Historical Image Gallery
Browse through images showcasing the contributions of Black American soldiers during WWII.
A shell is being loaded into an 8-inch howitzer.
A shell is being loaded into an 8-inch gun of Battery C, 578th Field Artillery Battalion near Bleialf, Germany.
Source: Author collection
Date: 9 February 1945
The 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion
A three-inch M5 gun with the crew of the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center.
Date: 1945
The 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion
An officer and two enlisted men of the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center.
Date: 1945
A soldier of the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion
A soldier of the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion poses with a round for the M3 anti-tank gun.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center.
Date: 1945
Charlie Rattler of the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion
Charlie Rattler, Third Platoon, Company C, the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion sits on the ground with a bazooka.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center.
Date: 1945
Charlie Rattler of the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion is smoking a cigarette
Charlie Rattler, Third Platoon, Company C, the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion is smoking a cigarette. This photograph was published in a 1945.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center.
Date: 1945
Charlie Rattler of the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion in a foxhole with another soldier
Charlie Rattler, of Third Platoon, C Company, the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion together with another soldier in a foxhole.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center.
Date: 1945
A camouflaged three inch gun of the 614th Tank Destoyer Battalion
A three inch M5 gun covered by camouflage netting.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center.
Date: 1945
A three inch gun of the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion during a firing exercise
Members of the gun crew of a tank destroyer unit load their piece during practice firing, somewhere in England, before leaving for the real thing on the continent. Left to Right: Private First Class Aurbery Morris (Hobbsville, NC), Private First Class J. C. Heatem (Detroit, MI), Private First Class Robert B. Russell (Ashville, NC), 1st Lt. U.V. Watkins (Huntsville, TX), Private First Class Cebe Young (Ashville, NC), Private First Class James H. Mason (Williamston, NC). 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion, Burley, England.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center.
Date: 1945
An officer and an enlisted man in front of a halftrack
An officer and an enlisted man of the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion stand in front of a halftrack.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center.
Date: 1945
Several soldiers of the 777th Field Artillery Battalion in a dugout
Soldiers of a Field Artillery Battalion near Ubach, Germany, sit in dugout near their gun waiting for firing orders.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration (NAID: 178140868).
Date: 7 January 1945
Soldiers of the 24th Infantry Regiment man a 37mm gun
Soldiers of the 24th Infantry Regiment in New Georgia man a 37mm gun used for beach against the enemy.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 329679.
Date: 15 October 1943
Members of the 758th Light Tank Battalion fire their 75mm howitzer
Members of the 758th Tank Battalion fire their 75mm howitzer in support of infantry movements on the Fifth Army front.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 329839.
Date: 4 April 1945
Soldiers of the 999th Field Artillery Battalion are about to fire another shell at a target.
Another present from "Harlem to Hitler" is presented on behalf of the men of an artillery outfit which is firing at the barges in which the Germans are trying to escape across the River Seine. Montes-Gassicourt, France, August 20, 1944. The men are of the 999th Field Artillery Battalion, Battery A.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Edication Center
Date: 4 April 1945
John T. Fields, an armorer with the 332nd Fighter Group
Private First Class John T. Fields, an armorer with the 332nd Fighter Group, checks the ammunition of a P-51 Mustang.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration (NAID: 204909486)
Date: 28 August 1944
Opening of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion bar in France
In Rouen, France, Second Lieutenant Freda le Beau (New Orleans, LA), post exchange officer, serves the first Coca Cola to Major Charity Adams (Columbia, South Carolina), at the grand opening of the WAC battalion's new snack bar.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration (NAID: 175539159).
Date: 1945
Major Charity Adams inspects the troops under her command
Somewhere in England, Maj. Charity E. Adams, Columbia, S.C., and Capt. Abbie N. Campbell, Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, Ala, during an inspection.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: (NAID: 531249)
Date: February 1945
The arrival of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion in Scotland
As a Scottish piper instructs Private First Class Edith Gaskill, Arlington, Va., in the art of playing bagpipes, Private Marie McKinney, Washington, D.C., examines his kilt. The Wacs are members of the first Black all-Wac postal unit to arrive in the European theater of operations. The unit will handle the Army Postal Directory Service for the entire theater. U.S. Army port, Greenock, Scotland.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration (NAID: 175539147)
Date: February 1945
Photograph of the Charity Adams and her company at Fort Des Moines, Iowa
WAAC Capt. Charity Adams of Columbia, S.C., who was commissioned from the first officer candidate class, and the first of her group to receive a commission, drills her company on the drill ground at the first Waac Training Center, Fort Des Moines, Iowa. Note: At that time the WAC (Women's Army Corps) was known as the WAAC (Women's Army Auxiliary Corps).
Source: National Archives and Records Administration (NAID: 531334)
Date: May 1943
Photograph of a Black American wedding in Rouen, France
Chaplain William T. Green reads the benediction services at the marriage ceremonies of Private First Class Florence A. Collins, a WAC of the 6888th Postal Directory Battalion, to Corporal William A. Johnson of the 1696th Labor Supervision Company. This is the 5th African American marriage to be performed in the European Theatre of Operation. A similar image appeared in The Michigan Chronicle, 6 October 1945. Note, a newspaper article gives the name William H. Johnson of the 169th Labor Supervision Company and mentions it's the first Black American marriage.
