their legacy and pay tribute to their courage. Their story serves as a reminder that bravery knows no color, and that unity and equality are crucial in any fight for freedom.

The African American division's experience in World War II reflects a remarkable journey of perseverance, courage, and resilience. Despite discrimination and prejudice, these soldiers fought with unwavering determination, making significant contributions to the Allied victory.

It is essential to recognize and honor their sacrifices, which paved the way for progress in the fight against racial inequality. The African American division's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and serves as an inspiration for generations to come.

Unjustly Dishonored: An African American Division in World War I (American Military Experience Book 1)

by Robert H. Ferrell(Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1275 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	144 pages

FREE

For nearly one hundred years, the 92nd Division of the U.S. Army in World War I has been remembered as a military failure. The division should have been historically significant. It was the only African American division of the American Expeditionary Forces in France. Comprised of nearly twenty-eight thousand black soldiers, it fought in two sectors of the great battle of the Meuse-Argonne, the largest and most costly battle in all of U.S. history. Unfortunately, when part of the 368th Infantry Regiment collapsed in the battle’s first days, the entire division received a blow to its reputation from which it never recovered.      
 
In Unjustly Dishonored: An African American Division in World War I, Robert H. Ferrell challenges long-held assumptions and asserts that the 92nd, in fact, performed quite well militarily. His investigation was made possible by the recent recovery of a wealth of records by the National Archives. The retrieval of lost documents allowed access to hundreds of pages of interviews, mostly from the 92nd Division’s officers, that had never before been considered. In addition, the book uses the Army’s personal records from the Army War College, including the newly discovered report on the 92nd’s field artillery brigade by the enthusiastic commanding general.
 
In the first of its sectors, the Argonne, the 92nd took its objective. Its engineer regiment was a large success, and when its artillery brigade got into action, it so pleased its general that he could not praise it enough. In the attack of General John J. Pershing’s Second Army during the last days of the war, the 92nd captured the Bois Frehaut, the best performance of any division of the Second Army.
 
This book is the first full-length account of the actual accomplishments of the 92nd Division. By framing the military outfit’s reputation against cultural context, historical accounts, and social stigmas, the authorproves that the 92nd Division did not fail and made a valuable contribution to history that should, and now finally can, be acknowledged. Unjustly Dishonored fills a void in the scholarship on African American military history and World War I studies.