Robert W. Woodruff
Library
Special Collections
Jesse Howard Hanley Library
EMORY UNIVERSITY
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
OF
THE AMERICAN NEGRO
IN THE WORLD WAR
BY
EMMETT J. SCOTT, A.M., LL.D.
Special Assistant to Secretary of War
Author of "Tuskegee and Its People," "Is Liberia Worth Saving?" and
co-Author of "Booker T. Washington, Builder of a Civilization."
Secretary of Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute. Eighteen years
Private Secretary to the Late Booker T. Washington *
A Complete and Authentic Narration, from Official Sources, of the
Participation of
AMERICAN SOLDIERS OF THE NEGRO RACE
in the
WORLD WAR FOR DEMOCRACY
Profusely Illustrated
•with Official Photographs
A Full Account of the War Work Organizations of Colored Men and Women
and other Civilian Activities including
The Red Cross, the Y. M. C. A., the Y. W. C. A. and the
War Camp Community Service
With Official Summary of Treaty of Peace and
League of Nations Covenant
Prefaced with Highest Tributes to the American Negro
by
HON. NEWTON D. BAKER, Secretary of War
GEN. JOHN J. PERSHING, Commander-in-Chief, American Exp, Forces.
and the late
COL. THEODORE ROOSEVELT
L.
Copyright, 1919, by Emmett J. Scott.
PHOTOGRAPHS USED IN THIS VOLUME ARE COPYRIGHTED
BY
Underwood & Underwood; Paul Thompson; E. L. Snyder; Baker Art
Gallery; Western Newspaper Union;. Scurlock; Committee on
Public Information; Beresford Studio; Emmett J. Scott;
War Camp Community Service; Canfield & Shook;
Webb Studio; International Film Ser¬
vice; and others. All rights
reserved.
DEDICATED
TO
MY WIFE AND CHILDREN
TO WHOSE LOVE AND INSPIRATION
I OWE SO MUCH.
CONTENTS
page
Author's Preface 9
Loyalty and Democracy of the Negro, by Secretary Baker 15
Tribute to the Negro Soldier, by General Pershing 16
The Negro's Part in the War, by Theodore Roosevelt 17
CHAPTER I.—How the Great War Came to America 23
The Underlying Causes of the "War—Racial Hatreds and National Enmities
—Germany's Ambition to Rule the World—The Gathering of the War
Clouds—Germany's Attempt to Stir Up Trouble Between the United States
and Mexico—Events that Led to America's Participation in the War.
CHAPTER II.—The Call to the Colors » 32
Negro Troops that Were Ready When War Was Declared—The Famous
9th and 10th Cavalry, U. S. Army—The 24th and 25th Infantry—National
Guard Units of Colored Troops—The 8th Illinois—The 15th New York—
National Guard Units of Ohio, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland, and
Tennessee—First Separate Battalion of the District of Columbia—How All
of These Responded to the Call.
CHAPTER III.—Official Recognition of the Negro's Interest 40
Appointment of Emmett J. Scott as Special Assistant to the Secretary of
War—Difficulties Encountered in Establishing the Negro's Status—Oppor¬
tunities Afforded for Effective Work on Behalf of Negro Soldiers—Better
Opportunities for Negro Officers, Soldiers, Nurses, Surgeons, and Others
Obtained Through This Official Connection.
CHAPTER IV.—The Work of the Special Assistant 51
Guarding the Interests of Negro Soldiers and Civilians—Promoting a
Healthy Morale—Cases of Alleged Discrimination Against Negro Draftees—
The Edward Merchant Case—The John D. Wray Case—How Justice Was
Secured—A War Department Inquiry—Training of Colored Officers.
CHAPTER Y.—The Negro in the National Army 66
Selective Service Law the Most Complete Recognition of the Citizenship
of the Negro, North and South—All the Duties and Responsibilities of
Patriots Imposed Upon the Negro by the Draft Act—Tribute by the Provost
Marshal General to the Colored Soldier—Assignment of Negro Draftees to
Cantonments.
4
CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
5
CHAPTER VI.—A Critical Situation in the Camps \.. 75
Race Problems that Had to be Solved—Fear of the Southern Whites that
Trouble Would Follow the Training of Negro Troops in the South—
Situation Complicated by the Houston Riot—Protest of the Governor of
South Carolina—Dr. Scott Called to Spartanburg, S. C., to Allay Trouble
There—How the Negro Soldier Finally Won the Respect and Confidence
of the South.
CHAPTER VII.—Colored Officers and How They Were Trained 82
First Officers' Training Camp for Colored Men at Fort Des Moines, Iowa—
Major J. E. Spingarn's Fight for the Establishment of This Camp—Methods
of Training Reserve Officers—Negro Educational Institutions Furnish
Personnel—Seven Hundred Colored Officers Commissioned at Fort Des
Moines.
CHAPTER VIII.—Treatment of Negro Soldiers in Camp 52
Men from the South Sent to Northern Camps to Face a Hard Winter—
Attempts at Discrimination Against Negro Soldiers and Officers—Firm
Stand of the Secretary of War Against Race Discrimination—General
Ballou's "Bulletin No. 35"—Members of Draft Boards Dismissed for Dis¬
crimination Against the Race.
CHAPTER IX.—Efforts to Improve Conditions 105
Secretary Baker and the Trying Situation at Camp Lee, Virginia—Reports
on Investigations at Numerous Camps—Improved Conditions Brought
About Gradually—The Case of Lieutenant Tribbett and Similar Cases of
Race Prejudice.
CHAPTER X.—Negro Soldiers of France and England 117
French Colored Colonials the First Black Soldiers to Take Part in the
War—The Story of These Senegalese Fighters—Their Important Part from
the Beginning of the War—The Fight for the African Colonies—German
Employment of Negro Troops in the Early Part of the War.
CHAPTER XI.—The Negro Combat Division 130
Full Detailed Account of the Organization and Fighting Campaigns of
the Famous Ninety-Second, as Recorded by the Division's Official His¬
torian—Complete Official Reports of Every Battle in Which the Ninety-
Second Took Part—Commendation by Commanding Officers.
CHAPTER XII.—Citations and Awards, 92nd Division 173
Officers and Men of the Famous Negro Division Whose Heroic Conduct
Gained for Them the Distinguished Service Cross—Details of Their Deeds
of Heroism in Action—Special Mention of Officers and Men by Various
Commanding Officers.
CHAPTER XIII.—The Story of "The Buffaloes" 190
Glorious Record of the 367th Infantry Regiment—Colonel James A. Moss—
Presentation of Colors by the Union League Club—"The Buffaloes" in
Prance—How They "Saw It Through" at Metz—Their Heroic Conduct
Under Fire—Regimental Colors Decorated by Order of the French High
Command—A Tribute from France to "These Sunburned Americans."
6
CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
CHAPTER XIV.—Record op "The Old Fifteenth". 197
The Glorious Story of the 369th United States Infantry, Formerly of the
New York National Guard—The Regiment That Never Lost a Man Cap¬
tured, a Trench, or a Foot of Ground—First Negro Troops to Go Into
Action in France.
CHAPTER XV.—''The Eighth Illinois" 214
Story of the 370th U. S. Infantry—Another Negro National Guard Regi¬
ment that Won Distinction on the Battlefield—Chicago's Colored Fighters—
Called "Black Devils" by the Germans and "Partridges" by the French
Because of Their Proud Bearing—First American Troops to March into
the Fortified City of Laon—Their Stubborn Resistance at the Oise-Aisne
Canal.
CHAPTER XVI.—The 371st Infantry in France 231
How This Colored Regiment of the "Red Hand" Division Helped to Win
the War—Service in the Trenches under General Goybet—In the Great
Champagne Offensive—Fierce Fighting and Heavy Losses—The Regiment
Decorated by the French—-Individual Citations and Awards.
CHAPTER XVII.—The Record of the 372nd 239
A Regiment Made Up of National Guard Troops and Drafted Men—Attached
to the Famous French "Red Hand" Division—Its Splendid Record In
France—At Hill 304—Heroic Exploits of Individuals—The Regiment Dec¬
orated with the Croix de Guerre—Citations and Awards.
CHAPTER XVIII.—Negro Heroes of the War 256
The Exploit of Henry Johnson and Needham Roberts—How One American
Soldier in No-Man's Land Killed Four Germans and Wounded Twenty-
Eicht Others Single-Handed—First American Soldiers to Receive the
French Croix de Guerre—Other Instances of Individual Heroism by Negro
Soldiers.
CHAPTER XIX.—The Negro Soldier as a Fighter 274
Unanimous Praise by Military Observers—Value of Negroes as Shock
Troops—Discipline and Morale Under Fire—What the War Correspondents
Said About Them—Comments .by Foreign Military Observers—Estimates
by American and French Officers.
CHAPTER XX.—With Our Soldiers in France 284
Official Reports of the Only Accredited Negro War Correspondent—Ralph
W. Tyler, Representative with the A. E. F. of the U. S. Committee on Public
Information'—The Story of the Life and Fighting of American Negro
Soldiers in France as Seen by This Trained Observer.
CHAPTER XXI.—Negro Music That Stirred France 300
Recognition of the Value of Music by the U. S. War Department—The
Patriotic Music of Colored Americans—Lieutenant James Europe and His
Famous "Jazz" Band—Other Leaders and Aggregations of Musicians—
Enthusiasm of the French People and Officers for American Music as
Interpreted by These Colored Artists and Their Bandsmen.
CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
7
CHAPTER XXII.—The Negro in the Service op Supply 315
A Vast Army of Colored Stevedores in France—Their Important and
Efficient Work—Essential to the Combatant Army in the Trenches—Their
Loyalty and Cheerfulness—Important Lessons Learned in the War—The
Labor Battalions—Well-Earned Tributes to These Splendid Colored
Workers Overseas.
CHAPTER XXIII.—"With Those Who Wait" 328
Provision for Technical Training of Draftees—Units that Did Not Get to
France—Vocational and Educational Opportunities Opened to Them—The
Negro in the Students' Army Training Corps—In the Reserve Officers'
Training Corps.
CHAPTER XXIV.—German Propaganda Among Negroes 344
Insidious Efforts to Create Dissatisfaction Among Colored Americans—
Germany's Treacherous Promises—How the Hun Tried to Undermine the
Loyalty of Our Negro Citizens—Steps Taken to Combat Enemy Propa¬
ganda—Work of the Committee on Public Information.
CHAPTER XXV.—How Colored Civilians Helped to Win 355
Their Co-operation in All the Liberty Loan Drives—The Negro and the
Red Cross—In the United War Work Campaign—How the Negroes Bought
War Savings Stamps—Special Contributions and Work of Colored Citi¬
zens—The "Committee of One Hundred" and Its Valuable. Work. ,
CHAPTER XXVI.—Negro Labor in War Time 365
Organization for War Work—The Division of Negro Economics—Pioneer
Work of Dr. George E. Haynes—Negro Representation in Council—Seeking
to Improve Race Relations—Good Work by Negroes in the Shipyards—
Attitude of Organized Labor—The Opportunities of the War.
CHAPTER XXVII.—Negro Women in War Work 374
Enthusiastic Service of Colored Women In the Wartime Emergency—Over¬
coming the Problems of Race by Pure Patriotism—Work for the Red
Cross—The Young Women's Christian Association—The Colored Hostess
Houses and Rest Rooms for Soldiers—War Problems of Living—The Circle
for Negro War Relief—Colored Women in the Loan Drives—Important
Work in War Industries.
CHAPTER XXVIII.—Social Welfare Agencies 398
Important Welfare Work of the Young Men's Christian Association and
Other Organized Bodies—Negro Secretaries of the Y. M. C. A.—The Prob¬
lem of Illiteracy in the Camps—The Social Secretaries—Results of Educa¬
tion—The Y. W. C. A. Hostess Houses—The Knights of Columbus—Caring
tor Retained Soldiers.
CHAPTER XXIX.—Negro Loyalty and Morale 411
Eager Response of Colored Draftees—Notable Tributes to the Patriotism
of the Negro Race by the White Press—Also by President Wilson, Secretary
Baker, Secretary Daniels and Others—Negro Loyalty Never Doubted—
Patriotic Negro Demonstrations and Other Instances of Loyalty.
8
CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
CHAPTER XXX.—Did the Negro Soldier Get a Square Deal? 426
Reports of Widespread Discrimination and Harsh Treatment in Camp—
Many Manifestations of Prejudice by White Officers—The Question of
White or Negro Officers for Negro Regiments—Higher Officers of the Army
Usually Fair—Disinclination to Utilize Colored Nurses and Colored Medical
Men—Secretary Baker's Efforts to Prevent Race Discrimination—Reports
of Negro Observers on Conditions Overseas.
CHAPTER XXXI.—What the Negro Got Out of the "War 458
A Keener Sense of His Rights and Privileges as a Citizen of the United
States—Racial Attitude of the South—Returning Negro Soldiers and Con¬
ditions in the North—The Attitude of Organized Labor—Instances of Dis¬
crimination—The Black Man and His Claims to Equal Treatment.
APPENDIX.—Colored Officers Commissioned at Ft. Des Moines 471
Colored Chaplains in the U. S. Army 482
Official Summary of the Treaty of Peace 483
Map of Central Europe Showing Territorial Changes Under the
Treaty 502
Key to the Map : 503
Final Changes in the Treaty 504
Chronology of the World War 505-512
AUTHOR'S PREFACE
The Negro, in the great World War for Freedom and Democracy,
has proved to be a notable and inspiring figure. The record and
achievements of this racial group, as brave soldiers and loyal citi¬
zens, furnish one of the brightest chapters in American history.
The ready response of Negro draftees to the Selective Service calls—
together with the numerous patriotic activities of Negroes generally,
gave ample evidence of their whole-souled support and their 100
per cent Americanism. It is difficult to indicate which rendered the
greater service to their Country—the 400,000 or more of them who
entered active military service (many of whom fearlessly and vic¬
toriously fought upon the battlefields of France) or the millions of
other loyal members of this race whose useful industry in fields,
factories, forests, mines, together with many other indispensable
civilian activities, so vitally helped the Federal authorities in carry¬
ing the war to a successful conclusion.
When war against Germany was declared April 6, 1917, Negro
Americans quickly recognized the fact that it was not to be a white
man's war, nor a black man's war, but a war of all the people living
under the "Stars and Stripes" for the preservation of humrni liberty
throughout the world. Despite efforts of pro-German propagandists
to dampen their ardor or cool their patriotism by pointing out seem¬
ing inconsistencies between their treatment as American citizens
and their expected loyalty as American soldiers, more than one
million of them (1,078,331), according to the Second Official Report
of the Provost Marshal General, promptly responded to, and regis¬
tered under the three Selective Service calls. More than 400,000
Negro soldiers (367,710 draftees plus voluntary enlistments and
those already in the Regular Army) were called to the colors and
offered their lives in defense of the American flag during the recent
war. Relative to their population, proportionately more Negroes
were "drafted" than was true of white men.
The Negro was represented in practically every branch of
military service during the Great World War,—-including Infantry,
Cavalry, Engineer Corps, Field Artillery, Coast Artillery, Signal
Corps (radio or wireless telegraphers), Medical Corps, Hospital and
Ambulance Corps, Aviation Corps (ground section), Veterinary
9
10
AUTHOR'S PREFACE
Corps, and in Stevedore Regiments, Service or Labor Battalions,
Depot Brigades, and so forth.
Nor was this the first instance in the Nation's history that this
ever-loyal racial group rightly and cheerfully responded to the
tocsin of war and made a military record of which any race might
well be prond. In the Revolutionary War, in the War of 1812, in
the Mexican War, in the Civil War, and in the War with Spain,—
the American Negro soldier has always distinguished himself by
bravery, fortitude, and loyalty. His military record has always
compared favorably with that of other soldiers.
It is because of the immensely valuable contribution made by
Negro soldiers, sailors, and civilians toward the winning of the great
World War that this volume has been prepared,—in order that there
may be an authentic record, not only of the military exploits of this
particular racial group of Americans, but of the diversified and
valuable contributions made by them as patriotic civilians.
A notable group of colored Americans, men and women, has
joined me in this effort adequately to present a reliable record of
the many services and sacrifices that the Negro race has willingly
laid upon the altar of Patriotism. It is a matter of profound satis¬
faction to have had the earnest cooperation of:
Cabteb G. Woodson, A. M., Ph. D., Director of Research, The
Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, whose mono¬
graphs on Negro Life and History appear regularly in the "Journal
of Negro Historythe one publication of its kind in America. Dr.
Woodson is a graduate of Harvard University, from which he re¬
ceived the degree of Ph. D., and is an authority on Negro History.
His cooperation is, therefore, rightly to be prized as bringing to this
work an appreciation of historical values.
Ralph W. Tyler, accredited Negro War Correspondent, who.
served overseas, representing the Committee on Public Information.
Mr. Tyler had full opportunity at the front to know how colored
soldiers acquitted themselves in camps and upon the battlefields of
France. His letters and official reports sent to America and pub¬
lished through the Committee on Public Information in various
white and colored newspapers of the country contained first-hand
information concerning Negro troops overseas, and served to keep
up the morale of colored Americans at a time when there was much
anxiety and complaint among them due to the fact that adequate
AUTHOR'S PREFACE
11
news regarding the treatment and activities of Negro soldiers abroad
was not finding its way into the press of the country.
William Anthony Aery, Publication Secretary of the Hampton
Normal and Agricultural Institute, and Monroe N. Work, in charge
of the Division of Records and Research at Tuskegee Normal and
Industrial Institute, both of whom, being connected with the largest
industrial schools among colored people in the United States, had
full opportunity to observe the conduct and training of Negro sol¬
diers in the various Vocational Detachments, Students' Army Train¬
ing Corps, and Reserve Officers' Training Corps units; their counsel
and data furnished have been of material assistance in the prepara¬
tion of this volume.
Mrs. Alice Dunbar-Nelson (formerly the wife of Paul Laurence
Dunbar, the "Poet Laureate" of the Negro race), who wrote
Chapter XXVII, entitled: "Negro Women in War Work." Mrs.
Nelson, prominent in educational and literary circles, was actively
engaged during the war in helping to mobilize the colored women of
the country for effective war work, representing the Women's Divi¬
sion of the Council of National Defense; she traveled extensively in
various parts of the country in the effort to promote patriotic activi¬
ties among the colored women of America, and with eloquent tongue,
trenchant pen, and untiring personal service helped them to make
a record that will stand forever as a monument to the practical value
and absolute dependability of Negro womanhood in a national crisis.
Miss Eva D. Bowles, Executive Secretary in charge of the
Colored Young Women's Christian Association, who did a notable
piece of work in connection with the War Work Council, not only in
the matter of selecting well-trained women to take charge of Hostess
Houses that were provided at various camps and cantonments, but
in keeping alive the fires of patriotism among the colored women of
the country as she went from place to place lecturing and otherwise
working for the betterment of social conditions in Army camps and
especially in communities adjacent thereto. A full report of the
work done by the organization, which this consecrated young woman
so worthily represents, is contained in Chapter XXVII, entitled:
"Negro Women in War Work."
Lieutenant T. T. Thompson, Personnel Officer and Historian
of the 92nd Division, to whom I am especially indebted for a large
amount of official data concerning the various activities of this im-
12
AUTHOR'S PREFACE
portant Divisional unit of the American Expeditionary Forces.
Lieutenant Thompson, by training and experience, was well fitted
for the exacting post which was held by him as an officer in the U. S.
Army and as a chronicler of the activities and operations of the
92nd Division. The material supplied by him and incorporated in
Chapters XI and XII must, therefore, be regarded as official,
authentic, and reliable. It is the one clear record of the activities of
the 92nd Division,—that justly famous military unit composed of
American Negro officers and soldiers who served their country so
gallantly during the recent war. The data supplied by Lieutenant
Thompson has been checked up by various other officers of the 92nd
Division, including Lieutenant Charles S. Parker, Regimental
Adjutant, 366th Infantry, a man of scholarly attainments, judicial
poise and clear understanding, and who, also, has supplied definite
and important data with reference to the operations of certain
Negro units that distinguished themselves by valor when the 92nd
Division fearlessly faced the formidable fortress at Metz. It is a
matter of great benefit to the Negro Race, and certainly most grati¬
fying to the Author to have had recourse to the official records kept
by these colored officers.
I am also especially indebted to Captain John H. Patton,
Regimental Adjutant of the 370th Infantry Regiment, U. S. A. (bet¬
ter known as the Old Eighth Illinois Regiment) which unit actively
participated in many a bloody conflict overseas and won imperishable
fame. Captain Patton placed at my disposal the full and complete
official record of the "Eighth Illinois" (370th) Regiment and it was
largely from that record, of undeniable authenticity, that Chapter
XV was compiled.
Grateful reference must also be made to Dr. Jesse E. Moorland,
International Secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association,
with Headquarters at "Washington, D. C. Dr. Moorland was in
charge of all the Y. M. C. A. work conducted among colored soldiers
in the various camps and cantonments throughout America as well
as overseas, and with a well-selected cabinet of efficient, consecrated
young colored men, rendered service of the utmost value in looking
after the moral and social welfare of thousands of Negro soldiers
who were called to the colors. Each and every Y. M. C. A. Secretary
selected for service in camps or cantonments at home or overseas was
designated by Dr. Moorland and his large corps of capable helpers co-
AUTHOR'S PREFACE
13
operated most effectively with the War Work Council. No more
notable work was done during the war than that performed by the
Young Men's Christian Association among colored soldiers as it
received the untutored, untrained and, in many cases unlettered col¬
ored men who poured into the various camps, and, largely through
the practical help afforded by colored Y. M. C. A. Secretaries, were
transformed within a few weeks or months into upstanding, sturdy,
forward-looking men. The story of the Y. M. C. A. work among
colored soldiers is a story most interesting and worthy of preser¬
vation.
Captain E. L. Snyder, Y. M. C. A. Secretary, who served for a
time at Camp Grant with the 183rd Depot Brigade and later upon
three battle fronts overseas, has placed the Author and his Race
under many obligations for permitting me to use and in securing for
use in this volume a large number of very valuable pictures or illus¬
trations contained herein; they indicate the widespread and varied
activities of Negro troops in American camps and cantonments and
in service overseas. Many of these illustrations were photographed
by him &t the front—some being photographed while he was in
danger of being wounded or killed by flying pieces of shrapnel, while
others were secured from the French Official Photographic Division.
They show both American Negro and French Colonial troops in
action.
Most or all of the photographs of colored officers have been
supplied by these officers themselves at my special request, and I
wish in this way to express to them all my grateful acknowledgment,
with my sincere regret that the space devoted to illustrations did
not permit the publication of all of the photographs so kindly fur¬
nished.
Many of these colored officers have furnished me with first-hand
information of interest and importance, duly verified by their com¬
rades in arms,—setting forth their individual exploits as well as
those of the various units with which they were connected. To all
of them, and to all others who have aided me in the preparation of
this work, I am profoundly grateful.
In calling attention to these cooperating agencies, I want espe¬
cially to pay tribute to my loyal and efficient secretary, Mr. William
H. Davis, without whose generous support and valued services it
would have been difficult for me to have done this work or to have
14
AUTHOR'S PREFACE
presented a record of the activities of my office during the period
of nearly two years I have been serving in the War Department as
Special Assistant to the Secretary of War. Since entering upon the
duties of that office, Mr. Davis has given a great deal more than time
in supporting my various efforts in behalf of Negro soldiers and in
the interest of Negro citizens generally; without regard to recom¬
pense and without counting time, strength or anything else except a
desire to serve to the uttermost,—and I wish in this way and in this
place to record my deep indebtedness to him, an indebtedness which!
must be shared by the Negro people of this country as well, in whose
interest and for whose welfare he has served so loyally and un¬
selfishly. I wish also gratefully to acknowledge the help and encour¬
agement I have had from my corps of office assistants, clerks and
stenographers, viz: Mr. R. W. Thompson, Mr. Charles Webb, Mr.
J. B. Smith, Mrs. Madeline P. Childst and Miss Ernestine English.
In response to the natural desire and nation-wide demand for
an authentic and reliable record of Negro military achievements and
other of their patriotic contributions, this volume has been pre¬
pared as a lasting tribute to the American Negro's participation in
the greatest war in human history. Much of the material, as the
reader will note, is based upon first-hand study, official reports and
data, and the greatest possible care has been taken in the effort to
set forth definitely what has been done—not only by black men in
America but by those other brave black soldiers of Africa (Sene¬
galese, Soudanese, and Algerians) who served with the Allies and
who rendered such timely and valuable service,—in helping to save
to the casket of Freedom the precious jewel of Human Liberty!
Washington, D. C.,
June 15, 1919.
LOYALTY AND DEMOCRACY OP THE NEGRO PRAISED
BY THE SECRETARY OF WAR
The following is the testimony of the Honorable Newton D.
Baker, Secretary of War, to the loyal and enthusiastic support
of colored civilians and the part played by colored soldiers in the
war:
In a most encouraging degree, it is being regarded by colored
civilians throughout the country, as a privilege and as a duty to
give liberally of their substance, of their time, of their talents, of
their energy, of their influence, and in every way possible, to con¬
tribute toward the comfort and success of our fighting units and
those of our allies across the seas.
The colored men, who were subject to draft, are to be com¬
mended upon their promptness and eagerness in registering their
names for service in the National Army, and likewise mention is
made of the relatively low percentage of exemption claims filed by
them. Those in the service of their country proved faithful and
efficient, and will uphold the traditions of their race.
I want the soldier who did not go over seas to know that he is
as much a soldier as though he had taken part in the more spec¬
tacular side. I want to insist that the men who were in training in
this country are just as much a part of the Army of the United
States as if they had gone.
Now, I want to impress this upon you men, that if you feel
that things have not been as you would like them—if there have
been some things which you think were not as they should have been,
you must try to forget them and go back to civil life with the deter¬
mination to do your part to make the country what it should be.
After all, what is this thing we call "DEMOCRACY" and about
which we hear so much nowadays? Surely it no catch-phrase or
abstraction. It is demonstrating too much vitality for that. It is
no social distinction or privilege of the few, for were it that, it could
not win the hearts of peoples and make them willing to die for
its establishment. But it is, it seems to me, a hope as wide as
the human race, involving men everywhere—a hope that permits
15
16
TRIBUTES TO THE NEGRO IN WAR
each of us to look forward to a time when not only we, but others,
will have our respective rights, founded on the generosity of Nature,
and protected by a system of justice which will adjust its apparent
conflicts. Under such a hope nations will do justice to nations, and
men to men. Nor. can I believe that this democracy will be attained
as a finished and complete thing, but rather with increased education
and knowledge its application will enlarge and new meanings be
discovered in it. It is not the philosophy of disorder, bnt of prog¬
ressive order, not the doctrine of restraint by force, but rather of
self-restraint imposed by men who realize that one's own freedom
is safest when that of others is equally safe.
Newton D. Bakeb.
General Pershing's Tribute to the Negro Soldier
"The stories, probably invented by German agents, that colored
soldiers in France are always placed in most dangerous positions
and sacrificed to save white soldiers, that when wounded they are
left on the ground to die without medical attention, etc., are abso¬
lutely false.
"A tour of inspection among American Negro troops by officers
of these headquarters shows the comparatively high degree of train¬
ing and efficiency among these troops. Their training is identical
with that of other American troops serving wi^th the French Army,
the effort being to lead all American troops gradually to heavy
combat duty by a preliminary service in trenches in quiet sectors.
11 Colored troops in trenches have been particularly fortunate
as one regiment had been there a month before any losses were
suffered. This was almost-unheard of on the western front.
"The exploits of two colored infantrymen in repelling a much
larger German patrol, killing and wounding several Germans and
winning the Croix de Guerre by their gallantry, has aroused a fine
spirit of emulation throughout the colored troops, all of whom are
looking forward to more active service.
"The only regret expressed by colored troops is that they are
not given more dangerous work to do. I cannot commend too highly
the spirit shown among the colored combat troops, who exhibit
fine capacity for quick training and eagerness for the most dangerous
work." John J. Pershing.
Above—Colonel Hayward's "Hell Fighters" in Parade. The famous 369th Infantry of colored
fighters marching in New York City in honor of their return to this country after having
covered themselves with glory on the blood-stained fields of France.
Below—The Buffaloes (367th) Marching up the Avenue in New York on Their Return.
Above—American Negro Machine Gunners in the Marne Sector in France.
Below In the trenches ; a French Officer explaining operation of the hand grenades to Senegalese
and American Negro soldiers.
FORMER PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT ON "THE NEGRO'S
PART IN THE WAR"
It is a source of pride and gratification to record the fact that
Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, the great former President of the
United States, whose sudden and untimely death occurred on Jan¬
uary 6, 1919, made his last public appearance and address at a
meeting held in Carnegie Hall, New York, on November 2nd, 1918,
under the' auspices of the Circle for Negro War Relief. It was on
this occasion that Colonel Roosevelt paid the following high tribute
to the Negro Race in War:
4 4 The Negro has a right to sit at the council board where ques¬
tions vitally affecting him are considered, and at the same time, as
a matter of expediency, it is well to have white men at the board
too. And I say that, though I know that there are many men—Dr.
Scott is one—whom I would be delighted to have sit at the council
board where only the affairs of white men are concerned. As things
are now, the wisest course to follow is that followed in the organiza¬
tion of this circle.
44 Such an organization as this, though started and maintained
with a friendly co-operation from white friends, is intended to prove
to the world that the colored people themselves can manage war
relief in an efficient, honest and dignified way and so bring honor
to their race. Every organization like this Circle for Negro War
Relief is doing its part in bringing about the right solution for the
great problem which the Chairman has spoken of this evening.
"I do not for one moment want to be understood as excusing the
white man from his full responsibility for anything that he has done
to keep the black man down; but I do wish to say, with all the empha¬
sis and all the earnestness at my command, that the greatest work the
colored man can do to help his race upward is by, in his own person
and through co-operation with his fellows, showing the' dignity of
service by the colored man and colored woman for all our people.
4 4 Let me illustrate just what I mean when I say the advisability
of white co-operation and the occasional advisability of doing with¬
out white co-operation. Had I been permitted to raise troops to go
oh. the other side, I should have asked permission to raise two colored
17
18
ROOSEVELT'S TRIBUTE TO THE NEGRO
regiments. It is perfectly possible, of course, that there is
than one colored man in the country fit for the extraordinarily diffi
cult task of commanding one such colored regiment, which wou
contain nothing but colored officers. But it happens that on y
knew of one and that was Colonel Charles Young. I had inten e
to offer him the colonelship of one regiment, telling him I expec e
him to choose only colored officers, and that while I was sure he
would understand the extreme difficulty and extreme^ responsibility
of his task, I intended to try to impress it upon him still more;
to tell him that under those conditions I put a heavier responsibility
upon Mm than upon any other colored man in the country, and that
he was to be given an absolutely free hand in choosing his officers,
and that on the other hand he would have to treat them absolutely
mercilessly, if they didn't come right up to the highest level.
"On the other hand, with the other colored regiment, I should
have had a colonel and a Lieutenant-colonel and three majors who
would have been white men. One of them, Hamilton Fish, is over
there now. One went over and was offered permission to form
another regiment. He said no, he would stay with his sunburned
Yankees. He stayed accordingly.
"Mr. Cobb has spoken to you as an eyewitness of what has
been done by the colored troops across the seas. I am well prepared
to believe it. In the very small war in which I served, which was a
kind of a pink tea affair, I had a division, small dismounted cavalry
division, where in addition to my own regiment we had three white
regular regiments and two colored regiments; and when we had
gotten through the campaign my own men, who were probably two-
thirds Southerners and Southwesterners, used to say, 'The Ninth
and Tenth Cavalry are good enough to drink out of our canteens.*
"And terrible though this war has been, I think it has been also
fraught with the greatest good for our national soul. We went to
war, as Mr. Cobb has said, to maintain our own national self-respect.
And, friends, it would have been something awful if we hadn't gone
in. Materially, because the fight was so even that I don't think it is
boasting, I think it is a plain statement of fact, Mr. Cobb, that our
going in turned the scale. Isn't that so? I think the Germans and
their vassal allies would have been victorious if we hadn't gone in.
ROOSEVELT'S TRIBUTE TO THE NEGRO
19
And if they had been victorious and we had stayed out, soft, flabby,
wealthy, they would have eaten us without saying grace.
"Well, thank Heaven! we went in, and our men on the other side,
our sons and brothers on the other side, white men and black, white
soldiers and colored soldiers, have been so active that every Ameri¬
can now can walk with his head up and look the citizen of any other
country in the world straight in the eyes, and we have the satisfac¬
tion of knowing that we have played the decisive part. I am not
saying this in any spirit of self-flattery. If any of you have heard
me speak during the preceding four years you know that I have not
addressed the American people in a vein of undiluted eulogy. But
without self-flattery we can say that it was our going in that turned
the scale for freedom and against the most dangerous tyranny that
the world has ever seen. We acted as genuine friends of liberty in
so doing.
"Now after the war, friends, I think all of us in this country,
white and black alike, have also got to set an example to the rest of
the world in steering a straight course equally distant from Kaiser-
ism and Bolshevism.
"And now, friends, I want as an American to thank you, and as
your fellow American to congratulate you, upon the honor won and
the service rendered by the colored troops on the other side; by the
men such as the soldier Needham Roberts we have with us tonight
who won the Cross of War, the greatest War Cross for gallantry in
action; for the many others like him who acted with equal gallantry
and who for one reason or another never attracted the attention of
their superiors and, well tLough they did, did not receive the out¬
ward and visible token to prove what they had done. I want to con¬
gratulate you on what all those men have done. I want to congrat¬
ulate you on what the colored nurses at home have done and have
been ready to do, and to express my very sincere regret that some way
was not found to put them on the other side at the front. I con¬
gratulate you upon it in the name of our country and above all
in the name of the colored people of our country. For in the end
services of this kind have a cumulative effect in winning the confi¬
dence of your fellows of another color.
"And I hope—and I wish to use a stronger expression than
'hope'; I expect—and I am going to do whatever small amount I
20 ROOSEVELT'S TRIBUTE TO THE NEGRO
can do, to bring about the realization of the expectation, I expect
that as a result of this great war, intended to secure a greater jus¬
tice internationally among the people of mankind, we shall app y a
home the lessons that we have been learning and helping eac
abroad; that we shall work sanely, not foolishly, but reso u e y,
toward securing a juster and fairer treatment in t is coun ry o
colored people, basing that treatment upon the only safe rule to be
followed in American life, of treating each individual accordingly
as his conduct or her conduct requires you to treat them.