Source: Ike Skelton Combined Arms Research Library (SC 210939)
Date: 6 October 1945
A howitzer of the 593rd Field Artillery Battalion
1st section gun crew, Battery A, 593rd Field Artillery Battalion, 93rd Infantry Division, loads a 105mm howitzer and prepares to fire (Bougainville).
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 364570
Date: 16 April 1944
A M4 Sherman tank of the 761st Tank Battalion
A M4 Sherman tank of the 761st Tank Battalion. The men in this photograph would die less than 24 hours after this image was taken.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 196105-S
Date: 5 November 1944
A M4 Sherman tank of the 761st Tank Battalion is crossing a Bailey Bridge in France
A M4 Sherman tank of the 761st Tank Battalion is crossing a Bailey Bridge in France on their way to the frontline.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration (NAID: 175739015)
Date: 9 November 1944
A light tank with Black American trainees
Private First Class Dewey McClain, Jacksonville, Fla., Private Hulet MacHenry, Salina, Kan., and Private First Class Lester Baker, Alexandria, La. Armored School Det., Replacement and Training Command. (Naples area, Italy)
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 364368
Date: 1 March 1945
Benjamin O. Davis
Benjamin O. Davis, the commander of the 332nd Fighter Group.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration (NAID: 204992697)
Date: June 1944
Battery B, 49th Coast Artillery, section 2, fires at Japanese positions on Bougainville
This 155mm rifle, operated by Black troops, is firing at Jap positions on Bougainville. The soldier at left prepares to sponge the breech.
Source: Courtesy of the United States Army Heritage and Education Center
Date: 16 April 1944
First Sergeant James Sims shows Private John Stephens his .45 pistol
First Sergeant James Sims of Los Angeles, who saw World War I, as a member of the 801st Pioneers, is shown here on his way to another war as top cutter of a Battery of C.A.A., which sailed on a transport from a Port of Embarkation in U.S. Sergeant Sims is telling Private John O. Stephens of Los Angeles how to handle a 45 in close quarters. Sims said Stephens is the brightest boy in his battery. August 1942. Battery A, 76th C.A.A. S.S. Mormacsea at Fort Mason, California.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center
Date: 9 August 1942
Soldiers of the 76th Coast Artillery Regiment show their bayonets
"That pig sticker is so sharp it will slit a hair," says Pvt Wm Crook of Ripley, Tenn. He proves it too, with a hirsute speciment from the cranium of Pvt Theo Bean of Birmingham, Ala. The four soldiers are members of Hq. Co. of a C.A.A. unit. They sailed on the transport for overseas duty in the Pacific. They are not talking about slicing vegetables with these bayonets; they are eager to see Tokyo. Aboard a tranport from a Port of Embarkation in US. August 1942. Hq. Co. 76th C.A.A. SS Mormacsea at Fort Mason, Calif.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center
Date: 9 August 1942
Soldiers of the 76th Coast Artillery Regiment are looking at their bayonets
Another photograph of the same soldiers, where they are displaying their bayonets.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center
Date: 9 August 1942
Soldiers of the 76th Coast Artillery Regiment asleep
Half an hour after the Black soldiers of a regimental headquarters battery of the C.A.A. marched aboard the transport, many of them were bedded down in their close quarters and snoring. The line next the camera, from bunk up, consists of: Private Harrison Wyatt, Atlanta, Ga.; Technician Clarence L. Williams, Columbus, Ga.; Private Bennie Simmons, Goulds, Fla.; Private Patrick Williams, Wells Ferry, Ala.; Sgt. Clommie Watkins, Jackson, Tenn.; Sgt. Abi Stephens, Montgomery, Ala. Next row: Private Willie Brown, Fort Meyers, Fla.; Private William K. Watkins, Linden, Ala.; Private Flenard Van, Pursglove, W.Va, Corp. John G. Thomas, Chicago, Ill. 76th C.A.A. SS Mormacsea at Fort Mason, Calif. Sunday night.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center
Date: 9 August 1942
Soldiers of the 76th Coast Artillery on board of the SS Mormacsea
"Down the hatch" Black soldiers of a C.A.A. unit, few of whom ever were aboard a ship before, get acquinted with a new world aboard the transport as the line pauses on deck at the door of a hatch which leads below to the bunk tiers. A Port of Embarkation in U.S. 76th C.A.A. SS Mormacsea at Fort Mason, Calif.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center
Date: 9 August 1942
Soldiers of the 76th Coast Artillery are playing blackjack
Members of A C.A.A. regimental band, atop their bunk section in the hold of a transport, are playing a little blackjack before turning in. Aboard a transport from a Port of Embarkation in U.S. 76th C.A.A. SS Mormacsea at Fort Mason, Calif.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center
Date: 9 August 1942
Soldiers of the 76th or 77th Coast Artillery during a training exercise
C. D. nurse and defending medical troops pick up dead and wounded from the battle field, Ft. Moultrie, Charleston, S. C.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center
Date: 22 October 1941
Soldiers of the 76th or 77th Coast Artillery during a training exercise
Defending troops of Ft. Moultrie on the charge. C. D. Air raid exercises at Charleston, S. C.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center
Date: 22 October 1941
Soldiers of the 76th or 77th Coast Artillery during a training exercise
Soldiers at a charge after the parachutist have landed. C.D. Air raid exercises. Ft. Moultrie, Charleston, S. C.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center
Date: 22 October 1941
Soldiers of the 76th or 77th Coast Artillery Regiment during a training exercise
Defending troops capture the enemy during C. D. air raids, Ft. Moultrie, Charleston, S. C.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center
Date: 22 October 1941
Soldiers of the 76th Coast Artillery Regiment stand next to a large searchlight
Private Robert Byrd, Henry Johnson, John Hamlin, Battery E, 76th CAC (AA) at searchlight during C. D. air raids exercises. Fort Moultrie, Charleston, S. C.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center
Date: 22 October 1941
Soldiers of Battery E the 76th Coast Artillery are lighting up the field during exercises
Searchlights lighting up first aid exercises on the field at Charleston, S. C., during the C. D. Air raid exercises.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center
Date: 22 October 1941
A 3-inch anti-aircraft gun of the 76th Coast Artillery Regiment
A 3-inch anti-aircraft gun manned by soldiers of the 76th Coast Artillery Regimenton the firing range at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This photograph was taken by Harry R Price, the regimental commander.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center
Date: Undated
Major General Edward M. Almond, Commanding General of the 92nd Infantry Division, inspects his troops.
