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Young blacks are unaware of their ancestors’ struggles
By Lock P. BEACHUM SR.
A number of years ago, there was a television special titled “Black History — Lost, Stolen, or Strayed.” As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the civil rights movement, let’s take a look back a few years at the struggle the black man had to prove that he was a man in America.
I will use the research compiled mostly by a committee of concerned individuals from Donald Lockett VFW Post 6488 and its Ladies Auxiliary. Herman Adams has spearheaded this group by committing a vast number of hours researching the contributions of African-Americans during World War II, a number of whom were recognized by foreign countries before being recognized by their home country.
I am well aware that some of the facts that I will state will be difficult for some readers, and some will say why bring up this ancient history, because we had no participation during this part of history. I am writing this for everyone, but especially for young men of color who still fail to recognize the trials and tribulations of their ancestors. I would remind them that those who forget the past may be bound to repeat it without a clear understanding of their role in today’s society.
TUSKEGEE AIRMEN
Let us begin this historical journey by discussing the famous Tuskegee Airmen. The black airmen were finally recognized through the efforts of former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt who took a solo flight with one of the airman. The Tuskegee Airmen fought valiantly in World War II in the European Theatre escorting American pilots on bombing runs deep inside Germany. These same pilots never lost a plane while escorting these bomb runs, but some of these same pilots were ordered court-martialed because they dared to seek service in the white officers club.
During World War II, our country believed in racial segregation, and there was a feeling among many, especially white Americans, that black Americans were not physically or mentally capable of being able to function as combat soldiers. A number of black and white Americans were in opposition and worked to change this military practice in order to participate in combat. There were two special units; the 333rd and the 968th Field Artillery Battalion. These two units were staffed with black enlisted men who were mostly draftees from the South, but all of the officers were white. The draftees had never traveled in America, let alone to Europe. This was an entirely new dimension in their lives. In England the people had never seen black men before, but eventually grew to like the black soldiers. The men were accepted socially by the white community, and they were invited to homes and dances. One can only imagine how these soldiers felt, especially, the ones from the South, when socializing with white women without the fear of lynching.
Soldiers of World War II who served in Europe have an awareness of The Battle of the Bulge, because of the morning of Dec. 16, 1944, the Germans initiated that battle with a massive artillery, tank, and infantry attack. The 333rd Black unit was 10 miles away from the front, but the rapid movement of the Germans led the high command to split the unit. The onslaught of the Germans was moving so rapidly that they encircled the outfit and they were forced to surrender. The outfit then joined large columns of American soldiers and were marched back into Germany The black soldiers returned home to a racially segregated America without any fanfare. One of the black soldiers tired to get veteran’s benefits as a prisoner of war. He was promptly told that no black soldiers were taken prisoner.
We can also take a journey back into history and review the contributions of black soldiers in World War I. I wonder how many Americans, black or white, are aware of the “Harlem Hell fighters.” In reviewing the contributions of these black solders, I would like to thank Judge Robert P. Milich for his input and research. The Harlem Hell fighters were black soldiers who chose to sign up and fight for their country even though the U.S. military insisted they would not be allowed to fight alongside white troops.
The French were horrified by the segregation laws and directives that were being dictated by the American High Command, because they were told not to praise black troops, not to socialize with them, or even speak to black officers outside the line of duty. According to Gail Buckley, author of “American Patriots,” who did a study of African Americans in war, the French High Command ordered General John Pershing directives to be ignored by the French command.
The segregation laws would not allow black soldiers to fight with their white counterparts; therefore Gen. Pershing assigned them to fight with the French. The Harlem Hell fighters fought in France and spent 191 days in combat longer than any other American unit in the war. Their motto by their colonel was “My men never retire, they go forward or they die.”
Fame in Europe
The outstanding contributions and valor of the 369th Harlem Hell fighters earned them fame in Europe and some American newspapers mentioned the heroics of Cpl. Henry Johnson. Johnson, a Virginia-born rail station porter, enlisted in the 369th infantry, a New York National Guard Unit. He and another solider, Needham Roberts of New Jersey, were assigned to serve under French command. The two were on the front lines when the Germans attacked. Both were wounded, but despite his many injuries, Johnson used his knife and rifle to kill or wound several of the enemy who were trying to drag Roberts away. This action led this group of German soldiers to retreat. Johnson received the French highest decoration for his combat service.
A hundred years have passed since Johnson single-handedly fought off the German attack and saved his fellow soldiers from capture. However, there is now an effort to recognize his service. Henry Johnson is now a candidate for the Congressional Medal of Honor, posthumously.
Donald Lockett Post 6488 will pay tribute to the 369th unit at their Veterans Day Celebration in November.
Lock P. Beachum Sr. is a former member of the Youngstown Board of Education and a retired principal of East High School in Youngstown.