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History of the American Negro in the Great World War: His Splendid Record in the Battle Zones of Europe; Including a Resume of His Past Services to his Country in the Wars of the Revolution, of 1812, the War of Rebellion, the Indian Wars on the Frontier, the Spanish-American War, and the Late Imbroglio With MexicoSweeney, William Allison

History

History of the American Negro in the Great World War: His Splendid Record in the Battle Zones of Europe; Including a Resume of His Past Services to his Country in the Wars of the Revolution, of 1812, the War of Rebellion, the Indian Wars on the Frontier, the Spanish-American War, and the Late Imbroglio With Mexico

Name: History of the American Negro in the Great World War: His Splendid Record in the Battle Zones of Europe; Including a Resume of His Past Services to his Country in the Wars of the Revolution, of 1812, the War of Rebellion, the Indian Wars on the Frontier, the Spanish-American War, and the Late Imbroglio With Mexico
Author: Sweeney, William Allison

Sweeney, William Allison

African American soldiers; African Americans -- History -- 1877-1964; World War, 1914-1918 -- Participation, African American

The proudest recollection which Negro officers and privates will carry
through life is that of the whole-hearted recognition given them in the
matter of decorations by the French army authorities. Four colored
regiments of the 93rd division attained the highest record in these
awards. These regiments being brigaded with the French, their conduct in
action was thus under their observation. Not only was each of these
regiments cited as a unit for the Croix de Guerre, but 365 individual
soldiers received the coveted decoration. A large number of
Distinguished Service Crosses were also distributed to the 93rd division
by General Pershing.

The verdict pronounced by critical French commanders may be considered
as an unquestionable confirmation that the Negro troops were under all
conditions brave fighters. This fact and the improved status of the
Negro as a result of it was pointed to by the New York Tribune, in a
leading editorial in its issue of February 14, 1919. It said:

     "The bas-relief of the Shaw Memorial became a living thing as the
     dusky heroes of the 15th cheered the Liberty statue and happily
     swarmed down the gangplank. Appropriately the arrival was on the
     birthday of the "revered Lincoln," and never was the young and
     martyred idealist of Massachusetts filled with greater pride than
     swelled in Colonel Hayward as he talked of his men the best
     regiment, he said, with pardonable emphasis, 'of all engaged in the
     great war.'

     "These were men of the Champagne and the Argonne whose step was
     always forward; who held a trench ninety days without relief, with
     every night a raid night; who won 171 medals for conspicuous
     bravery; who saw the war expire under their pressure in a
     discouraged German cannonade. First class fighting men! Hats off to
     them! The tribunal of grace does not regard skin color when
     assessing souls.

     "The boys cheered the Bartholdi statue. It makes some whites
     uncomfortable. It converts into strange reading glib eulogies of
     democratic principles.

     "A large faith possesses the Negro. He has such confidence in
     justice,--the flow--of which he believes will yet soften hard
     hearts. We have a wonderful example of a patience that defies
     discouragement; the "Souls of Black Folk"! When values are truly
     measured, some things will be different in this country."




CHAPTER XVI.

THROUGH HELL AND SUFFERING.


Negro Officers Make Good--Wonderful Record of the 8th Illinois--"Black
Devils" Win Decorations Galore--Tribute of French Commander--His
Farewell to Prairie Fighters--They Fought After War Was Over--Hard to
Stop Them--Individual Deeds of Heroism--Their Dead, Their Wounded and
Suffering--A Poem.

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