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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

October 6--The enemy is throwing a stiff barrage on the lines to our
left where the 333rd French Infantry is attacking. We can see the Huns
on the run. The liaison work of the 157th Division is wonderful; not the
slightest gap has been left open. Our patrols entered Monthois early
this morning and were driven out by machine gun fire, but returned with
a machine gun and its crew. We will be relieved by the 76th infantry
regiment at 8 p.m. We hiked over the ground we had fought so hard to
take to Minnecourt, where the regiment proceeded to reorganize.

October 12--Left Valmy today and continued to Vignemont.

October 13--Arrived at Vignemont. Hiked fifteen kilometers to St.
Leonard.

October 15--Left St. Leonard for Van de Laveline in the Vosges. We
arrived at Van de Laveline at 10:15 p.m. and took over a sector.

November 11--A patrol of Company A took several prisoners from a German
patrol. Received word of the signing of the armistice at 11 a.m. today.
Martial music was played. The colors of the regiment are displayed in
front of the post command.

It is related that the Washington fighters, as well as the other members
of the 372nd regiment, received the news of the armistice with more of
disappointment than joy, for they had made all preparations to advance
with the French through Lorraine.




CHAPTER XIX

COMRADES ON THE MARCH. BROTHERS IN THE SLEEP OF DEATH.


POLICY OF SUBSTITUTING WHITE OFFICERS---INJUSTICE TO CAPABLE
NEGROES--DISAPPOINTMENT BUT NO OPEN RESENTMENT--SHOWED THEMSELVES
SOLDIERS--INTENSER FIGHTING SPIRIT AROUSED--RACE FORGOTTEN IN PERILS OF
WAR--BOTH WHITES AND BLACKS GENEROUS--AFFECTION BETWEEN OFFICERS AND
MEN--NEGROES PREFERRED DEATH TO CAPTIVITY--OUTSTANDING HEROES OF 371ST AND
372ND--WINNERS OF CROSSES


Changing from Negro to white officers was in accordance with the
military policy of the American Government; the generic inspiration and
root being found in national prejudice, incident to the institution of
slavery and the spirit of racial caste and narrowness, that still
disgraces it. Doubt was pretended to be entertained of the ability of
the colored man to command, and although there were not lacking
champions for the policy of placing capable Negroes in command of Negro
units, the weight of opinion; superinduced and fostered by racial
prejudice, inclined to the opposite course.

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