Sources
History is fun and history is about sharing. On this page you can download sources and files relevant to Black American soldiers during the Second World War as well as the Civil War. During my research I've come across several documents, which I had digitized, and which are now freely available.
World War II
Documents digitized during research into the experiences of Black American soldiers, sailors, and airmen during the Second World War.
The unit history of the 969th Field Artillery Battalion, covering its encounters, songs, stories, and photographs.
The unit history of the 761st Tank Battalion, also known as the Black Panthers. Contains stories and images of this decorated armored unit.
A booklet on the 514th Quartermaster Group, which serviced Patton's Third Army. In their own words: "the story of the unsung heroes in this war — the quartermaster trucks that gave mobility to the most mobile army in the world."
A speech given by Congresswoman Helen Douglas in 1946 providing a broad overview of the contributions of Black American soldiers and sailors during World War II.
The first Black American fighter squadron to serve overseas, later part of the 332nd Fighter Group. Includes monthly reports, sortie records, and operational documents.
Part of the 332nd Fighter Group — the Tuskegee Airmen. Includes monthly reports, sortie records, and operational documents.
Part of the 332nd Fighter Group — the Tuskegee Airmen. Includes monthly reports, sortie records, and operational documents.
Part of the 332nd Fighter Group — the Tuskegee Airmen. Includes monthly reports, sortie records, and operational documents. This squadron was deactivated in 1945.
The USS Mason was one of only two U.S. Navy ships crewed primarily by Black American sailors during World War II — the other being the PC-1264.
The PC-1264 was one of only two U.S. Navy ships crewed primarily by Black American sailors during World War II — the other being the USS Mason.
United States Colored Troops, Civil War and Slavery
These public domain works were written by Black Americans or by white officers commanding Black troops during and after the United States Civil War. They are made freely available here as primary sources on Black American military service, the foundation of a history that continued through World War II and beyond.
Born as a slave, Peter Bruner recounts his live in bondage as well as his service during the United States Civil War. He enlisted in in July 1864 in the Twelfth U.S. Heavy Artillery Regiment, also known as 12th Regiment Heavy Artillery U.S. Colored Troops. The book appears to be undated.
Written by Christian A. Fleetwood, who served in the 4th U.S. Colored Troops, the book is an outline of service of Black Americans during past American wars as well as the US Civil War. The book is dated 1895.
Susie King Taylor wrote her book: My Life in Camp with the 33rd United States Colored Troops Late 1st S. C. Volunteers. She recounts her life before the war as well as her experiences with the unit. The book was published in 1902.
Joseph T. Wilson, who served in the Civil War including the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, and wrote "The Black Phalanx", providing a first comprehensive history of Black American soldiers in the War of Independence, War of 1812, and Civil War. The book was published in 1888.
The book gives a full account of the formation of the unit, the battles it went through, particularly the fighting around Richmond, Virginia, as well as the disbanding of the unit. The book appears to be printed in 1867.
Thomas Wentworth Higginson served as colonel of the 1st South Carolina Volunteers, the first officially mustered Black regiment in U.S. service. The book chronicles daily life, military expeditions, and the character and courage of his men. The book was published in 1870.Written by Christian A. Fleetwood, who served in the 4th U.S. Colored Troops, the book is an outline of service of Black Americans during past American wars as well as the US Civil War. The book is dated 1895.
James H. Rickard served as a captain in the 19th U.S. Colored Troops. The regiment served under Burnside's 9th Corps and participated in some of the fiercest fighting of the Petersburg campaign. His 1894 memoir recounts the regiment's campaigns from the Wilderness through the fall of Richmond, including the Battle of the Crater and the capture of Richmond in April 1865. These memories are published in 1894.
Born into slavery in Kentucky, Elijah P. Marrs enlisted in the Union Army and rose to the rank of sergeant in Company L of the 12th U.S. Heavy Artillery (Colored). His memoir recounts his life as an enslaved man and his wartime service, as well as his life as a minister and educator. The book was published in 1885.
A history of the Forthy-Third Regiment of the United States Colored Troops. Written by the men serving in the unit, it contains a list of the unit's officers, a brief biography of each as well as a history of the regiment. The book was published in 1866.
Luis F. Emilio served as a captain in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, the most celebrated Black regiment of the Civil War, known for its assault on Fort Wagner in July 1863. The book provides a detailed regimental history from recruitment until disbanding. Published in 1891, it remains a foundational source on the regiment.
Rev. Alexander H. Newton wrote about his experiences with the 29th Connecticut Volunteers and his own life before and after the U.S. Civil War. The book is published in 1910.
Joshua M. Addeman served as a captain in the 14th Rhode Island Heavy Artillery (Colored), a regiment that served primarily in Louisiana. His memoir, published in 1880 and is part of the papers published by Rhode Island Soldiers and Sailors Historical Society, covers the regiment's organization, service on the lower Mississippi, and the challenges of his command.
C. M. Tyler knew George Walcott, who served in the 30th United Stated Colored Troops. Written as an eulogy to comfort the deceased lieutenant mother, the book focuses on Walcott and his actions during the war. The book appears to be published in 1865.
Frederick W. Browne served 1st U.S. Colored Cavalry Regiment. The book is derived from a paper and published in 1908.
H. Seymour Hall recounts his personal experiences as a staff officer, including in the 43rd U.S. Colored Regiment. His experiences focus on the wilderness campaign and on the events around Petersburg, Virginia (November 1863 to July 1864). The book is derived from a paper in 1894.
George R. Sherman served in the 7th U.S. Colored Troops. He was taken prisoner and recounts his life in captivity. His experiences were published in 1897.