Maj. General Edward M. Almond, Commanding General of the 92nd Infantry Division in Italy, inspects his troops during a decoration ceremony.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration (NAID: 535547)
Date: March 1945
General George S. Patton converses with General Omar Bradly during their tour of the liberated Ohrdruf camp. On the left side, behind the MP, is a Black American soldier.
Ohrdruf camp was liberated on 4 April 1945 by the 4th Armored Division and the 89th Infantry Division. It would be the first camp to be liberated by the U.S. Army. On 12 April 1945, Generals Dwight D. Eisenhower, George S. Patton and Omar visited the camp. Eisenhower later said about his visit: “I made the visit deliberately, in order to be in a position to give first-hand evidence of these things if ever, in the future, there develops a tendency to charge these allegations merely to 'propaganda'." He later requested that journalists and members of Congress visited the camp so that they too would be a witness to the horrors of what happened at these places. Among those witnesses were also Black American soldiers.
Source: United States Holocaust Memorial Museum: 87662
Date: 12 April 1945
A 40-mm Bofors gun of the 452nd Anti Aircraft-Artillery Battalion
A 40-mm Bofors gun of Battery A, 452nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration (NAID: 531222)
Date: 9 November 1944
Technical sergeant Alfred Masters, the first Black American sworn into the United States Marine Corps.
Alfred Masters was sworn in on 1 June 1942 at 00:01 hours and is the first Black American to serve in the United States Marine Corps.
Source: Courtesy of Isabell Arch Masters Family
Date: 1944
Howard Perry, the first Black American to arrive at Camp Lejeune, NC.
Howard P. Perry, the first recruit to report for marine training at Montford Point, Camp Lejeune, NC, is often erroneously credited with being the first Black American enlisted marine. However, Perry enlisted on July 23, 1942. The first Black American sworn in as a marine was Alfred Masters.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration (NAID: 535870)
Date: 1942
Soldiers of the 218th Quartermaster Battalion are fueling jerricans.
Soldiers of the 218th Quartermaster Battalion are fueling jerrycans. These cans were used to fuel the advance of the Ninth Army during Operation Flashpoint. (Wegberg, Germany)
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center.
Date: 23 March 1945
An armed halftrack of the 827th Engineers Aviation Battalion.
Derived from original caption: Although the main job for the members of the 827th Engineers, is to construct an airport they still have to keep in trim for fighting. L to R: Private James Bryand, Sergeant Will L. Scott, Private First Class Dan Smith, and Corporal Woodrow George. This image also appeared in the Jackson Advocate of 4 September 1943, which alludes to an invasion of Germany. However, in September 1943, the Normandy landings were far in the future.
Source: Ike Skelton Combined Arms Research Library: SC 174587.
Date: 1943
A retreat ceremony somewhere in the South Pacific Area.
"Old Glory" is lowered in a retreat ceremony somewhere in the South Pacific Area by Corporal John O. Crittonden, a member of Company A, 903rd Air Base Security Battalion.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 184656
Date: 29 June 1943
A message is speeded on its way by these men from a Headquarter Detachment of the 903rd Air Base Security Battalion.
A message is speeded on its way by these men from a Headquarter Detachment of the 903rd Air Base Security Battalion somewhere in the South Pacific Area. L-R: T/5 Carl D. Hale, Sgt. William L. Shepard and T/4 R.C. Collins.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 164669
Date: undated
It's chow time for the 903rd Air Base Security Battalion.
It's chow time at the 903rd Air Base Security Battalion in the South Pacific Area.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 184655
Date: 29 June 1943
Private Glenn Moore, Warren, Ohio, is vaccinated by by T/5 Henry Edwards, member of a Medical Detachment.
