The NAACP pushed for the War Department to form the all-Black 99th Pursuit Squadron of the U.S. In World War II, Black soldiers had an increased presence. Many credit Black soldiers for bringing jazz music to Europe and France.
Two of Frederick Douglass’ sons also fought in the Civil War and Harriet Tubman severed as a scout for the 2nd South Carolina Volunteers.ĭuring World War I, Black soldiers were given full citizenship, although they still fought in segregated units. The 54th regiment, which was an all-Black fighting unit, was immortalized in the movie “Glory” and fought a number of important battles, eventually losing more than half of its troops. By the end of the Civil War, 10 percent of the union forces were Black. military’s legacy to this day.Īnd while much of that has to do with Black soldiers‘ time enlisted in the armed forces, the way that Black veterans have largely been treated has been the subject of much scrutiny since Crispus Attucks became the first American casualty of the Revolutionary War.ĭuring the War of 1812, Black soldiers helped defeat the British in New Orleans.
However, beneath that veneer lies some ugly truths that haunt the U.S. On its surface, it’s yet another one of the countless ways that Black people have helped build this country and keep it safe. As the country pauses to observe Memorial Day, it’s important to remember that the history of especially Black people in the American military is a complicated one.
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