“Black history is American history, and we celebrate Black History Month because Black History was not recorded.” – Howard Baugh. The US celebrates and honors the sacrifices and contributions of African Americans who have helped shape the nation. Black History Month is celebrated every February and was created by African American author and historian Carter G Woodson.
Black Veteran Contributions
Black Veterans fought our country’s wars even though they had to battle for their right to do so. African American Veterans are honored for their sacrifices, courage, and perseverance, and we show immense gratitude to them for our freedom.
In a country where Black people were always seen as less than equal and serving an organization steeped in racism, African American veterans have played a huge role in making a difference, bringing equality, and serving the US, by providing a better insight into the Black American experience.
A lot has changed in the past few years, and the number of Black Americans has increased in the military. In this blog, we would like to honor the services, sacrifices, and achievements of our Black Veterans.
The Harlem Hellfighters
The 369th Infantry was one of the first regiments to arrive in France during World War I and was an all-Black regiment under the command of White officers. The Harlem Hellfighters were assigned the 16th division of the French Army to repel the German offensive and launch a counteroffensive.
They demonstrated a remarkable dedication and devotion to the country and spent 191 days on the front, greater than any other White American in the army. They fought courageously against the Germans in one of the deadliest conflicts in history and also introduced the love of jazz in Europe.
The Tuskegee Airmen
The 926 all-Black Tuskegee fleets during World War II consisted of 355 pilots who flew more than 1,000 successful missions during the war. The Tuskegee airmen carried out multiple missions without losing a single plane to the enemy.
During the same war, a trailblazer of a woman, Oleta Crain, was 1 out of 3 Black women who joined officer training and the only one amongst them who continued after the war. She was an inspirational woman who, in her years of service and as a civilian, fought against racism and for equal rights.
Black Veterans In The Civil War
By the end of the civil war, around 180,000 Black Americans served as soldiers in the US Army, and another 19,000 in the navy. Black soldiers were racially discriminated against both in the army and by their enemies. Nevertheless, Black soldiers served in any way possible to sustain the US Army with approximately 70,000 Black soldiers who passed during the course of the war, some of infections and diseases.
Doris Miller, Hero Of World War II
Doris Miller was one of the first heroes of World War II and was awarded the Navy Cross for measurements taken during the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. He was commended for the bravery he showed in the face of Japanese enemy aircraft.
These are just a small number of heroic stories from Black Veterans. African Americans have contributed greatly to the betterment of the US Military and made the US what it is today. They are an inspiration to every American who believes in the power of commitment, sacrifice, and devotion.