"I don't ask for any man that he shall because of his race be
given any privilege. All I ask is that in his ordinary civil rights, in
his right to work, to enjoy life and liberty and the pursuit of happi¬
ness, that as regards those rights he be given the same treatment
that we would give him if he was of another color.
"Now, friends, both the white man and the black man in moments
of exultation are apt to think that the millennium is pretty near; that
the sweet chariot has swung so low that everybody can get upon it.
I don't think that my colored fellow-citizens are a bit worse than
my white fellow-citizens as regards that particular aspiration. And
I am sure you do not envy me the ungrateful task of warning both
that they must not expect too much. They must have their eyes on
the stars but their feet on the ground. I have to warn my white
fellow-citizens about that when they say: 'Well, now, at the end
of this war, we are going to have universal peace. Everybody loves
everybody else.' I want you to remember that the strongest expo¬
nents of international love in public life today are Lenine and
Trotsky.
"I will do everything I can to aid, to help to bring about, to bring
nearer the day when justice and what in a humble way may be called
the square deal will be given. And yet I want to warn you that that
is only going to come gradually; that there will be very much injus¬
tice, injustice that must not over-much disappoint you and it must
not cow you and above all it must not make you feel sullen and
hopeless.
"And one thing I want to say, not to you here but the the colored
men who live where the bulk of the colored men do, in the South,
and that is always to remember the lesson which I learned from
Booker Washington: that in the long run, in the long run, the white
ROOSEVELT'S TRIBUTE TO THE NEGRO
21
man who can give most help to the colored man is the white man who
lives next to him. And in consequence I always felt it my official
duty to work so that I could command the assistance and respect of
the hulk of the white men who are decent and square, in what I tried
to do for the colored man who is decent and square.
1' To each side I preach the doctrine of thinking more of his duties
than of his rights. I don't mean that you shan't think of your
rights. I want you to do it. But it is awfully easy, if you begin to
dwell all the time on your rights, to find that you suffer from an
ingrowing sense of your own perfections and wrongs and that you
forget what you owe to anyone else.
"I congratulate all colored men and women and all their white
fellow-Americans upon the gallanty and efficiency with which the
colored men have behaved at the front, and the efficiency and wish to
render service which have been shown by both the colored men
and the colored women behind them in this country.''
Theodore Roosevelt.
TWO FIRST CLASS AMERICANS!
mt
This cartoon, with the above title, was drawn by Mr. TV. A.
Rogers, the famous cartoonist of the New York Herald, in cele¬
bration of the exploit of Henry Johnson and Needham Roberts,
the first two American soldiers to win the Croix de Guerre.—
Oryrijrht, 1918, by New York Herald Co.
CHAPTER I
HOW THE GREAT WAR CAME TO AMERICA
The Underlying Causes of the War—Racial Hatreds and National
. Enmities—Germany's Ambition to Rule the World—The Gather¬
ing of the War Clouds—Germany's Attempt to Stir Up Trouble
Between the United States .and Mexico—Events that Led to
America's Participation in the War.
As all the world now realizes, the Great "War which came to an
end by the surrender of Germany and the signing of an Armistice
on November 11, 1918, had its roots in racial hatred and inter¬
national jealousy between the peoples and rulers of different
European countries. "What directly brought on the war was the
resentment of the Serbians of the effort of the Germanic Austrians
to rule them. For centuries the oppression of one race by another
had been going on in Europe. All over Europe there were races
ruled and exploited by people of another race. The Poles had no
government of their own, but were divided among Germany, Russia
and Austria. Italians bitterly resented the rule of Austria over large
territories, including some great cities, whose population was almost
wholly Italian. ■ On the west, the French people of Alsace-Lorraine
were held in subjection by Germany. The Czecho-Slovaks of Bohemia
were under the control of Austrians; Turkish authority tyrannized
over the Armenians, and the Lithuanians were the subjects of Rus¬
sian masters.
Confident of her ability to overcome all resistance, determined
to reduce still more nations and races to subjection and to extend
her dominion from the North Sea to the Indian Ocean, Germany
entered upon this war to crush friend and foe. The whole civilized
world revolted when the German Government declared that its
solemn treaty in which it had agreed to the permanent independence
of Belgium was only "a scrap of paper," and sent its army into that
neutral country. The invasion of Belgium was the act that brought
23
24 SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
England into the war against Germany; the atrocious treatment of
the Belgians and the French by the Germans was the moving force
that stirred the American people and prepared them for this C^I\
try's own entrance into the war even before atrocities commi e
upon our own citizens forced the issue.
So, in a very literal sense, it may be said that our American
soldiers of the Negro Race went over to France to fight for the
liberation of the oppressed peoples of Europe. It was a marvelous
thing to have occurred, that a race itself so long oppressed should
have had the opportunity to help save others from oppression! It is
something for every man and woman of the Negro race to be proud
of, that our people did eagerly welcome this opportunity and play
so glorious a part. The pistol shot which put an end to the life of
Archduke Francis Ferdinand, heir presumptive to the Austro-
Hungarian throne, at Serajevo, June 28, 1914, turned Europe into a
battlefield six weeks later. The Serbians were blamed for the assassi¬
nation, and on July 23 Vienna sent an ultimatum to Belgrade
demanding the punishment of the offenders and Austria's participa¬
tion in their trial in Serbia. Russia supported Serbia in rejecting
the last demand; Germany supported Austria. England, France,
and even Italy, then the ally of Austria and Germany, suggested
arbitration by the Great Powers. By treaty Germany was obliged
to support Austria if attacked by two or more powers, France to
support Russia for a similar reason, and Italy to support her allies
in case of a defensive war.
Germany deemed Russia's mobilization tantamount to a declara¬
tion of war against her and declared war on August 1,1914. Alleging
that France had already begun hostile action against her, Germany
declared war on France on the third of August and invaded Belgium
in order to attack France. Great Britain declared war on Germany
the fourth of August. Italy, deeming Austria the aggressor, pro¬
claimed her neutrality.
But these, were merely the culmination of a long-standing con¬
spiracy on the part of Germany and Austria-Hungary soon to be
revealed by German propaganda. Germany wished to render France
impotent and absorb the Germanic provinces of Russia; she would
then be in a position to coerce Great Britain. Austria-Hungary wished
to absorb the Balkan Slavs and make her way to the iEgean. For
HOW THE WAft CAME TO AMERICA
25
Germany there was a corollary to the success of the Austro-Hun-
garian scheme, which, by the bribery of Turkey, would establish
German dominion from the North Sea to the Persian Gulf. In
November Turkey entered the war on the side of the Central Empires.
All this was arranged, even to the minutest detail, at the German
Kaiser's Potsdam conference on July 5,1914. There it was believed
that if the corollary did not come into evidence too soon, both Great
Britain and Italy would remain neutral. That Japan would enter
the war on account of her treaty with Great Britain was thus dis¬
counted. Germany attempted to defend her position morally on the
ground that she had been attacked by Russia on account of the Pan-
Slavonic ambitions of that empire, and by Great Britain on account
of the latter's jealousy of her world trade and industry. She was,
therefore, "fighting for her existence."
Her enemies in defending themselves entered into treaties for
mutual advantages after the war, in case of the defeat of the Central
Empires. There was cooperation, but no great unity of action or
purpose among them. This gave Germany a great advantage until
the spring of 1917, when the United States entered the war. That
event, besides bringing the material deciding factor to the Allies'
cause, established their war aims upon a world basis of a fight for
humanity—of republicanism against absolutism, for the rights of
small nations, and 4'to make the world safe for democracy.'' All
this was to be done by annihilating Prussian militarism and Hohen-
zollern absolutism. On these humane principles twenty-nine nations
arrayed themselves against Germany, of which twenty-four declared
war.
The war, which brought to the state of practical application the
principles for which the enemies of Germany have been fighting,
has been prodigious in geographic and social extent'and unprece¬
dented in expenditures of lives and treasure. Through battle,
atrocities, and massacres it is estimated that 10,000,000 lives have
been sacrificed; that $50,000,000,000 of property, not including the
waste of war material, has been destroyed in various ways; that
the productive wealth of the belligerents, which in 1914 was esti¬
mated at $600,000,000,000, has now been mortgaged for over $200,-
000,000,000, much of which now seems unrecoverable.
Germany's initial plan was to place France hors de combat
26
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
and then obtain a-victorious peace over Russia. Austria-Hungai y>
meanwhile, would attend to the Balkans. The intervention of Great
Britain brought this to nought. Germany then directed Turkey to
attack Egypt and the Suez Canal, and so strangle Great Britain m
the East The first act of Great Britain was to isolate the German
fleet; her second to send an expeditionary force under the command of
Sir John French to Belgium and France. The Germans advanced
into France to within fifteen miles of Paris, and were then driven
tack to the Aisne at the battle of the Marne, September 5-12, 1914.
Eussian armies advanced into East Prussia, were held in the center
east of Posen, and overran Austrian Galicia. The Turks were de¬
feated at the Suez Canal on February 2-4, 1915. In the following
April the Austro-Germans began a drive in Galicia, which by the
following November had carried them eastward to a 450-mile per¬
pendicular extending. from near Eiga to the Eussian frontier.
Bulgaria and Italy in the War
From March until October the Allies attempted to gain Con¬
stantinople from the Peninsula of Gallipoli, and then withdrew to
Saloniki in an attempt to defend Serbia, Bulgaria having joined the
Central Empires on September 22. Bulgaria overran Serbia and
established communication between Berlin and Constantinople via
the Orient Eailway. Meanwhile Italy.had declared war on Austria
on May 23, and had invaded Austrian territory, isolating the Tren-
tino and advancing to the Eiver Isonzo. The Eussians, advancing
through the Caucasus, were defeating the Turks in Armenia.
The sinking of the Lusitania on May 7, 1915, and the atrocities
of the Germans in Belgium, the Austrians and Bulgars in Serbia,
the Turks in Armenia, and the criminal propaganda in the United
States to prevent supplies from going to the Allies, all tended to
lower Germany's moral standard in the war. By the naval battle
off the Falkland Islands on December 8, 1914, Germany's only fleet
on the high seas had been put out of existence,- a similar fate soon
followed her commerce destroyers. Japan had taken the German-
leased territory of Kiao-Chau in China, and soon, out of Germany's
oversea possessions of 1,027,820 square miles, none remained. Japan
has been fighting down to the end of the war.
HOW THE WAR CAME TO AMERICA
27
The second year of the war, 1915-1916, saw the Germans com¬
pleting their occupation of the Balkans down to the Saloniki line
held by the Allies; there was a British defeat on the Tigris, with the
surrender of Kut-el-Amara, on April 28. There were also the battle
of Verdun, which began on February 21 and cost the Germans half
a mi]lion casualties; the sea fight off Jutland on May 31, which left
the British Navy in control of the sea; the battle of the Somme in
France, July 1-November 13, which regained 170 square miles of
territory and secured several strategic positions which five months
later forced the great German retreat; General Brusiloff's cam¬
paign on the eastern front, which regained 7,300 square miles of
territory and captured 358,000 prisoners from June 4 till December,
1916.
On August 27, 1916, Rumania entered the war on the side of
Germany's enemies and by the dawn of 1917 had been crushed.
In March and April, 1917, took place the German retreat to the
Hindenburg line, which surrendered to France nearly 1,500 square
miles of territory. There were British victories at the ridges of
Vimy and Messines, respectively April 19 and June 7, and the
great attack of the French from Soissons to Rheims, which secured
100,000 prisoners. In Mesopotamia the British recovered Kut-el-
Amara and on March 11 occupied Bagdad; the Arab kingdom of
Hedjaz joined the Allies.
Political Events of the Third Year
But the most important events of the third year of the war
were political, however—the Russian revolution, March 15, and
the entrance of the United States into the war, April 6. The former
was brought about without any premeditation by the Cossacks
refusing to fire on the Petrograd mob and the Duma taking advan¬
tage of the situation and establishing a mild Provisional Govern¬
ment, which opened the country to destructive German propaganda
and the rise of the anarchy known as Bolshevism. The moral
and material grievances of the United States against Germany
culminated in a series of revelations showing.the latter's crimin¬
ality. On January 31 she proclaimed her intensified U-boat cam¬
paign, repudiating the promise of May 4, 1916, and on February
28th came the revelation of the Zimmerman note to Mexico and
28
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Japan. Up to the time the United States declared war this country
had lost by the illegal operation of U-boats twenty-two ships,
amounting to more than 70,000 tons, together with hundreds of
lives, most of which, however, had been lost on other neutral ships
or on the passenger ships of Germany's enemies.
Early in the fourth year of the war, November 7, 1917, saw the
collapse of the Russian Provisional Government and the dominance
of the Bolsheviki. They finally drove Russia from the war by the
betrayal at Brest-Litovsk, which culminated in the treaty of peace
of March 3, 1918. Rumania was forced to make peace on May 6,
at Bucharest.
Other events which occupied the closing months of 1917 were
equally discouraging for the Allies, whose morale, however, was
kept firm through the rapidly augmenting evidences of American
aid, which would be decisive. Even here there was fear that this
aid could not be brought overseas, due to the intensified action of
the U-boats, whose toll of merchant shipping for 1917 had been in
the first quarter 1,619,373 tons; in the second, 236,934; in the third,
3,494,473; and in the fourth, 1,272,843. And as yet there were no
sure grounds to believe in the great victories which were to come
to the Allies a year afterward.
On the western front the battle of Flanders, which had been
begun by the British on July 31, ended with the capture of Paschen-
daele Ridge on the 6th of the following November. There was the
abortive battle of Cambrai, November 20-December 5. In October
Petain secured the Chemin des Dames on the Aisne front. Italy
advanced over the Bainsizza to within 35 miles of Laibach, between
August 20 and October 1, only to be defeated at Caporetto and
driven back to the Piave, losing a large part of the Regione of
Veneto.
The allied front in Macedonia continued to remain inactive
save for the excursions of Greek troops, whose new Government
had entered the war on the side of the Allies on the second of July.
The war against the Turk, however, showed encouraging signs;
in Palestine General Allenby captured Jerusalem on the 22nd of
December; in Mesopotamia General Marshall, who had succeeded
to the command on the death of Maude on the 18th of November,
HOW THE WAR CAME TO AMERICA
29
extended his advance to the Euphrates, and was still ascending the
Tigris toward Mosul.
It was known before 1917 closed that Germany, released from
war with Russia, was preparing a great offensive. The Austro-
German reply to the Pope's peace note of August 1 revealed
merely a readiness to talk peace on the basis of the military status
quo. President Wilson, in his reply to the Pope on the 27th of
September, reaffirmed the great moral issues at stake, but in the
chancelleries of the Allies in Europe men like the Marquis of
Lansdowne lowered the morale by constantly asking for the war
aims of the belligerents, and there was anti-war propaganda abroad.
France had her Caillaux and Bolo Pacha, Italy her Giolitti, and
England her Irish Sinn Fein.
With these distracting and discouraging influences lightened
only by the hope placed in the United States and the faith that the
U-boat campaign was being neutralized, the combat was carried for
three months into 1918 with forebodings for a long war.
Germany's Last Great Struggle
Then Germany on March 21, 1918, began her great offensive
on the western front with the object of separating the British and
French armies by reaching the Channel ports at the mouth of the
Somme and then defeating each army in turn and occupying Paris.
Between March 21 and July 15 her offensive had passed through
four phases, giving her Lys, the Picardy and the Marne salients.
She had stretched a 195-mile front to one of 250. However, the
Allies held the sectors which bound the salients and also strategic
positions on their perimeters. Germany's huge losses prevented
her from proceeding further unless at a given point she could
break the Allies' line. This in a desperate effort she attempted to
do on July 15 by driving across the Marne. She failed and began a
highly organized strategic retreat to save her armies.
Meanwhile, the Allies had decided, in April, on unity of com¬
mand and had placed the conduct of the war in the hands of Gen¬
eral Foch. The arrival of nearly 1,000,000 American bayonets in
France gave him the opportunity to organize an army of manoeuvre.
30
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
His attacks begun between Soissons and Chateau-Thierry against
the Marne salient on July 18 were unceasing down to the time of the
armistice, steadily pushing the German armies east through Be -
gium and north to the French frontier, a series of battles in wnich
the First American Army played its full part west of the Meuse.
The series of sledge-hammer blows administered by Foch's
army began to have their effect not only on the battlefront, but in
Berlin and Vienna, in Sofia and Constantinople. The enemy was
not reaping the material benefits he had expected to derive from a
Bolshevist Russia. There the Czecho-Slovak armies—former
prisoners of war released by the Provisional Government—were
fighting against the Germans and Bolsheviki and were soon joined
by contingents of the Allies and Russians of the educated class.
The Allies recognized the belligerency of the Czecho-Slovaks' coun¬
try—Bohemia—and the national aspirations of the Slavonic sub¬
jects of Austria-Hungary.
On the 14th of September the allied armies in Macedonia
under General Franchet d'Esperey made an attack which, on the
last day of the month, drove Bulgaria to seek unconditional sur¬
render.
On the 15th of September the forces under General Allenby
in Palestine annihilated three Turkish armies, which forced the
Turks out of the war, on the same terms, October 31.
Austria Sues for Peace
On the 4th of November, Austria-Hungary, whose note to
President Wilson on the 5th of October, asking for a peace parley,
had been rejected on the 15th of October, and which was being
severely punished by an Italian offensive begun on the 27th of
October, accepted an armistice which left her helpless, with revolu¬
tionary movements in Vienna, Prague, and elsewhere tending to¬
ward the complete dissolution of the dual monarchy of the Haps-
burgs. As far back as the 14th of September Austria-Hungary had
attempted to have all the belligerents meet in conference, and Presi¬
dent Wilson had rejected the proposal on the 17th of September.
On the 6th of October the new German Chancellor, Prince Max
of Baden, prepared a peace parley on the basis of the President's
HOW THE WAR CAME TO AMERICA
31
14 Articles of January 8 and subsequent utterances of formulae for
permanent peace. On the 8th of October President Wilson asked
for the Chancellor's mandate—did it come from the authorities
who had begun and carried on the war or from the people? Ger¬
many on the 12th of October pointed out the reforms that were
going on in the empire and asked for a mixed commission on the
evacuation of the occupied territory in Belgium and France.
To this note President Wilson replied the next day, defining the
process by which Germany might receive terms for an armistice, but
insisting that the mandate must come from the German people and
be preceded by an evacuation of the occupied territories.
Other notes were exchanged, Germany answering on the 21st
of October and the President on the 23rd of October; and, respect¬
ively, on the 27th and the 5th of November, when the President
sent to Germany a memorandum saying that the military advisers
of the associated governments were prepared to submit to Germany
the terms on which an armistice might be secured.
On the 8th of November the German commissioners received
the terms of the armistice at General Foch's headquarters and
seventy-two hours were allowed them in which to make answer.
The armistice was signed on November 11, 1918.
CHAPTER II
THE CALL TO THE COLORS
iNegro Troops That Were Ready When War Was Declared—The
Famous 9th and 10th Cavalry, U. S. Army—The 24th and 25th
Infantry—National Guard Units of Colored Troops—The 8th
Illinois—The 15th New York—National Guard Units of Ohio,
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maryland and Tennessee—First
Separate Battalion of the District of Columbia—How All of
These Responded to the Call.
Nearly 400,000 Negro Soldiers served in the United States
Army in the Great World War. About 367,710 of these came into
the service through the operation of the Selective Draft Law. How
this selective draft operated and how the Negro responded to the
call to the colors, will be discussed in another chapter. It is a matter
of pride, however, to realize that at the instant of the declaration
of war, there were nearly 20,000 soldiers of the Negro race in the
United States, uniformed, armed, equipped, drilled, trained and
ready to take the field against the foe. Proportionately to the total
Negro population of America, this was a splendid showing.
Many of these Negro soldiers of the Regular Army and the
National Guard had already seen as long and as active service in
the field as any of the Regular Army or National Guard regiments
of white soldiers. About 10,000 of these Negro troops that were ready
when war was declared were in the original four colored regiments
of the Regular Army. Of these, the most famous are the 9th and
10th Cavalry. It was the 9th and 10th Cavalry, the Negro troops
of the U. S. Regular Army, that saved the day at San Juan Hill
for Colonel Roosevelt's Rough Riders, and helped to give him
much of his military prestige and fame. The story of the famous
charge of these black troops who rushed the Spanish stronghold
singing "There'11 Be a Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight," is
a familiar story to everyone.
32
THE CALL TO THE COLORS
33
In the war with Spain, in the Philippines, on the Mexican Bor¬
der, these Negro troops and the two colored infantry regiments of
the Regular Army, the 24th and the 25th, won high distinction and
merited praise. 4
Besides these 10,000 Negro soldiers already in the Begular
Army, there were nearly 10,000 more in the National Guards of
several States, such organizations as the 8th Illinois, the 15th New
York, the First Separate Battalion of the District of Columbia,
the First Separate Company of Maryland, the 9th Battalion of
Ohio, the First Separate Company of Connecticut, Co. L of Massa¬
chusetts National Guard and Co. G of the Tennessee National Guard.
Some of these, when the United States became a belligerent in the
World War, had only recently seen service on the Mexican border.
In the regular army one colored man, Charles Young, of Wil-
berforce, Ohio, a graduate of West Point, rose to the rank of
Colonel, prior to his recent retirement the highest rank attained by
any colored man. Benjamin Oliver Davis, of Washington, D. C.,
rose from the ranks, entering during the Spanish-American War,
to Lieutenant-Colonel, and is now stationed with the 9th U. S.
Cavalry in the Philippines. Walter H. Loring, retired, another
Washingtonian, served with distinction as bandmaster of the Philip¬
pines Constabulary Band, and is now a Major. Several colored
chaplains of the Regular Army retired with rank of Major, as did
one paymaster, Major John R. Lynch, of Chicago. Col. Young was
U. S. Military Attache in the Republic of Haiti, and Lieut.-Col.
Davis served in a similar capacity in the Republic of Liberia.
Quite a number of colored men were Colonels and Majors in the
various National Guard organizations.
Colored Guard Units Called
The Negro people have always taken particular pride in the
records of the four Regular Army units, and they were gratified
beyond measure that when war was declared April 6, 1917, there
became immediately available not only the Regular Army military
units but also the National Guard units, to which reference has
been made.
According to the records of the War Department, the Colored
National Guard units were called into Federal service as follows:
34
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
1st Separate Battalion, District of Columbia National Guard,
March 25, 1917; 50 officers, 929 men; Medical Corps attached with
5 officers, 21 men.
1st Separate Company, Maryland, July 25, 1917, 3 officers, 15
men.
1st Separate Company, Connecticut,-July 31, 1917, 1 officer,
136 men; 1 officer, 4 men attached.
1st Separate Company, Massachusetts (Co. L), August 5, 1917,
3 officers, 150 men.
9th Separate Battalion, Ohio, August 5, 1917, 14 officers, 600
men; 1 officer, 7 men attached.
8th Illinois Regiment, July 25, 1917, 42 officers, 1,405 men.
15th New York Regiment, July 25, 1917, 54 officers, 2,053 men.
All of those units were afterwards brought up to full strength.
The 15th New York went into final training at Camp "Wads-
worth, Spartanburg, S. C., where the New York National Guard
units were trained; the 8th Illinois went into training at Camp
Logan, Houston, Texas, along with the Illinois National Guard;
the Separate Battalion of the State of Ohio at Camp Sheridan,
Montgomery, Alabama, where the Ohio National Guard units were
trained; while the various National Guard Companies of Massa¬
chusetts, Maryland, and Tennessee were eventually amalgamated
with the troops here mentioned at Camp Stuart, Newport News,
Virginia, from which point these units were sent overseas as mem¬
bers of the 93d Division (Provisional), under command of Brigadier
General Roy Hoffman.
At the beginning of the war the War Department apparently
was uncertain as to just exactly what attitude it should take with
reference to having Negroes enlist. Eager youths of the race
volunteered their services, but after the four regular military units
had been brought up to their proper strength, Negro enlistment
was discouraged. A sample of the kind of thing which served to
discourage the colored people in the early days of the war was
reflected in the following Associated Press telegram, which was
sent out from Richmond, Virginia, April 24, 19.17:
e '3STEGRO RECRUITING HALTED
"Richmond, Va., April 24.—No more Negroes will be accepted
for enlistment in the United States Army at present. This was
THE CALL TO THE COLORS
35
the order received by Major Hardeman, officer in charge of the
recruiting station here, from the "War Department. ' Colored organ¬
izations filled,' was the explanation."
The Negro press and Negro leaders generally became insistent
and pressure began to reach the War Department from all parts of
the country to make provision for colored troops. The attitude
of the Negro people was reflected in the editorial expressions of
the colored newspapers. Up to the time of the war there had
been among colored people generally a great deal of hostility to
the administration at Washington, which was regarded as un¬
friendly to them, and this attitude of mind is reflected in many of
the editorial expressions which then appeared in the colored news¬
papers.
Negro Troops in the Post of Honor
Of particular interest to Negro Americans, however, is the
fact that on March 25, 1917, the Secretary of War, by order of the
President, called the First Separate .Battalion, District of Columbia
Infantry, National Guard, to the colors to defend the National
Capital. This was even before a formal declaration of war. The
telegram follows:
WAR DEPARTMENT TELEGRAM.
Official Business
Washington, D. C.
2557669 AGO
March 25, 1917.
To Brigadier-General William E. Harvey,
Commanding General District of Columbia .National Guard,
Washington, District of Columbia.
Having in view the necessity of affording a more perfect protection
against the interference with postal, commercial, and military channels and
instrumentalities of the United States in the District of Columbia and being
unable with the regular troops available at his command to insure the faith¬
ful execution of the laws of the Union in this regard, the President has
thought proper to exercise the authority vested in him by the Constitution
and laws and to call out the National Guard necessary for the purpose.
I am, in consequence, instructed by the President to call into the service
of the United States forthwith, through you, the following units of the
as
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
National Guard oi the District of Columbia, which, the President desires
shall be assembled at the places to be designated to you by the Commanding
General, Eastern Department, now at Governor's Island, New York, and
which said Commanding General has been directed to communicate to you:
First Separate Battalion District of Columbia Infantry, National Guard.
(Signed) Newton D. Baker,
Secretary of War.
Brigadier-General Harvey at once issued orders for the First
Separate Battalion to be mobilized for instruction and muster.
Before breakfast following the issuance of this order of March 25,
1917, the entire strength of the battalion was ready for orders and
assembled at its armory under command of Major James E.
"Walker, a colored officer.
The battalion was placed in charge of watching the water sup¬
ply system, guarding six immense reservoirs, the Potomac River
projects, and the various power plants of the District of Columbia,
to counter .any possible scheme of enemy aliens interfering with
these projects and various utilities.
The colored Americans of the District of Columbia and all
Washington regarded this assignment of the First Separate Bat¬
talion to guard duty within the shadow of the White House as a
compliment not exceeded by any since the Negro became a full-
fledged citizen of the American Republic. The duty of protecting
life and property in the Nation's capital was regarded by them
as being comparable to the assignments usually given the guard
regiments in England, where men of undoubted loyalty and integ¬
rity are given the sacred obligation of protecting St. James's
Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and the Houses
of Parliament, the places that stand nearest to the welfare and
dignity of the British crown.
The men of the First Separate Battalion and the colored citi¬
zens of the District of Columbia, and of the whole United States,
regarded the call of the First Separate Battalion to the colors as
having in it a special compliment from another point of view. It
was highly significant that their very color which Was the basis
of discrimination in time of peace was considered prima facie evi¬
dence of unquestionable loyalty in time of war.
THE CALL TO THE COLORS
37
In this battalion there were to be found no hyphenates. In
fact, the Negro has always proved himself to be 100-per-cent
American, without alien sympathies and without hyphenate alle¬
giance. The fact that a colored military unit was placed in this
first honor post, to protect the President, the Congress, and the
great Executive Departments of the Nation, as well as the vital
supply stations that make for the health, happiness, and personal
security of the capital of the American Republic, was tin honor
keenly appreciated.
At about the time that the First Separate Battalion was called
out to guard the National Capital the Baltimore Sun, a white news¬
paper, contained the following expression:
"The Afro-American is the only hyphenate, we believe,
who has not been suspected of a divided allegiance.''
It was altogether natural that there should be speculation
among both white and colored citizens as to why this particular
regiment should be the first called to the colors on the eve of the
great war declaration. Probably the editorial expression of the
Baltimore (Maryland) "Afro-American" may be quoted as to the
speculative attitude at least, of colored Americans, which was as
follows:
"why this particular honor?"
"Washington, D. C., has assumed a rather warlike aspect through the
calling out of the National Guard to keep an eye on the railway bridges
in and around the city, the public buildings, and the water and lighting
systems. Strangely enough the First Separate Battalion of colored troop¬
ers were mustered in to perform this service, and by this time have per¬
haps taken the oath, which will incorporate them into the ranks of the*
regulars.
"In answer to this question of why such honor should be conferred
upon the colored troops when the white national guards of the same city
are more nearly prepared—the Separate Battalion is still wearing its old
blue uniforms—many explanations have been heard in the capital city.
"There are some who have in mind President "Wilson's statement that
great care should be exercised in calling out the Guardsmen, and every
precaution taken that the industrial plants of the country might not suffer
by premature loss of workers belonging to the Guards. Should this be
38
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTOEY
the explanation of the Government's move in Washington, then Maryland,
New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois might also expect that their colored
troopers will be the first to be called into service.
"However, there is also another whisper going the rounds in the cap¬
ital of the nation, to the effect that the white regiments of the National
Guards have so many foreigners and especially Germans belonging that the
Government was afraid to entrust to them the task of watching over Gov¬
ernmental buildings of such immense importance as the Capitol, White
House and the houses where the various departments transact their business.
It is said that a white trooper on guard at some strategic point might be a
German-American and be persuaded to let pass a German confederate
armed with dynamite to blow up the Capitol. On the other hand, the col¬
ored troopers are known to be loyal Americans, and the army officials are
certain that no one can pass their lines, not even the Commanding Gen¬
eral, unless he has the password.
"For loyalty of this kind our country ought to be willing to pay some¬
thing. It ought to be willing to pay the price of having its loyal colored
men educated for commissioned officers in the very best schools in the
nation; it ought to be willing to pay the price of having these citizens en¬
joy every right and privilege that German-Americans or any others enjoy;
it ought even to be willing to have trustworthy colored officers command
regiments of white men, which may not be regarded as quite so trustworthy.
"Our Government will do these things, if the Negro will regard his
loyalty as an asset, to be sold at the price of citizenship."
Major James E. Walker, the colored officer who was in com¬
mand of the First Separate Battalion, District of Columbia Infantry
National Guard, when it was called to guard the National Capital,
was born in Albemarle County, Virginia, September 7, 1874. He
attended the public schools and was graduated from the high and
normal schools of the District of Columbia. He was connected with
the public schools of the District for more than twenty-four years
as a teacher and supervisor of the Thirteenth Division and served
as such until ordered to the Mexican border with the District of
Columbia National Guard in 1916.
His military services began in 1896, when he was appointed first
lieutenant in the First Separate Battalion of the National Guard
of the District of Columbia. In 1909 he was commissioned cap¬
tain; in 1912, by and through a competitive examination, he was
THE CALL TO THE COLORS
39
commissioned major, after the resignation of Major, now Lieuten-
ant-Colonel, Arthur Brooks.
The First Separate Battalion, under Major Walker, was the
first unit of the District National Guard to be recruited to war
strength in Washington City, and they were among the first troops
to he sent to the Mexican border at the time war threatened be¬
tween Mexico and the United States in 1916. They immediately
relieved the troops of the regular army and were assigned to the
duty of guarding the water works at Naco, Arizona, which supplied
five or six towns in the vicinity. Aside from his duties there as
battalion commander, Major Walker was selected to act as intelli¬
gence officer for the Government.
On March 25, 1917, the battalion was called on to gnard the
National Capital, and it was there that the constant vigil of Major
Walker began its inroads on his health. He realized that in select¬
ing his command to safely guard the National Capital, with its
public buildings, water supply, railroads and all other important
facilities, the Government was prompted in its selection by the
high rate of efficiency and undoubted loyalty which his battalion
had established for itself, and in order to continue in this high
regard, he sacrificed health and everything else save that which
makes for the true soldier—duty.
He was ordered to Fort Bayard, New Mexico, to the United
States hospital, for treatment, hoping to regain his health. How¬
ever the best medical skill was of no avail and he died, April 4,
1918, the first officer of the military forces of the District of
Columbia to give his life for the Nation and world-democracy.
His remains were sent home with military escort, and his body was
interred in Arlington National Cemetery.
His funeral, which was conducted from the Nineteenth Street
Baptist Church, Washington, D. C., of which Bev. W. H. Brooks is
pastor, was attended by a large proportion of the colored citizen¬
ship of the District of Columbia, who, despite the cold, bleak day,
followed his remains to Arlington Cemetery.
CHAPTER III
OFFICIAL RECOGNITION OF THE NEGRO'S
INTEREST
Appointment of Emmett J. Scotf as Special Assistant to the Secre¬
tary'of War—Difficulties Encountered in Establishing Negro's
Status—Opportunities Afforded for Effective Work on Behalf
of Colored Soldiers—Better Opportunities for Negro Officers,
Soldiers, Nurses, Surgeons and Others Obtained Through This
Official Connection.
On October 5,1917, the Official. Bulletin (published under the
direction of the Committee on Public Information), and the Asso¬
ciated Press, carried the following announcement:
"ADVISOR TO WAR DEPARTMENT
"Secretary Newton D. Baker of the War Department announces
that Emmett J. Scott, for eighteen years confidential secretary to
the late Booker T. "Washington, and at present secretary of the
Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute for Negroes, has been
assigned to duty in the War Department as confidential advisor in
matters affecting the interests of the 10,000,000 Negroes of the
United States, and the part they are to play in connection with the
present war."
This was the first intimation that the Secretary of War had
been giving attention to the matter of calling to his side a colored
man to advise with him matters concerning colored soldiers and
colored Americans generally. There has been very great curiosity
on the part of a great many people as to how this appointment came
about.