A "shot" is given to Private Glenn Moore, Warren, Ohio, by T/5 Henry Edwards, member of a Medical Detachment serving in the South Pacific Area. Waiting are Private Willie J. L. Dawson, Greenville, S.C., and Private Curtis Daniel Knox, Palmetto, Ga
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 184642
Date: 29 June 1943
Getting ready to turn in.
Getting ready to turn in. 1st Lt. Harry L. Curtis, Morgantown, N.C., gives a few pointers to Corporal Alfred Summerville, Washington, D.C., on a sea-going barracks, as they prepare for an overseas journey. 350th Engineer Regiment aboard the S.S. Poelau Laut, Pier 41-S, San Francisco Port of Embarkation.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 171514
Date: 27 January, 1943.
Private Isaac Bartell, left, is instructed by S/Sgt. Thomas Blackstone.
Private Isaac Bartell, left, Detroit, Mich., gets last-minute instructions from S/Sgt. Thomas A. Blackstone, Leonardtown, Md., as they prepare to go overseas. Both are with the 350th Engineer Regiment, aboard the S.S. Poelau Laut, Pier 41-S, San Francisco Port of Embarkation.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 171515
Date: 27 January, 1943.
Private Robert A. Williams of Clarksdale.
Private Robert A. Williams of Clarksdale, Miss., as he contemplates sleeping in a hammock aboard the transport on which his unit embarked for overseas. Company D, 462nd Port Battalion, embarked at San Francisco Port of Embarkation.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 171509
Date: 12 January 1943
Members of a Medical Detachment, 352nd Engineer Regiment, prepare for their overseas journey.
Members of a Medical Detachment stowing their duffels and testing their hammocks on the deck of the transport on which they embarked for overseas. Detachment of the 352nd Engineer Regiment, embarked at San Francisco Port of Embarkation.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 171512
Date: 12 January 1943
The remaining tanks of the Byrne Task Force are serviced by their crews.
Before moving on to the next objective, the remaining tanks of the Byrne Task Force are serviced by their crews. Company B, 784th Tank Battalion, at Sevelen, Germany.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 336785
Date: 5 March 1945
Lieutenant Colonel Nolan Troxell teaches infantry warfare to a group of Black infantry volunteers.
Lt. Col. Nolan Troxell, 1609 Olive St., Little Rock, Arkansas, veteran combat officer explains the tactics of infantry warfare to a group of Black soldiers, all volunteers from service units.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 337400
Date: 28 February 1945
Private George E. Stevens during infantry training.
At the 47th Reinforcement Depot, Private George E. Stevens, Abbottsburg, North Carolina, undergoes some serious infantry training. 47th Reinforcement Depot. Noyon, France.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 337399
Date: 28 February 1945
Private Felix Lawson and Private Sammie Jenkins dig a foxhole.
Private Felix Lawson, 534 West St., [illegible], Md., and Private Sammie Jenkins, 1200 17th St. Tuscaloosa, Ala., demonstrate the proper method of digging a foxhole.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 337398
Date: 28 February 1945
Soldiers of the 92nd Infantry Division are drying themselves in a ruined house.
Private Edward Imes, 1224 Rear Div. Ave., East St. Louis, IL.; T/5 William White, 246 South Johnson Ave., Pontiac, MI.; Private First Class James B. Glasby, 220 South Leffingwell Ave., St. Louis, MO.; and Private Henry C. McKinney, 651 Reed St., Atlanta, GA. Viareggio Area, Italy.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 364370
Date: 14 December, 1944
Soldiers with a thompson machine gun.
Although engaged almost fulltime on the construction of an air field these members of an aviation engineer battalion in England keep up to date with military duties. Sergeant Nathaniel Walker, Princeton, North Carolina (left) instructs Sergeant Howell J. Atkins, Fort Worth, Texas, in the use of a Thompson submachine gun. Note the drum magazine on the weapon.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center
Date: 29 June 1943
The 22nd Special Naval Construction Battalion celebrates peace.
Members of the 22nd Special Naval Construction Battalion cheering news of Japan's acceptance of peace terms. Note sign: War is over! Good-Bye Pacific. Hello USA. This photograph is taken at Naval Amphibious Base, Manus, Admiralty Islands,
Source: Naval History and Heritage Command: 80-G-338470
Date: 15 August 1945
Steward's Mate Second Class James Lee Frazer reads the Bible
Steward's Mate Second Class James Lee Frazer takes time to read a few chapters from his Bible, part of his daily devotional routine while serving on board an aircraft carrier. It's the night before his ship launched strikes on the Manila Bay area in support of the Lingayen Operation.
Source: Naval History and Heritage Command: 80-G-305241
Date: 9 January 1945
Mess attendants of the USS Copahee (ACV-12) man a 20mm machine gun
Mess Attendants manning a 20mm machine gun, in a gun tub beside the flight deck. The carrier, USS Copahee (ACV-12), was then en route from Alameda, California, to the southwest Pacific.
Source: Naval History and Heritage Command: 80-G-71586
Date: 9 September 1942
Wardroom of the USS Cero (SS-225)
Officers eating in the submarine's Wardroom, served by their Stewards, during Cero's shakedown period, circa July-August 1943, at the Groton, Connecticut, Submarine Base. Photographed by Charles Fenno Jacobs. Officers present are (from left to right): Lieutenant Commander David H. McClintock; Commander David C. White, Commanding Officer; Lieutenant Charles D. Nace.
