World War I African-American history

soldiers of 369th (15th n.y.) won croix de guerre gallantry in action, 1919

the u.s. armed forces remained segregated during world war i. still, many african americans eagerly volunteered join allied cause following america s entry war. more 2 million african american men rushed register draft. time of armistice germany in november 1918, on 350,000 african americans had served american expeditionary force on western front.

most african american units relegated support roles , did not see combat. still, african americans played significant role in america s war effort.

four african american regiments integrated french units because french suffered heavy losses , badly needed men after 3 years of terrible war.

one of distinguished units 369th infantry regiment, known harlem hellfighters , on front lines 6 months, longer other american unit in war. 171 members of 369th awarded legion of merit.

from may 1918 november 1918, 371st , 372nd african american regiments integrated under 157th red hand division commanded french general mariano goybet. earned glory in decisive final offensive in champagne region of france. 2 regiments decorated french croix de guerre gallantry in meuse-argonne offensive.

157th i.d. red hand flag drawn general mariano goybet

corporal freddie stowers of 371st infantry regiment posthumously awarded medal of honor—the african american honored actions in world war i. during action in france, stowers had led assault on german trenches, continuing lead , encourage men after being wounded twice. stowers died wounds, men continued fight on german machine gun nest near bussy farm in champagne, , defeated german troops.

stowers recommended medal of honor shortly after death, according army, nomination misplaced. many believed recommendation had been intentionally ignored due institutional racism in armed forces. in 1990, under pressure congress, defense department launched investigation. based on findings investigation, army decorations board approved award of medal of honor stowers. on april 24, 1991 – 73 years after killed in action — stowers 2 surviving sisters received medal of honor president george h. w. bush @ white house.

wpa poster promoting benefits of employment