Unfortunately, at the outbreak of the war with Germany there
seemed to be in America an epidemic of racial disturbances, such as
40
RECOGNITION OF THE NEGRO'S INTEREST
41
friction due to the rapid emigration of Negro labor from the South
to the North, lynchings of Negro men and women in a number of
the states, etc., all of which disturbances were seized upon and mag¬
nified through the lens of a well-directed German propaganda, with
the manifest purpose of stirring up a feeling of bitterness and
unrest among both white and colored Americans. There is ample
evidence to support the statement that pro-German influence was
for a time diligently at work in the vain effort to dampen the ardor
and cool the patriotism of Negro Americans and to thus make them
careless or indifferent in support of their country's war program.
With a view to stabilizing conditions, as an earnest of the Govern¬
ment's desire to secure the unqualified support of all classes of
American citizens, and evidently for the special purpose of reassur¬
ing Negroes throughout the country that the Government in general,
and the War Department in particular entertained a friendly and
just attitude toward them, a representative member of that racial
group was appointed by Secretary Baker to serve with him as Spe¬
cial Assistant during the period of the war.
My designation was due primarily to a call during the month
of August, 1917, by Dr. Robert R. Moton, Principal of Tuskegee
Institute, upon the Secretary of War, in which he pointed out the
need and necessity of having in the War Department a colored man
in touch with Northern and Southern white people and colored peo¬
ple, who could advise whenever delicate questions arose affecting
the interests of the colored people of the United States. Dr. Moton
sought to convey the heartening impulse which would come to the
colored people of the country if the Government during its period of
war should in this direct way recognize the racial group of which
he is himself an honored member.
Correspondence with Julius Rosenwald
Prior to Dr. Moton's call at the War Department to confer
with the Secretary of War, the author had been in direct corre¬
spondence with Mr. Julius Rosenwald, a member of the Advisory
Board of the Council of National Defense, to whom he addressed
a letter under date of March 24,1917, reading as follows:
42
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Tuskegee Institute, Alabama, March 24, 1917.
Mr. Julius Rosenwald,
Member National Defense Board,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. Rosenwald:
I have not been in the slightest degree confused as to what attitude
the Negro people should assume in connection with the present threatened
war situation, but I have been somewhat concerned at what the attitude
of the Administration will be with respect to the Negro people. There are
ten millions- of us in this country—the only country to which we owe
allegiance, etc. •
You will note by the attached interview which was sent out by the
Associated Press last summer following the Carrizal incident, what I
had to say respecting the threatened trouble with Mexico. The Negro
people feel just the same way with respect to the German situation.
The point of this letter, then, is to ask you as a member of the National
Defense Board as to whether or not you will carefully bear in mind what
I have written, and command me and' all of us here at Tuskegee most
freely in connection with any and all situations in which we can be of
service during this crucial hour.
In all former wars in which they have participated, the Negro people
have proved by their courage and valor their willingness to fight for
American liberty, and I believe they will respond in like measure in the
present emergency; and I also believe that the American people will find
themselves more and more disposed to accord full appreciation to a people
who are willing to lay down their lives in defense of democracy and the
well-being of their great country.
My responsibilities here at Tuskegee Institute you know about as
fully as any one else, but I wish you to. know at the same time my entire
willingness to serve the present situation in any way that in your opinion
may seem wise and desirable.
Yours very truly,
(Signed) Emmett J. Scott.
Mr. Bosenwald suggested that the author prepare a resolution
expressive of the feelings of the colored people that might be
.presented to the Council of National Defense. The answer was as
*f ollows:
Tuskegee Institute, Alabama, April 7, 1917.
Dear Mr. Rosenwald:
I have your letter of April 4th, and am returning the papers here-
RECOGNITION OF THE NEGRO'S INTEREST
43
with, together with revised resolution which I trust may have your
approval.
I am very much gratified to learn that the Council of National Defense
is entirely sympathetic and disposed to pass a resolution of this character.
It will accomplish very great good. It should be done, however, as you
say, in just the right way.
Throughout the South there is considerable apprehension at this time
as to whether or not the Negro people are going to remain loyal to the
country in this crisis. There need be no fears on this score. As I sought
to express in my letter of March 24, the American people, I believe, will
be disposed more and more to remove such handicaps and to right
such injustices as we now struggle against after the settlement of this
great emergency which now faces our common country. I have referred
to the patriotism of the Negro rising above wrongs and injustices so
as to disarm that element of our people who are urging that the Negro
emphasize his wrongs and injustices so as to force from the Government
his recognition of his guaranteed rights under the Constitution, etc. My
thought and idea is that a sentence of this character will take note of
the fact that the Negro does labor under certain handicaps and injustices
and yet rises above it in the face of national emergency and need. I hope
that the resolution as drafted may have your approval.
With best wishes, I am,
Yours very truly,
(Signed) Emmett J. Scott.
The Resolution as finally drafted and submitted to Mr. Rosen-
wald follows:
'' 1. There are in the United States ten million Negro people. These
people have shown allegiance to no country other than the United States.
They are in a peculiar and noble sense the children of a united republic.
They possess a patriotism which has- always risen above wrongs and
injustices. There are no hyphenates among them. These people take pride
in the fact that it was the charge of Negro troops at San Juan Hill in
the Spanish-American War that turned the tide there, and that Negroes
have fought bravely in every war in which this country has engaged.
The Negro was with Jackson at New Orleans, with Perry on Lake Erie,
and 180,000 Negro soldiers served in the Civil War.
"2. The Government and the people'of the United States are deeply
sensible of the loyal support rendered by the Negroes of America to their
country in past days of national emergency and need.
"3. Therefore, Be It Resolved, That the Council of National De-
44
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
fense and the Advisory Commission thereto, in joint conference assembled,
urge that this Government shall, without regard to racial, political or geo¬
graphical divisions, give due heed to, and exercise appreciation of the past
loyalty of its Negro citizens and of their eager desire to bear anew a
generous and helpful part in the common cause of the national defense."
There were still some doubts and misgivings, however, as to
whether the Council of National Defense should pass the resolution,
which led to further correspondence:
Tuskegee Intitute, Alabama, April 17, 1917.
My Dear Mr. Rosenwald:
I do most earnestly urge that the resolutions, preamble an-di all, be
published. My reasons rest on the concrete fact that the opinion pre¬
vails in many quarters that colored men are not desired by the Adminis¬
tration to have any part in the prosecution of this war. For instance,
as I write, I have before me now a letter just received from a man who
is probably the most prominent colored physician of Philadelphia, with
this paragraph:
The war. There is not much to be said about it.
Mr. Wilson has plainly shown that he would like to get
along as much as possible without the Negro. I see in
tonight's "Bulletin" that it has been decided for the
first time in two years to enlist colored men for the reg¬
ular infantry and cavalry. Active enlistment campaigns
are going on here for crews for various warships, but
Negroes are not wanted save as waiters and lackeys.
It is hard to be loyal and patriotic under these circum¬
stances, though it will not do any good to be otherwise.
This same thing is being said over and over again by other colored
men, and by many of the colored newspapers of the country. I enclose
two statements I have just clipped from one of our most prominent
colored newspapers. I have kept watch on this phasQ from the beginning,
and fundamentally this was back of my original communication to you.
I appreciate the point of view suggested by members of the Council,
and am of the opinion that what I have here suggested and mentioned
bears out the fact that there is an existing feeling that there is "some
evidence (or feeling) of discrimination sentiment," if not in action. The
compelling reasons, in my opinion, overbear the suggested objections.
I have taken occasion to mention the matter to Dr. Moton and he
concurs with me in my conclusion.
RECOGNITION OF THE NEGRO'S INTEREST
45
With thanks always for your interest and generous support of all
that concerns us as a race, I am
Yours very sincerely,
(Signed) Emmett J. Scott.
After the Race Was Recognized
Shortly after the author's appointment as Special Assistant to
the Secretary of War, hundreds of letters poured into the War
Department from colored citizens residing in all parts of the
country, commending Secretary Newton D. Baker for his action in
selecting a colored man to represent the interests of that racial
group during the period of the War, and expressing their satisfac¬
tion with the particular choice which had been made. The senti¬
ment of the white South with reference to this appointment is
best conveyed by the following typical editorial expression which
appeared in the Mobile News Item, a white newspaper published
in the heart of the South: "The appointment is a wise move and
a wise selection. While the Government is coordinating all the
interests of the country in the movement to win the war with
Germany, it should not overlook the colored people. Thousands
of them have been drafted and are being trained for duty in the
trenches. They are to wear their country's uniform and represent
their country in the greatest conflict of all times. Millions will
stay at home tilling the fields and working in the country's indus¬
tries. They have their problems no less than others, and it is well
that one who knows them so intimately is to advise the Government
how to meet these problems."
The colored newspapers were equally responsive in their
endorsement of the new policy adopted by Secretary Baker as
indicated by his appointment of a representative of the Negro
race to advise him on all matters affecting the interests of that
particular group during the period of the war, and in numerous
editorial comments and special articles warmly commended the
selection.
Endorsed by Leading Citizens
Important white Americans, including such representative citi¬
zens as Mr. George Foster Peabody, the New York philanthropist,
48
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
and Mr. Julius Bosenwald, a member of the Advisory Commission
of the Council of National Defense, approved the appointment at
various times and have given the author the warmest encouragement
and support; without such encouragement and support from
colored Americans and white Americans alike, it would have been
most difficult to handle even a small proportion of the many prob¬
lems which came to the office.
Mr. Rosenwald, in an address at the Tuskegee Normal and
Industrial Institute, of which he is a trustee, speaking to the
officers and teachers and students of the school, March 12, 1918,
said:
"In noticing this flag, this Service Flag, hung here in the
Chapel, I could not help but feel that there ought to be one very
large star there, because the Secretary of War said to me:—although
I was not directly responsible, and I wanted to deny the responsi¬
bility, while I would have been proud to claim it, for Mr. Scott's
coming into the War Department—but, notwithstanding that, the
Secretary of War has thanked me over and over again, as a
Trustee of Tuskegee Institute, for the service he is rendering the
War Department and the Nation. When the question came up, I
said that nothing would please me better than to see Mr. Scott in
Washington, in,the War Department, and, of course, none of us
would question but- what we would all be proud of him in that
work as we always have been in everything he has undertaken.
There was no question about his making good. That was a fore¬
gone conclusion, and as a Trustee I know you, teachers and
students of Tuskegee, share that pride with me and the other
Trustees in having Mr. Scott in that conspicuous position. Cer¬
tainly no prouder honor could come to anyone!"
Professor Kelly Miller, Dean of the College of Arts and
Sciences, Howard University, a colored college professor of high
standing, at a mass meeting of the colored citizens of the District
of Columbia at the Dunbar High School, October 22, 1917, also in
referring to the appointment said:
"The thanks of the race, amounting almost to gratitude, are
due the Secretary of War for his statesmanlike grasp of the situa¬
tion in designating one of . our number to help in bringing the race
into sympathetic understanding and cheerful cooperation with the
RECOGNITION OF THE NEGRO'S INTEREST
47
plans and purpose of the Government as they relate to the great
struggle in which the world is now involved. Secretary Baker in
meeting the impending military emergency has laid the basis of a
broad and far-reaching statesmanship. I have always contended,
and shall always contend, that the fundamental grievance of the
Negro against the American people consists in the fact that he is
shut out from participation in the making and administering of
the laws by- which he is governed and controlled. The nation
cannot expect that the Negro will always remain an ardent, enthu¬
siastic citizen, eager to play his part,, if he is to be forever shut
out from equal participation in and protection under the law. It
is imposing too great a tax upon the docility even of the Negro,
to make him the victim of harshly enforced discriminatory laws
and expect that he will forever exhibit this patriotism and loyalty
with ecstatic enthusiasm and paeans of joy. The race may rest
assured that its interest will.be looked after and safeguarded so
far as the military situation is concerned as long as Emmett J.
Scott sits at the council table.
"I regard the appointment of Mr. Scott, as Special Assistant
to the Secretary of "War, as the most significant appointment that
has yet come to the colored race. Other colored men have been
appointed to high office under different administrations, but the
appointments have been mainly a reward for political service, or
representation of a contributing element to party success. Such
appointments are altogether worthy and desirable, but they are
not supposed to carry with them any particular function affecting
the welfare of the colored race. The appointment of Mr. Scott, on
the other hand, is for the express purpose of securing the cheer¬
ful cooperation of the Negro race in the accomplishment of the
greatest task to which our Government has committed itself. This
is not merely representation for the sake of political reward, but
representation carrying with it the vital governmental function."
Shortly after the appointment of the Special Assistant, letters
written by a number of representative colored Americans in all
sections of the country, and representing many of the leading
Negro organizations, denominations, etc., were received by the
Secretary of War, to which he made reply similar in tenor to that
indicated in the correspondence printed below:
48 SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Financial Department of the A. M. E. Church,
Washington, D. C.
October 8, 1917.
Hon. Newton D. Baker,
Secretary of "War,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
\ Please allow me to express to you my very great delight and appre¬
ciation of your appointment of Mr. Emmett J. Scott as a special assistant
or aid of the War Department to represent the Colored race during this
war period.
The selection and appointment of capable colored men to such posi¬
tions of trust and responsibility will prove of very great value in the
work of a proper adjustment of matters so vital to the best interest of
our common cause.
This act of yours--is a fitting recognition of the Negro's high sense
of patriotism and faithfulness to duty as well as his fitness and willing¬
ness to contribute his best in mind and spirit to the cause of right.
Very sincerely yours,
(Signed) John R. Hawkins,
Secretary, Financial Department, A. M. E. Church.
The Reply-
War Department
Washington
Office of the Secretary of War
October 9, 1917.
My Dear Mr. Hawkins:
I have received' your letter of October 8th and am delighted to
know that the appointment of Mr. Scott is meeting with such general
approval among his people.
I have long known of his splendid character and of his attainments,
and it is source of comfort to me to know that I can have the benefit
of his advice more constantly, now that he has accepted a permanent
relation to my office. Cordially yours,
(Signed) Newton D, Baker,
Secretary of War.
Mr. John R. Hawkins,
1541 Fourteenth Street N. W.
Washington, D. C.
Group of Officers—Reading left to right—Top Row—2nd Lit. A. C. Murdough, 350th P. A.;
Capt. T. E. Jones, Med. Corps; 1st Lt. J. H. Scott, 350th F. A.
Center—1st Lt. J. W. Love ; 1st Lt. G. A. Price, and 1st Lt. Wm. R. Smalls, all of 350th P. A.
Bottom—1st Lt. Herbert Harris, Dental Corps; 1st Lt. J. H. Cooper, 350th F. A.; 1st Lt
A. B. McKenzie, Med Corps.
Above—Dancing School Conducted at K. of C. Building for Men of Labor Battalion bv Lnni =
ville W. C. C. S.
Below—Baltimore W. C. C. S. Saturday night dance at the W. C. C. S. Colored Club.
Above—Official Photograph of American Negro Troops at drill. Bringing up the machine guns.
Center—American Negro Troops brigaded with the French Army, drilling under French Officers
with French machine guns.
Below—A Company of Negro Infantry wearing French helmets, as they were brigaded with French
Troops. Photo taken at Herpunt, in the Meuse Sector.
Colored soldiers who served overseas under General Pershing returning to their homes in St. Louis amid the cheers of the people.
Above—Two Officers Who Won the Croix de Guerre. Capt. Stewart Alexander on the left,
and Lieut. Frank Robinson, both decorated by the French for conspicuous bravery on the
field of battle.
Below —Three Negro Officers Who Won Distinction Overseas. Left to right: Lieut. Wm.
Andrews, Commanding Negro Casuals, of Chicago ; Lieut. H. A. Rogers of Richmond, Va„
and Lieut. J. A. Rucker of Natchez, Miss.
The return of the 369th (Old 15th New York National Guards). Passing' the Plaza on parade.
Above—Colored Troops on Sentry Duty Near the Front Lines.
Below—American Camp for Colored Troops in France.
Left- First Negro Officer to be Decorated. Lieut. Robert C. Allen of the 372nd Infantry was mentioned in Army orders and awarded
Distinguished Service Cross for gallantry in action. His home is in Springfield, Ohio.
Right—First Colored Soldier to Receive Distinguished Service Cross. Lieut. Robert L. Campbell, Company L, 368th U. S. In¬
fantry, awarded the Distinguished Service Cross by order of General Pershing- for bravery in fig-hting1 in the Argonne Forest.
RECOGNITION OF THE NEGRO'S INTEREST
49
Letter of Credentials
To make my work effective as I went from camp to camp,
Secretary Baker addressed a letter to Division and Brigade Com¬
manders which was inclusive enough to give me authority to make
any inquiries I deemed necessary to be made in camps or canton¬
ments regarding conditions affecting Colored Troops.
The Secretary of War's letter read as follows:
"War Department
Washington
Office of the Secretary of War
November 1, 1917.
TO DIVISION AND BRIGADE COMMANDERS:
I have appointed Mr. Emmett J. Scott, of Tuskegee- Institute,
Alabama, as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of War, to advise with
respect to the colored people of the United States, colored drafted men,
and the colored men. who constitute units of National Guard Divisions.
He will be visiting National Army cantonments and National Guard
camps, and it is my desire that he be given every opportunity to follow
up the work I have entrusted to his care.
He will personally present this letter.
(Signed) Newton D. Baker,
Secretary of War.
How the Office Has Functioned
There was considerable misunderstanding and false impression
at the beginning as to the real function of the office of " Special
Assistant to the Secretary of War," as to the real scope and limita¬
tions of the appointment, and as to the real purpose that called
the author to Washington. Judging from thousands of letters he
received, covering every subject imaginable, and from various
public comments and utterances during a period of twenty-one
months, it" would seem that he had been appointed a "Special
Committee of One" to adjust and settle at once any and all mat¬
ters and difficulties of whatsoever kind and nature which had any
bearing upon the race problem in America.
Some of the correspondents, and a few critics, seemed to forget
that this appointment was never intended to be an immediate cure
for all of our racial ills in America. My call to the Nation's Cap-
50
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
ital was to advise in matters affecting primarily the interests of
colored draftees and colored soldiers, as well as to render counsel
and assistance in those matters, including the interests of soldiers'
families and dependents, and, in a sense, the morale of Colored
Americans generally during the war. Some seemingly failed to
remember that the race problem in America has been pending ever
since the Civil War; that certain phases of that problem have
remained troublesome and unsolved even in the ordinary times of
peace in spite of the vigorous and consecrated efforts of prominent
race leaders who have ably pleaded our race's cause before the
bar of public opinion for the past fifty years. It was therefore
manifestly unfair to expect that the mere appointment of a "Spe¬
cial Assistant to the Secretary of War" would effectually abolish
overnight all racial discriminations and injustices, some of which
were sanctioned by law; or that the Special Assistant would be
able to solve, during twenty-one months of the critical and abnormal
period of war, all those intricate problems affecting the Negro race
in America that others were unable to solve in fifty years of peace.
While the author has never minimized any wrong, nor acted in the
role of an apologist, nor condoned any injustice visited upon a
single member of the Negro race, either before or during the recent
world war, yet he has diligently directed his efforts towards secur¬
ing the best possible results obtainable out of every situation that
has arisen.
CHAPTER IV
THE WORK OF THE SPECIAL ASSISTANT
Guarding the Interests of Negro Soldiers and Civilians—Promoting
a Healthy Morale—Cases of Alleged Discrimination Against
Negro Draftees—The Edward Merchant Case—The John D.
Wray Case—How Justice Was Secured—A War Department
Inquiry—Training for Colored Officers.
At the time that the Special Assistant to the Secretary of
War was called to Washington, in October, 1917, the war was in
progress and the first draft law was being enforced. His first
duties consisted principally in', urging the equal and impartial ap¬
plication of the Selective Service Regulations to black men and
white men alike, and formulating plans calculated to promote a
healthy morale among Negro soldiers and civilian^. In his effort
to properly represent the interests of Negro draftees throughout
his tenure of office, he received and keenly appreciated the prompt
and cordial cooperation and support of the Secretary of War and
of the Provost Marshal General's office. While it is true, and only
fair to state, that Negro men, in many cases, were not treated as
equitably and justly as white men in the application of the draft
law, and that in certain sections they were made victims of many
errors, irregularities, and injustices in the matter of classifications,
inductions, etc., yet it is a fact that three Local Draft or Exemption
Boards were removed from office by the Secretary of War, because
it was proven that these Exemption Boards had flagrantly violated
the Selective Service Regulations by discriminating against Negro
draftees; furthermore, it was ordered that all wrongful classifica¬
tions, etc., made by them should be corrected forthwith. The
office was also instrumental in obtaining justice for a large number
of Negro draftees who sent in countless letters, affidavits, and the
like, registering their complaints against the unfair treatment of
various Draft Boards; and the victories won in their cases, together
51
52
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTOKY
with the wide newspaper publicity connected with the removal of
three local Draft Boards mentioned above, because of their unfair¬
ness and injustice to Negro men, served as helpful and warning
precedents and had a most salutary effect in the application of the
second and third draft laws.
In handling these numerous cases of alleged discrimination
and injustice, much correspondence passed between the office of
the Special Assistant and the office of Provost Marshal General
E. H. Crowder and numerous telephone messages and personal con¬
ferences were required.
Some Typical Correspondence
A small portion of the correspondence in typical cases is
hereto appended that indicate the efforts made on behalf of Negro
draftees as well as the sympathetic attitude of the Provost Mar¬
shal General's office in its partially successful effort to correct
abuses and injustices that arose in the application of the Draft Law
by various Local Boards:
Provost Marshal General—Army.
February 21, 1918.
Adjutant General,
Jackson, Mississippi.
Number 4496.—Case of Edward Merchant of Local Board of Leake
County, serial number 792, has again been brought to this office. Please
direct the board to wire at once if they did or did not grant discharge to
this registrant prior to November 13, and transmit original reply from
local board by mail after wiring contents.
(Signed) Crowder.
State of Mississippi
The Adjutant General's Office
Jackson, Miss.
February 22nd, 1918.
FROM: Adjutant General Mississippi.
TO: F. E. Leach, Govt. Appeal Agent, Carthage, Mississippi.
SUBJECT: Status Edw. Merchant.
I am directed by the Governor to inform you that the Provost Mar¬
shal General desires the Local Board of Leake County to advise the
status of Edward Merchant, therefore, please answer the following ques¬
tions on the bottom of this letter.
WORK OF THE SPECIAL ASSISTANT
53
Did the local board grant Merchant a discharge from the draft?
If a discharge was granted, was it issued prior to November 13th?
(Signed) Edw. C. Scales,
Brigadier General.
Carthage, Miss., Feb. 23, 1918.
1st. Records of Local Board show that Edward W. Merchant was
discharged by them on reconsideration of his claim.
2nd. Date of discharge is November 7, 1917.
F. E. Leach,
Govt. Appeal Agt., Leake County, Miss.
War Department, Washington.
February 26, 1918.
Memorandum for the Provost Marshal-General's Office:
Attention of
Major Roscoe S. Conkling, Judge Advocate.
With further reference to the case of Edward Merchant, of Leake
County, Mississippi, who was transferred from Camp Pike, Little Rock,
Arkansas, to Camp Upton, New York, and to your memorandum bearing
on his case which you forwarded me under date of February 14th.
I am venturing to raise the question as to whether or not this man
is not entitled to discharge under the Selective Service Regulations in
view of the fact that the Local Exemption Board of Leake County,
Mississippi,—on the 7th day of November, 1917, actually discharged
Edward Merchant, as stated in affidavit filed by H. N. McMillan, Circuit
Clerk, of said) County—notwithstanding the disinclination of the State
authorities of Mississippi to recommend such discharge.
The said Edward Merchant, whose letter I brought to your atten¬
tion under date of January 25th, states that he has "a mother 50 years
old and feeble, a wife and baby,'' and that his wife is pregnant and not
able to perform any work whatsoever, that he is their only support and
in the shape they are in it will be impossible for the Government allow¬
ance to keep them from suffering. This man is also a productive farmer,
and it appears from all the evidence at hand that the decision of the
Local Board discharging him was wise and just, and should be affirmed.
This man's case was up twice before the Local Board of Leake
County, Miss., after which he was discharged, and in your memorandum
to me, of February 9th, you stated: "This was apparently in accordance
with Compiled Rulings No. 12 (m) of this office, and it appears that the
54
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
man (referring to Edward Merchant) should have been discharged from
service."
In telegram of February 12th, the Provost Marshal General (see
last clause of telegram) asks the Adjutant General at Jackson, Missis¬
sippi, to "Please advise why Adjutant General's office recommended that
registrant be held to service." I fail to find, in the documents you kindly
transmitted (and which are hereby returned as requested) any satisfac¬
tory reply to the inquiry above quoted, and in view of the discharge
granted Edward Merchant by his Local Board (verified by the affidavit of
the Circuit Court Clerk of Leake County) it does seem that a serious
injustice has, in some way, been done this registrant, inasmuch as the
telegram from "Scales" (presumably the Adjutant General of Missis¬
sippi) states "that the records submitted to State headquarters did not
grant an exemption from the draft." Will you, therefore, kindly have
a full investigation of this case made, and ascertain if the action of the
Local Board was properly made known to the State authorities. I would
very much appreciate a further report on the findings in this case, as
soon as the reasons for ignoring or over-ruling the action-of the Local
Board by the State authorities can be ascertained.
(Signed) Emmett J. Scott,
Special Assistant to Secretary of War.
March 4, 1918.
jFROM: Office of the Provost Marshal General.
TO: The Adjutant-General of the Army.
SUBJECT: Case of Edward Merchant, Serial No. 792, Order No. 109,
Ofahoma, Leake County, Mississippi.
1. Your attention is respectfully invited to the case of Edward Mer¬
chant, Serial No. 792, Order No. 109, Ofahoma, Leake County, Mississippi,
Inducted into military service by operation of ther Selective Service Law
and forwarded to Camp Pike, thence transferred to Camp Upton, where
he now is. As a matter of identification, it is stated that Merchant .was
at Base Hospital, Ward G-6, Camp Upton, on February 12th.
2. This case has been under investigation by this office for more
than two months, and it appears that on November 7, 1917, after due and
proper reconsideration of the facts, the local board of the proper juris¬
diction granted a discharge on dependency grounds; that through an
error or negligence the man was not discharged from service.
3. It appears that the regular procedure prescribed by the regula¬
tions has been followed up to the point of transmittal of the final recom¬
mendation to the Camp Commander, and that through an error of the
WORK OF THE SPECIAL ASSISTANT
55
State headquarters, the man has been held to service. It therefore ap¬
pears that the discharge should have been issued, in due course, more
than three months ago.
4. A special request is made that prompt action be taken in this
matter, as severe hardship and distress is reported to this office from
various sources, due to this failure of the proper functioning of local,
officials, and that this office be advised of the final disposition of the case in
order that it may speedily inform the parties interested.
E. H. Crowder,
Provost Marshal General.
By Roscoe S. Conkling,
Major, Judge Advocate.
201 (Merchant, Edward) E. M. 1st Ind.
War Dept., A. G. 0., March 7, 1918.—To the Commanding General 77th
Division, Camp Upton, Yaphank, N. Y., for investigation, necessary action
and report.
By order of Secretary of War:
J. W. Riley,
Adjutant General.
201 (Merchant, Edward) 2nd Ind.
Hdq., 77th Division, Camp Upton, New York, March 15, 1918,—To Com¬
manding Officer, 367th Infantry, for compliance with the first indorse¬
ment hereon.
By Command of Brigadier-General Johnson:
Louis B. Gerom,
Capt., Field Artillery, N. A., Asst. to the Adjutant.
Ill K 3rd Ind.
Hq. 367th Inf., Camp Upton, N. Y., 19th March 1918.—To Comdg. Gen'l,
Camp Upton.
Private Edward Merchant states, that on being inducted into the
service at Camp Pike, he was informed that his certificate of discharge
on account of dependent relatives was unnecessary, as he was to be dis¬
charged for physical disability. This not being done, he wrote to his
mother who appeared before the Board and obtained the certificate which
is inclosed herewith.
W. G. Drane,
Lieutenant-Colonel, 367th Infantry, Administrative Officer.
56
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
March 28, 1918.
Memorandum for Colonel Easby-Smith :
In re Edward Merchant, Leake County, Miss.
The discharge of this registrant was recommended by this office in
our letter of March 4th to the Adjutant General of the Army. "We have
received no advice that such discharge has been granted.
History of the Case
December 26, 1917, registrant wrote Special Assistant Emmett J.
Scott of the War Department, stating that his Local Boardi had, by order
of the Adjutant General of Mississippi, reopened his case and granted
his exemption. November 7, 1917, his discharge was refused by the Camp
Commander.
January 25th, Mr. Scott referred the matter to this office.
February 11th, the Adjutant General of Mississippi advised that the
Local Board for Leake County had refused to grant exemption to the
registrant. The certificate of the Secretary of the Local Board showed
that the discharge of the registrant was recommended by his Local
Board' on November 7, 1917.
On February 18th, the matter was presented by Senator Williams.
On February 27th the Adjutant General advised that their records
show that the discharge of the registrant was actually recommended on
November 7, 1917. The error in the case was obviously in the office
of the Adjutant General of Mississippi.
March 4th, -discharge recommended by this office in letter to The
Adjutant General of the Army.
March 22nd, memorandum from Mr. Scott, "Is this in accordance
with the decision reached?"
James H. Hughes, Jr.,
1st Lieut., Infantry, R. C.
The John D. Wray Case
September 3, 1918.
Memorandum for Colonel Roscoe S. Conkling,
Office of the Provost Marshal-General:
Dear Colonel Conkling:
Mr. John D. Wray, who is a substantial Negro farmer engaged in
Cooperative Extension Work, headquarters A. & T. College, Greensboro,
North Carolina, has written me the enclosed) letter concerning certain
definite cases of alleged injustice to colored draftees in said State, and I
WORK OF THE SPECIAL ASSISTANT
57
wish to bring the same to your attention for such investigation as they
may merit. Sincerely yours,
(Signed) Emmett J. Scott,
Special Assistant to Secretary of "War.
Enclosures.
WHD
A
September 9, 1918.
Honorable Emmett J. Scott, ^
Special Assistant, Office of The Secretary of War.
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:—Your letter of September 3, with enclosure from Mr. John
D. Wray attached, has been referred to The Adjutant General of North
Carolina with instructions to have an immediate investigation made of
the matters complained of in Mr. Wray's letter and to make a report of
the results of said investigation.
Upon receipt of this report you will be further advised.
(Signed) E. H. Crowder,
Provost Marshal General.
By Roscoe S. Conkling,
Lieut. Colonel, J. A., Chief, Classification Division.
JDL
October 11, 1918.
Mr. Emmett J. Scott,
Special Assistant,
Office of the Secretary of War,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
There is returned herewith a letter from John D. Wray of Greens¬
boro, North Carolina, which accompanied your memorandum of the 3rd
ult., together with photostat copies of reports from the Adjutant General
of North Carolina and from various Local Boards, relating to the cases
of the several registrants named in the complaint filed with you by
John D. Wray.
(Signed) E. H. Crowder,
Provost Marshal General.
By Roscoe S. Conkling,
Lieut. Colonel, J. A., Chief, Classification Division.
WGdeR—gm
Encls.
58
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
War Dept., P. M. G. C., September 9, 1918.—To The Adjutant General,
Raleigh, N. C.
1. Referred.
2. Nothing could be more harmful to the Administration of the
Draft than to have an impression prevail that race discrimination exists
in any section of the country.
3. You are requested, therefore, to cause an immediate investigation
to be made of the matters complained of in the attached letter, and upon
completion of the investigation, to make a full report to this office.
4. It is suggested that, in making such investigation, the attached
letter from Mr. John D. "Wray be treated as confidential.
(Signed) E. H. Crowder,
Provost Marshal General.
By Roscoe S. Conkling,
Lieut. Colonel, J. A., Chief, Classification Division.
The following communication is typical of the manner in
which the author took up a number of matters involving injustice
to colored workers in the departmental service at Washington and
elsewhere:
March 21, 1918.
Memorandum for Dean F. P. Keppel, 3rd Assistant Secretary of War:
Dear Dean Keppel:
I very much hope it will be possible to hold up the suggestion which
has been made—to eliminate all of the colored messengers who have
successfully passed the Civil Service examination for that grade, and
have thereby secured their positions through Civil Service regulations
in the Procurement Division, Office of Chief of Ordnance, War Depart¬
ment, Washington, D. C. Such a recommendation has been made, and,
I understand, is being seriously considered.
It is highly desirable, in my judgment, to ameliorate rather than
inflame Negro public opinion here at the National Capital by these
movements and suggestions of one kind or another which seem to
indicate a willingness to altogether disregard this group of people who
are striving in every way possible to support our Government.
(Signed) Emmett J. Scott,
Special Assistant to Secretary of War.
Nation's Call to All Alike
Likewise, in the Camp Lee (Virginia) case, the Special As¬
sistant found hundreds of educated young colored draftees, many
WORK OF THE SPECIAL ASSISTANT
59
of them college graduates, hailing from some twenty or more of
the leading educational institutions of our country, all assigned to
stevedore regiments and labor battalions, without any regard for
their educational or technical qualifications, limited to the use of
the spade, pickaxe, and shovel and to the digging of ditches,
trenches, and the like, instead of being permitted to be trained as
infantrymen with gun and bayonet. In direct response to repeated
representations made by the author, hundreds of these men were
transferred to infantry, artillery, and other units where they could
more effectively and more agreeably serve their country, and the
Secretary of "War issued the following public statement, which was
published in The Official Bulletin, of December 4, 1917, indicating
his attitude with reference to such discriminations:
"War Department,
"Washington, November, 30, 1917.
"Mr. Emmett J. Scott,
"Special Assistant, War Department:
"Referring to various telegrams and letters of protest received at
the Department, to which you have called my attention, concerning
certain alleged discriminations against colored draftees, I wish to say
that a full investigation of the matters complained of has been ordered.
"As you know, it has been my policy to -discourage discrimination
against any persons by reason of their race. This policy has been
adopted not merely as an act of justice to all races that go to make up
the American people, but also to safeguard the very institutions which
we are now at the greatest sacrifice engaged in defending and which
any racial disorders must endanger.
"At the same time, there is no intention on the part of the War
Department to undertake at this time to settle 4he so-called race ques¬
tion. In this hour of National emergency and need white and colored
men alike are being called to defend our country's honor. In the very
nature of the case some must fight in the trenches, while others must
serve in other capacities behind the firing line.
"I very much regret what seems to be a certain amount of over¬
worked hysteria on the part of some of the complainants who seem to
think that only colored draftees are being assigned to duty in Service
Battalions, whereas thousands of white draftees already have been, and
more of them necessarily will be, assigned to duty in such Service
Battalions.