Source: Naval History and Heritage Command: 80-G-K-15541
Date: July or August 1943
Steward's Mates are playing cards
Black American stewards are passing the time with a card game in their berthing space on board an aircraft carrier, the evening before their ship launched strikes on Manila.
Source: Naval History and Heritage Command: 80-G-305242
Date: November 1944.
Miles King carries a loaded 20mm machine gun magazine
Steward's Mate Second Class Miles Davis King carries a loaded magazine for a 20mm machine gun, as the escort carrier, USS Tulagi (CVE-72), steams through the Mediterranean Sea en route to the Invasion of Southern France.
Source: Naval History and Heritage Command: 80-G-417623
Date: A few days prior to 15 August 1944.
Major General John C.H. Lee and Brig. General Benjamin O. Davis inspect Services of Supply troops somewhere in England.
Bristol, England. Company C, 398th Port Battalion.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 151563
Date: 2 October 1942
Brig. General Benjamin Davis is making a personnel inspection of Black troops somewhere in England.
The prescribed way of wearing your identification tags, dog tags, is as important as making your bed in the army. Bristol, England. 398th Port Battalion.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 151566
Date: 2 October 1942
GI chorus entertains U.S. troops at large HQ in Belgium on Christmas Eve.
The chorus under the supervision of Chaplain William A. Smith, of Sioux Falls, S.Dak., and lead by Corporal John Wesley Mann, New York City, sang Black American spirituals and Christmas carols for over an hour. 390th Engineer Regiment Chorus, Namur, Belgium.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 364371
Date: 24 December 1944
Three bakers at a depot, somewhere in England, test a fresh pan of loaves as they come out of the oven.
Left to right: Private First Class James Brown, 419 Sullivan St., Greensville, Ky., T/Sgt., James McClattie, Route #1, Box 28, Evans, Ga., and Tec 5 Ben J. Carpenter, Boyston, Ga. General Depot G-50, Taunton, England.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 364372
Date: 19 November 1944
Part of audience enjoying all-soldier entertainment near VII headquarters in Germany, sponsored by Quartermaster troops.
999th Quartermaster Salvage Company, VII Corps.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 364374
Date: 7 December 1944
Four of the more than 200 service troops in France who volunteered for combat service, many of them accepting reductions in grade from Sgt. and Corporal to qualify for the new assignment.
In the doorway of the train taking them to an infantry training center are: Private John Hightower, Hartford, Conn.; Private First Class James Brock, Philadelphia, Pa.; Private First Class Herbert E. West, Philadelphia, Pa.; and Private Lenzy Walker, San Antonio, Texas.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 364375
Date: 25 February 1945
The post chapel has large crowd of Black troops in afternoon of Bishop Gregg sermon.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 364367
Date: 22 December 1943
Personnel of the Postal Unit of a depot in England sort packages and mail.
Left to right: Private First Class Wilbur L. Grimillion, 4202 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill., 1st Lt. Ernest J. Harris, 1118 Embury Ave., Neptune, N.J., and Corporal William J. Cooper, 1349 Christian St., Philadelphia, Pa. 511th Army Postal Unit, General Depot G-50, Taunton, England.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 364373
Date: 19 November 1944
S/Sgt. Jacobs E. White, RT 4 Sumter, S.C., pulls his rank on his twin brother, Corporal Benjamin S. White, by getting him to police up the area at Camp Atlanta near Chalons, France.
Both men are with 3118th 3118th Engineer Fire Fighting Platoon awaiting redeployment to the States.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 364379
Date: 26 July 1945
Corporal David Shanks, gunner; and Sgt. Harold Edwards, on elevation of #3 90mm AA gun position of Btry. D, 742nd AA Battalion.
Espiritu Santo, New Hebrides.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 364568
Date: 17 April 1944
Before attack: armored infantry dug-in in a field prior to attacking Nassig, Germany.
Tanks that will support the attack protect infantrymen from surprise enemy thrust. Company D, 66th Armored Infantry Battalion, 43rd Tank Battalion, 12th Armored Division. Nassig, Germany.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 364383
Date: 1 April 1945
Loading a 155mm M1 rifle of Btry B, 49th Coast Artillery, Section 2, Black troops operating.
Location not specified.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 364569
Date: 16 April 1944
Members of the 49th Coast Artillery, (Colored) firing 155mm howitzer at night on Bougainville.
49th Coastal Artillery.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 364572
Date:
Sgt. John C. Clark, Lorman, Miss., and S/Sgt. Ford M. Shaw, Tuscon, Arizo., (l-r) clean their rifles in bivouac area alongside the (illegible) Trail, Bogainville.
They are members of Co. E, 25th Combat Team, 93rd Infantry Division (colored). This is the first time that Black ground troops have been used in this theater in combat. 93rd Infantry Division.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 364565
Date: 4 April 1944
Before taking off on a pass, Corporal Clarence Carter, 1808 Bainbridge St. Philadelphia, Pa., with 411th Port Company, gives his shoes a good shine.
