Throughout America's history, Black Soldiers have honorably answered the call to duty, serving with great valor and distinction in America's armed forces. Black Americans have served and sacrificed in every conflict in our nation's history. America's military story cannot be told without reflecting on the historical achievements made by Black Americans and preserving those memories.
761st tank battalion In 1944, the 761st Tank Battalion — nicknamed the "Black Panthers" — arrived in Europe. The all-Black battalion endured a record 183 consecutive days in combat and liberated 30 towns on their mission into Germany - earning the nation's respect and an honored place in military and American history.
Read the full story of the 761st Tank Battalion |
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"Men, you're the first Negro tankers to ever fight in the American Army. I would never have asked for you if you weren't good. I have nothing but the best in my Army."
General George S. Patton
General George S. Patton
tuskegee airmenThe Tuskegee Airmen were the first Black military aviators, serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps. The Airmen's success in escorting bombers during World War II is unmatched by any other fighter group — having one of the lowest loss records of all the escort fighter groups and being in constant demand for their services by the allied bomber units.
Read the History of the Tuskegee Airmen |
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montford point marines In 1944, the The year was 1941. The United States was preparing to enter World War II, and it needed recruits. To combat discrimination based on race, President Roosevelt passed Executive Order 8802 opening all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces to African Americans.
The first African American Marine recruits arrived for basic training on August 26, 1942. Black recruits were sent to a segregated training facility named Montford Point, which was located adjacent to Camp Lejeune. Some 20,000 African-American men completed training at Montford point to integrate the previously segregated U.S. Marine corps. They endured significant hardships and racism to pave the way for future generations of men and women of color to serve. Read the full story of the Montford Point Marines |
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