"Some of the complaints or charges of discrimination seem all the
60
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
more unwarranted in view of the fact that there is far less hazard to
the life of the soldier connected with the Service Battalion than is true
in the case of the soldier who faces shot and shell on the firing line.
Furthermore, the attitude of the "War Department toward colored soldiers
is clearly shown by the following facts: More than 626 of the 1,250
colored men who completed the course at the Reserve Officers' Training
Camp, at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, have been commissioned as officers in
the United States Army, nearly 100 colored physicians and surgeons have
received commissions as officers in the Medical Reserve Corps,, and a full
fighting force of 30,000 colored soldiers, including representatives in
practically every branch of military service, will constitute the Ninety-
second Division, to be detailed for duty in France under General
Pershing.
"The relations between the colored and white men in the camps
containing both have been worked out on a very satisfactory basis, and
little or no trouble seems likely to arise. All of my reports indicate that
the colored men are accepting this as an opportunity to serve and not
an occasion for creating discord or trouble, and white men and officers
are passing over the question of race difference in a helpful spirit. "What
we need in this emergency is the help of right-thinking people in the
cities and towns around the camps, and we are getting that cooperation
so generally that our course seems free from embarrassment if German
propagandists, who want to make discord by stirring up sensitive feel¬
ings, are simply not allowed to do their work.
"As a matter of fact, the colored people and the white people in
this country have lived together now for a good many years and have
established) relationships in the several parts of the country which are
more or less well organized and acquiesced in. Gradually the colored
people are acquiring education in the industrial arts, and are rendering
themselves more and more useful in our civilization and more and more
entitled) to our respect. On the other hand, the white people are coming
more generally to realize the value of the good citizens among the colored
people through their industrial importance and their eager desire to
learn and qualify themselves for usefulness in the. country, and this has
brought about a growth of good feeling, marred, it is true, here and there
by such incidents as that at Houston and that at East St. Louis, which
grew out of sad misunderstandings and were perhaps contributed to,
in at least one of these instances, by the malicious activities of people
who would rejoice to see any embarrassment come to us as a sign of
weakness against our enemy. Therefore, unrest among the colored people
and suspicion of the Government on their part are, by all means, to be
discouraged at a time like this.
WORK OF THE SPECIAL ASSISTANT
61
"We are bending all our energies to the building up of an Army
to defeat the enemy of democracy and freedom, and the Army we are
building contains both white and colored meii. We are expecting that
they will all do their duty, and when they have done it they will be
alike entitled to the gratitude of their country.
(Signed) "Newton D. Baker,
"Secretary of War."
i
Cases of Unfair Treatment
Every case of racial discrimination or injustice that was
brought to official attention, involving either Negro draftees and
soldiers or Negro war workers and civilians, was taken up and
brought to the attention of the proper officials of the Government,
including the War and other Departments, the Military Intelli¬
gence Bureau, and in some cases the Department of Justice. The
Special Assistant to the Secretary of War regarded all such
cases of unfair treatment as calculated inevitably to affect the
morale of the Negro people, the maintenance of which was such
an essential factor in the winning of the war.
The official files of the Adjutant-General of the Army, which
is the administrative branch of the War Department, as well as
the files of the Office of the Secretary of War, contain scores and
scores of memoranda which the Special Assistant has submitted
in the interest of Negro soldiers, Negro chaplains and Negro offi¬
cers in the National Army, now known as "The Army of the
United States." They reveal a strenuous effort to have the worth
of the Negro as a soldier fitly recognized by the formation of com¬
batant Negro units in addition to the noncombatant units, known
as Stevedore and Labor battalions and the like, to which latter
class of military service Negro soldiers, at the beginning of the
war and regardless of their educational and special qualifications,
seemed to be disproportionately assigned, if not completely doomed.
An effort in behalf of the proper training and increased utilization
of Negro men as infantry and artillery officers, as medical officers,
as chaplains, and of colored women as army nurses and the like,
likewise, in part, succeeded because it was worthy in itself and
received the hearty, intelligent, and continuous support of prac¬
tically the entire Negro press of America, to whom the Special
Assistant to the Secretary of War owes so much personally as
62
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
well as officially for the most loyal and valuable help rendered
during his tenure of office in the War Department.
To any one who is acquainted with the military status of the
American Negro before the war with Germany, and who is familiar
with the organized and determined efforts that had to be put
forth to have the merits and rights of Negro soldiers suitably
recognized, there must come the conviction that the privileges,
opportunities, and honors accorded him during the war were, in
spite of some discouragement, not merely incidental or accidental;
but were due, in some measure at least, to the fact that the Negro
soldiers were permitted to have a "friend at court'' who was
backed up by the best thought and sentiment of the Negro race
and by influential white friends of that race in formulating and
carrying forward a constructive program that has given to them
quite a number of military and other advantages never before
enjoyed in the history of our country. "While the Special Assistant
to the Secretary of War would not by any means exaggerate the
importance of the office which he has been holding in the War
Department, nor assume any credit which does not rightfully
belong to it, yet it is highly significant and proper to note the
contrast between the condition of the Negro in the United States
at the beginning of the war and the military opportunities and
advantages which our race acquired during the progress of the
recent world-wide conflict.
Before the European war the Negro was represented in only
two branches of the United States Army, namely, the Ninth and
Tenth Cavalry, and the Twenty-fourth and Twenty-fifth Infantry
units, comprising all told less than 10,000 men, and less than a
dozen Negro officers,- while during the war, approximately twelve
hundred (1200) Negro officers were admitted into practically every
branch of military service, including Field Artillery, Coast Artil¬
lery, Cavalry, Infantry, Engineer Corps, Signal Corps (radio or
wireless telegraphy, etc.), Medical Corps (physicians, surgeons,
dentists, etc.), Hospital and Ambulance Corps, Veterinary CorpB,
Sanitary and Ammunition Trains, Stevedore Regiments, Labor Bat¬
talions, Depot Brigades, and quite a number of them served as
Regimental Clerks, Surveyors, Draftsmen, Auto Repairers, Motor
Truck Operators, several Regimental Adjutants, one or more Judge
WORK OF THE SPECIAL ASSISTANT
63
Advocates and a number of Negro Military Intelligence Officers,
Negro chemists, Negro mechanics;—indeed, the Negro served in
nearly every branch of the Army with the exception of the Air Sec¬
tion of the Aviation Corps (operating airplanes, etc.).
These increased opportunities for Negro men and officers
were not a matter of chance, for they would not have been possible
if the "fight for a chance to fight as Negro combat units" had not
been successful. The Special Assistant to the Secretary of War
made a systematic effort to mobilize college-trained Negro men for
Artillery and other technical branches of military service, including
the 317th Engineer Regiment, the 325th Field Signal Battalion,
and as Negro officers for the 92nd Division, etc., realizing, as he
did, the imperative necessity of obtaining the very best material
his race could afford in trying out this most important, this his¬
toric, and now successful military experiment. Scores of tech¬
nically qualified young men were enabled to consummate their
desire to render that particular service in the Army for which they
were best fitted by talent and special training.
Perhaps one of the most important and far-reaching projects
developed by the War Department was the provision for the train¬
ing of nearly 20,000 young colored men in military science and
tactics, at Government expense, in conjunction with their general
education, through Students' Army Training Corps and Vocational
Detachments, established in some twenty or more of the leading
colored schools, institutes, colleges, and universities of the United
States. Similar provision has also since been made for the forma¬
tion of Reserve Officers' Training Corps for colored men in a
number of colored educational institutions, North and South.
Another useful function performed by the Special Assistant to
the Secretary of War, and one which has afforded him as much
genuine satisfaction as any other service he has rendered in the
War Department, is the matter of looking after hundreds, if not
thousands of cases relating to voluntary and compulsory allotments,
extra Government allowances and compensations, war risk insur¬
ance, and the like, due to the families and dependents of enlisted
men#and of deceased Negro soldiers. The Special Assistant to the
Secretary of War has personally looked after or handled through
his office many of these cases pending before the Bureau of War
Above—Arrival of a Bunch of the Chicago Boys.
Below—Happy return of (the old 15th Inf.) New York's famous colored regiment; receiving
their shares of cigarettes and chocolate handed out to the boys at the chicken dinner given
them at 71st Regiment Armory.
Above—How Our Soldiers Came Home. American Negro troops boarding the boat in New York
Harbor for Camp Merritt, N. J., demobilization camp.
Below—It is said that the Negro, because of his constant cheerfulness makes the best soldier.
However that may be, it is certain that these three specimens have acquired a reputation for
being the most zealous workers in their company and are shown as the three prize men of
the company.
These four officers of the 366th Infantry were in some of the heaviest fighting of the war. Left to right they are : Lieut. C. L
Abbott of South Dakota, Capt. Jos. L. Lowe, Pacific Grove, Calif. ; Lieut. A. R. F*lsher, Lyles Ind., who won the Distinguished
Service Cross, and Captain E. White of the 92nd Division (Buffaloes) of Pine Bluff, Ark.
Above—One of the big Y. M. C. A. tents near the front in France. The "Y" gave the same service
to the Negro Troops as to the white soldiers.
Below—French Colonial Troops (Senegalese) being drilled in use of rifle grenades on the Marne.
Above—Baptism for Army Men. Colored troops of the U. S. Army receiving Holy Baptism at
the Norcross Rifle Range, Camp Gordon, Ga.
Below—Part of Squadron "A," 351st Field Artillery, colored troops on the Transport Louisville.
These men are mostly from Pennsylvania.
Above—Group of Colored Soldiers of the 369th Infantry as They Returned to New York.
Below—The Negro regiments have proven their fighting worth. During the Franco-American
offensive several detachments rendered great service for Uncle Sam. Photo from Prance
shows group of officers of division known as the "Buffaloes."
Left A returning hero of the 369th who lost his leg in France, being welcomed on his return home to New York. The loop of cord on
nis left shoulder is the decoration that every member of this regiment is entitled to wear. It signifies that entire regiment has been
awarded the Cordon of the Croix de Guerre by the French.
Right—Major David L'Esperanz and Major Lorrilard Spencer of the 369th Infantry. Both were wounded while leading their colored sfL
diers in battle. Major Spencer was decorated with the Croix de Guerre by the French and the Distinguished Service Cross by orJIil
of Genera] Pershing. Major L'Esperanz also received the Croix de Guerre. Jt- 41
WORK OF THE SPECIAL ASSISTANT
65
WAR DEPARTMENT.
The Adjutant General's Office.
Washington, Nov. 6, 1918.
FROM: The Adjutant General of the Army.
TO: Col. Charles Young, U. S. Army (retired),
19121/a Fourteenth St., N. W.,
Washington, D. C.
SUBJECT: Assignment.
The Secretary directs as necessary in the military service that you
proceed to Camp Grant, Rockford, Illinois, and report in person to the
Commanding General of that camp for assignment to duty in connection
with the Colored Development Battalions at Camp Grant.
William Kelly, Jr.,
Adjutant Gener?l.
One of the most important functions of the office of the Special
Assistant to the Secretary of War was to help maintain a healthy
morale among Negro soldiers and the twelve million colored Amer¬
icans, whose continued loyalty was so severely tried during the
war. In cooperation with the Committee on Public Information, he
conducted a systematic campaign of publicity through the Negro
press, the Official Bulletin, leading white newspapers and maga¬
zines, etc., which kept the colored people and the country at large
fully informed as to the aims and policies of the Government and
especially as to the attitude of the War Department with reference
to opportunities offered and treatment accorded colored draftees
and soldiers. This campaign did much to reassure the colored
soldiers, to maintain the morale of colored Americans generally,
and to vitalize their efforts toward winning the war.
While it was not possible to accomplish even a small propor¬
tion of favorable results in all of th^ matters which arose; and
while in many instances the full measure of justice was not ac¬
corded Negro soldiers, sailors, and civilians,. it yet remains a fact
that during the whole period of the war the office of Special Assist¬
ant continued to urge a program of One Hundred Per Cent
Americanism, it sought to obtain for them .the fullest measure of
opportunity possible and to promote friendly feelings between
white and colored citizens of the country, based upon the highest
ideals of justice and fair play.
CHAPTER V
THE NEGRO IN THE NATIONAL ARMY
Selective Service Law the Most Complete Recognition of the Citi¬
zenship of the Negro, North cmd South—All the Duties and
Responsibilities of Patriots Imposed Upon the Negro by the
Draft Act—Tribute by the Provost Marshal General to the
Colored Soldier—Assignment of Negro. Draftees to Canton¬
ments.
On May 18, 1917, Congress enacted what came to be known
as the Selective Service law. As stated in the First Report of the
Provost Marshal General, 1 'It was unequivocal in its terms. It
boldly recited the military obligations of citizenship. It vested the
President with the plenary power of prescribing regulations which
should strike a balance between industrial and economical need on
the one hand and the military need on the other. It provided that
men could be summoned for service in the place in which it would
best suit the common good to call them. It was a measure of un¬
doubted significance and power and flung a fair challenge at the
feet of those doubters who did not believe that the country would
respond to a draft upon the man-power of the republic.*'
It is of moment to state that on June 5, Registration Day,
a number of representative colored, citizens served as Selective
Service registrars to the entire satisfaction of the Provost Marshal
General. There was complaint, however, that so small a number of
colored men were permitted to serve as Selective Service registrars,
considering the large number of colored men who were called upon
to register under the draft.
Under the first selective draft 9,586,508 men between the ages
of 21 and 31 were registered; of this number 8,848,382 were whites
and 737,626 were colored. Thus it appears that the total registra¬
tion of citizens of African descent was nearly eight per cent of
the entire (racially composite) registration. Of the number of
white and colored draftees who were certified for service official
66
THE NEGRO IN THE NATIONAL ARMY
67
figures show that, in the first draft, 75,697 colored men, or 36.23 pel
cent of the total number were called to the colors and served as
soldiers; while 711,213, or 24.75 per cent of the total number of
white men certified were called to the colors and served as soldiers.
On this particular point I quote directly from Provost Marshal
General Crowder's First Report:
"Thus it appears that out of every 100 colored citizens called
36 were certified for service and 64 were rejected, exempted or
discharged; whereas out of every 100 whites called 25 were certi¬
fied for service and 75 were rejected, exempted, or discharged."
Further drafts during the course of the war led to increas¬
ingly large numbers of whites being called to the colors, and of
course increasingly large numbers of colored selectmen as well.
Nineteen months brought the total enrollment for service up to
twenty-four million (24,000,000), including those who were en¬
rolled under subsequent calls, which were put into operation as
the result of Congressional legislation, which afterwards enrolled
even those men who reached the age of 45 years.
Under the law, as has been stated, no difference was made as
between white and colored citizens. The citizenship of the Negro
as provided in the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution was
fully recognized; color and race were not material, and the regula¬
tions for the purpose of classification did not exempt the Negro. A
comparison of white and colored registration at the end of the war
discloses the following facts: That between June 5, 1917, and
September 12, 1918, there were registered 21,489,470 whites and
2,290,527 Negroes, the proportion of colored registrants to the whole
being 9.63 per cent. The figures above, however, do not include
some 300,000 additional registrants during September and October.
The Mobilization Division of the Provost Marshal General's
Office furnished the following table (December 16, 1918), showing
the total number of white and colored men called under the Selective
Service Draft Regulations during the entire war as shown by States:
State White Colored
Alabama 36,172 25,674
Arizona 8,308 77
Arkansas 33,217 17,544
California * 71,026 919
68
SCOTT'S
OFFICIAL HISTOEY
n i J 24178 371
Colorado ' °
Connecticut 33,802
Delaware ! 3.8™ ^65
District of Columbia 6,576 4,000
Florida 12>769 12>904
Georgia 34,748 34,303
Idaho 13,222 95
Illinois 178,036 6,754
Indiana 70,701 4,579
Iowa 70,899 929
Kansas 43,761 2,127
Kentucky 48,977 11,320
Louisiana 29,230 28,711
Maine 16,415 50
Maryland 26,211 9,212
Massachusetts 82,765 1,200
Michigan 99,027 2,395
Minnesota 76,406 511
Mississippi 21,182 24,066
Missouri 67,920 .9,219
Montana 27,965 198
Nebraska 31,520 642
Neva-da 3,227 26
New Hampshire 9,174 27
New Jersey 69,974 4,863
New Mexico 9,082 51
New York 260,759 6,193
North Carolina 40,740 20,082
North Dakota 19,087 87
Ohio 139,695 7,861
Oklahoma !.... 61,287 5,694
Oregon 18,182 68
Pennsylvania 197,336 15,392
Ehode Island 11,785 291
South Carolina 19,909 25 798
South Dakota 22,132 ' g2
Tennessee 44,405 17 774
IVT 91,583 31'>ws
Utah llj631
Vermont
Virginia 37^95
77
7,294 22
23,541
THE NEGRO
IN THE NATIONAL ARMY
69
Washington
30,912
173
West Virginia
41,362
5,492
Wisconsin
75,261
224
Wyoming
8,095
95
Alaska
1,957
5
Hawaii
5,523
• • • •
Porto Rico •
15,787
....
Totals
2,442,586
367,710
Of the colored men who were classified, 51.65 per cent were put
in Class I, while of the whites between the same dates who were
registered 32.53 per cent were put in Class I.
The Provost Marshal General at some length offers an explana¬
tion of the high figures for colored registrants in Class I, but the
essential fact stands that under the. Selective Service Regulations
51.65 per cent of the colored registration was placed in Class I,
while only 32.53 per cent of the whites were so classified. The Pro¬
vost Marshal General in his Second Annual Report to the Secretary
of War discusses "The Negro in Relation to the Draft." Officially
he states:
"The part that has been played by the Negro in the great
world drama upon which the curtain is now about to fall is but another t
proof of the complete unity of the various elements that go to make
up this great Nation. Passing through the sad and rigorous expe¬
rience of slavery; ushered into a sphere of civil and political activity
where he was to match his endeavors with those of his former
masters still embittered by defeat, gradually working his way toward
the achievement of success that would enable both him and the world
to justify his new life of freedom; surrounded for over half a century
of his new life by the spectre of that slavedom through which he had
for centuries past laboriously toiled; met continuously by the pre¬
judice born of tradition; still the slave, to a large extent, of super¬
stition fed by ignorance—in the light of this history, some doubt was
felt and expressed, by the best friends of the Negro, when the call
came for a draft upon the man-power of the Nation, whether he
would possess sufficient stamina to measure up to the full duty of
citizenship, and would give to the Stars and Stripes, that had guar¬
anteed for him the same liberty now sought for all nations and all
70 SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
races, the response that was its due. And, on the part of many of
the leaders of the Negro race, there was apprehension that the sense
of fair play and fair dealing, which is so essentially an American
characteristic, would not, nay could not, in a country of such diver¬
sified views, with sectional feeling still slumbering but not dead, he
meted out to the members of the colored race.
"How groundless such fears, how ill considered such doubts,
may be seen from the statistical record of the draft with relation to
the Negro. His race furnished its quota, and uncomplainingly, yes,
cheerfully. History, indeed, will be unable to record the fullness
of his spirit in the war, for the reason that opportunities for enlist¬
ment were not opened to him to the same extent as to the whites.
But enough can be gathered from the records to show that he was
filled with the same feeling of patriotism, the same martial spirit,
that fired his white fellow citizen in the cause for world freedom.
No Discrimination Shown
4'As a general rule, he was fair in his dealings with draft
officials; and in the majority of cases, having the assistance of his
white employers, he was able to present fairly such claims for defer¬
ment or discharge as he may have had, for the consideration of the
various draft boards. In consequence, there appears to have been
no racial discrimination made in the determination of his claims.
Indeed, the proportion of claims granted to claims filed by mem¬
bers of the Negro race compares favorably with the proportion of
claims granted to members of the white race.
"That the men of the colored race were as ready to serve as their
white neighbors is amply proved by the reports from the local
boards. A Pennsylvania board; remarking upon the eagerness of
its colored registrants to be inducted, illustrated this by the action
of one registrant, who, upon learning that his employer had had
him placed upon the Emergency fleet list, quit his job. Another
registrant, who was believed by the board to be above draft age
insisted that he was not, and, in stating that he was not married'
explained that he 'wanted only one war at a time.' '
General Crowder requested a statement as to the cooperation
shown the office of the Special Assistant to the Secretary of War
by the Provost Marshal General's office in the matter of selective
THE NEGRO IN THE NATIONAL ARMY
71
service administration as it affected the Negro people, especially in
reference to complaints which were from time to time received from
his office. He quotes in his Report the following extract from a
memorandum written to him by the Special Assistant under date of
December 12, 1918:
" 'Throughout my tenure here I have keenly appreciated the
prompt and cordial co-operation of the Provost Marshal General's
office with that particular section of the office of the Secretary of
War especially referred to herein. The Provost Marshal General's
office has carefully investigated and has furnished full and complete
reports in each and every complaint or case referred to it for atten¬
tion, involving discrimination, race prejudice, erroneous classifi¬
cation of draftees, etc., and has rectified these complaints whenever
it was found, upon investigation, that there was just ground for the
same. Especially in the matter of applying and carrying out the
Selective Service Regulations, the Provost Marshal General's Office
has kept a watchful eye upon certain local exemption boards which
seemed disinclined to treat Negro draftees on the same basis as
other Americans subject to the draft law. It is an actual fact that
in a number of instances, where flagrant violations have occurred
in the application of the draft law to Negro men in certain sections
of the country, local exemption boards have been removed bodily
and new boards have been appointed to supplant them. In several
instances these boards so appointed have been ordered by the Pro¬
vost Marshal General to reclassify colored men who had been unlaw¬
fully conscripted into the Army or who had been wrongfully classi¬
fied; as a result of this action hundreds of colored men have had
their complaints remedied and have been properly reclassified.'
The Special Assistant also ventured in the same memorandum
which Gen. Crowder quotes, to say:
" 'In a word, I believe that the Negro's participation in the war,
his eagerness to serve, and his great courage and demonstrated
valor across the seas, have given him a new idea of Americanism
and likewise have given to the white people of our country a new
idea of his citizenship, his real character and capabilities, and his
100 per cent Americanism. Incidentally, the Negro has been helped
in many ways, physically and mentally and has been made into an
even more satisfactory asset to the Nation.' "
72 SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
A Problem for the War Department
In view of the restiveness which obtained in the South with
reference to sending colored soldiers into the training camps an
acute problem was presented to the War Department. Toward the
latter part of August, 1917, .a conference was held to discuss this
question. It was attended by a number of educators who were in
Washington for the purpose of being present at an Educational
Conference which had been called by Hon. P. P. Claxton, United
States Commissioner of Education, an appointment having been
made with the Secretary of War, at which conference the whole
question was discussed at some length. Present were Mr. George
Foster Peabody, New York, philanthropist and unfaltering friend
of the Negro; Mr. Oswald Garrison Yillard, then editor and owner
of the New York Evening Post; Dr. T. H. Harris, State Superin¬
tendent of Education for Louisiana; Dr. Thomas Jesse Jones of
the Phelps-Stokes Fund Foundation; and such prominent colored
men as Dr. Robert R. Moton, Principal of the Tuskegee Normal and
Industrial Institute; Dr. John Hope, President of Morehouse Col¬
lege; Bishop George W. Clinton of the A. M. E. Z. Church, and a
number of others, including the author. This conference was fol¬
lowed by another which was held by Mr. Peabody, Dr. Moton, and
the author, with Messrs. Walter Lippman and Felix Frankfurter,
who were advising the Secretary of War at that time in matters
relating to the colored people. At this latter conference it was. sub¬
stantially agreed that while the South might object to having col¬
ored men from Northern states sent into the various camps and
cantonments of the South, it could not well refuse an acceptance
of the principle of having such colored selectmen as might be called
in such states trained in the cantonments of the states in which
they lived.
Considerable hardship followed, however, as the result of this
principle; as, for instance, while Alabama has a large colored popu¬
lation, colored soldiers were not sent to Camp Sheridan, Alabama
where a camp was located, but instead were sent to Iowa because
Camp Sheridan was not a cantonment but a camp at which the Ohio
National Guardsmen were trained,—the colored battalion from Ohio
for a while, along with the whites; but the colored selectmen from
THE NEGRO IN THE NATIONAL ARMY
73
Alabama could not be trained at this camp under the program
agreed upon. Camp Gordon, Atlanta, Ga., however, was called upon
to accept colored registrants from Georgia because it was" a canton¬
ment rather than a camp, and the same thing wias true of Gamp
Jackson, South Carolina, to which colored selectmen of South
Carolina were assigned.
The first call for colored selectmen was under date of Septem¬
ber 22, 1917, the men being distributed as follows:
Approximately
To Camp Devens,* Ayer, Mass., its own colored quota 600
To Camp Upton, Yaphank, L. I., New York, its own . colored quota 5,800
To Camp Dix, "Wrightstown, N. J., its own colored quota and
Florida colored quota 4,500
To Camp Meade, Annapolis Junction, Md., its own colored quota
and Tennessee colored quota 6,100
To Camp Lee, Petersburg, Va., its own colored quota 6,300
To Camp Sherman, Chillicothe, Ohio, its own colored quota, and
Oklahoma colored quota 3,000
To Camp Jackson, Columbia, S. C., its own colored quota 5,900
To Camp Gordon, Atlanta, Ga., its own colored quota 9,000
To Camp Pike, Little Rock, Ark., its own colored quota, and
Louisiana colored quota 9,600
To Camp Custer, Battle Creek, Mich., its own colored quota 600
To Camp Grant, Rockford, 111., its own colored quota and North
Carolina colored quota 7,200
To Camp Taylor, Louisville, Ky., its own colored quota 3,000
To Camp Dodge, Des Moines, la., its own colored quota and
Alabama colored quota 6,600
To Camp Funston, Ft. Riley, Kas., its own colored quota and
Mississippi colored quota 8,300
To Camp Travis, Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, its own colored quota.. 6,500
To Camp Lewis, Washington, D. C., its own colored quota 400
Total 83,400
The effect of the above distribution was in many cases to throw,
in the beginning, the colored selectmen of Georgia, for instance,
with some 30,000 selectmen from the North and East; the same
thing was true at Camp Pike, Arkansas, to which some 30,000
Western selectmen were first sent. Under this program it was
74
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTOEY
proved that colored and white men could be trained together in
Southern camps without friction. Long before the nineteen months
of the war had ended, colored selectmen were being sent into prac¬
tically every camp in the South, and it is a matter of congratulation
to both races that no such friction and trouble followed as had been
feared beforehand.
The draft revealed the fact that the Negro could stand the high
physical tests of the Selective Service Regulations, a smaller pro¬
portion of his number proportionately being rejected than was true
of the rest of the composite American population. Americans
generally were more or less amazed to find that the Negro not only
Btood up physically, but that in many important respects where
he was supposed to be itoff color" his record stood the test
CHAPTER VI
A CRITICAL SITUATION IN THE CAMPS
Race Problems that Had to be Solved—Fear of the Southern Whites
that Trouble would Follow the Training of Negro Troops in
the South—Situation Complicated by the Houston Riot—Protest
of the Governor of South Carolina—Dr. Scott Called to Spartan¬
burg, S. C., to Allay Trouble There—How the Negro Soldier
Finally Won the Respect and Confidence of the South.
Secretary Baker would not brook discrimination against colored
soldiers. It is of official record that at no time during the war
period did the Secretary of War give countenance to the practice
of discrimination against colored soldiers because of their race.
On the contrary, there are many instances which may be cited to
prove that he was sincerely and vigorously opposed to any exhibi¬
tion of race prejudice, and that officers and men have met with
severe and condign punishment for acts in contravention of justice
to the colored defenders of the flag.
It will be remembered that just after the Houston riot in Texas,
during the month of August, 1917, there was a common feeling
throughout the South that no more colored troops should be sta¬
tioned on Southern soil. Many problems, therefore, had to be solved
in connection with sending the Negro soldiers into the various
camps. There was the fear, ill concealed in the North as well as in
the South, that if Negro soldiers, in large numbers, were sent into
any particular camp they would be a menace to the surrounding
population and to peace and order.
When the time came to call colored troops under the draft, so
strongly did some of the Southern States feel on this subject that
officials and citizens visited Washington to protest against such
troops being sent into their States for training. This was notably
true of South Carolina, a visit to Washington being made by
Governor Manning, who most strongly conveyed to the War Depart-
75
76
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
merit the feeling of the citizens of that commonwealth. The War
Department, however, adhered to its policy of sending colored
units of National Guard organizations to the camps where such
National Guard Divisions were to be trained, whether it happened
to be in the North or the South.
Under this program it so happened that the 8th Illinois Regi¬
ment, colored, was sent with the remainder of the Illinois National
Guard to Camp Logan, Houston, Texas, where the riot, just referred
to, had occurred in August of the same year. The 8th Illinois was
commanded from Colonel to corporal by colored officers, Col. Frank¬
lin A. Denison being in command. The old fires of resentment
were rekindled and it was difficult to predict what would follow.
Col. Denison, himself a native of Texas and an attorney who had
won wide prestige as Assistant City Prosecuting Attorney, and
afterwards Assistant Corporation Counsel of Chicago, handled his
men wisely and well, and no outbreaks occurred between the white
citizens of the town and these colored soldiers who were being
trained for service overseas. Week by week during the course of
the training Col. Denison and his men won the confidence of the
best white and colored citizenship of the town. He asked for a
"square deal" for his men, and he resolved that they should not
suffer because of the former riot, with which they had nothing to
do, although at several places en route to Houston from Illinois
they were jeered at along the way, stoned in one or two places,
and a riot was barely averted at a way station in Texas.
The Ninth Ohio was sent to Camp Sheridan, Montgomery,
Alabama, the capital of the Confederacy, along with the Ohio
National Guard Division. Organizations of colored citizens under
the leadership of Mr. Victor II. Tulane, a trustee of Tuskegee
Institute and friend and counselor of the late Booker T. Washing¬
ton, took charge of the matter of bringing the colored and white
people of the city into agreement so that there should be no un¬
toward incident while the Ohio battalion was at Montgomery.
A change as to sentiment soon followed among the citizens of
various cities throughout the South where National Guard Camps
or National Army Cantonments were located, when the colored
soldiers began to show by their demeanor that they were bent upon
serious business and that they were disposed to go about their
CRITICAL SITUATION IN THE CAMPS
77
business without molesting the common citizenship, asking only
that they in turn be not unfairly treated.
It is to the credit of the South that outside of the common
friction which always occurs where any group of soldiers are gath¬
ered, whether they be white or black, no clash of the kind feared
took place during the whole period of the training. City officials,
judges, and chiefs of police began to $peak irf the highest terms of
the men, expressing in nearly every instance great surprise that
none of the anticipated troubles had occurred. The relations be¬
tween the colored and white soldiers in the camps, with rare excep¬
tions, were pleasant and friendly; and where those exceptions
occurred it was due more or less to the policies pursued by such
authorities as were fearful of untoward results rather than to any
other reason.
Shortly after the Special Assistant was called to service, the
Secretary of War held a conference with Mr. Raymond B. Fosdick,
Chairman of the Commission on Training Camp Activities, and
the author, making a survey of the whole situation with reference
to the presence of these colored men in the various camps and
cantonments and expressing the hope and idea that the Commission
on Training Camp Activities would make full provision for the
entertainment, recreation, and amusement of colored soldiers, such
as was being provided for white soldiers. Mr. Fosdick, as the
responsible executive officer of this important work, most enthusi¬
astically developed and carried out this program. His representa¬
tives in the various States cooperated, more or less slowly to begin
with, but in the end most enthusiastically, to provide proper recrea¬
tion and amusement for colored as well as for white. It is a fact
to be noted, however, that the War Camp Community Service
organization made provision for colored soldiers in only one city
during the first seven months after they were drafted, but between
May, 1918, and August 5 of the same year, six or eight clubs were
opened in various cities.
Military Training An Educational Uplift
While the Field Signal Battalion and some of the Headquarters
companies of the 92nd Division were composed of specially trained
enlisted men, and well educated men selected from the draft, there
78
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
was an amazing amount of illiteracy when the Division was rs
organized. As the trains from the South brought the men into e
camps during the bleak days of November, 1917, they were a
spectacle to behold. Hundreds coming directly from the cotton and
corn fields or the lumber and mining districts—frightened, slow-
footed, slack-shouldered, many underfed, apprehensive, knowing
little of the purpose for which they were being assembled^ and
possibly caring less—the officers but recently from the training
camp received them.
The task of making soldiers of such raw material presented a
most discouraging problem. Night school with the veriest rudi¬
ments of elementary training and talks on the simple rules of better
living and army sanitation were conducted by the officers of every
organization in connection with the daily drill schedules. The
officers of the 92nd Division determined to make men of this
material, men capable of occupying a larger place in the community
life at the same time that they were making soldiers of them, fitted
to fill the place in a modern fighting machine such as was being built
by the United States Army. Without exception the men showed
that they were eager to learn; and as the stoop came out of their
spines, the shamble from their gait, they learned to read and write
their names. On the first pay-roll of one regiment of the 92nd
Division 90 per cent of the men being unable to write, made their
marks. Five months of night school eliminated this condition and
in its place came smartness in drill, cleanliness in billets, discipline,
a pride in the uniform, respect for the flag, and the ability to sign
their names to the pay-rolls. When that same regiment which had
had 90 per cent of its members unable to write their names was on
its return trip South to be mustered out of the service, Red Cross
workers in two cities marveled at the improvement in the men's
appearance, some doubting that they were the same men who had
passed these points going into the draft. The difference was not
one of appearance alone, for every one of those same men gave
Uncle Sam a receipt in his own handwriting for his final pay and
was capable of correcting any error that might have been made by
the clerk.
All of the new influences which the colored soldier met in the
camp conspired to give him a new vision, and the testimony from
CRITICAL SITUATION IN THE CAMPS
79
such widely separated points as Camp Dodge, Ft. Des Moines, Iowa,
and several of the camps in the South will illustrate the change
which soon came to be noted as to the conduct and demeanor of the
colored soldier.
Collier's Weekly dispatched one of its staff contributors,
William Slavens McNutt, to make a round of all the camps and
cantonments and to report conditions as he found them. In one of
these articles entitled, "Making Soldiers in Dixie," Mr. McNutt
devoted considerable space to the description of the change which
was taking place in the Southern cities and towns, and even in some
of the Southern camps where colored soldiers and Southern white
men were being trained for overseas service. In this article Mr.