Le Havre Port of Embarkation, 411th Port Company.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 364378
Date: 3 August 1945
Brig. General Benjamin O. Davis and Maj. General John C.H. Lee inspect Black troops.
The inspection happened in Bristol, England.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 151569
Date: 2 October 1942
92nd. Division offensive. Men of 370th Inf. Regt. dismounted from the tanks used to carry them to vicinity of Cinquale Canal, move away from tanks.
370th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 364369
Date: 8 February 1945
Major General John C.H. Lee during an inspection tour of Black troops somewhere in England.
The 398th Port Battalion, Services of Supply, Bristol, England.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 151564
Date: 2 October 1942
Major General John C.H. Lee and Brig. General Benj. O. Davis inspect troops somewhere in England.
Company C, 398th Port Bn., Bristol, England.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 151567
Date: 2 October 1942
At the newly opened Red Cross club in Cherbourg, Corporal Charles C. Murphyel gets his share of Yankee doughnuts and coffee.
Girls are French Red Cross volunteers.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 329721
Date: 29 July 1944
Brig. General Benjamin O. Davis, left, and Maj. General John C.H. Lee inspect troops during a tour of Black soldiers somewhere in England.
Bristol, England.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 151573
Date: 2 October 1944
During an inspection tour of Black troops of the Services of Supply somewhere in England, Brigadier General Benjamin O. Davis examines a rifle of one of the men.
Bristol, England.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 151574
Date: 2 October 1942
Brig. General Benjamin O. Davis explains mechanics of a rifle to a Black trooper.
Company B, 244th Quartermaster Battalion, Bristol, England.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 151577
Date: 2 October 1942
WOJO Clarence I. Godbold, Yonkers, N.Y., is personnel officer of a Motor Transport unit near Nancy, France.
761st Tank Battalion.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 196101-S
Date: 5 November 1944
Brig. General Benjamin O. Davis is greatly satisfied with the skill of the individual soldier during a close inspection of Black troops in England.
Company C, 398th Port Battalion., Services of Supply. Bristol, England.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 151575
Date: 8 October 1942
The .50 cal. machine gun and crew of the 90th Coastal Artillery are temporarily stationed at Oujda, North Africa.
This stationing occurred near U.S. Fifth Army headquarters upon the request of the Sultan of Morocco for his protection during his visit there.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 329821
Date: 25 June 1943
Members of the 2nd Bn., 25th Combat Team, 93rd Div., wade across the Laruma River carrying mortar shells to the other side.
93rd Infantry Division.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 196150
Date: 4 April 1944
Brig. General Benjamin O. Davis during inspection of quarters of Black troops in England.
Bristol, England. Company B, 244th Quartermaster Battalion.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 151578
Date: 2 October 1942
Members of a Port Battalion unload boxes of turkeys from liberty ships to trucks for transportation to all the fighting fronts for "Turkey Day" dinner.
(L to R) Private Fred Johnson, Ft. Worth, Texas, and Private First Class Willie Seals, Dallas, Texas. E.T.O.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 196205-S
Date: 5 November 1944
Capt. Garland N. Adamson, Chicago, Ill., is unit surgeon of an outfit near Nancy, France.
761st Tank Battalion.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 196102-S
Date: 5 November 1944
En route to Hill 165, members of the 93rd Division struggle through clinging mud along the East-West trail on an island in the South Pacific.
These are the first Black infantry troops to be used in combat in this theater. First Battalion, 25th Combat Team, 93rd Infantry Division.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 196151
Date: 15 April 1944
2nd Lt. Joe E. Johnson, New York City, is a maintenance officer of a Motor Transport unit awaiting action near Nancy, France.
761st Tank Battalion.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 196104-S
Date: 5 November 1944
Field officers of a Motor Transport unit await action near Nancy, France.
Left to right: Capt. Ivan H. Harrison, Detroit, Mich., Capt. Irvin McHenry, Leavenworth, Kan., and 2nd Lt. James C. Lightfoot, Washington D.C.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 196103-S
Date: 5 November 1944
A newly captured crossroad carries east and west bound traffic as Lt. General George S. Patton's Third Army smashes towards the Rhine.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 197158
Date: 23 November 1944
An outdoor class in airplane identification is held by Capt. Seymour Tucker of an Air Base Security Battalion.
He is using a chart pinned to a tree to demonstrate. This event occurred somewhere in the South Pacific Area.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 184658
Date: 29 June 1943
"Tropical Boogie-Woogie" performed by Private Albert Wright in a recreation hall in the South Pacific Area.
The men are members of an Air Base Security Battalion.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 184657
Date: 29 June 1943
One of the strangest methods of merchandise delivery yet to be devised is that of parachuting eggs to earth for the use of American soldiers in the jungles of Burma.
Corporal Fred E. Kennon, Chester, S.C., is packing eggs for dropping by a parachute. More than 200 eggs are packed in each basket using rice husks to absorb shock.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 184776-S
Date: 1944
Sgt. Walter Rothschild of Birmingham, Ala., gets a "G.I." haircut while a Fijian native awaits his turn.
