'03 Springfield Picture of the Day

[CapnJohn]

Buffalo Soldiers
1917-1918 - World War I - Over 200,000 Black soldiers made it to France, equaling 9.2% of the American Expeditionary Force. Most were in support units. But the all-black 92nd and 93rd Infantry Divisions lost 773 killed in action (1.4% of U.S. total) and 4,408 wounded in action.

During WW1, the Army had planned to raise 2 all-black divisions. Only the 92nd "Buffalo" Infantry Division was formed at Camp Upton, NY. The 92nd Division consisted of approximately 25,000 black enlisted men and 1,000 white and black officers. The division departed for France in June 1918 and was assigned to a quiet sector of the front lines. They did see some combat service in the Meuse-Argounne offensive on 24 September 1918. The 92nd Division returned to the US and was demobilized in March 1919.
The 93rd Division. The regiments fought in several battles alongside French troops, who were already used to colonial North and Sub-Saharan African "colored" soldiers (noirs). All regiments acquitted themselves well and received unit citations from the French. Numerous individual soldiers exhibited extraordinary heroism and were highly decorated by the French. One of these was Cpl. Freddie Stowers, who decades after his death would be awarded the American Medal of Honor. The division's shoulder patch, with its blue French Adrian helmet, commemorated this period.

Total casualties from all regiments in the 93rd were 3,534 (killed-in-action 467; wounded-in-action 3,067).



On their return home they march in a Victory Parade. Note the receiver covers on their rifles.
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum - for further information.

Information

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[Jim Tarleton]

The 92nd and 93rd Divisions fought with French rifles, and uniforms, in combat. Pershing had no use for them, nor the Marines for that matter. Both would prove Pershing wrong. Pershing also held back use of the BAR, according to Eisenhower's book, although I have read elsewhere that is was manufacturing that held up issuance of the BAR. Eisenhower apparently thought very little of Pershing.

Jim

[CapnJohn]

You'll notice on the 1917 Enfield forum the "Singing Buffalo Soldiers" picture I posted have 1917 Enfields. Some of the photos I've seen, the 93rd had French helmets & arms. On the 92nd this might not be the case.

During the years 1895-1896, General Pershing, was assigned to the 10th Cavalry, a unit of the Buffalo Soldiers in Montana. His nickname, "Black Jack" dates from this service. It became both a subtle accolade, and derogation to the Buffalo Soldiers he fought with and praised. That was an improvement over the "****** Jack" which West Point cadets called him. General Pershing's time spent leading black soldiers significantly affected him throughout his military career. He remained deeply concerned with their well being and was instrumental in getting the black organizations into combat rather than being relegated to support operations in the rear.
In April, 1898, Pershing was assigned to the 10th Cavalry and fought at El Carney-San Juan Hill. He won a Silver Star for his gallantry in his charge up San Juan Hill. Between 1899 and 1903, Pershing was assigned to the Philippines in Northern Mindanao during the Moro campaign. After years of service in the Philippines, Pershing reported to the Presidio of San Francisco in 1913 for assignment in case the war with Mexico broke out.

In early 1914, Pershing patrolled the Mexican Border, with the Buffalo Soldiers, leaving his wife and his four young children in quarters at the Presidio of San Francisco. A huge fire destroyed Pershing's Presidio quarters in 1915 killing Mrs. Pershing and the three little girls. Only his son Warren survived. Courtesy Black Jack Pershing

[Rick the Librarian]

The 92nd fought with American equipment; the 93rd (which just had four infantry regiments - no supporting units - used French.

[Fredtheobviouspseudonym]

The 92nd fought with American equipment; the 93rd (which just had four infantry regiments - no supporting units - used French.

The French had had a long tradition of using African soldiers in action. According to the book "Lost Battalions" (a bit left for my liking, but an interesting read) the French COs were puzzled by American "advice" not to rely or trust Black troops. So they ignored this "advice" and put them in action.

After a few such actions the French high command rated the 369th and 371st regiments (possibly the others, but I don't recall) as first line combat troops that were as capable in the attack as the Moroccans, the Senegalese, and the Foreign Legion. Good company.

Unfortunately the racism of the era (from the top down, courtesy of the "progressive" President Woodrow Wilson) prevented the troops of the 92nd from getting the national recognition that they so much deserved.

[Jim Tarleton]

I am amazed, given the views towards blacks of that era, that they weren't all put on the front line and left (as in RVN). Instead, since dying for your country was an Honor at all levels of Society at that time, the black troops were denied that honor by Pershing. Now Society deems military service to be beneath them, and yet we still field a magnificent fighting force. I think this says a lot for the caliber of men who lead our military now, excluding the current President. Our previous President was very effective in using and leading our military.

Just my opinion.

Jim

[threepdr]

These fellows look like they might be carrying French Lebels with cruciform bayonets. Are those some kind of canvas breech covers on the rifles?

[CapnJohn]

see the latest "'03 Sprinfield Picture of the Day" for the sight covers
Apparently the picture is in New York City

[High Plaines Doug r]

I am amazed, given the views towards blacks of that era, that they weren't all put on the front line and left(as in RVN).

Jim

What the F!*& do you mean by this statement? I fought with black troops in "RVN" and Cambodia and didn't see any blacks left (what? " left behind"?). What kind of BS have you been sniffing? Reading too much Ward Churchill? There were no more blacks in the front than there were in the rear when I served.

[Jim Tarleton]

You completely misunderstood my statement, and I have no idea who Ward Churchill is, nor do I care.

I also fought with black men, and we left no one behind, living or dead. All Marines are Marine Green.

The word "behind" does not appear in my statement - what have you been sniffing?

Jim