McNutt reported visits made by him to two Southern camps and
paid many compliments to the Negro soldiers because of their
solemn attitude toward the war and the earnestness with which
they undertook and passed through the ordeal of training.
A Situation at Spartanburg, S. C.
But it was not all easy sailing in all the camps and there was
considerable jarring from time to time and enlightening wisdom
and firmness were required to overcome certain threatening situa¬
tions. One of these stands out in my memory particularly just
now, and is probably being related for the first time. At Spartan¬
burg, South Carolina, where the New York National Guard units
were being trained, there developed a little trouble. The 15th New
York Regiment (colored) under command of Col. William Hayward,
which regiment afterwards came to be known as the 369th, won
enduring fame in France, being the first colored combat regiment to
go overseas. On October 22, 1917, Col. Hayward eame personally
to the War Department to place before it the highly inflammable
situation existing at Spartanburg, South Carolina, near which city
Camp Wadsworth was located. Spartanburg is a small Southern
city which closely follows what are usually regarded as Southern
traditions and prejudices in the treatment of the Negro. Some of
its citizens rather felt that something was needed to let the jaunty
Negro soldiers from New York "know their place," and so one
Sunday evening when a colored soldier, Noble Sissle by namej
stepped into a white hotel to buy a New York newspaper, the pro-
80
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
prietor walked up to him, it is stated, and with an oath demande
to know why he did not remove his hat. Sissle, holding the news¬
paper in one hand and his change in the other, did not quickly
enough respond to the demand and his hat was knocked from his
head. When he reached down to pick it up and arose he was all
but felled by a blow, and as he retreated toward the door was kicked
by the irate proprietor. On the sidewalk, awaiting Sissle's return,
was Lieut. James R. Europe, a colored officer, "bandmaster of the
15th New York Regiment. A group of colored and white militiamen
'1 rushed*' the hotel, but were i'called to attention" by Lieut
Europe, who demanded that the crowd disperse.
The New York militiamen expressed themselves as being vio¬
lently opposed to the treatment which had been visited upon Sissle;
and so the next night a group of these soldiers banded together and
began marching to Spartanburg, several miles away, to "shoot it
up" as the soldiers &t Houston had "shot up" that town after the
clash with the Houston police in the August preceding.
It was only because of Col. Hayward's courage and firmness in
overtaking these men, and in safely bringing them back to camp
that another Houston riot was for the moment averted.
The feeling grew more and more intense, however, and Col.
Hayward, to ward off another "situation," came to the "War
Department. The Special Assistant to the Secretary of War was
hastily summoned by the Secretary of War and ordered to proceed
to Spartanburg. The atmosphere, it was easily observed, was
surcharged. Col. Hayward called his officers together, advised them
of the object of the mission of the Special Assistant to the Secretary
of War and had all non-commissioned officers of the regiment
assemble. Col. Hayward then withdrew and carried with him every
commissioned officer of the regiment. Non-commissioned officers
usually prove themselves to be the backbone of a regiment and it
was these men that Col. Hayward desired I should address. These
men and the Special Assistant to the Secretary of War were thus
left alone to discuss the delicate situation face to face and in the
frankest way possible. My address to these men was an appeal
and admonition to do nothing that would bring dishonor or stain
to the regiment or to the race which they represented; that what¬
ever of violence they should do in the present difficulty would only
CRITICAL SITUATION IN THE CAMPS
81
react upon their race throughout the country, and that the situation
was potentially dangerous, in that it was hardly to be expected
that the country would stand for another riot of the Houston char¬
acter, despite the fact that the men, when visiting the town, had
suffered rebuffs and mistreatment which had tried their patience
and caused them to wish to visit violence upon the community.
As the Special Assistant now recalls that dramatic setting in
the late afternoon of that Fall day, there is nothing in the service
rendered by him in the War Department which he remembers more
vividly, or as being more serviceable than that appeal addressed to
these men, that they should listen to the counsel of patience for the
Great Cause, even in the face'of studied insult and maltreatment.
Afterward many of the men, with tears streaming down their faces,
approached him and voiced how bitterly they felt in the face of the
insults which had been heaped upon them from time to time as they
passed through the town, but at the same time they told him of
their willingness to listen to the counsel which had been addressed
to them for the sake of the Negro race, and for all that was at stake
for it and the country during the war.
The War Department faced three situations: It could keep
the regiment at Camp Wadsworth and face an eruption, and pos¬
sibly further anger the white citizens who were opposing the reten¬
tion of the regiment there, while at the same time inflaming the
men of the regiment and many of the white New York guardsmen
who were restive under the treatment accorded the colored soldiers,
or the regiment could be removed to another camp and thereby
convey the intimation that whenever any community put forward
sufficient pressure, the War Department would respond thereto
and remove soldiers from such location, whether they had given
provocation for such demand or not. As a third alternative the
Department could order the regiment overseas. The latter alterna¬
tive was decided upon, and soon after reaching New York the 15th
New York was on its way overseas.
The story of its wanderings from camp to camp in America,
of its ship breaking down after being two days at sea, and of its
return to New York harbor, of its finally reaching France, and of
the glorious record it achieved as the 369th Infantry will be re¬
counted again and again by the heroic survivors for years to come.
CHAPTER VII
COLORED OFFICERS AND HOW THEY WERE TRAINED
First 0fleers' Training Camp for Colored Men at Fort Des Moines,
Iowa—Major J. E. Spingarn's Fight for the Establishment of
This Camp—Methods of Training Reserve Officers—Negro
Educational Institutions Furnish Personnel—Seven Hundred
Colored Officers Commissioned at Fort Des Moines.
While the great nations in Europe were flooding the continent
with human blood, leaders in American political thought saw that
the United States would sooner or later become a partner in the
great cataclysm. The weakness of our Army and Navy crystallized
into a national slogan, "Preparedness." Accordingly, several
leading citizens in New York and vicinity organized a civilian camp
at Plattsburg, N. Y. The purpose of this camp was to fit men to
take examinations for commissioned officers for the new National
Army which was inevitable. The Government endorsed the propo¬
sition and furnished aid to the extent of upkeep and living expenses
during the period of training.
But "Plattsburg" was a voluntary—almost a social camp, and
true to American tradition no colored men could be admitted to
such a camp with white men. When the United States entered the
great European war, Congress authorized the establishment of a
number of training camps for white officers, the number to be left to
the discretion of the Secretary of War. No provision was made
for the training of colored officers. After repeated efforts of
various kinds, a committee composed of representative citizens,
headed by Dr. Joel E. Spingarn of New York City, held a confer¬
ence with the military authorities. The efforts of the committee
were fruitless for the time being, at least, and the committee was
dissolved. The project was later taken up by the students of
Howard University together with a few members of the faculty
COLORED OFFICERS AND THEIR TRAINING 83
and students from^ other colleges, from Lincoln University, Fisk Uni¬
versity, Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Tuskegee Normal
and Industrial Institute, Hampton Agricultural and Industrial Insti¬
tute, Virginia Union Seminary, and Morgan College.
Efforts of Dr. Spingarn
Dr. Joel E. Spingarn consulted Gen. Leonard Wood, who was
at this time in charge of the Eastern Department, Governor's
Island, New York, about the establishment of a "Plattsburg" for
colored men. General Wood gave assurance that the same aid and
assistance could be given a camp for colored men that were given
the camp for white men, provided 200 men of college grade could
be secured. Dr. Spingarn set out upon a vigorous campaign, send¬
ing letters and circulars in every direction and personally visiting
Howard University and kindred institutions. Success crowned his
indefatigable industry, but not without great opposition.
Dr. Spingarn's efforts, by many of the important newspapers
and leaders of the race, were referred to as being designed to
bring about the establishment of a "Jim Crow Camp" for training
colored officers. The agitation grew quite violent at times, par¬
ticularly because of the fact that Dr. Spingarn was Chairman of the
Executive Committee of the National Association for the Advance¬
ment of Colored People, an organization generally regarded as
standing uncompromisingly for the rights of the Negro people. In
his efforts to secure the establishment of this camp Dr. Spingarn
had the cooperation of his aide, Dr. W. E. B. DuBois, Editor of
The Crisis, also regarded as an uncompromising champion of the
Negro, and of Col. Charles Young, United States Army, and such
virile speakers and leaders as William Pickens and others. The
agitation among the Negro group and the recognized friends of the
Negro grew so warm that for a while divided counsels threatened
the establishment of a camp. Whether through a fortunate or
unfortunate turn of circumstances, while this agitation was at its
height, Congress declared that a state of war existed between the
United States and the Imperial German Government. Immediately,
civilian training camps were abolished and fourteen Government
camps were established for the training of officers.
Strange and paradoxical as it may seem, America, while
84
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
fighting for the democratization of the peoples of far-off Europe,
was denying democracy to a part—an honest, loyal and patriotic
part—of her citizens at home. Fourteen camps were instituted
for the training of WHITE officers—none for colored officers, nor
were colored men admitted to any of the fourteen camps.
The next best thing seemed to he a separate camp. The
students were joined by faculty members and an executive com¬
mittee was organized with Prof. T. Montgomery Gregory as Chair¬
man. Colored men were fighting the Government in order to wring
from it permission to fight for.it. The President and Deans of the
University gave full cooperation. A convention of the student body
was called on Tuesday, May 1, 1917, when money was raised by
students and faculty for the dispatch of delegates to take up this
matter with the student bodies of various schools.
At the suggestion of Prof. Gregory, the Executive Committee
was transformed into the Central Committee of Negro College
Men with Mr. C. Benjamin Curley as Secretary, and an office was
opened in the basement of Howard University Chapel. The work
was so organized that the secretary was in control of the situation
at all times and his office became the radiating center from which
the latest information was flashed throughout the country. Letters
and telegrams flooded the office in quest of details and instructions.
The delegates announced success in obtaining in ten days, 1,500
names to be presented according to agreement, to the War Depart¬
ment as a justification for the appeal for an "Officers' Reserve
Training Camp for Colored Men."
Meanwhile the committee interviewed Congressmen, leaving
a copy of the following card on each Congressman's desk:
TRAINING CAMP FOR NEGRO OFFICERS
Our country faces the greatest crisis in its history; the Negro, as ever,
loyal and patriotic, is anxious to do his full share in the defense and sup¬
port of his country in its fight for democracy. The Negro welcomes the
opportunity of contributing his full quota to the Federal army now bein<*
organized. He feels very strongly that these Negro troops should be
officered by their own men. The following statement presents the facts
upon which we base our request for an officers' reserve training camp for
Negroes.
COLORED OFFICERS AND THEIR TRAINING
85
1 (a) Fourteen officers' training camps are. to be opened on May 14,
1917, to provide officers for the new Federal Army.
(b) No officers are to be commissioned unless they receive training in
one of these fourteen training camps:
(c) The War Department has stated that it is impracticable to admit
Negroes to the fourteen established camps;
2 (a) The Negro is to furnish his proportionate quota in this army;
(b) It seems just that the competent and intelligent Negroes should
have the opportunity to lead these troops;
(c) One thousand Negro college students and graduates have already
pledged themselves to enter such a training camp immediately;
(d) In addition men in the medical profession desire to qualify for
service in the Medical Corps, and there are other competent men ready to
qualify for other specialized corps provided for;
(e) Records of Negro officers and troops warrant the. provision for
Negro officers to lead Negro troops.
Lieut. Col. Young, Major Loving
Capt. Davis Major Walker
3. Therefore, the Negro race requests the establishment of an officers'
reserve training camp for Negroes.
Central Committee of Negro College Men.
Signed:
Frank Coleman, Chicago, T. M. Gregory, Harvard,
W. Douglas, Lincoln, C. H. Houston, Amherst,
W. A. Hall, Union, L. H. Russell, Cornell,
M. H. Curtis, Howard, C. B. Curley, General Secretary,
Howard University, Washington, D. C.
Over 300 Senators and Bepresentatives signified approval, and
the War Department was soon the center of a storm of telephone
calls and personal interviews.
The colored churches in the District of Columbia were inter¬
ested. Dr. J. E. Moorland advised that the Y. M. C. A. branches
throughout the country be used as recruiting stations, a valuable
suggestion which was readily accepted. Frequent mass meetings
were held by the Howard students; and when additional funds
were needed a concert was given in the chapel. A little later the
University Dramatic Club repeated its performance of "Disraeli"
through the courtesy of the management of the Howard Theater,
at which time over $125 was raised.
86
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
With 1,500 names in the hands of the War Department on
May 7, the campaign became more heated. Press articles were sent
out by the committee. The following is one of a large variety:
"the colored people op the country making strenuous efforts to secure
training camp for colored officers.
Headquarters and Recruiting Station at Howard University.
"According to the best authorities about 83,000 Negroes will be drafted for
the New Federal Army. The Negroes welcome this opportunity of serving
their country, and sharing their full responsibilities in this time of national
periL They feel, however, that Negro troops thus raised should be officered
by men of their own race and are making strenuous efforts to secure a
training camp in which such officers can be prepared. The War Depart¬
ment has stated that it is impracticable to admit Negroes to the fourteen
camps for officers to be opened on May 14, 1917. And it has also
stated that no officers are to be commissioned unless they receive training
in one of these camps. This means that unless some provision is made
whereby colored men may be trained for officers these 83,000 Negro troops
will be officered exclusively by white officers; and that Negroes qualified
both mentally and physically to serve as officers will be forced under the
conscription law to serve as privates. The colored man is willing and
ready to carry out the duties imposed upon him as an American citizen,
and feels that he should be given the same opportunities in the perform¬
ance of these duties as are given to other American, citizens. The Negroes
from every section are requesting that the Government provide means
whereby colored officers may be trained. The appeal is just, reasonable,
and practicable. The proposition is squarely up to the Government. This
is no time for sectional differences and race prejudice and the highest
patriotism demands that every American citizen be given the opportunity
to serve his country in the capacity for which he is best fitted.
'' Over one thousand colored men have sent their names to their
headquarters at Howard University, and hundreds of others are arriving
by mail and telegrams.
"Why should not colored troops be officered by colored men? Their
records show them to be competent and efficient, and to deny any class of
citizens the opportunity of rendering its best service belies the very theory
of our democracy, and the basic principle for which the present war is
waged. Our American statesmen should frown upon any procedure that
does not offer an equal opportunity for all at all times, but more especially
at a time when our country is faced by a foreign foe."
COLORED OFFICERS AND THEIR TRAINING
87
An important conference was held in Washington with Dr.
Robert R. Moton, Principal, and Mr. Emmett J. Scott, Secretary
of the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, by Dean George
W. Cook and Professor T. Montgomery Gregory of Howard Uni¬
versity and the valued support of Tuskegee Institute enlisted in
behalf of the Officers' Reserve Training Camp. The work in Con¬
gress was kept up. Communications were sent to President Wilson,
Secretary Lansing, Secretary Baker, and other Cabinet officers.
Finally there were two important conferences: the one at the
War College where President Newman of Howard University,
Deans Miller, Cook and Moore, Professors Tunnell and Gregory,
Mr. H. E. Moore, Doctors Marshall and Cabannis met and dis¬
cussed the matter with Major Kingman, then head of the War
College; the other with Secretary Baker the following day, when
he practically assured the same committee of the establishment
of the camp.
"The question of location, it was said, was the only remaining
obstacle; to offset this the grounds and buildings of Howard Uni¬
versity were offered by the authorities, but were not accepted for
various reasons. .The tension was then at its height and just as a
more extensive campaign was about to be launched President
Newman was notified that the camp would be established. This
happened about 7 P. M., May 12, 1917.
"The authorization of the camp brought joy unspeakable to
the hearts of the committee and students. Smiles and handshakes
soon made the campus seem like an old-fashioned Methodist prayer
meeting and the news was heralded far and wide. The following
was sent to all those who had submitted their names:
" 'Dear Sir:
" 'The "War Department has announced that a camp to which colored
men can be admitted to be trained as officers will be established at Fort
Des Moines, Iowa, June 15th. Twelve hundred fifty men will be admitted.
Two hundred fifty will be selected from the regular army and one thou¬
sand from the various states and the District of Columbia on a pro rata
basis. The camp will be organized and maintained on the same regula¬
tions as all the other camps now in operation.
" 'There will be recruiting stations throughout the country to which
applicants must report for physical and mental examinations. The mental
88
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
training will be rigid and none but thoroughly qualified men ought to
apply.
" 'Successful applicants must pay their transportation to the camp.
They will be reimbursed at the rate of 3cents per mile from their
homes to Des Moines by the shortest route. The men will be. paid while
in camp but the exact amount has not yet been determined. Additional
information will be given to the Press as soon as the War Department
issues it. "Watch the papers from this date. The race is on trial. Come
to camp determined to make good.
" 'Yours truly,
C. Benj. Curley,
General Secretary,
Central Committee of Negro College Men.'
Howard University,
Washington, D. C.
May 23, 1917.
"Of the 1500 names submitted, these were almost without
exception men from colleges and averaged between 18 and 25.
The War Department in the interim suggested that in as far as
possible only men between 25 and 40 be included. This meant
additional work, but the committee met it cheerfully and aug¬
mented its already widely advertised propaganda by numerous
press articles. The following is one of the many:
" 'Howard University,
" 'Washington, D. C.r
" 'May 24, 1917
" 'Dear Brother:
" 'A Reserve Officers' Training Camp, accommodating 1250, at Des
Moines, Iowa, for Colored men, to start June 15th. Such was the official
announcement of the War Department last Saturday, May 19th.
" 'Stop but a moment, brother, and realize what this means. At
present, we have only three officers of the line in the army; in less than
four months we shall have 1250 officers. Our due recognition at last.
But no one who was not in the fight knows what a struggle we had to
obtain the camp. Only a few of those in authority would support the
project; most of them did not want to consider it; and the remainder were
bitterly against it. "Why waste time trying to train Negroes to be
officers," they said, "when the Negro can't fight unless he is led by white
officers?" The truth is, the Negro has had no chance to fight under his
COLORED OFFICERS AND THEIR TRAINING
89
own leadership. Now the chance has come; the greatest opportunity since
the Civil War. But what if we fail? Eternal disgrace! Our enemies
will say forever: "Oh, yes, the Ninth and Tenth were uneducated men;
but just as soon as the Negro gets a little education he becomes a coward."
There is a terrible responsibility resting upon us. The Government has
challenged the Negro race to prove its worth, particularly the worth of its
educated leaders. We must succeed and pour into the camp in over¬
whelming numbers. Let no man slack.
" 'Some few people have opposed the camp as a "Jim Crow" camp;
they say we are sacrificing principle for policy. Let them talk. This
camp is no more "Jim Crow" than our newspapers, our churches, our
schools. In fact, it is less '"Jim Crow" than our other institutions, for here
the Government has assured us of exactly the same recognition, treatment,
instruction and pay as men in any other camp get. The Government
bears all expenses, including transportation, uniform, and keep; and, in
addition, pays a salary of- not less than $75 a month while in training.
When commissioned, the lowest salary is $145 a month. But the salary,
though not to be despised, is not the fundamental element. Our great
task is to meet the challenge hurled at our race. Can we furnish officers
to lead our own troops into battle; or will they have to go again (and if
they have to go now, they will go forever) under white officers?
" 'Let us not mince matters; the race is on trial. It needs every one
of its red-blooded, sober minded men. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, business
men, and all men who have graduated from high school. Let the college
student and graduate come and demonstrate by their presence the prin¬
ciples of virtue and courage learned in the academic halls. Up, brother,
our race is calling.
" 'We *cannot tell you how to register just now; but in a few days
we shall know everything. What you are to do NOW is to send this letter
to another brother and tell him to do the same, to pass the word along, and
to stir up all the enthusiasm in your district. Watch all the papers and
when you see news distribute it. Look for all bulletins; and, above all,
be ready!
" 'Just think a moment how serious the situation is. Peal the war
tocsin; stand by the race. If we fail, our enemies will dub us COWARDS
for all time; and we can never win our rightful place. But if we succeed—
then eternal success; a mighty and far-reaching step forward; 1250
Colored Army officers leading Negro troops. Look to the future, brother,
the Vision is glorious!
" 'Ever your brothers,
" 'Central Committee op Negro College Men.' "
90
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
As a result of these persistent efforts a training camp for colored
officers was authorized by the Secretary of War on the 19th of
May and soon thereafter the candidates for commissions set out
for Fort Des Moines, Iowa, where they were to undergo training.
The Honorable Champ Clark, Speaker of the House of ^ Representa¬
tives, said that this marked "an epoch in American history and a
new day for the Negro."
The student officers were put through weeks of intensive train¬
ing under Col. C. C. Ballou, his staff, and a group of colored non¬
commissioned officers from the four colored regiments of the
Regular Army. The Presidents and other officers of the various
colored institutions of learning whose officers, teachers and stu¬
dents were in training visited the camp and spoke to the officer-
candidates. Dr. George W. Cabannis, a colored physician of
Washington, D. C., voluntarily gave up his practice and enlisted
in the Y. M. C. A. work as a Secretary, and took charge of the
Y. M. C. A. tent at Ft. Des Moines, working in closest cooperation
with Col. Ballou and his military aides.
It was expected that the training would last three months.
At the end of that period, however, the War Department decided
to continue training for another month. Suspicion became rife
among the men; many of them dropped out, giving as a reason
that "the War Department never intended to commission colored
men as officers in the army."
There were only a few of those faint-hearted fellows, however;
the great majority remained, and on October 14, 1917, Col. W. T.
Johnson of the Adjutant General's Office arrived at Ft. Des
Moines with commissions for 639 officers,—106 captains; 329 first
lieutenants, and 204 second lieutenants.
_ On that day, October 14, 1917, amidst impressive ceremonies,
the 17th Provisional Training Regiment, as the Fort Des Moines
Training Camp was called, was formed on the drill-grottod facing
the Administration building; here with bared heads and uplifted
hands these 639 members of the regiment (the unsuccessful mem¬
bers having been dismissed) took the solemn oath which was
administered by Col. Johnson, Chief of the Division of Training
Camps, War Department.
On the next day, October 15, the successful candidates received
COLORED OFFICERS AND THEIR TRAINING
91
commissions and were ordered to report after fifteen days' leave
of absence to their respective camps. In equally divided groups
the 639 officers were sent to the following camps, reporting for
duty on the 1st of November, 1917: Camp Funston, Kansas;
Camp Dodge, Iowa; Camp Grant, Illinois; Camp Sherman, Ohio;
Camp Meade, Maryland; Camp Dix, New Jersey; Camp Upton,
New York.
It was at these widely distributed camps that the various units
of the 92d Division (the authorized colored Division) were trained.
Some of the difficulties which befell the 92d Division are to be
ascribed to the fact that the units of the Division were never
united until they reached France, being trained in the seven camps
here mentioned; this was true of no other division of the army
sent overseas.
On October 15, 1917, impressive exercises were held in the
Y. M. C. A. tent, Dr. George W. Cabannis of Washington, D. C.,
presiding, following the bestowal of the ^commissions. A program
had been hastily arranged. Addresses were made by Brigadier
General C. C. Ballou, who had started the training at Fort Des
Moines and who had been made a Brigadier General and assigned
to Fort Dodge; by Col. Hunt, who had succeeded Col. Ballou in
charge of the 17th Provisional Training Regiment training camp;
by Dr. Daniel Hale Williams of Chicago, Illinois, who was present
as a visitor, and by one or two officers of the 17th Regiment
Training Camp. The Special Assistant to the Secretary of War
also spoke upon this occasion, having been detailed by the Secre¬
tary of War to represent him at the exercises in connection with
the bestowal of the commissions.
CHAPTEE VIII
TREATMENT OF NEGRO SOLDIERS IN CAMP
Men from the South Sent to Northern Camps to Face a Hard
Winter—Attempts at Discrimination Against Negro Soldiers
and Officers—Firm Stand of the Secretary of War Against
Race Discrimination—General Ballou's "Bulletin No. 35"—
Members of Draft Boards Dismissed for Discrimination
Against the Race.
The treatment of Negro soldiers in the various camps and
cantonments of tlie country was a subject much discussed during
the war, Reports of discrimination against colored soldiers
because of race and color were heard upon all sides and at times
the colored people were greatly exercised when alleged situations
of a particularly outrageous character came to their ears. The
morale of the race was at times lowered to a degree that was little
short of dangerous. Prompt and vigorous action, however, on the
part of officers high in command led to a correction of many of
the evils complained of, and in this way countless episodes preg-
yiant with the possibility of serious clashes and violent conflicts
were happily adjusted and no end of trouble thus averted.
Before going into the analysis of a number of exceptionally
trying instances of color discrimination—incidents that more than
once attracted nation-wide attention—it might be well to make
note of the manner in which the colored troops were apportioned
throughout the country. As was perfectly natural, by virtue of
the immense Negro population, the South furnished the bulk of
the colored men called through the selective draft law. If the
unwritten custom of assigning men to the camps nearest the place
from which they were drawn had been carried out to the letter,
the camps in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and South
Carolina would have been made up in many cases almost exclu¬
sively of Negro soldiers. For this reason, and to prevent concen¬
tration of over-large contingents of colored soldiers at any one
camp,—a policy frankly decided upon long before the Special
TREATMENT OF NEGRO SOLDIERS IN CAMP 93
Assistant came to the War Department—thousands of colored
draftees found their way to the North in the fall of 1917, being
stationed at Camps Grant, Illinois; Funston, Kansas; Dodge,
Iowa; Zachary Taylor, Kentucky; Sherman, Ohio; Meade, Mary¬
land; Custer, Michigan; Dix, New Jersey; Upton, New York, and
Devens, Massachusetts—all of these classed as Northern States
from the Southern soldiers' climatic standpoint. The climate of
the North—with its long winter, unusually severe in 1917-18—
proved to be the source of much suffering, on account of its deadly
effect upon colored soldiers bred and born amid the magnolia
blossoms and in the balmy atmosphere of the "sunny South."
These colored soldiers faced the hard winter of 1917 with sinking
hearts and grave apprehensions, and with an equipment in many
instances far from adequate, owing to the haste with which the
preparations for war were made. There was great suffering
among colored and white soldiers, and the mortality from pneu¬
monia and like troubles was alarmingly heavy among the unacclim-
atized colored men from the South. Nevertheless, they bore their
sufferings with a fortitude that approached the heroic.
It was unjust, but not strange, that there should be many
attempts at discrimination against Negro officers and soldiers in
many of the camps, particularly those in the South, and in other
sections where white soldiers from the South were brought into
contact with colored troops. Prejudice, based on race, was some¬
thing too deeply implanted in the mental fabric of an element of
the American people, it seemed, to be .overcome over night through
any pressure the war might bring to bear. Clashes between white
and colored soldiers happened North and South, after a sporadic
fashion, but at no time were their clashes so general or persistent
as to endanger the well-being of the Army as a whole.
In many sections of the South violent protests against the
quartering of colored troops were registered with the War Depart¬
ment, and the Governors, Senators, and Representatives of more
than one State filed formal objections with the President of the
United States and the War Department, insisting that Negro
troops be not stationed at the camps within their borders. The
War Department steadily declined to be moved by these protests
and pursued unhesitatingly its practice of stationing units of
94
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTOEY
troops, colored and white, at whatever posts the exigencies of the
service seemed to make their presence expedient or necessary.
The dignified bearing of the Negro soldiers and their studious
avoidance of any excesses, however, tended to mollify the feelings
of the Southern people and they finally began to accept them, not
as an inescapable burden "wished upon them," but with genuine
.pride in their progress, declaring that they were a part and parcel
of the South and should be accorded full credit for their unques¬
tioned valor, patriotism and loyalty.
The Houston Episode
The unfortunate episode at Houston, Texas, in 1917, which
precipitated a so-called "race riot," in which were involved a
number of the soldiers of the 24th Infantry, Regular Army, had
its origin in the prejudice of a portion of the citizens of Houston
against Negro soldiers, and the reciprocation of this dislike by the
colored soldiers themselves. The clash that took place in that city
in August, 1917, marked the beginning of the end of the disorder
that had obtained throughout the earlier months of the stay of
the colored troops at Houston, for afterwards, when the Eighth
Illinois Regiment came to Gamp Logan from Chicago and the
West, there were but few ebullitions of race feeling between the
whites and the men of the Eighth. The execution of thirteen of
the colored soldiers implicated in the Houston riot was one of
the dark spots on th& escutcheon of the Army, but it did not
dampen the ardor of the colored men who went to the front for
the Stars and Stripes. They realized that neither the meanness
of those who fomented the riot, nor the undue haste that led to
the summary execution of the soldiers convicted of being guilty of
murder and mutiny, was typical of the feeling of the great body
of the American people, nor of even the large majority of Southern
white people of real influence and standing.
Incipient race riots were reported at frequent intervals at
various stations, North and South. Of these, mention might be
made of the magnified reports of a fracas said to have occurred
between Negro soldiers and the police at Newport News, Virginia,
m September, 1918, and of other affairs of no great seriousness
that were reported at Camp Upton, Camp Merritt, Camp Grant,
TREATMENT OF NEGRO SOLDIERS IN CAMP 95
and one or two others. Many minor encounters grew out of the
refusal of white soldiers to salute colored officers, and of efforts
to draw the color line in places of recreation and amusement.
Most of these cases were adjusted by the commanding officers of
the army camps.
At Camp Grant, Illinois, General Thomas H. Barry, Com¬
manding General, faced this question as soon as it was presented.
A newspaper reporter started a campaign of inquiry among cer¬
tain of the white soldiers to ascertain whether or not they meant
to salute colored officers. The question began to run through the
camp, but this reporter was challenged by General Barry in the
presence of others to cease his activity. The General plainly
stated that in that particular camp the Commanding Officer desig¬
nated by the "War Department alone was in command, without
the aid of journalistic helpers, and that the only color recognized
in Camp Grant was to be the "0. D."—the olive drab of the
Army uniform.
How General Bell Acted
At Camp Upton, New York, General F. Franklin Bell met a
similar situation without hesitation:
"Now, gentlemen," said he, "I am not what you would call
'a Negro lover.' I have seen service in Texas, and elsewhere in
the South. Your men have started this trouble. I don't want
any explanations. These colored men did not start it. It doesn't
matter how your men feel about these colored men. They are
United States soldiers. They must and shall be treated as such.
If you can't take care of your men, I can take care of you; and,"
said he in conclusion, "if there is any more trouble from your
men you will be tried, not by a Texas jury but by General Bell,
and not one of you will leave this camp for overseas." And he
thus dismissed them.
General Bell was talking to white officers of a Southern
regiment that came to Camp Upton. The remarks quoted above
followed a fracas between white soldiers of this Southern regiment
and colored soldiers whom the white soldiers attempted to throw
out of the Hostess House, while he was Commanding General there.
At Camp Lee, Virginia, General Adelbert Cronkhite was re-
96
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
ported in the Richmond, Virginia, daily newspapers and in the
camp newspaper as saying:
"I met some junior officers who said they were not keen on
saluting Negro officers. They would not feel that way if they
understood the spirit of the salute. If one of them came from a
town where there was an old Negro character, one of those old
fellows who do odd jobs around and is known to everybody, he'd
at least nod his head and say, 'Howdy, uncle.' Now, suppose
through some freak of nature this old Negro should be trans¬
planted into an officer's uniform; the salute would be merely
saying to him 'Howdy, uncle,' in a military way."
It is fair to say that General Cronkhite disavowed responsi¬
bility for the appearance of a certain article in the Richmond
Times Dispatch and said that he had never made a statement in
the way it was quoted in the article. He explained, however, that
"the idea involved in this statement expressed in becoming lan¬
guage is the expression of my idea and was not based on any
special case," whatever that may mean! General Cronkhite also
said that his statement was not an official one and had not there¬
fore been published by him in the official bulletin of the command.
Attempts at segregation were charged against the Quarter¬
master's Depots at Chicago and at St. Louis, where color dis¬
crimination was alleged in the matter of appointments, promotions,
and working conditions, and where unfairness was said to exist
in the withholding from the colored employees of the use of toilet
facilities, as well as restrictions in the service of the depot restau¬
rants, cafeterias and the like. Whenever these cases were called
to the attention of the War Department they were carefully
inquired into, to develop the facts. In more instances than the
Special Assistant can now recall, remedial action was taken by
the officials in charge of the stations under criticism. Discriminat¬
ing orders were rescinded, restrictions modified, and favorable
interpretation of ambiguous regulations was secured in many of
the cases that came to the War Department.
Gen. Ballou's Bulletin No. 35 at Camp Funston
Perhaps no single incident in the camp life of the Army
attracted so large a measure of attention at the hands of the
Above—This is how the Western Front in Prance looked most of the time. The Germans kept
down in t heir trenches and the Allies in theirs, with barbed wire entanglements of No Man's
Land between them. Negro soldiers with machine guns.
Below—Another corner of the Fighting Front: American Negro Soldiers and French Colonials fir¬
ing rifle grenades.
^rAh0^e~W^T CamP Community Service, Dance Graduates, Louisville Kv
Below—War Camp Community Service Workers, Girls' Patriotic League of Louisville, Ky.
Above—After the capture of Cantigny. Colored troops won glory in taking this city from the
Germans. Photograph shows American Negro soldiers cleaning up the ruins with flame
throwers and grenades.
Below—American Negro soldiers throwing hand grenades from a French trench into No Man's
Land.
Some of Philadelphia's Negro Soldiers. Photo of colored troops who were wounded or gassed in the fighting- in France. They are
ail from Philadelphia.
Above—One of the most important parts of war is keeping up communication with the front. Tele¬
phone lines must be maintained no matter how heavy the enemy's fire. This French Official
Photograph shows Senegalese troops carrying telephone lines forward to observation posts.
Below—American Negro Soldiers and French tanks. This is the way the colored infantrymen ad¬
vanced on the Somme.
Left—One of General Pershing's colored Veterans enjoying- a bit of cake baked at the American Red Cross Canteen at Is-Surtile.
Right—He Captured the Kaiser. Corporal Fred Mclntyre of the 3(i9th Infantry with the photograph of the Kaiser which he
captured from a German officer in his dugout.
Above—Some of the Chicago Girls Welcoming Home One of the Boys of the 370th (Old 8th
Illinois National Guard).
Below—The Salvation Army Draws No Color Line. Soldiers of the 351st Field Artillery are
receiving candy from Salvation Army lassies, on their return to New York.
Above—Negro Troops in Camp in France. This temporary shelter was not far from the front
lines The men are wearing their trench boots and the top of shelter is covered with branches
of trees, a form of camouflage intended to prevent detection by enemy aeroplanes.
Below—Routing the enemy with cold steel.—From Photo and Painting.