The barber is Corporal Ollie Strong, Harperville, Miss. Both soldiers are from an Air Base Security Battalion somewhere in the South Pacific Area.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 184651
Date: 29 June 1943
A good dinner is in store for a company of an Air Base Security Battalion in the South Pacific Area, judging by the smile of Sgt. Walter Rothschild.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 184650
Date: 29 June 1943
"Young Kid Usher" spars with Private First Class John D. Henry in a friendly boxing match.
The referee is Sgt. Murphy Guldry, Los Angeles, Calif., who formerly was Usher's trainer and manager. This scene is at an Air Base Security Battalion in the South Pacific Area.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 184654
Date: 29 June 1943
The body of a dead Black soldier bears mute testimony to the force of the German drive down the Serchio Valley.
The dead soldier contrasts sharply with the tranquility of the Apennine winter scenery about him. Barga, Italy.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 198949
Date: 31 December 1944
Tanks of the 758th Light Tank Battalion fire in support as the Nisei regiment pushes on Mt. Belvedere.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 329840
Date: 4 April 1945
Members of the 758th Light Tank Battalion fire their howitzer in support of infantry movements on the Fifth Army front.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 329839
Date: 4 April 1945
Heavily-laden American Black troops walk across the decks of British "Zed Lighters" to be carried ashore.
They came on the French troop ship "Columbie" from the United States. Leghorn area, Italy.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 195583-S
Date: 6 October 1944
Querceta jammed with armor as the 92nd Division takes the offensive.
These tanks were used to subdue some German positions on the hill mass to the right of Highway #1 north of Querceta.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 201449
Date: 8 February 1945
A convoy unloading men and supplies north of Agropoli, Italy.
Salerno area, Italy.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 180048
Date: 21 September 1943
Black hospital - 335th Station Hospital, Tagap, Burma.
Playing an important part in the rehabilitation of patients is Red Cross worker Bernice Grice of Omaha, Nebraska. Miss Grice plans parties and card games and provides recreational facilities for patients that include motion pictures in the wards.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 201412
Date: January 1945
T/4 Claude Mann, Chicago, ILL, is the driver of an M-4 tank attached to a motor transport unit, near Nacy, France.
761st Tank Battalion.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 196110-S
Date: 5 November 1944
Sgt. Harvey Woodward, Howard, Ga., is a commander of an M-4 tank, somewhere in France.
Nancy, France. 761st Tank Battalion.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 196108-S
Date: 5 November 1944
Private Nathaniel Simmons, Beaford, S.C., is the assistant driver of an M-4 tank, somewhere in France. Nancy.
761st Tank Battalion.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 196109-S
Date: 5 November 1944
Private L.C. Byrd, Tuscaloosa, Ala., is a commander in an M-4 tank of a Motor Transport unit near Nancy, France.
761st Tank Battalion.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 196107-S
Date: 5 November 1944
Corporal Carlton Chapman, Pembroke, Va., is a machine gunner in an M4 tank attached to a Motor Transport unit near Nancy, France.
761st Tank Battalion.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 196106-S
Date:
Capt. Cleetus C. Clemens conducts services at U.S. Military Cemetery No. 1 in Foy, Belgium.
This service was held for men of the 3201st Quartermaster Service Company.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 201455
Date: 26 February 1945
U.S. casualties on the Third Army front are unloaded for burial at U.S. Military Cemetery in Foy, Belgium.
90th Infantry Division.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 201456
Date: 26 February 1945
American casualties are wrapped in mattress covers for burial at U.S. Military Cemetery No. 1 in Foy, Belgium.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 201457
Date: 26 February 1945
A DUKW operated by men of a port battalion carries cargo from Cherbourg harbor to mainland France.
463rd Amphibious Truck Company.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 193030
Date: 18 August 1944
Private Alfred Roberts and Private Louis Peters transfer ammunition from a Liberty ship to the coast of France using a DUKW.
These men have been operating with their company in this capacity since D-Day.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 193031
Date: 18 August 1944
S/Sgt. William H. Holly and Sgt. Moses H. Mason repair a drive shaft housing using an improvised babbit mold.
These men have been working in France since D-Day plus one.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 193032
Date:
Sgt. Albert R. Jenkins, 1st Lt. Loren J. Pryor, and Sgt. Junius Meade straighten a propeller shaft of a DUKW.
This work was performed on a machine improvised for this task when new propeller shafts were unavailable.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 193033
Date: 18 August 1944
S/Sgt. Sam Beal makes a wooden stud bearing for a DUKW.
This stud, normally made of metal, was fashioned by Sgt. Beal and his maintenance team as a "make do" solution when replacements were unavailable.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 193034
Date: 18 August 1944
Corporal Oscar Adams and Corporal Floyd Carrio design an improvised rudder for DUKWs.
Corporal Adams, a welder, and Corporal Carrio, a mechanic, worked together to create this rudder when replacements were unavailable on the beaches during D-Day and after.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 193035
Date:
Corporal Edward W.P. Landrum takes time out to shave during a break in firing.
His field artillery unit was engaged in firing on enemy barges trying to escape across the Seine River at Mantes-Gassicourt, France, 15 miles below Paris.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 193012-S
Date: 20 August 1944
Another projectile from an 8-inch howitzer is fired to stop the German retreat across the Seine River.
This occurred opposite the town of Mantes-Gassicourt, France, 15 miles below Paris.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 193015-S
Date: 20 August 1944
Another present from "Harlem to Hitler" is presented on behalf of an artillery outfit firing at German escape barges across the River Seine.
Montes-Gassicourt, France.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 192991-S
Date: 20 August 1944
Private First Class Albert Buhlig and Private First Class Pedro Hernandez direct traffic through the streets of Cherbourg, France.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 191873
Date: 17 July 1944
Black troops of a field artillery battery emplace a 155mm howitzer in France.
They have been following the advance of the infantry and are now setting up this new position. Periers sector, along the river Seves. Battery A, 333rd Field Artillery Battalion, 90th Infantry Division.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 191890-S
Date: 28 July 1944
First Black troops arrive by train to their assigned post of duty in Cherbourg, France.
This troop train is being unloaded, bringing the first Black troops to their assigned post of duty by train.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 191905-S
Date: 31 July 1944
Sgt. John B. Smith and Lt. Robert Back check records in front of showers for front line troops.
Both are members of a Quartermaster fumigation and bath unit. St. Lo, France.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: SC 192032
Date: 31 July 1944
828th Amphibious Truck Company
Soldiers of the 828th Amphibious Truck Company, move to the front in support of 7th Division near Julita, Leyte Island, Philippines.
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: 175739033
Date: 28 October 1944
3454th Quartermaster Truck Company
A Black soldier helps a Dutch girl get off a Truck. The girls are part of the Dutch population of Roermond, which was temporarily evacuated.
Source: Nationaal Archief: 900-2295
Date: March 1945
93rd Infantry Division soldiers purify their drinking water
It's "time out" along the Numa-Numa Trail as these members of the 93rd Infantry Division purify water taken from the nearby Laruma River on Bougainville. Left to right: Pfc. Johnny Holley, South Carolina; Pfc. William Jones, New Orleans, Louisiana; Sgt. Dalton Cook, Henderson, Texas; and Sgt. Raymond E. Rollins, Baltimore, Maryland. This is the first time that Black ground troops have been used in combat in South Pacific theater. Bougainville, Solomon Islands.
Source: National Archives: 178140814
Date: 1 May 1944
Lawrence Johnson
Lawrence Johnson served in the 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion during World War II and this photograph is included in the book "The 614th Tank Destroyer Battalion: Fighting on Both Fronts".
Source: Lawrence Johnson family
Date: 1945
Stafford Rimes
Stafford Rimes served in the 452nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion and he was killed in action on 21 November 1944. This photograph is included in the book "The 452nd Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion: Destroyers of the Luftwaffe and Jim Crow".
Source: Stafford Rimes family
Date: Undated
761st Tank Battalion
Members of the 761st Tank Battalion, somewhere in England, make last minute adjustments before leaving to go into action on the continent. Front row (left to right): Sgt. Maxie Henry (Kansas City, MO); Pfc. Judge Favors (Tampa, FL); S/Sgt. Jack Gilbert (Chicago, IL); Pfc. Albert Fulwood (Huntingtown, WV); S/Sgt. John W. Bush (Cincinnati, OH). Rear (left to right): S/Sgt. Elmo Johnson (Topeka, KS); Pfc. Matthew L. Johnson (Homestead, GA); and Sgt. Arthur E. Ritchie (Chickasaw, OK).
Source: National Archives and Records Administration: 175539105
Date: 1 May 1944
Quartermaster Corps soldiers are filling fuel cans
Fuel cans are filled at the decanting point, part of the fuel pipe line in France, by members of the Quartermaster Corps.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center
Date: 1944
3535th Quartermaster Truck Company
A Black member of the 3535th Quartermaster Truck Company guides a 2-ton truck to the field grease pit where he stands. This pit was constructed by the 3535th Quartermaster Truck Company while they were on bivouac at Fort Benning, Georgia.
Source: U.S. Army, VIRIN: 440706-A-D0439-010
Date: 6 July 1944
Red Ball Convoy
A convoy of the Red Ball Express near Alencon, France.
Source: United States Heritage and Education Center
Date: 1 September 1944
Red Ball Express drivers having breakfast
Drivers of the Red Ball Express are having breakfast near Alencon, France.
Source: United States Heritage and Education Center
Date: 1 September 1944
Black Americans of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps receive gasmask training.
Caption on back: "Testing the gas mask for proper adjustment is a necessary part of the discipline taught all members of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps as a protection against possible chemical attack. This company of Auxiliaries at the First WAAC Training Center at Fort Des Moines, Iowa is drilled in the duty of all members of the nation's Services to protect themselves in emergencies. In the testing, the hand is held over the air outlet to check whether or not the equipment is air-tight.
Source: From The New York Public Library: Universal Unique Identifier (UUID): 93913a90-c645-012f-68e4-58d385a7bc34
Date: 24 February 1943
Personnel Truck and Trailer of the 3889 Gas Supply Company
A view of a section Personnel Truck and Trailer with a 30 gallon dispenser of the 3889 Gas Supply Company. This image was taken in Devon, England.
Source: United States Army Heritage and Education Center
Date: 20 January 1944