TREATMENT OF NEGRO SOLDIERS IN CAMP
97
colored people as "Bulletin No. 35," issued to the officers and
soldiers of the 92d Division by General C. C. Ballou, commanding
officer of the Division, with headquarters at Camp Funston,
Kansas.
The issuance of the Bulletin came about because of the refusal
of the manager of a theater at Manhattan, Kansas, to admit a
sergeant of the 92d Division, because of the possible objection of
his white patrons.
The interpretation placed upon the order by most people was
that General Ballou requested and indirectly 1 iordered*' that
Negro officers and soldiers refrain from exercising their preroga¬
tives as citizens in the matter of attending places of public amuse¬
ment or recreation, if their presence seemed offensive to the white
patrons of such resorts and likely to provoke racial friction. The
colored press was particularly bitter and many newspapers pro¬
nounced the "order" an "insult" to the Negro race. At various
public gatherings of colored people General Bailouts resignation
as commander of the 92d Division was demanded, and at no time
during his incumbency as the head of the Division was General
Ballou able to regain the confidence of the colored masses, with
whom he had been immensely popular prior to this episode, in
recognition of his valued and sympathetic services as supervisor
of the Officers' Training Camp at Fort Des Moines, Iowa, from
which came 639 colored men, graduating with commissions as
captains and first and second lieutenants.
The full text of "Bulletin No. 35," as issued by General
Ballou was as follows:
Headquarters 92d Division,
Camp Funston, Kans., March 28, 1918.
"1. It should be well known to all colored officers and men that no
useful purpose is served by such acts as will cause the * color question' to
be raised. It is not a question of legal rights, but a question of policy,
and any policy that tends to bring about a conflict of races, with its
resulting animosities, is prejudicial to the military interest of the 92d
Division, and therefore prejudicial to an important interest of the colored
race.
"2. To avoid such conflicts the Division Commander has repeatedly
urged that all colored members of his command, and especially the officers
and non-commissioned officers, should refrain from going where their
98
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
presence will be resented. In spite of this injunction, one of the sergeants
of the Medical Department has recently precipitated the precise trouble
that should be avoided, and then called on the Division Commander to
take sides in a row that should never have occurred had the sergeant
placed the general good above his personal pleasure and convenience.
This sergeant entered a theater, as he undoubtedly had a legal right to do,
and precipitated trouble by making it possible to allege race discrimina¬
tion in the seat he was given. He is strictly within his legal rights in
this matter, and the theater manager is legally wrong. Nevertheless the
sergeant is guilty of the GREATER wrong in doing ANYTHING, NO
MATTER HOW LEGALLY CORRECT, that will provoke race animosity.
"3. The Division Commander repeats that the success of the Division
with all that success implies, is dependent upon the good will of the
public. That public is nine-tenths white. White men made the Division,
and they can break it just as easily if it becomes a trouble maker.
"4. All concerned are again enjoined to place the general interest
of the Division above personal pride and gratification. Avoid every
situation that can give rise to racial ill-will. Attend quietly and faith¬
fully to your duties, and don't go where your presence is not desired.
"5. This will be read to all organizations of the 92d Division.
"By command of Major-General Ballou:
(Signed) "Allen J. Greer,
"Lieutenant Colonel, General Staff,
"Chief of Staff."
Commenting in an editorial of the issue of April 13, 1918,
upon the order as issued by General Ballon, The Advocate, el
colored newspaper of Cleveland, Ohio, printed the following:
general ballou's order.
Major General Ballou has just issued an order to the Colored men of
his division which is, to say the least, "extry."
In part, the order calls for the exercise of care on the part of the
commissioned and non-commissioned officers and men of the division in
shunning places where they have reason to believe that their presence will
be resented. It is an apparent appeal for lessening the "racial issue"
controversies.
The order might possibly be considered "perfectly harmless" and of
the "vaudeville type" of monologues if it were not for the paragraph,
"White men made possible the division, and white men can break it up."
We expected better than this, of Major General Ballou in this day of
TREATMENT OF NEGRO SOLDIERS IN CAMP
99
bitter warfare when the President is calling upon all America—white
and black, we presume—to rally to the Flag and help to crush "the foe
of humanity.''
We can only urge our race to forgive General Ballou, "he knows not
what he says."
WE ARE NOT IN FAVOR OF TEE MEN OF ANY DIVISION
SEEKING TO STIR UP "RACIAL STRIFE." We feel that NOW IS
NOT TH$ TIME for injecting any such issue into the already over¬
crowded portfolio of Uncle Sam.
Let us help "lick the Kaiser" FIRST and then thrash out our local
difficulties.
We do not want to be classed in the President's list of "creatures of
passion, disloyalty and anarchy," therefore let us say "shoo fly" to
General Ballou's "undiplomatic paragraph."
Now, all together—let's get the Kaiser!
Many similar expressions of resentment appeared in the
Negro press.
A news report, sent out shortly after the issuance of the Ballou
Bulletin No. 35, preliminary to the publication of a letter sent by
General Ballou to me, in response to my request for a statement
that might give the purpose that prompted the Commander of the
92d Division to issue the bulletin, said:
"It transpires that while Major General C. C. Ballou, of the 92d
Division, was addressing the men under him through Bulletin No, 35,
he was at the same time pressing the prosecution of the theatrical manager
who had discriminated against a sergeant of the Division.
"The prosecution of the manager of the Wareham Theatre for dis¬
crimination on account of color, instigated at General Ballou's request,
was, after being twice continued, tried in Police Court at Manhattan,
Kansas, a few days ago, and resulted in the conviction of the defendant
and the imposition of $10 and costs. It is generally assumed that the
conviction of the theatrical manager will serve to prevent a repetition
of the offense, and will deter other theater owners and managers from
making discrimination on account of color. General Ballou followed the
same course here as he did at the Officers Training School at Des Moines,
Iowa, last summer, namely: while admonishing his men to refrain from
precipitating racial disturbances, to prosecute those who should discrimi¬
nate against his men."
General Ballou's letter to the author said:
100
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Headquarters 92d Division,
Camp Funston, Kansas, April 22, 1918.
My Dear Mr. Scott:
I have your request that I make a brief statement relative to Bulletin
No. 35, these Headquarters. There seems to be no good reason why I
should not do so.
Here are the preliminary facts:
A soldier of this Division got into trouble with a theater manager at
Manhattan and reported it to me. I at once ordered an investigation,
placed the facts before the Division Judge Advocate and was informed by
him that the theater manager had violated the law. I then put the case
in the hands of the United States Attorney and requested the prosecution
of the theater manager. The case was set for April 22d. I then issued
Bulletin No. 35, which, in brief, is counsel to my soldiers to avoid race
troubles. This Bulletin was given out to the colored press of the country,
accompanied by an entirely misleading letter that not only completely
suppressed all mention of any prosecution of the theater manager, but
directly and falsely conveyed the impression to editors and readers that
I had not done so. The most prejudiced person will, I think, at once see
that this was a malicious attempt to stir up race feeling by misrepre¬
sentation.
GOOD ORDER AND MILITARY DISCIPLINE FOUNDATION STONES.
The character of Bulletin No. 35 was that of advice, as already stated.
This advice was ordered published to the Division. It had nothing to do
with any policy of segregation, or with any policy outside of the military
establishments. Its purpose was to prevent race friction, with the attendant
prejudice to good order and military discipline. Good order and military
discipline are the foundation stones of the military service. They are
indispensable. Nothing connected with the service of the colored troops
has ever been so threatening to good order and discipline as race troubles
have been, and it is well-known that our enemies have sought to profit by
this fact ever since there was a prospect of war. No stone has been left
unturned. There have always been foes of our country ready to aggravate
the grievances of the colored people on the one hand and to stir up the
whites on the other. It was no mere coincidence that the East St. Louis
atrocities occurred in a city filled largely with German sympathizers.
There is little doubt that the same influence egged on both whites
and blacks at Houston. Most troubles have small beginnings. At Houston
they grew from the fact of colored soldiers entering cars reserved for
whites, and other similar matters. Great wrongs were eventually committed
on both sides, culminating in the killing of a score or more of white people
TREATMENT OF NEGRO SOLDIERS IN CAMP
101
and the hanging of thirteen Negroes. In the midst of all the feeling and
excitement caused by the East St. Louis and Houston troubles, the colored
officers' training camp at Fort Des Moines won golden approbation all
over the United States, made thousands of friends for the colored race
and achieved a glorious success. It did all of this by following precisely
the advice that was repeated to the 92d Division in Bulletin No. 35.
"by their fruits ye shall know them."
Our enemies do not wish the United States to have its military power
increased by colored soldiers, and they stand ready to add fuel to every
race discord in order to embarrass our country as much as possible in this
war. Is it any wonder then, in view of what the enemy has accomplished
in the past and is seeking to accomplish again, that the Commander of
the colored Division seeks to nip troubles in the bud, and while prosecuting
white men for their offences against his soldiers, urges the soldiers to do
their part to keep the peace and promote harmony.
I have shown that my position and action were deliberately and
maliciously misrepresented to the colored people by the suppression of the
news of my prompt prosecution of the theater manager, and by falsely
conveying the impression that I had taken no such action. The entire
letter that accompanied Bulletin No. 35 to the press of the colored people
was a misrepresentation of my attitude and of the facts in the case, and
no fair-minded person, when the facts are known, as stated above, can fail
to see the work of an enemy—an enemy of our country and an even
greater enemy to the colored race. Is the colored race going to "fall"
for such schemes? I think not. I think they will contrast the work of
the trouble-maker with the solid achievements of the colored officers' training
camp at Fort Des Moines and of the 92nd Devision, and consider thought¬
fully the words—"By their fruits ye shall know them."
Sincerely,
C. C. Ballou,
Major-General, Commanding 92d Division.
Baker Against Discrimination
Early in the summer of 1918, a flood of complaints reached
the War Department from many of the camps, the burden of which
was that the Negro soldiers were being grossly mistreated by their
white officers, ofttimes physically assaulted, called by names that
were highly insulting—such as "nigger," "coon," "darkey," and
worse, and that the colored men were forced to work under the
most unhealthy and laborious conditions, with a certain penalty
102
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
of long periods of imprisonment in guard-houses and stockade and
other cruel and unusual punishments if they dared to resent any
indignity or failed to perform '1 impossible" tasks. In many
cases, it was alleged, opportunity for advancement was refused to
colored men of ability, and all the assignments worth while were
given to white men, some of whom had doubtful qualifications.
Besides the complaints growing out of unfair treatment of
colored men in the camps numerous instances of unequal standards
and straightout discrimination in the operation of the selective
draft law were reported as being practiced by the draft officials
in several States, particularly in the South. The claim was made,
and almost invariably substantiated by reliable testimony, that
colored men, palpably unfit for military service, and others who
were entitled to exemption under the law, were "railroaded" into
the army while other men with no legitimate excuse for exemption
were allowed to escape the requirements of the draft system. The
situation reached such a stage, by reason of the growing disregard
for fair play and the honest interpretation of the law, that Secre¬
tary Baker felt called upon to check the infractions by Exemption
Boards and the unfair treatment of Negro soldiers in the camps
by issuing a clean-cut statement to the effect that "the War
Department, will brook no discrimination, based upon race or
color," and that all instances of unfairness in the Army on this
score would meet with speedy correction, with adequate punish¬
ment for all violators of the military regulations bearing on the
rights and privileges of soldiers.
As indicating the general attitude of some Army officers in
carrying out the instructions of the War Department, there may be
mentioned the particular attitude of certain officers in charge of
units of the so-called Labor Battalions. The pressure from colored
people throughout the country and from other sources as well
became so strong that the War Department found it necessary to
issue a certain memorandum changing the former decision (which
called for white sergeants) to a decision which required that the
non-commissioned officers in the Reserve Labor Battalions should
be "all white or all colored" instead of "white." The effect of
this immediately was to eliminate in many camps the colored men
who were serving as non-commissioned officers and to substitute
TREATMENT OF NEGRO SOLDIERS IN CAMP
103
white men, no matter how unfitted such white non-commissioned
officers were for the duties required of them. No element con¬
tributed to more unrest among the colored men who were drafted
than this organization of Reserve Labor Battalions.
It was a situation of this character which inspired the uncom¬
promising memorandum of the Secretary of War to the Special
Assistant under date of November SO, 1917, of which this para¬
graph stands as the "keynote":
"As you know, it has been my policy to discourage discrimina¬
tion against any persons by reason of their race. This policy has
been adopted not merely as an act of justice to all races that go to
make up the American people, but also to safeguard the very
institutions which we are now, at the greatest sacrifice, engaged in
defending, and which any racial disorders must endanger."
It will be noted that the same fundamental principle of simple
justice to all defenders of the flag was reiterated in the interview
made public July 1, 1918, when it seemed that the earlier procla¬
mation failed to prove as effective as the Secretary of War had
hoped it would be in wiping out color proscription in the army.
In consequence of the firm stand of Secretary Baker against dis¬
crimination against colored men on the part of draft boards, sev¬
eral offending members of these boards were separated from their
positions, and in one notable instance, in Fulton County (Atlanta),
Georgia, an entire Exemption Board was summarily removed,
upon proof of improper manipulation of the Selective Draft Law
in its application to colored registrants.
In keeping with the insistence upon a "square deal" for all,
there came a marked improvement in the morale of the camps
where much trouble had been made for colored soldiers through the
petty meanness practiced by the so-called "Military Police." Re¬
ports had come into the War Department in immense volume to
the effect that there was increasing friction between colored soldiers
and the Military Police, in charge of order and general discipline
in the camps. Colored soldiers complained that they were kept
more closely confined to the camps than were white soldiers; that
they had the greatest difficulty in obtaining passes to go to town
or to visit relatives, and that they were punished more severely
than were white soldiers for trivial offenses. The "bad blood"
104
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
between the "M. P." and the colored soldiers frequently led to free
fights, near "race riots," and the "rushing" of the guards in an
attempt to leave the camp, regardless of the possession of passes.
Wherever the blame may be placed for these outbreaks, a system¬
atic effort was made to remedy the evils complained of, and a
memorandum from the Morale Branch of the War Department,
commenting upon the matter, carried the observation that: "The
action that has been taken at these camps, as reported to this office,
indicates that a genuine effort has been made to correct any
abuses that may have existed."
A further evidence of the potency of the rigid policy of the
War Department to stamp out as far as was possible the evil of
race prejudice on the part of officers in their relation to colored
soldiers, is found in the case of Captain Eugene C. Rowan, of the
162d Depot Brigade, with headquarters at Camp Pike, Little Bock,
Arkansas. Upon positive proof, adduced by evidence given before
a court-martial, Captain Rowan was found guilty of wilful dis¬
obedience of the orders of a superior officer and was ordered by
the War Department to be dismissed from the service. The case
attracted more than ordinary attention because of the fact that it
was the first instance wherein the color question had figured in an
action against a white officer of the Army, in a National Army
court of inquiry. Captain Rowan was charged with having refused
to obey an order issued by the Brigade Commander, Colonel Fred¬
erick B. Shaw, calling for a troop formation, because, it was as¬
serted, both colored and white soldiers were included in the forma¬
tion. The defense attempted to justify Captain Rowan in his
disobedience of explicit military orders on the ground that he was
a native of Georgia, had long resided in Mississippi, and that in
keeping with his own personal feelings and a definite promise made
to his men, he did not desire to give any order that would compel
white men to "lower their self-respect." The dismissal of Captain
Rowan followed his conviction by the court-martial, and the judg¬
ment of the Army tribunal was promptly sustained by the War
Department at Washington.
A number of other cases are on record where white officers
were separated from the service for discrimination against colored
soldiers and for unwarranted acts of cruelty in dealing with them.
CHAPTER IX
EFFORTS TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS
Secretary Baker and the Trying Situation at Camp Lee, Virginia—
Reports on Investigations at Numerous Camps—Improved Con-
ditions Brought About Gradually—Help for Colored Draftees—
The Case of Lieutenant Tribbett and Similar Cases of Race
Prejudice.
From Secretary of War—Memorandum for Mr. Scott.
Should you not go personally to
Camp Lee and investigate ? Then I
can go and finish the job.
Baker.
The attitude of Secretary Baker toward a trying situation at
Camp Lee, Petersburg, Virginia, and his vigorous handling of the
charges of racial discrimination that were 'rife at that military
station, was significant of his consistent policy with respect to the
colored soldiers throughout the entire war period. The above mem¬
orandum was sent to the Special Assistant by the Secretary about
the last of November, 1917, in response to a report which the
former had made to him touching the conditions complained of at
Camp Lee, and which had formed the basis of the longer memoran¬
dum, making known, in language unequivocal and of extraordinary
force, the Secretary's antagonism to all practices of'discrimination
in the Army based on race or color.
At Camp Lee there was much dissatisfaction among the colored
soldiers. The reports which came to hand embodied the universal
complaint that "the whole atmosphere in regard to the colored
soldier at Camp Lee is one which does not inspire him to greater
patriotism, but rather makes him question the sincerity of the great
war principles of America.'' The efficiency of the War Department
was interfered with, it was stated, because of this unwholesome
atmosphere. The colored soldiers were compelled to work at menial
105
106
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTOKY
tasks, regardless of their educational equipment or aspirations for
higher duties, and discontent reigned because it was said the white
soldiers were given genuine, intensive military training, while Ne¬
groes were not given enough drilling to give them the simplest rudi¬
ments of real soldier life and were not permitted to fire a gun. The
statement was made that if the Negroes were allowed to be trained
for combatant service, as white soldiers were, thousands would be
inspired to enter the work more whole-heartedly, and the Labor
Battalions would also show a larger measure of efficiency by the
inculcation of a feeling that colored men were getting a "square
deal." Not a few of the men asserted plainly that it was useless for
colored men to try to improve themselves at Camp Lee, as white
officers openly admitted to them that sergeants and an occasional
sergeant-major was as high as the Negro might hope to reach, no
matter what might be his intellectual attainments or executive
ability.
Mr. C. H. Williams, of the Hampton Institute, Virginia, a young
colored man of superior training, was designated by the Committee
on Welfare of Negro Troops of the War Time Commission of the
Federal Council of Churches to visit all the cities where military
camps were located, to make a survey of conditions as they affect
colored troops. Under an arrangement he filed with the Special
Assistant a copy of each of his reports, so that they might be fol¬
lowed up from time to time inside of the War Department so as
to change conditions where necessary. Mr. Williams sought to
get the exact facts as to the feeling of the colored soldiers as well
as of the colored population in the camp cities, and as he went from
one part of the country to the other he also got a line on Negro
public opinion generally. Practically all the camps and canton¬
ments where colored troops were located were visited by him as
well as by the Special Assistant.
Mr. Williams submitted a survey of conditions as they existed.
His survey included inquiry into the social and religious conditions
and the state of mind of the colored troops generally and made
recommendations as to the steps that should be taken to bring
about a correction of the ills complained of. At some points he
found the situation fair, in others not good, and in many it was
inexcusably bad. All of this had to do in the most direct fashion
EFFORTS TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS
107
with the morale of the colored soldiers, and hence the remedy to be
sought for the unfavorable circumstances indicated in Mr. Wil¬
liams's reports was regarded by the Special Assistant as a mission
of the highest and most pressing importance.
COMPLAINTS LODGED BY COLORED SOLDIERS IN CAMP
"Discrimination as to the issuance of passes to leave the camps—that
white soldiers were allowed to go at will, while Negroes were refused
permission to leave.
"Unfair treatment, of times brutality, on the part of Military Police.
"Inadequate provision for recreation.
"Unfair treatment, ofttimes brutality, on the part of Military Police,
and denial of the enjoyment of privileges in the huts, where colored huts
had not been provided.
"White non-commissioned officers over colored units, when the colored
men were of a higher intellectual plane than the whites who commanded
them.
"Lack of opportunity for educated Negroes to rise above non-com¬
missioned officers in the Reserve Labor Battalions.
"Confinement to the guard house for long periods and compelled to
pay heavy penalties for minor infractions of the rules of camp, or for
disobedience of unreasonable commands.
"Frequently, lack of proper medical attention and treatment.
"Negro soldiers compelled to work at menial tasks, and denied suffi¬
cient drill work and not allowed training in manual of arms and denied
an opportunity to fire a gun, in many instances.
"Insufficient number of Hostess Houses—especially in the earlier
stages of the war. Insufficient number of chaplains in most camps, in
earlier stages of the war. Never enough of either of these helpful agencies
at any stage of the war.
"Slow discharge of colored men in labor battalions after the
armistice.
"At more than one camp—Humphreys notably—colored men had
practically no sanitary conveniences, bathing facilities, barracks, mess
halls, Y. M. C. A. service, during the war period, until after white
soldiers had left the station.
"Use of abusive language to the colored soldiers by white officers and
calling them by opprobrious names.
"Working with civilians, soldiers getting $30 per month, and the
civilian, doing identical work, getting from $3.50 to $5.00 per diem.
"Too many tent camps for Negroes, while whites are given barracks.
108
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
"Reluctance of white officers to recommend colored men for induction
into the Officers' Training Camps.
"Men with venereal diseases not segregated in the matter of washing
mess kits and general use of camp facilities from those not so infected.
"During winter of 1917-18, general complaint was made of insuffi¬
cient clothing, shortage in supply of overcoats, inadequate bedding, and
tents without flooring and ofttimes situated in wet places, where ice formed
in winter and where mud and malaria flourished at other times. A state¬
ment came from Camp Alexander, Va., that during the winter of 1917-18
men died like sheep in their tents, it being a common occurrence to go
around in the morning and drag men out frozen to death. It took a long
time for this situation to get to the authorities, but when it did get to the
proper officials, steps were taken to correct the trouble.
"Men pronounced unfit for overseas service, and often in cases where
they were unfit for any kind of military duty, were kept at the camps
and forced to work.
"Alleged essential labor required at many stations on Sundays.
"Made to work in rain and cursed when any dissatisfaction was
shown. 'Gotten even with' by commanders. if report was made of con¬
ditions to higher officers or to outsiders.
"Promise of officials to muster out first the men in tent camps not
promptly kept.
"Passes refused colored men, even when messages of critical illness
of parents or near relatives had been received."
The Camp Lee situation being of a piece with the conditions
obtaining at most of the army stations where colored men were
located, it may be dwelt upon at length, to illustrate the plan of
research and operation which was adopted to ameliorate the ills
that were brought to the attention of the Special Assistant and laid
before the Secretary of War, with suggestions and recommendations
looking toward a speedy betterment.
Letters were sent to the War Department by the men and' com¬
munications of the same tenor doubtless went outside to their
friends. Telegrams and protests were received from representatives
of several colored protective organizations, prominent ministers,
leading editors, college heads, and men of affairs generally, and
other communications sent to them were forwarded to me in Wash¬
ington, asking that vigorous action be taken to assist in the un¬
raveling of the problem confronting the men at Camp Lee. One
very urgent letter was sent by the Governor of a State, intimating
EFFORTS TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS
109
that lie was confident that discriminations against colored soldiers
were practiced at Camp Lee, but declared it to be his belief that
this was without the knowledge of the War Department. "I re¬
spectfully request that you make an investigation of the situation
there at the earliest possible moment," concluded the Governor.
These very timely requests were most cheerfully complied with.
That an improved state of affairs was brought about at Camp
Lee is evidenced by a report submitted to the Special Assistant
under date of February 20, 1919, by Louis L. "Watson, Jr., of 603
L Street, Southeast, Washington, D. C., formerly Captain of In¬
fantry, United States Army, after an exhaustive inquiry, covering
every phase of Army life at that point, in its relation to the treat¬
ment of the Negro and the opportunities afforded him.
Captain Watson, at the outset of his communication, refers to
"the evolution of a somewhat equitable military regime, as, far as
the races are concerned,'' which has a decidedly hopeful ring, and
which hope is given quite a considerable realization before his final
paragraph is reached. Noting his observations as "a race man
on the scene, seeking to correct the most flagrant violations of
military law," and his purpose to "get things done," rather than to
pile up dry statistics, Captain Watson concluded his introduction
by saying: "The following recapitulation, however, is quite true
in the large, and inclusive of camp improvements worked out in the
last five months. I hope you may find it of value.''
Captain Watson's '' Recapitulation' *
Said Captain Watson, in recapitulating the results that had
been secured at Camp Lee in the five months of intensive inquiry
and practical reformatory effort:
"Until about the middle of July, 1918, there had been several colored
officers at Camp Lee, but none had remained for more than twenty-four
hours. Then came Lieut. Myron McAdoo, commissioned second lieutenant
from the ranks of the 9th Ohio. He was assigned to the 13th Battalion
Replacements Training Center to serve with white officers until the 15th
of August, when five first lieutenants and three second lieutenants, colored,
were assigned to the outfit—1st Lieuts. Allan Turner, Frank M. Goodner,
Chas E. Roberts, G. Cleveland Morrow and Louis L. Watson, Jr., and
2nd Lieuts. Leonidas H. Hall, Joseph L. Johnson, Gloucester A. Price.
Moreover, until this time there had been relatively few non-commissioned
110
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
officers, colored, in the camp and a large percentage of these were corporals
of little ability or promise. It was characteristic of white officers to
ignore men of ability and to make non-commissioned officers of the
illiterate funny fellows who could furnish entertainment for them in the
orderly room with their antics' and shameful ignorance. But what was
even worse than this came the report that in other sections of the camp,
where there were not even non-commissioned officers of this caliber, white
officers were inflicting bodily punishment upon ignorant enlisted men of
color. This of course is contrary to all military law and custom. As far
as I know, however, none of this happened after the colored officers came
to camp.
'' The colored officers immediately launched a discreet educational
campaign to combat this condition. Their presence alone did much to
put a stop to this practice, but the fact that they used considerable tact
in spreading knowledge of the law in such cases, did even more. It
became apparent almost immediately that colored enlisted men were
growing cognizant of their right to redress and the way to get it, and
ill-treatment reduced itself to the personal factor entirely, which is not
illegality so much as it is inefficiency in handling men, and not politic.
"At the same time the colored officers set out to get more non¬
commissioned officers worthy of their rank, by a careful selection and
promotion of the men in the four companies of the battalion. This being
the only combatant organization of colored men in the camp it took the
lead in efficient colored non-commissioned officers. The efficiency of these
men was highly commendable.
"In view of the prevalent antagonistic public sentiment against the
rise of colored men in these parts the promotion of four colored First
Lieutenants to Captaincy on the 10th of September, 1918, and their subse¬
quent assignment to the command of the companies of the Battalion with
a commissioned personnel of an average of ten white first and second
lieutenants, including the former company commanders, is nothing short
of marvelous. I shall not recount in detail your work in bringing this
condition about except to say that your investigation in this matter alone
proved to officials in the camp that colored men could get a hearing in the
War Department, and it would not be good policy to violate the integrity
of their office with prejudicial treatment of colored officers and enlisted men
under their command. The Battalion had on an average of forty white
first and second lieutenants serving in companies under colored captains.
These officers were from almost all walks of life. Among them were a
lawyer and. school teacher from Alabama, a light-weight pugilist from
Louisiana, an owner of orange groves from Florida, a ranchman from
EFFORTS TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS
111
Texas, a coalmine owner formerly from Virginia, and several stockbrokers,
contractors, electrical engineers, merchants, graduate and undergraduate
students of the large Eastern and Western Universities, as well as two
"movie" actors, one principal of a Pennsylvania high school, and the son
of a classmate of the great Gen. Joffre. Most of these officers were
originally from the South.
"Of the company commanders, one had done twenty-four years and
another eleven years in the Regular Army, while the other two were from
civil life, one a graduate from Massachusetts State College and the other
a graduate of Howard University. The Battalion Commander was a
criminal lawyer with a large practice in Shreveport, Louisiana. All
worked together and made the Battalion the most efficient and the most
praised organization in all the Replacements Camp, There was no hesi¬
tancy on the part of the commanding officer to point to the 13th Battalion
as an example in drill, parade, and administration.
""When the 13th Battalion was completely demobilized and I was
attached to the 1st Development Battalion I had the opportunity to observe
the working of organizations of colored enlisted personnel under the
command of white officers. I found this organization, in contrast to the
13th Battalion which I had just left, to be poorly disciplined and over¬
burdened with complaints concerning mess. Regulations were wholly
ignored where punishments were concerned and general dissatisfaction was
spread over the entire outfit. The morale was very low among the
enlisted imen and the officers unconcerned. From my observations this
condition appeared inexcusable.
"I will conclude this resume with a statement of several definite and
unbiased convictions growing out of my experience and observations:
"(1) Colored officers show marked superiority over white officers of
the same grade. '
"(2) A mixed organization of both white and colored officers is a
very efficient machine and works out to perfection from a purely military
point of view because a man's race pride will not allow him to neglect his
duty and thus bring down criticism from officers of the other race. Each
tries to excel.
" (3) Wherever it is possible colored troops should have colored
officers. " There is no doubt that the interests of our troops are better
conserved by colored officers.
"(4) Your eagerness to correct evils in the camp and your effective
work in this regard have done more than any other single factor to make
life tolerable for colored officers and enlisted men here. Assuming con¬
ditions at this camp to be the average in Southern cantonments such an
112
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTOKY
office as yours held by a man of the race is indispensable to the welfare of
the colored soldier. Very respectfully,
(Signed) Louis L. Watson, Jr.,
Formerly Capt. Inf. U. S. A.
Help for Colored Draftees
The National Medical Association, under the active leadership
of Dr. George E. Cannon, of Jersey City; Dr. A. M. Curtis, of
Washington, D. C.; Dr. A. M. Brown, of Birmingham, Alabama; Dr.
E. T. Belsaw, of Mobile, Alabama; Dr. M. 0. Dumas, of Washing¬
ton, D. C., and Dr. W. G. Alexander, of Orange, New Jersey, ex¬
erted a helpful interest in the welfare of the medical men drawn
in the draft. The Special Assistant took up the cases of many
colored doctors who had been drafted and assigned to service
battalions or as mere privates in the infantry organizations, with a
view of having them transferred to the Medical Corps, where they
might render a more effective service to their country along the
line of their professional equipment.
Another investigation, which may properly find a place in this
chapter on the treatment of colored soldiers in the camps, is that
which resulted in the admission of colored draftees, regardless of
the time of their call, into the training schools for officers. The
number permitted to enter at the outset was unusually small, and
these were restricted to draftees who had been conscripted prior to
January 5, 1918. The number recommended by their camp com¬
manders was not at all commensurate with the abilities of the men
who desired to take advantage of the Government's plan of develop¬
ing officer materiai, • and was reported to be so niggardly as to
amount almost to an ignoring of the explicit order of the Secretary
of. War that no form of injustice or discrimination be practiced
against any soldier because of race or color. There were also per¬
sistent rumors that an attempt was being made to promote white
non-commissioned officers in Negro units to commissioned officers,
which could have no other result than to fill all of the line-officer
places with white men and make it impossible for a Negro non¬
commissioned officer, no matter how efficient or how intelligent he
might be, to rise above that rank. Another flood of protests came
into the War Department from colored men in the army and from
colored people everywhere. Those in authority were apprised of
Above—Biggest and fastest dock construction ever done was the building of the Bassens at
Bordeaux, France, by the American Army. Photo shows work under way. Practically
all materials had to be shipped from America and the work done by American Labor Bat¬
talions.
Below—Photo shows that all glory and credit of important construction work in French harbors,
without which our Army and Navy would have been useless, does not belong to white men.
Picture shows members of Negro Labor Battalion working on harbor improvements at
Bordeaux.
Above—One of the Docks at Bordeaux Where Negro Stevedore Regiments Played a Vital Part
in the War in Unloading Supplies for Our Troops. Transportation of supplies is just as
important a part of war as firing guns at the enemy. All the armies in the world could not
have defeated Germany if it had not been for the Service of Supply, getting the guns, ammuni¬
tion, equipment and food to them.
Below—To give an idea of the enormous quantities of supplies handled by Negro stevedore regi¬
ments, here is a photo of a few cook stoves that came in one shipment.
Above—On the Docks at Brest, another French port where colored stevedore regiments were
the chief reliance in getting supplies through to the boys at the front.
Below-—It took tens of thousands of motor trucks to get supplies from docks to the front in
France. These had to be shipped from America and here are a few in Assembling Yard
at St. Nazaire, France, with cases and barrels of gasoline and oil in the foreground. If it
had not been for Negro stevedore regiments, these trucks could not have been taken off
the ships.
The Return of the 15th. Seen on troopship as the 369th Infantry came into New York Harbor bringing back the unique record
of never having had a man captured, never losing a foot of ground or a trench, and of being nearest to the Rhine of any allied unit when
the armistice was signed, and the first detachment of allied troops to reach the Rhine after the armistice.
GROUP OP COLORED OFFICERS
Reading left to right—Top—1st Lt. Chas. Lang, 367th Inf. ; Chaplain E. H. Hamilton, Camp
Mead; 2nd Lt. E. P. Sawyer, 367th Inf.
Center—1st Lt. J. H. N. Waring, 367th Inf.; 2nd Lt. R. W. Fearing, 367th Inf.; 1st Lt. J. W.
Clifford, 367th Inf
Bottom—Chaplain F. C. Shirley, Camp Mead; Capt, Chas. Garvin, Med. Corps, 367th Inf.;
2nd Lt, H. D. Smith. Depot Brig. Camp Mead.
Above—The Only Negro General Court Martial Board Which Ever Existed. Photograph shows
the General Court Martial of the 370th Infantry (8th Illinois National Guard) convened
at Camp Logan, Houston, Texas. Officers in picture indicated by numbers following: 1—Lieut
F. P. Boss, 2—Capt. L. Jackson, 3—Capt. James C. Hall, 4—Capt. George M. Allen 5—Maior
(Now Lieut. Col.) Otis B. Duncan, President; 6—Capt. Wm. B. Crawford 7—Lieut C N
Hinton, 8—Lieut. Louis C. Washington, 9—Capt. L. E. Johnson, Counsel for Defense '
10—Lieut. R. A. J. Shaw, Judge Advocate; 11—Court Reporter McCarty.
Below—War Camp Community Service Club for Colored Soldiers, Louisville, Ky.
Above—What real war looks like." Photograph of American Negro soldiers going into action in the
attack on Cantigny. American Infantry is co-operating with French tanks.
Below—In the Trenches. The smoke is from explosion of a hand grenade just thrown by the
American Negro Soldier at the right.
Left—Major Adam E. Patterson, Judge Advocate 92nd Division in France.
Center—Ralph W. Tyler, War Correspondent who accompanied U. S. Negro troops to France. Accredited representative of the
Committee on Public Information.
Right—Major Dean, one of the three Negro Officers of this rank in the U. S. Army.
EFFORTS TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS
113
the unrest that existed. The Secretary of War gave orders that
ample provision be made for the induction of properly qualified
colored men into the Officers' Training Schools. In the end, train¬
ing camps for colored candidates for officers' commissions were
made available at Camp Taylor for field artillery; at Camp Pike
for infantry, and at Camp Hancock for machine gun training.
The Case of Lieutenant Tribbett
An instance of the workings of race prejudice, in its relation to
colored officers, was found in the case of Lieutenant Charles A.
Tribbett.
Lieutenant Tribbett was from New . Haven, Conn., and was
graduated from the Officers' Training Camp at Des Moines, Iowa,
and assigned to duty with colored troops at Camp Upton, Yap-
hank, Long Island. "While on that duty, the records of the War
Department show that he was ordered to proceed by the usual
means of transportation to the army post at Fort Sill, Okla., for
instruction in aviation. When the train on which he was traveling
stopped at a station near Chickasha, Okla., it was boarded by a
sheriff and party, who arrested Tribbett, who was in regulation
military uniform, for riding in a car with white people. In spite
of his protest that he was an officer of the United States Army,
traveling under orders, on Government business, he was forcibly
removed from the car and imprisoned in the county jail, and sub¬
sequently fined. Following an appeal to the War Department,
Tribbett was released and permitted to resume his journey to Fort
Sill, where he resumed his military duties. .
The matter was brought to the attention of the War Depart¬
ment by Mr. George W. Crawford, of New Haven, Conn., and Mr.
Robert L. Fortune, of Chickasha, Okla., who protested against the
mistreatment to which Lieutenant Tribbett had been subjected.
These well-posted attorneys set up the contention that as an inter¬
state passenger, traveling under orders on Government business,
he was not subject to the jurisdiction of the State authorities, and
gave notice that they would exhaust every resource to gain adequate
redress for their client.
The. case was cited for investigation by the Department of
Justice, and is still pending. Here was a flagrant instance of
114
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
injustice to an officer of the United States Army, in the full uniform
of the military service, on Government business and traveling on a
road under Government supervision. From every viewpoint it was
a case for Federal intervention. All the available evidence seemed
to indicate that the arrest of Lieutenant Tribbett was an inexcus¬
able usurpation of authority on the part of the civil officials of the
State of Oklahoma, and for this reason the Special Assistant to the
Secretary of War felt warranted in urging that the whole matter
go to the Department of Justice for adjudication by the Federal
Government. General Ansell, Acting Judge Advocate General, who
has conducted a campaign against the army system of court-martial
as being "unfair," did not move to have the case of Lieutenant
Tribbett pressed on its merits, and therefore nothing officially has
been done.
Treatment of Colored Soldiers Overseas
An important matter, in connection with the treatment of
colored soldiers in the camps, which ought not to pass without
mention, was the suggestion made by the Special Assistant to Mr.
George Creel, Director of the Committee on Public Information,
looking to an investigation of conditions among colored soldiers in
France. The morale of the colored people in America was notice¬
ably lowered by ugly rumors that came by devious and winding
ways from abroad, and the Special Assistant thought it worth while
to have a commission named, made up of representative men, in
whom the masses had implicit confidence, to give this situation a
searching investigation and make a full report thereon, to set at
rest the uneasiness and anxiety that was alarmingly prevalent
toward the end of the summer of 1918. The mails and cables were
congested, and for weeks and weeks not a word could be had by
relatives at home from their loved ones battling for freedom and
democracy across the seas. The following letter addressed to Mr.
Creel more fully explains the motive which prompted the Special
Assistant to offer the suggestion that a special inquiry be made
and the remedy be applied:
Washington, D. C., August 10, 1918.
Dear Mr, Creel:
Recently in a conference with the head of the Military Intelligence
Bureau, the matter was discussed of having two or three representative
EFFORTS TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS
115
colored men go to France for the purpose of making an investigation of
the facts with respect to several matters indicated herein.
1. A military man who is qualified to make a free and full investi¬
gation of the general treatment being accorded colored troops on the
French and other fronts. There has been, and still continues, considerable
propaganda and rumor to the effect that colored soldiers are being mis¬
treated and discriminated against. Letters have come to the Office of the
Secretary of War and to me, the same being forwarded by United States
Senators in some instances, etc., to the War Department conveying these
complaints. The information which would be secured first-hand by the
military man suggested would be (under such direction as you might
approve) conveyed to the Negro people of the United States through the
Negro newspapers, public meetings, public speakers, the Committee of One
Hundred of the Public Speaking Division, etc.
(2) Two other representatives, not necessarily military men, but of
sound judgment, capable of studying the facts and cooperating with the
military representative, above referred to, in making a full report of exist¬
ing conditions abroad with respect to colored men at the front as well as those
behind the lines (referring to service battalions, stevedore regiments, etc.)..
The joint testimony of these men would satisfactorily establish the
facts and enable us to do a good piece of work in disposing of these
damaging rumors which are being continually circulated.
In this connection, I wish to state that, at a meeting held in New
York City, Monday, August 5th, attended by officials of the Federated
Council of Churches, by a representative of the Surgeon General's Office,
a representative of the Military Intelligence Bureau, Mr. George Foster
Peabody (the well-known New York philanthropist) and others, including
the undersigned—the same suggestion was made that a commission of
colored men in whom they have confidence be sent abroad for the purpose
of studying the situation above indicated, and the matter was broached
by Mr. Henry A. Atkinson, of the National Committee on Churches and
Moral Aims of the War, of New York City, who expressed the opinion
that it would be highly desirable for the Government to take the initiative
in this matter.
There is more depressed morale among the colored people than is
generally supposed, due to stories of unfair treatment of colored men in
various camps in America as well as abroad. Under the circumstances,
I am quite seriously of the opinion that such a commission as herein
suggested would accomplish very great good.
An interview with you, at your convenience, would be very much
116
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTOEY
appreciated. "Will you kindly let me hear from you. directly or through
Mr. Byoir, Associate Chairman. Sincerely yours,
(Signed) Emmett J. Scott,
Office of the Secretary of War.
The proposal outlined in the above letter was given serious
consideration by Mr. Creel, by the Morale Branch of the War
Department, and by a number of officials of the War Department,
who readily recognized the gravity of the situation which confronted
them, with reference to the attitude of the Negro mind of the
nation on this matter of the treatment of colored soldiers over¬
seas. There is strong ground for the belief that some steps of
the nature suggested would have been taken by the authorities in
charge of war operations had not the conflict come to an abrupt
end in November, 1918, many months earlier than even the initiated
dared to hope for.
It is not without the range of probability that the movement,
already set in motion by the Conference of Negro Editors and
Leaders in the preceding summer, to send to France a competent
representative of the Negro press, to report accurately and fully
the activities and conditions of the colored troops, received a
positive impetus by the letter to Mr. Creel. Action to relieve the
tension referred to, was apparently * ' speeded up." Within a
month after this suggestion that a commission be appointed to
inquire into what the colored troops were actually doing on the
battlefields across the water, Mr. Ralph W. Tyler, an experienced
newspaper man of the race, was on his way to France as the ac¬
credited representative of the Committee on Public Information,
commissioned as a war correspondent on the staff of General
Pershing, and directed to chronicle the labors and achievements of
the colored soldiers. Later Dr. Eobert Russa Moton, Principal
of Tuskegee Institute, as told elsewhere, was delegated by the
President of the United States and the Secretary of War to go
to France on a special mission, which had in mind the promotion
of the welfare of the colored troops, and the maintenance of the
morale of the Negro people in this country, by taking them fully
into the confidence of the Government on all matters relating to
their sons who had gone abroad to risk their lives in defense of
the Stars and Stripes.
CHAPTER X
THE NEGRO SOLDIERS OF FRANCE AND ENGLAND
French Colored Colonials the First Black Soldiers to Take Part in
the War—The Story of These Senegalese Fighters—Their
Important Part from the Beginning of the War—The Fight for
the African Colonies—German Employment of Negro Troops in
the Early Part of the War.
From the very beginning of the European war, in 1914, soldiers
of the Negro race had a great and growing share in the fighting.
For nearly three years before America's entry into the conflict these
colored "Colonials" from the French and British Colonies in Africa
and Asia, had been taking part in the warfare on European soil,
while in the fierce but little heard of campaign that resulted in the
crushing of German authority in East Africa, it was the Negro
troops who bore the chief burden and brunt of the fighting.
At my request, Colonel Edouard Requin of the French Military
Commission to the United States, has prepared the following state¬
ment of the participation of French Negro troops in the Great "War:
" France has had colored troops ever since it has had colonies.
These troops have participated in all our expeditions overseas;
they have been the best instrument of our colonial expansion.
Algerian troops (Arabs and Kabyles) fought in France in 1870-71
against Germany.
"But it was for the first time, in 1914, that black troops (Sene¬
galese and Soudanese) took part in the European war against an
enemy as redoubtable as Germany. If it is asked what have been
the results of this experience there is only one answer: they have
been excellent.
"The black troops of Africa are grouped either by battalions
or by regiments with our colonial French troops. The reason is that
the colonial officers understand them thoroughly, and that the men
themselves, in fighting together in the colonies, have acquired a
mutual confidence in each other.
117
118
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Recruited among the warrior tribes of Senegales and the Sou¬
dan these troops have great combatant qualities. They are partic¬
ularly apt for attack and counter-attack, but they are primitive men
without civilization—men who cannot be compared from this point
of view with colored Americans. The black French soldiers are
excellent grenadiers, but they are less prepared in the use of the
machine gun and the automatic rifle, which demand a certain mechan¬
ical aptitude. They receive the same instructions as the French sol¬
diers; these instructions are given to them by white officers and
non-commissioned officers who understand them well, and who for
this reason ought to be changed as little as possible.
"The characteristic of the black soldier is an entire devotion to
these officers who have merited it and whom they will never abandon.
In other words, the valor of the colored unit depends essentially on
grouping and leadership.
"Colored troops won distinction for themselves at Dixmude in
1914; at Verdun; on the Somme in 1917; on the Aisne, and more
recently still in the counter-attack which forced back the Germans
north of Compiegne.
Salute Their Flag and Die
"These troops are not only devoted to their officers, they are
equally devoted to France, whom they serve most loyally, and to the
flag which represents France. The following example may be cited
as an illustration: One day in 1916, on the Mediterranean, a trans¬
port carrying a battalion of Senegalese was torpedoed by a Boche
submarine. It was impossible to save everybody. The last who
remained on board lined the deck, saluted the flag, and went to the
bottom with a discipline and a self-abnegation which must remain
an example to all the world.
"It is because these soldiers are just as brave and just as
devoted as white soldiers that they receive exactly the same treat¬
ment, every man being equal before the death which all soldiers face.
In the French Army white and black wounded soldiers are cared
for in the same hospital by the same personnel, so that just as we
have delivered these black men from African barbarism so we have
given them civilization and justice; it is their duty in turn to defend
among us that justice and that civilization against Prussian bar¬
barism.
NEGRO SOLDIERS OF FRANCE
119
"I recall a design in the Parisian magazine 'L'Illustration'
which represents a Senegalese guarding some German prisoners.
This black soldier said with a smile to a visitor who approached to
see the Boche: *1 suppose you have eome to see the savages, is it
not so ?1 There was in this irony which the artist placed in the
black man's mouth an infinitude of truth.
" There is one difficulty which presents itself in connection with
colored French troops—a difficulty which results from the climate.
The blacks of Sengal are accustomed to a very hot climate and stand
our winters very badly, so the French Command, anxious to con¬
serve their health, sends them during the winter to the camps in
the south of France, or to Algeria. This inconvenience, however, is
only relative; for the black soldiers perfect their instructions in the
southern camp and in spring once more take their place in combat
beside the white soldiers.
"To sum up, it may be said that, contrary to the opinion so
often stated in times of peace by the adversaries of the colonial
French expansion necessary to every modern state, the French
colonies, far from enfeebling the military effort of the metropolis
in face of the common enemy, have on the contrary augmented that
power. Not a single territory which we occupied in Africa or in
Asia has been abandoned. No serious revolt has been produced out¬
side of a few local agitations provoked by German agents. All
those colonies have given us volunteers—Arab, Kabyles, Moroccans,
Tunisians, by hundreds of thousands, Senegalese, Madagascans,
Somalis, and even Indo-Chinese, have come to fight on French soil
in order to defend the liberty of which they have learned under our
aegis to appreciate all the benefits.
"The fact that certain countries like Morocco, not yet pacified,
furnish us with soldiers taken from the faithful tribes—and tribes
that we ourselves fought only yesterday—is one of the most extraor¬
dinary illustrations that could be cited.
"All this honors those men who are in charge of the organiza¬
tion of these colonies and the methods which they apply there. It
shows equally what prodigious faculty of assimilation the French
possess. If one considers that in North Africa the Mohammedan
group has been essentially refractory to all foreign intervention, the
voluntary participation of colored men in the defense of French
120
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
soil consecrates definitely the motivating principles of our colonial
expansion.
4'It is wholly apart from every question of national interest,
and solely from the point of view of humanity and morals that the
role played by France outside of France itself received its noblest
justification/'
The Negro Forces of Britain
Less has been heard of the part played in the war by British
Colonials of the Negro race. Before going into further detail about
the French Colonials, let me quote here an article from the London
Spectator, one of the most influential British journals, which gives
an excellent summary of the way in which the Negro served under
"the meteor flag of England."
"Sir Auckland Geddes said the other day that, for every man
in the Army who was actively engaged in fighting at a given moment,
twenty-four men were hard at work in connection with the war.
The statement illustrated the complexity of modern warfare and
the importance of the unarmed laborer as an assistant to the fight¬
ing man. In the present war this is generally understood, but it
was not always so. When we invaded Crimea we had no labor corps.
The troops on the plateau above Balaclava through the winter of
1854-55 starved within a few miles of abundant supplies because-
there was no proper means of transport and no road along which
vehicles could move rapidly. The General declared that he could not
spare soldiers from the trenches for roadmaking; the trenches were
indeed very thinly held. No one at the War Office had foreseen the
necessity of enlisting large gangs of laborers to keep the troops prop¬
erly fed and equipped, and it was not till after months of hardship
that a corps of navvies was sent out to the Crimea. Nowadays this
would be done as a matter of course.
"It is a common knowledge that there are in France many
thousands of British workers who never hear a shot fired, but are
nevertheless indispensable to the comfort and efficiency of the army.
The problem of finding labor for the manifold tasks that have to be
performed—not merely in constructing fortifications, but in making
new roads and railways, in unloading ships, and in transporting the
stupendous quantities of food, munitions and stores of every kind
that a modern army requires—is as important and difficult as any
NEGRO SOLDIERS OF FRANCE
121
problem of the war. The Germans have tried to solve it by com¬
pelling the people of the occupied territories to work for them, but
this forced labor is probably inefficient as a rule because the poor
slaves are ill fed and harshly treated. We have done better because
we have called on the immense reserves of colored labor in the empire
to supply voluntary workers, who are well fed and well paid, and
cheerfully assist us in the struggle for liberty.
"Sir Harry Johnston's little book on the part that the colored
races are playing in the war is interesting and informing, especially
from this point of view. He begins by reminding us that:
" 'The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland rules
more or less directly some 44,700,000 Africans, about 1,700,000
Aframericans in the West Indies, Honduras and Guiana, and about
338,000 Oceanic Negroes, Melanesians and Polynesians in the Pacific
archipelagoes. And in addition the Daughter Nation of the South
African Union governs another 4,000,000 of Bantu Negroes, Hotten¬
tots and half breeds; lastly, the Commonwealth of Australia and
the Dominion of New Zealand are responsible for the safe keeping
and welfare of about 400,000 Papuans, 150,000 Australoids and
100,000 Polynesians, Melanesians and Micronesians.'
"Our Asiatic subjects are more than six times as numerous,
but our fifty-one million Negroes are not greatly inferior in numbers
to the sixty-one million white people within the Empire, and their
help, freely and loyally tendered, has been most valuable. The
author proves his case by taking each Negro country in turn, describ¬
ing its races and showing what they have done in the war. British
West Africa naturally comes first. Nigeria alone contains over
sixteen million Negroes, some of whom are among the best native
troops that we have. The French Senegalese battalions have done
magnificent service on the Western front, and their southern neigh¬
bors under our rule have an equally fine record in the African cam¬
paigns. The Hausa of Nigeria and the Mandingoes of Gambia and
Sierra Leone make first-rate soldiers, and have faced German troops
and their machine-gun fire without flinching.
"Ebrima Jalu, a Mandingo sergeant-major in the West African
Frontier Force, received the D. C. M. in 1916 for his gallantry in a
severe action in the Gameroons. When his white officer had been
killed, he took command of his sector and directed the guns for sev-
122
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
eral hours until another officer could reach him. Sergt.-Maj. Ebrima
Jalu is not the^ only hero of his race. It is good to know that all
these West African troops, perhaps thirty thousand in number, are
volunteers, and that they enlist with the warm approval of their
people. We could hardly have better testimony to the popularity
of British rule in West Africa than the anecdote which Sir Henry
Johnston cites from Southern Nigeria early in the war:
" 'The people of New Calabar and their hereditary enemies,
the people of Okrika, had now sworn blood brotherhood (lest their
intertribal quarrels should embarrass us), and had brought in
£1,000—each tribe contributing £500—which they begged the local
Political Officer to forward as a token of personal loyalty to the
King. They wrote letters in broken English saying that they wanted
to help in the Great War because they were grateful for having
such good and kind rulers. This means a great deal when one real¬
izes what keen, hard-headed traders are the few headmen with
money, and how comparatively poor (except in foodstuffs) are the
masses of the people.'
"Attempts were made by Turkish agents to rouse the Moham-
medans of Nigeria against us, but not even the ruling Fula caste,
whom we had to fight when we took over Nigeria, would pay any
attention to these sedition-mongers.
"Incidentally the author tells us that the Negroes of German
East Africa are akin to those of British East Africa and Nyasa-
land, and like them use Swahili as a lingua franca. They were well
treated by Major von Wissmann and other early administrators, but
in recent years their interests have been completely subordinated
to German greed:
" ' The general cry of the natives in German East Africa since
victories of the Allied troops has been, "Watu wa kumina-tano
wametoka; wasirudi." ("The people of '15' have departed; may
they never return.") The "15" refers to the lowest number of lashes
with hippopotamus hide which were administered by the Germans for
minor offenses. The natives would regard with terror any possi¬
bility of the return of the Germans. In one district where a small
British column temporarily occupied the country and were welcomed
by the natives, the latter were massacred when the Germans
returned.' "
NEGRO SOLDIERS OF FRANCE
123
The loyalty and devotion of tlie British and French Negro
colonials to the flags and governments of the British Empire and
the French Republic, respectively, is in sharp contrast to the feel¬
ing toward the German government and the German flag among
the Negro population of those sections of Africa which were held
as German colonies, but which under the terms of the Treaty of
Versailles have been taken away from that country. While other
considerations than the rights of the Negroes themselves may
have and doubtless did enter into the considerations that led to
the decision of the Peace Conference to take her colonies away from
Germany forever, this decision can nevertheless be properly re¬
garded as a fulfillment of the wish and desire of every American
citizen of the Negro race.
German Atrocities in Africa
The record of German duplicity and cruelty in Southwest
Africa as disclosed in the official reports of the British adminis¬
trator embodies many of the stories of these atrocities. Between
1904 and 1911 the numbers of three native races were reduced from
130,000 to 37,742. The decrease was brought about by a war of
extermination undertaken by the Germans against tribes with whom
they had made agreements—the "scrap of paper" over again.
The Kaiser undertook by the treaties "to give his All-Highest pro¬
tection to the chief and his people.'' As soon as the Germans had
sufficient force on the spot they tore up the treaties, goaded the
natives into rebellion, and then massacred them. The German
Governor Leutwein avows the crime as cynically as Bethmann-
Hollweg admitted the crime against Belgium. He simply says:
"The specific provisions of the agreement did not matter; the
fact of their conclusion was sufficient. The manner of the carrying
out of those agreements thus depended entirely on the power which
stood behind the German makers of the agreements. So long as
the German Government in the protectorate had no means of en¬
forcing its power the agreements were of small significance. After
this state of affairs had been changed the agreements were, in
practice, dealt with uniformly without regard to their stipulated
details. So the native tribes were all in the same way, as a whole,
whether it was arranged or not, made subject to German laws and
124
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
German jurisdiction and received German garrisons." That was
how the Kaiser's 1'protection" was given. Then came the slaughter.
All the records in the report are from the archives at Wind¬
hoek, from sworn statements made by Europeans familiar with the
country, by native chiefs, and from the writings of Leutwein, who
was governor from 1894 to 1905, and other German authorities.
Every injustice and atrocity dealt with is a substantial fact.
The death of a native from a thrashing was not regarded by
the German courts as murder. Leutwein says: '' The natives could
not understand such subtle distinctions. To them murder and
beating to death were one and the same thing."
Government of this kind impelled the Herrero rebellion.
Samuel Kariko, son of Under-Chief Daniel Kariko, stated on oath:
"Our people were shot and murdered; our women were ill-treated;
and those who did this were? not punished. Our chiefs consulted and
we decided that war could not be worse than what we were under¬
going. We all knew what risks we ran, yet we decided on war, as
the chiefs said we would be better off even if we were all dead."
Johannes Kruger, appointed by Leutwein as chief of the
Bushmen and Berg-Damaras of the Grootfontein area, stated on
oath with regard to the campaign of Gen. von Trotha: "I went
with the German troops right through the Herrero rebellion. The
Afrikander Hottentots of my werft were with me. We refused to
kill Herrero women and children, but the Germans spared none.
Two of my Hottentots, Jan Wint and David Swartbooi, were
invited by the German soldiers to join them in violating Herrero
girls. The two Hottentots refused to do so."
Hendrik Fraser of Keetmanshoop stated on oath: "On one
occasion I saw about 25 prisoners placed in a small inclosure of
thorn bushes. They were confined in a very small space, and
the soldiers cut dry branches and piled dry logs all around them—
men, women, and children and little girls were there. The prison¬
ers were all alive and unwounded, but half starved. Having piled
up the branches, lamp oil was sprinkled on the heap and it was
set on fire. The prisoners were burnt to a cinder. I saw this
personally.''
The official photographs of natives hanged by Germans, are
pitiful. Capt. L. Fourie, S. A. M. C., district surgeon at Windhoek,
NEGRO SOLDIERS OF FRANCE
125
states: "Executions were carried out in a very crude and cruel
manner. The prisoner was conducted to the nearest tree and
placed on an ammunition, biscuit, soap, or other box or convenient
object, and the rope, after being run around his neck and through
a fork of the tree, was fixed to the trunk. The box was removed
and death resulted from asphyxiation. In other instances the
condemned prisoner was strangled by merely hoisting him off his
feet by utilizing the fork or branch of a tree. When the rope was
not available, telegraph or telephone wire or other convenient
material was used. Very rarely could death have resulted instan¬
taneously. ''
Such had been the history of German East Africa which was
completely captured and taken over by the British early in the
World War. Here the Germans sought to resist the British forces,
consisting of native and Boer regiments from the British South
African colonies, under the command of Boer officers, by compelling
Negroes to fight, them against the invaders. Their resistance was
half-hearted; even the least intelligent African native could feel
neither loyalty nor respect for the brutal and tyrannical German
officers and Colonial officials, and the Germans were left practic¬
ally to. conduct their resistance unaided. The extension Of the
British protectorate over German East Africa was hailed with joy
by all the natives.
If the author has digressed from his theme of the Negro Soldiers
of France, it is because he has wished to draw a picture of the
contrast between the loyalty of the French and British Colonials
on the one hand and the hatred and terror inspired by Germany
wherever that nation has attempted to establish colonies and rule
the natives. To the French, who draw no color line, there is nothing
startling or worthy of special comment in the fact that in the
armies of France in the Great War, two colored soldiers reached
the rank of General, and four the rank of Colonel. And the French
as a race are proud of the exploits of "Les Joyeux" (the happy
ones), the Negro soldiers of the special corps called officially
"Bataillons d'Afrique."
It was "Les Joyeux" who electrified the entire sector when on
May 27, 1918, the Germans attempted to storm their defenses. Al¬
though the enemy attacked in superior numbers, the "Joyeux," fight-
126
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
ing desperately, with entire disregard to numbers, held their ground
and every yard of the line of barbed-wire entanglement fronting
the French trenches was ornamented with dead Germans. Some
of the enemy elements which succeeded in penetrating the trenches
were slaughtered with bayonets and grenades. Supreme abnegation
was shown by the war-hardened " Joyeux," who checked the power¬
ful German assaults. The line of trenches was firmly held and
communication was kept open between the various defending
elements.
On the night of May 28 the First Battalion of the Chasseurs
d'Afrique fell back in an orderly manner, having fulfilled the mis¬
sion intrusted to it and picking up the equally weary elements of
the Third Battalion, which had struggled no less gloriously. After
an all-night march of twenty kilometers (twelve miles) they arrived
at their destination without abandoning any material, the machine
gunners carrying their pieces on their backs. Several of the
" Joyeux" spoke of this moving night march with heroic simplicity.
"We were counted and reconstituted," said one of them.
"About midnight of May 29, 1918, without taking a rest, we
again went to the front. On June 1 we launched an attack, making
a formidable charge, which caused the boches to renounce their
attempt to advance."
Many Deeds of Heroism
Many deeds of heroism were performed by these men. One of
the battalions taking part in the action was composed of very
young men and had arrived on the French battlefields as late as
January 3, 1918, after distinguishing itself in Morocco by its ardor
and endurance. The esprit de corps animating this battalion was
most chivalrous.
Four "Joyeux" in the night of May 28th, saw their company
commander, Lieutant Marechal, fall in a boyau pierced by enemy
bullets. Not wishing to lose the body of their chief, the valiant
four resisted the Germans with grenades, holding them at bay.
After they had recovered the body the same four "Joyeux" carried
it all the way during the terrible back-breaking twenty kilometer
retreat. On the morning of May 29, although harassed by fatigue
and lack of sleep, they organized a short funeral service, glorifying
the officer who had fallen at their head. On June 1 the same
NEGRO SOLDIERS OF FRANCE
127
battalion, supported by two companies of other battalions, after
being almost submerged by the German waves, threw itself, the
officers leading with drawn revolvers, into a hand-to-hand encounter
with the Germans, who fell back in disorder, abandoning their field
and machine guns.
The Germans applied the common name of "Frenchmen from
Africa" to the soldiers of all the French regiments which in time
of peace served in Africa, including legionnaires, zouaves, "Joy-
eux," colonials, mitrailleurs—Arab and black sharpshooters re¬
cruited in northern Africa—Spahis and African chasseurs. These
corps were especially feared by the enemy and formed one of the
firmest bulwarks of the allied defense.
The annals of the French Army in the Great War are filled
with records of individual heroism on the part of the French
Colonial troops. Here is the official record of Fako Doumbia of
the Fifty-first Senegalese Battalion, serving at the observation post
of the trench. He was three times buried by projectiles, three times
released himself, resumed his post with the greatest calmness, and
continued on duty until relieved by the commandant of his com¬
pany.
Fort Douaumont, which had gained renown for its obstinate
and prolonged defense by the French during the German rush at
Verdun in 1916, was defended by the Huns with equal obstinacy
when the French began their counter-attack in 1918, but was re¬
captured at last. In the course of the attack a battalion of the
"Tirailleurs/1 together with one of the "poilus," was held up by
an artillery barrage in front and machine-gun fire on the flanks.
A veteran lieutenant of the Tirailleurs cautiously raising his head
shouted to his men: "How now, Tirailleurs, are we going to stick
here? Forward!" The Tirailleurs immediately bounded forward,
carrying the "poilus" with them in their rush. They passed the
barrage and captured the fort and raised the tricolor once more
upon its walls.
On March 1, 1916, a battalion was organized at St. Raphael
from the veterans of the previous campaign and recruits recently
arrived from Africa. After three months' training, to give the
necessary cohesion, the battalion was sent to the front on June 1,
and went into the trenches on the Oise, and then on the Somme,
128
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
taking its part in all the battles. At the end of October the battalion
went into winter quarters near Arachon, where it was put under
''intense" training, and on March 19, 1917, joined the armies of
the North and Northeast on the line of the Aisne, where it was
attached to a regiment of Colonial infantry with which it took part
in the spring offensive. On April 16 and 17 it distinguished itself
greatly at the farm of Noisy, the men dying at their posts rather
than abandon the position which they had taken. In May it served
at the Mill of Lafaux, and in June and July was in the trenches in
the reconquered part of Alsace. During July-August it took part
in the defense of the plateaux of Craonne and California and
fought on the Chemin des Dames.
These places are mentioned to show that the battalion was
always at the seat of the hottest fighting, and wherever it was
called upon to serve, whether in attack or in defense, it attracted
attention by its courage, devotion and self-sacrifice. The quality
of these gallant soldiers will be shown by a few quotations from the
"citations a l'ordre" for a single day:
"Kofi Alia, private: Cool and collected; courageously led his
comrades on April 16, 1917, to an assault of the enemy positions.
Although wounded, continued to throw his bombs on a hostile
machine gun and only left his post when his strength gave out."
"Moderi Comba, private: Very devoted and courageous; on
April 16, 1917, dressed, under fire, the wounds of his lieutenant and
returned to his post in the line.''
"Demba N'Daigne, private: Very courageous. On April 16,
1917, taking the quick firing gun of one of his wounded comrades,
stopped by his fire an attempted bombing attack by the enemy."
4' Namadon N 'Daigne, sergeant: On April 1,1917, distinguished
himself among the bravest of those who advanced against a Ger¬
man counter-attack and formed a first line of defense bjehind the
barbed wire."
"Donga Thiam, private: On April 16,1917, being with a group
of bombers and all his comrades having become casualties con¬
tinued alone to cast his bombs into the enemy's trench."
"Eli Diot, corporal: Showed remarkable courage in the attack
on the enemy's lines on April 16, remained at his post, although
seriously wounded and never ceased to encourage his comrades."
NEGRO SOLDIERS OF FRANCE
129
It was with records like these, made by men of their own race
though under different flags, that, the Negro soldiers of America
had to compete. That they did' compete, and nobly upheld the
tradition of valor established by' these French soldiers of their own
color, is a source of much satisfaction.
A Study in Black and Yellow
CHAPTER XI
THE NEGRO COMBAT DIVISION
Full Detailed Account of the Organization and Fighting Campaigns
of the Famous Ninety-Second, as Recorded by the Division's
Official Historian—Complete Official Reports of Every Battle m
Which the Ninety-Second Took Part—Commendation by Com¬
manding Officers.-
^Pursuant to "War Department Orders, the 92nd Division was
organized November 29, 1917, from the first contingent of Negro
draftees arriving at the various camps and cantonments throughout
the United States during the latter part of the month of October,
1917. The entire enlisted personnel was made up of Negroes and
represented practically all tha States in the Union. The Staff and
Field Officers, officers of the Supply Units, Quartermaster Corps,
Engineers' Corps, and of the Artillery Units, with few exceptions,
were white. The remainder of the commissioned personnel, compris¬
ing about four-fifths of the whole, were colored.
The plans of the War Department did not provide a separate
cantonment for this division. It was therefore necessary to dis¬
tribute its various units among seven widely-separated camps. This
distribution was effected as follows:
Name of Camp Location 92nd Division Units
Funston Ft. Riley, Kansas Division Headquarters
Headquarters Troop
349th Machine-gun Battalion
Divisional Trains
Dodge Des Moines, Iowa 366th Regiment of Infantry
Grant Rockford, HI. 365th Regiment of Infantry
350th Machine-gun Battalion
♦The information contained in this chapter with reference to the organization,
operations and other data of the 92nd Division has been supplied for this work by
First Lieut. T. T. Thompson of the 92nd Division, who accompanied it to France and
served during the whole period at Headquarters at Camp Funston and in France as
acting Personnel Officer. He was specially detailed as Historian of the 92nd Division.
130
THE NEGRO COMBAT DIVISION
131
Sherman
Mead©
Dix
Upton
Chillicothe, Ohio
Annapolis Jet., Md.
Wrightstown, N. J.
Yaphank, New York
At the time of
were as follows:
Charles C. Ballou
Chauncey Dewey-
Allen J. Greer
*Harry L: Hodges
Sherburne "Whipple
Robert P. Harbold
Edward L. Glasgow
Perry L. Boyer
Philip S. Gage
Alfred M. Craven
Thomas C. Spencer
organization the
Major General
Captain F. A.
Lt. Colonel G. S.
Major Inf.
Major Inf.
Major Inf.
Colonel Q. M. C.
Lt. Colonel M. C.
Major Ord. C.
Major J. A. G. D.
Major Inf.
317th Engineers Regiment
317th Engineers Train
325th Field Signal Battalion
368th Regiment of Infantry
351st Field Artillery
349th Field Artillery
350th Field Artillery
317th Trench Mortar Battery
367th Regiment of Infantry
351st Machine-gun Battalion
Staff Officers of the Division
Commanding Division
Aide-de-Camp
Chief of Staff
Assistant Chief of Staff
Division Adjutant
Division Inspector
" Division Quartermaster
Division Surgeon
Division Ordnance Officer
Division Judge Advocate
Division Signal Officer
*Never reported.
The 183rd Infantry Brigade comprised the 365th and 366th Regi¬
ments of Infantry and the 350th Machine-gun Battalion, and was
organized as follows:
Malvern H. Barnum
Edmund A. Buchanan
Vernon A. Caldwell
John J. Ryan
Frederick E. Sweitzer
James E. Abbott
Charles W. Mason
William F. Robinson
Ralph W. Parrott
Adelbert G. Aldrich
James E. McDonald
Brigadier General
Major
365th Regiment of Infantry
Colonel
Lt. Colonel
Captain
Major
Major
Major
366th Regiment of Infantry
Colonel
Captain
Major
Brigade Commander
Brigade Adjutant
Reg'l Comd'r
Regiment
Regimental Adjutant
Comd'g 1st B'n
Comd'g 2nd B'n
Comd'g 3rd B'n
Reg'l Comd'r
Reg'l Adjutant
Comd'g 1st B'n
132
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Ralph Leavitt
Horace F. Sykes
George M. Lee
Dennis M. Matthews
Major
Major
350th Machine-gun Battalion
Major
1st Lt.
Comd 'g 2nd B 'n
Comd 'g 3rd B 'n
B'n Comd'r
Actg. B'n Adjutant
The 184th Brigade was organized as follows
William H. Hay
Brigadier General
Brigade Commander
Herman S. Dilworth
Major
Brigade Adjutant
367th Regiment of Infantry
James A. Moss
Colonel
Reg'l Comd'r
William C. Doane
Lt. Colonel
Regiment
Fred W. Bugbee
Lt. Colonel
Unassigned
Frederic Bull
Captain
Regimental Adjutant
Charles L. Mitchell
Major
Comd'g 1st B'n
Wilford Twyman
Major
Comd'g 2nd B'n
Fitzhugh L. Minnegerode
Major
Comd'g 3rd B'n
368th Regiment of Infantry
William P. Jackson
Colonel
Reg'l Comd'r
William S. Mapes
Lt. Colonel
Regiment
Harry Armstrong
Captain
Regimental Adjutant
Henry S. Terrell
Major
Comd'g 1st B'n
Max A. Elser
Major
Comd'g 2nd B'n
William R. Pope
Major
Comd 'g 3rd B 'n
351st Machine-gun Battalion
Robert M. Barton
Major
B'n Comd'r
Oscar C. Brown
1st Lt.
B'n Adjutant
The 167th Field Artillery Brigade was organized as follows:
John H. Sherburne
Brigadier Gen.
349th Field Artillery Regiment
Dan T. Moore
Colonel
Charles S. Blakely
Lt. Colonel
Royal F. Nash
Captain
William F. McCleave
Major
350th Field Art. Regiment
Fred T. Austin
Colonel
Walter E. Prosser .
Lt. Colonel
William Heffner
Captain
Allen McBridc
Major
Brigade Commander
Reg'l Comd'r
Regiment
Reg'l Adjutant
B'n Commander
Reg'l Comd'r
Regiment
Regimental Adjutant
B'n Commander
THE NEGRO COMBAT DIVISION
133
William E. Cole
Edward L. Carpenter
Earl Briscoe
Wade H. Carpenter
351st Field Art. Regiment
Colonel
Lt. Colonel
Major
Major
Reg'l Comd'r
Regiment
Comd'g 1st B'n
Comd'g 2nd B'n
The 317th Engineers' Regiment was organized as follows:
Earl I. Brown
Henry A. Finch
Charles Ecton
William H. Ferguson
Arthur E. Wenige
Pittman E. Smith
Ether Beattie
Colonel
Lt. Colonel
Captain
Major
Major
317th Engineers' Train
1st Lt.
2nd Lt.
Comd'g Regiment
Regiment
Reg'l Adjutant
Comd'g 1st B'n
Comd'g 2nd B'n
Train Comd'r
Tr. Adjutant
The 325th Field Signal Battalion was organized as follows;
Irving Deems Major B'n Commd'r
Luther N. Hull Captain B'n Adjutant
The 317th Supply Train was organized as follows:
Otto W. Rethorst Major Tr. Comd'r
John N. Douglass Captain Tr. Adjutant
The 317th Ammunition Train was organized as follows:
Henry B. Clark
Allan R. Williams
Charles C. McClure
Charles C. Hoag
Edward F. Springer
Colonel
Major
Major
Captain
Captain
Tr. Comd'r
Comd'g Horse Sec.
Comd'g Motor Sec,
Adjutant Mot. Sec.
Adjutant Horse See.
Tr. Comd'r
Comd'g Ambu. See.
The 317th Sanitary Train:
David B. Downing Major, M. C.
Edward B. Simmons Captain, M. C.
The 317th Trains Headquarters and Military Police:
Isaac S. Jenks Colonel Tr. Comd'r
Joseph C. Wilson Captain Tr. Adjutant
The 349th Machine-gun Battalion :
Robert S. Sterrett Major B'n Comd'r
Arthur Hubbard 1st Lt. B'n Adjutant
134
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
The Division Headquarters Troop:
Edward J. Turgeon
Captain
1st Lt.
1st Lt.
2nd Lt.
Troop Comd'r
Marion C. Rhoten
Sidney D. Frissell
Arthur R. Williams
Troop
Troop
Troop
The Training in France
The organization and training of the Division extended over a
period of five months. In May, 1918, the Division was ordered over¬
seas to join the American Expeditionary Forces in France. The
first contingent embarked at Hoboken, N. J., on June 10, 1918, and
reached Brest (Finisterre) on the 19th day of June, 1918. During the
same month the Infantry Units, the Divisional Trains and the Field
Artillery Brigade, elements of the division which had not embarked
with the first contingents, reached France and went immediately into
a secondary period of intensive training.
Bourbonne-les-Bains (the baths of the Bourbons), in Haute
Marne, was the first training area of the 92nd Division in France.
Bourbonne is a historic little town of five or six thousand inhabitants,
situated almost midway between the lower reaches of the Marne on
the west and the Moselle on the east, in the northeastern part of the
country. To the east about one hundred miles flows the Rhine, while
to the southeast at a less distance lies the border of Switzerland.
Sixty miles north of the town, the battle line ran angling to the south¬
east and thirty miles northwest was Chaumont, the headquarters of
the American Expeditionary Forces. Like most of the towns of
France, Bourbonne-les-Bains counted its age in centuries. In peace
times its natural hot-water baths attracted health-seekers from all
parts of the country. Tradition relates that the hot mineral waters
of the surrounding springs had not only been a favorite gathering
place for the Bourbon kings in the Middle Ages, but of the Romans
as well, many centuries before. In the old city park, at the foot of
the hill, near where a moving-picture theater now stands, may
be seen the ruins of ancient Roman colonnades, standing near an
excavation in the solid rock. This excavation until recently was still
used as a swimming pool, into which the same hot springs continue
to flow.
The various units of the Division, except the Artillery Brigade
THE NEGRO COMBAT DIVISION
135
and the Ammunition Train, were quartered in the numerous villages
extending in a semicircle to the north and east of Bourbonne, ranging
from six to sixteen kilometers from Division headquarters, which
was established in the city. Following the plan of quartering the
American army as it entered France, the soldiers were billetted in
buildings vacated by the French people. These buildings consisted
of public halls, hotel buildings, barns and in many instances the
homes of families where available space could be found.
The training period continued through eight weeks, embracing
all phases of offensive and defensive tactics found necessary to meet
the actual methods in use in the allied armies. In the meantime, the
complete Artillery Brigade and the Ammunition Train reached
France and went into training July 18 at Montmorrillon, in the
department of Vienne, the training area for artillery units.
Takes Over the St. Die Sector
Leaving this training area about the 7th of August, 1918, the
Division moved up by stages to take over its first sector. Leaving
Bourbonne-les-Bains, the Division established temporary headquar¬
ters at Bruyeres, Vosges, remaining twelve days, during which time
the Division was equipped for front line duty. From Bruy&res
the Division moved up by marches to St. Die on the 21st of August,
and took over its first sector on the 25th of August, 1918.
From St. Die to the Rhine is not more than a day's march. From
the towers and other elevations of the city, the dim outlines of the
distant mountains—the foothills of the Alps—covered with impene¬
trable forests, are plainly visible. The clear and shallow waters of
the river Meurthe flow through the heart of the city. A quaint bit of
history connected with St. Die is that it gave the name to the con¬
tinent of America. This is explained by large placards posted in
different parts of the city to welcome incoming American troops, by
the announcement in French that the city of St. Die is the1 i Marraine''
of America, because it was for Americus Vespucius, a St. Diean monk,
that the continent was named. One of the leading streets terminating
at the square known as the 1 iPlace de Jules Ferry'' is called "Rue
de President Wilson." The headquarters of the Division in this city
of 10,000 inhabitants, was located in the historic old building for¬
merly used by the Bishop of Eastern France as office and prefecture.
136
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
This rambling old building crowns the single eminence of the city
and part of it is still used for church services by the native population.
The St. Die sector formed the southeastern tip of the great battle
line which extended from the North Sea to the borders of Switzer¬
land. Across the line opposite the sector lay Alsace. Beyond the
Alsatian strip of country lay impenetrable mountains and forests.
Physical barriers made extensive military movements impracticable,
and for this reason the sectpr was comparatively a quiet one and
usually assigned to inexperienced divisions coming into the front line
for the first time. The city of St. Die, on the French side, was easily
within range of enemy guns, and Saales, the Alsatian city opposite
St. Die, was as easily within the range of our own artillery, but
through a tacit understanding, neither of these cities suffered from
artillery bombardment from opposing forces, although the villages
and roads beyond were frequently bombarded.
The Baptism of Fire and Gas
With the coming of American troops, the sector became more
active. The 92nd Division in this sector relieved the 6th Infantry,
American Expeditionary Forces, and French units of the 33rd Army
Corps, with which the 6th Infantry had been brigaded, less the
French artillery which supported the 92nd Division. The Artillery
Brigade of the 92nd Division was still in training at Montmorrillon.
In a raid on the 16th of August, nine days before the 92nd took over
the sector, the 6th Infantry had captured the village of Frapelle and
extended its front line trenches. As a result of this loss, the 92nd
found the enemy on the offensive and received its baptism of fire
and gas on August 25,1918. Amid intermittent shelling with shrap¬
nel and gas, the front line trenches were taken over by three com¬
panies respectively from the 368th and 365th Regiments, two com-,
panies of the 367th Infantry, and five companies of the 366th
Infantry, with other combat units in reserve and support
From the 25th of August until the Division was relieved on the
20th of September, the principal activities consisted of patrolling
and raiding parties, with artillery and aerial bombardment of enemy
positions. Skirmishes between raiding parties were frequent. One
of the most intense engagements during this period was on the night
of the 31st of August, 1918, when the enemy made an attempt in
THE NEGRO COMBAT DIVISION
137
force to retake Frapelle. In this attack the enemy was supported by
intense artillery bombardment, employing mustard gas and flame
projectors, but was repulsed with heavy losses. Our casualties were
34 wounded and gassed and four killed, including First Lieutenant
Thomas Bullock, 367th Infantry, the first officer of the Division to
meet death at hands of the enemy.
On the following day, the enemy attacked our forces at Ormont,
after heavy artillery barrage, but wete driven back by the 366th
Infantry. In this attack more than 12,000 shells were fired into
our front line trenches between the hours of 12:30 and 3:00 in the
afternoon. After this intense barrage the enemy charged our gun
fire. In this action, the 365th were commended for repelling the
enemy's attack. . . j j
Following the enemy's defeat at Hermanpere, the enemy at¬
tempted a raid at Frapelle but was repulsed by our infantry, assisted
by artillery barrage. Among the casualties on this date, Lieutenant
Aaron Fisher of the 366th Infantry, later awarded a Distinguished
Service Cross, was seriously wounded.
Negro Soldiers Eager to Attack
No immediate offensive operations were attempted by our forces
at this time. Our officers and soldiers pleaded for an opportunity
to attack the enemy, to assume the offensive; especially was this
true at Senones, where our patrolling parties entered the town and
mingled with its occupants, and brought back valuable information,
but it was deemed inadvisable at that time. Troops not actively
engaged in holding positions and repelling the enemy attacks were
extending and repairing trenches and dugouts. The entrenchment
system was inadequate for the protection of the troops and out of
repair from long non-use. In the meantime it developed that not¬
withstanding the incessant activities of the enemy, he was never¬
theless falling back and taking up new positions to the rear.
Numerous patrolling parties sent out from our lines returned after
long patrols and reported failure to come in contact with the enemy.
In many cases enemy trenches were found abandoned. This was
regarded as indicating that the enemy was not anxious to meet our
troops in a general engagement.
At Hermanpere, La Fontenelle, La Eaniese, Vanifosse, Ban de
138
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Sapt, Denipaire, Robedeau, Coichots, Ravines, Germanfaing, Moyen-
moutier—villages occupied by the 92d in this zone of operations—the
enemy kept up incessant bombardment, including a variety of gas
shells. During the latter days of September aerial activity, both
bombing and reconnaissance, increased daily.
A Duel in the Air
Near Raon L'Etape, on the 15th of September, our troops wit¬
nessed their first airplane duel. A German aviator, steering a com¬
bat plane of the larger Fokker type, entered our lines at an altitude
of 8,000 feet. The enemy plane was reported by observers at 14 hrs.
At 14:40 hrs. a combat plane from the French aero squadron which
was cooperating with our forces in this area, had sighted the enemy
plane and was climbing rapidly to give battle. Taken by surprise,
the Boche aviator circled and attempted to rise to the level of his
antagonist, but the French lieutenant was now opening his batteries
on the port side of the Boche plane at a superior height of 800 feet.
The accurate aim and superior maneuvering by Lieut. Fagon enabled
him to reach the vitals of the Boche plane before the latter could
bring his machine into position to defend himself effectively. After
twenty minutes of circling, swooping, diving and sparring for ad¬
vantage, the German plane with its propeller shot away, crashed
headlong to earth, its occupant pierced many times with machine-gun
bullets.
During the week of September 14, 1918, one of the raiding
parties of the 366th Infantry surprised and captured a group of five
German soldiers, the first prisoners taken by the 92nd Division.
Other raiding parties captured enemy rifles, machine-guns and mes¬
sage dogs. In the meantime two members of one of our own
patrolling parties fell into the hands of the enemy. In this way the
Germans learned for the first time that the 92nd Division, the oppos¬
ing force wliich faced them, was made up of Ajnerican Negroes.
With this information, the Germans changed their tactics for the
moment and launched into our trenches the first propaganda which
reached us. On the morning of the 12th of September, a section of
the 367th Infantry was bombarded with what at first was thought
to have been gas shells. On closer inspection it was found to be
THE NEGRO COMBAT DIVISION
139
circular printed matter. Printed in good English, a copy of this
circular read as follows:
"To the Colored Soldiers of the American Army"
"Hello, boys, what are you doing over here? Fighting the Germans?
Why? Have they ever done you any harm? Of course some white folks
and the lying English-American papers told you that the Germans ought to
be wiped out for the sake of Humanity and Democracy.
"What is Democracy? Personal freedom, all citizens enjoying the same
rights socially and before the law. Do you enjoy the same rights as the
white people do in America, the land of Freedom and Democracy, or are
you rather not treated over there as second-class citizens? Can you go into
a restaurant where white people dine? Can you get a seat in the theater
where white people sit? Can you get a seat or a berth in the railroad car,
or can you even ride, in the South, in the same street car with white people?
And how about the law ? Is lynching and the most horrible crimes connected
therewith a lawful proceeding in a democratic country?
"Now, this is all different in Germany, where they do like colored people,
where they treat them as gentlemen and as white people, and quite a number
of colored people have fine positions in business in Berlin and other German
cities.
"Why, then, fight the Germans only for the benefit of the Wall street
robbers and to protect the millions they have loaned to the British, French,
and Italians? You have been made the tool of the egotistic and rapacious
rich in England and in America, and there is nothing in the whole game for
you but broken bones, horrible wounds, spoiled health, or death. No satis¬
faction whatever will you get out of this unjust war.
"You have never seen Germany. So you are fools if you allow people
to make you hate us. Come over and see for yourself. Let those do the
fighting who make the profit out of this war. Don't allow them to use you
as camion fodder. To carry a gun in this war is not an honor, but a shame.
Throw it away and come over into the German lines. You will find friend3
who will help you along."
Be it said to the honor and credit of the many thousands of
Negro officers and soldiers to whom this propaganda was addressed,
the invitation had no effect other than to present an intimate view
of German methods and to confirm in our men a loftier conception
of duty.
On the 20th of September, 1918, the 92nd Division was relieved
in the St. Die sector by the 81st (the "Wildcat Division). During the
140
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
four weeks the Division held this sector, all enemy attacks were
repulsed, a number of prisoners and quantities of material were
captured, trenches and roads were constructed and repaired, and
most important of all, the Division demonstrated its ability to fight
in or out of the trenches as it had been trained in the back areas.
Second Sector Held by the 92nd Division
Beginning on the 21st of September, 1918, the Division left the
St. Die sector, dropping down into the Corcieux zone for entrain-
ment. Orders from the Commander-in-Chief of the American Expe¬
ditionary Forces directed the Division to proceed to the Department
of the Meuse and take up position as a Corps Beserve unit. From
Corcieux and other nearby entraining points, the various units of the
Division, less the artillery and Ammunition Train, were entrained
and en route to the Argonne region within twenty-four hours after
orders were received.
Preparations for the great drive of the Allies which had been
scheduled to begin on the 25th of September, 1918, were almost
complete. More than 650,000 American troops were hurrying day
and night to take up their places in the line. The whole Hindenburg
line contained no section more difficult than that assigned to the
American Army. This great offensive operation was a part of the
general program to break the German line. The objective for the
American Army was a point opposite Sedan on the Meuse, to reach
which it was necessary to drive the enemy entirely out of the Ar¬
gonne, a section he had held tenaciously for four years.
The distance of more than three hundred miles was covered by
the 92nd Division in troop trains by the afternoon of the 23rd. With
all equipment and supplies each unit was in place by the morning of
the 24th of September. Division headquarters was established in
echelons at Triacourt and Beauchamp, sixteen kilometers apart
The Argonne is a narrow oblong strip of territory extending
almost north and south between the Aisne and the Aire, with a ridge
of hills through almost its entire length, skirted by the river valleys
on either side. Several villages are located in the region, but the
greater part is densely wooded, with gorges and ravines. In length
it is nearly thirty miles from Grand Pre at one end to Triacourt at
the other, and varies in width from eight to fifteen miles. The entire
THE NEGRO COMBAT DIVISION
141
section is crossed by only two main wagon roads and one railroad.
On the western side is St. Menehould, on the eastern side is Clermont.
To the east a few kilometers lies battered Verdun, while westward of
St. Menehould 90 kilometers lies naked Rheims. The line of rail¬
road running from Metz to Paris and passing through Verdun, Cler¬
mont, St. Menehould, and Rheims, bisects the Argonne forest at
Les Islets. The entire area of the strip is less than 500 square miles
and yet because of the rugged terrain and impassable forests, the
Allies found this section the most difficult of the whole line from
which to dislodge the enemy. Throughout the whole period of the
war this forest remained the scene of the fiercest struggles. It was
overrun in 1914 when the German army advanced to the Marne after
driving its wedge between Verdun and Rheims. After four years
of fighting in which the German army had been pushed back grad¬
ually, that portion of the Argonne between the line of railroad and
Grand Pre still remained in the hands of the enemy. On the date
of the beginning of the Argonne-Meuse offensive, more than 21 divi¬
sions of the American Army held this portion of the line, while the
enemy had more than 40 divisions opposite.
A change in the disposition of allied troops made it necessary
for the 368th Infantry to take over the sector opposite Binarville
on the 25th of September. At this time the 368th Infantry was com¬
manded by Colonel Fred R. Brown with the following battalion com¬
manders: First battalion, Major John H. Merrill; second battalion,
Major Max Elser; third battalion, Major Benjamin F. Norris. For
this engagement, the regiment cooperated with the French forces, the
4th French Army, commanded by General Gourard. Moving over
from Vienne-le-Chateau it took up a position on the left of the
American forces and on the right flank of the French.
The sector held by the 368th Regiment formed an irregular
triangle projecting forward beyond the general line. In front of
this position vast stretches of enemy wire entanglement extended at
intervals in all the intervening " no-man 's-land." Beyond this wire
entanglement were numerous concealed machine-gun emplacements.
At this point the fighting was harder than anything the Division had
experienced up to that time. At least two unsuccessful attempts were
made to advance before the first objectives were reached. The total
casualties exceeded 450 men killed, wounded and gassed. Among the
142
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
casualties in this action, the following officers were killed: Lieut.
Norwood C. Fairfax and Captain Walter Green of the 368th Infantry.
During the five days in which the 368th held this position a total
advance of five kilometers was made and the village of Binarville
was taken.
Infantry Activities of the Division
The following statement indicates somewhat in detail the In¬
fantry activities of the 92nd Division: On August 23,1918, the entire
92nd Division except the artillery moved from the training area into
the St. Die (Vosges) sector, to relieve the 5th Regular U. S. Army
Division. The front line trenches of this sector were established
60 days after the opening of the war and had not changed until the
taking of the village of Frapelle. More than three years of attack
and counterattack had caused both the French and Germans to
conclude that the Yosges Mountains offered too many difficulties for
either to advance and hold. This bit of rugged terrain had been
used by both sides as a, "rest sector.'* About the middle of August,
1918, the 6th Infantry of the 5th Regular U. S. A. Division in an
early morning surprise attack captured the village of Frapelle.
This is said to have been the first town taken by an American unit
independent of any assistance from the French. Frapelle controlled
a very important highway and its loss by the Germans threatened
a railroad which was much used to convey troops and military
supplies into Southeast Alsace.
Before the 6th Infantry had time to reorganize to hold the
newly captured territory, the 366th Infantry (colored troops) was
ordered to relieve them. The Germans were very angry at this
loss and hurriedly moved Prussian troops in to replace Alsatian
Guards (second class troops) and supplemented the sector artillery
with many heavy guns. Counterattacks began immediately upon the
arrival of the new troops and many efforts were made to retake the
village. The casualties of the 6th Infantry were probably larger
than the accomplishment would seem to merit. "While the relief of
the 6th Infantry by the 366th was in progress a bombardment of
Frapelle took place which lasted four hours, and not a wall in the
entire town was left standing. The Catholic church steeple was the
last to topple over. That this had ceased to be a "quiet sector" was
learned by the first company of the 366th Infantry the very night
THE NEGRO COMBAT DIVISION
143
they entered the trenches, for two men were killed and six severely
wounded before the relief was completed. In this sector the '' dough-
boys'' of the 366th were first introduced to a flame-projector attack.
There the Germans also had air-superiority, and when the weather
was clear, the front line trenches were bombed from above.
In addition to their systematic daily program of artillery fire,
one and at times two barrages were placed over the front line posi¬
tions. Aeroplanes flying above often directed the fire for more than
thirty minutes at a time before being driven away by the French
anti-aircraft guns. The roads traveled by the supply trains were
bombed, shelled with shrapnel, high-explosive and gas shells every
night.
Enemy Defeated with the Bayonet
After the first week in this sector the men of this (366th) regi¬
ment, not only took complete possession of "no-manViand," but
made nightly patrols over the first and second line trenches of the
enemy. One bright Sunday morning after being in the trenches two
weeks, the Germans following closely behind a most terrific bom¬
bardment, which battered down two front line dugouts, entered the
front line trenches and after a hand-to-hand bayonet encounter were
forced to retire in complete disorder. After this first and only time
that the Germans actually entered the trenches, they seemed to con¬
clude that the Negro infantryman knew how to use "cold steel'* and
that he was not to be driven from his post. Snipers, machine guns
and artillery alone were used against him after that one attack. At
night motor trucks armed with light artillery and machine guns
were sent forward to commanding positions on the enemy side and
the strong points shelled. With the aid of bright rockets on moon¬
light nights during the early part of September, 1918, these same
trucks were used, and often very effectively, against the patrols in
"no-man Viand.''
During the 28 days in the St. Die sector the men of the 366th
Regiment gained a confidence in themselves.and their weapons, such
as could never have come in a camp or training area. They learned
coordination and a real love for the war game. It became difficult to
send out small patrols, for every officer and man desired to par¬
ticipate. Company commanders in order to settle disputes as to
144
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
priority among the volunteers for night patrols and raiding parties
were compelled to promise places days in advance of orders.
Many officers of the 366th Infantry think the regiment lost its
best opportunity in this sector because orders were never received
allowing them to advance. The mission of the regiment was to
reorganize the captured territory and hold at any cost. They did
this and more. Raiding parties succeeded in driving the German
patrols from 44no-man's-land" and out of their own front line
trenches at night, without assistance from the French sector artillery,
which was inactive most of the time, and being situated beyond range
was ineffective in silencing enemy batteries when it did fire. Ten
days before leaving the sector it was generally recognized that the
regiment had superiority in all arms and «ould, it is believed by its
officers, have gone over and captured the villages of Beaulay and
Provenchires, thereby bettering their position, with fewer casualties
than were sustained by remaining in the valley of the Fave.
The March to the Argonne
Relieved by the "Wildcat" Division and a battalion of French
troops the 366th Infantry, weary and badly rest-broken, moved back
for what was rumored to be a rest. After a 20-kilometer march with
heavy packs over the flinty roads of the Vosges Mountains to the
railroad, they were entrained with other units of the 92nd Division
and rushed to the village of Le Chemin, arriving there on the morn¬
ing of the 23rd of September, 1918. The 92nd Division Headquarters
was established at St. Menehould. At seven o'clock in the evening
of September 23rd, in a very heavy rain, a start was made for the
Foret d'Argonne. The march from St. Die to Granges, which was
very hard on the men, proved disastrous to the horses and mules.
The road from Le Chemin to Camp D 'Italien was strewn with dead
animals and equipment which had to be abandoned for want of
transportation. Most of the men of the 1st and 3rd Battalions of
this regiment removed their shoes, while on the train, for the first
time in ten days; this condition was but a trifle worse with the officers
and men of the 2nd Battalion, who had been in the front line trenches
twenty days under the most terrifying artillery fire. In recognition
of the splendid services rendered during this period eighteen Distin¬
guished Service Crosses were awarded the men of this battalion.
THE NEGRO COMBAT DIVISION
145
Besting in the woods of Camp d'ltalien without shelter except
from pup tents during the day of the 24th, another start was made
that night and after marching nine kilometers, a part of which was
over the famous Verdun highway, Camp Cabaud was reached early
in the morning and rest once more established. The march over the
Verdun highway that night will never be forgotten by the thousands
of soldiers racing for a place in the great offensive of the First
American Army. Several miles of trucks were stranded along this
highway; congestion was never worse on any ~oad. After several
days' rain the shell-torn roads caused some of the trucks to turn
end for end; some were on one side, while others were completely
upside down. Every effort on the part of the Military Police failed
to keep trucks and troops moving. Ammunition having the right of
way over everything, forced infantry and even ambulances to halt.
Roads Blocked with Trucks
Determined to keep transportation moving, trucks were ordered
forward over the left side of the road, when the right had become
solidly blocked. Despite the skill and ingenuity of higher com¬
manders, for both Major Generals and Brigadier Generals left their
automobiles and vied with Colonels in spending every human energy
in an effort to open the roads, the left side of the road became blocked
about midnight and for seven kilometers trucks and troops were
banked together in mud and mire. The infantry, moving forward
by file in small detachments, finally reached the woods above Passa-
vant-en-Argonne about 5 o'clock in the morning. The sky, though
cloudy that night after the rain, was well lighted by the continuous
flash from the big guns. The roar was deafening. Hearing one
speak in ordinary tones beyond a few feet was impossible, though
we were ten to twelve kilometers from the battery positions. It was
not the ordinary noise of the battle front that night; every soldier
knew that a something different was "coming off." Single guns
could not be heard; no, not even single batteries; it was just one
continuous roar. So numerous were the guns and so regular the fire
that the discharge could not be distinguished from the burst of the
shells.
Secret Field Order No. 13, Headquarters 92nd Division, made this
146
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
division, less the 368th Infantry, a Corps Reserve and designated its
station as 41 the woods north of Clermont.'' Hardly had these woods
(Camp Cabaud) been reached when, by verbal order of the Brigade
Commander, the 1st Battalion of the 366th Infantry was ordered
to go forward and build a road across "no-man's-land." The ar¬
tillery of the First Army had done its work well, the infantry attack¬
ing waves of the assaulting divisions were moving forward. In
order that the heavy guns, ammunition, and supplies might follow
in close touch with the rapidly advancing troops, roads had to be
built in great haste.
Amid gas, shrapnel, and high explosive shells, with but few
casualties, this battalion did its work. So rapid was the advance the
first few days that the entire 183rd Brigade, which included both
the 366th and 365th Infantry, were ordered, in conjunction with the
317th Engineers (also of the 92nd Division), to move forward and
engage in the work of making roads. In speaking of this work,
General Pershing says in his report "to the Secretary of War, dated
November 20,1918: 4'We had gained our point of forcing the battle
into the open and were prepared for the enemy's reaction, which
was bound to come as he had good roads and ample railroad facil¬
ities for bringing up his artillery and reserves. In the chill rain of
dark nights our engineers had to build new roads across spongy,
shell torn areas, repair broken roads beyond no-man's-land, and
build bridges. Our gunners, with no thought of sleep, put their
shoulders to the wheels and drag-ropes to bring their guns through
the mire in support of the infantry, now under the increasing fire of
the enemy's artillery. Our attack had taken the enemy by surprise,
but, quickly recovering himself, he began to fire counterattacks in
strong force, supported by heavy bombardments, with large quan¬
tities of gas."
Third Sector Held by the Division
About the 5th of October the 92nd Division was withdrawn from
this sector and ordered to the Marbache sector. This sector extended
along the Moselle river from Marbache to Pont-a-Mousson, a dis¬
tance of 16 kilometers. The troops of the Division took up a position
on a line crossing the river at right angles and resting on both sides
THE NEGRO COMBAT DIVISION
147
of the picturesque stream. Division headquarters was established
at Marbache. The elements of the Division were distributed in Belle¬
ville, Millery, Saizerais, Dieulouard, Pont-a-Mousson, Jezainville,
Loisy, Ste. Genevieve, Ville-au-val, Norroy, Montauville, Port-sur-
Seille, and Lesmesnils.
This section lies directly south of Metz in distances varying
from 10 to 14 kilometers. According to the plans of the Commander-
in-Chief, Metz was selected as one of the next important objectives
in the forward movement of the American Army. With several lines
of railroads centering at Metz and passing into Germany, its use
as a base of the German army, and its location, it was considered an
important strategic point. At the same time it was strongly pro¬
tected by many outlying forts manned with powerful guns.
In the chosen plan of isolating Metz, the 92nd Division would
have occupied a prominent place between the Moselle and the Seille
and nearer than any other unit to German soil (Lorraine). These
plans were interrupted by the signing of the armistice on November
11, 1918.
The position of the enemy opposite the 92nd Division in the
Marbache sector was strengthened by the fortifications of Metz.
For this reason, the enemy was not falling back in this region as he
was doing in other parts of the now shattered Hindenburg line farther
to the north, but was stubbornly holding his ground until forced to
fall back.
Active operations commenced in this sector about the 8th of
October. The 69th French Artillery was relieved from the Division
on the 10th of October by the 62nd Field Artillery Brigade, American
Expeditionary Forces. By.the middle of October the greater part
of the Division's forces had crossed to the east bank of the Moselle
and was pressing the enemy steadily back to second line positions.
Patrols and raiding parties kept in constant touch with the enemy all
along the front, with ever-increasing artillery bombardments. Dur¬
ing the early days of November the enemy was driven from numerous
positions which he held for many months and which were strongly
fortified. Reference to this series of rapid offenses launched by the
92nd Division, in which the enemy was routed, is made in the follow¬
ing memorandum from the Commanding General:
148
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
headquarters 92nd division American expeditionary forces
A. P. O. 766
7 November 1918.
operating memorandum no. 41.
1. When the Marbache sector was taken over by the 92nd Division, the
Germans owned "No-man's-land" and were aggressive. They held Belle Air
Farm, Bois de Tete d'Or, Bois Frehaut, Voivrotte Farm, Yoivrotte Wood,
Bois de Cheminot, Moulon Brook.
2. The consistent, aggressive action of our patrols, night and day, has
resulted in many casualties to the enemy, and the capture of many prisoners.
3. Each of the places named above has been raided, as has Eply also,
and patrols have penetrated north nearly to the east and west line through
Pagny. The enemy has been driven northward beyond Frehaut and Voivrotte
Woods, and eastward from Cheminot Woods across the Seille, destroying the
Cheminot Bridge, flooding the Seille and attempting to destroy the Seille
bridge—evidence of the fact that he regards the 92nd Division as an uncom¬
fortable neighbor, with whom Tie intends to avoid close relations in the future.
4. West of the river excellent results have also followed energetic offen¬
sive action. The enemy has suffered losses in killed, wounded, and prisoners
during the brief occupancy of this part of the sector.
5. The results should greatly stimulate and encourage every man of the
Division. With the prospect of efficient artillery support in the future,
there will be no let-up in the hammering of the enemy wherever found.
6. Unit commanders will promptly submit reports of all specially meri¬
torious action of officers and enlisted men, in order that the same may be
appropriately recognized.
7. This will be read to all troops of the 92nd Division.
By Command of Major-General Bailout
(Signed) Allen J. Greer,
Colonel, General Staff, Chief of Staff.
Our own artillery brigade and ammunition train complete, joined
the Division about the 18th of October, 1918. The splendid work of
the artillery units soon showed itself in the effective support given
in the capture of objectives taken from well-trained and seasoned
soldiers—positions that had been organized and strengthened for
more than four years.
An attack on Pagny and other positions of the enemy was
ordered by the Commanding General of the 183rd Brigade, 92nd Divi¬
sion, to start at 5 A. M., November 10, 1918. This attack was under
way and progressing when orders to cease hostilities were received
THE NEGRO COMBAT DIVISION
149
on the morning of the 11th of November. A report of that operation
is appended. Another report by the Division Commander is also
appended.
HEADQUARTERS 183RD BRIGADE
A. P. 0. No. 766, France,
November 19, 1918.
FROM: Commanding General, 183rd Brigade.
TO: Commanding General, 92nd Division.
SUBJECT: Report on Offensive Operations.
1. On November 8, 1918, the 183rd Infantry Brigade was garrisoning
a portion of the Allied line immediately east of the Moselle river and extend¬
ing from Pont-a-Mousson (east bank of Moselle river inclusive to Clemery,
exclusive). This portion of the general front was known as Marbache Sector.
Marbache Sector was normally divided into sub-sectors, namely, the sub-
sector Seille, and the sub-sector Mousson. The sub-sector Seille comprised one
center of resistance, the sub-sector Seille two, namely from East to West Les
Menils and Mousson.
2. On November 8, 1918, plans were made at Brigade Headquarters for
an attack to be executed on the morning of November 10, on the Bois Frehaut
and the Bois Voivrotte by two battalions of infantry, each battalion sup¬
ported by its machine-gun company. The co-operation of the divisional artil¬
lery was procured for this attack. Trench mortars and 37-mm. guns were to
support the attack. The object of this attack was to capture and hold the
Bois Frehaut and the Bois Voivrotte with the object of advancing the line
of observation of the Marbache Sector to the northern boundary of these
woods.
Operation Order No. 7, Hq. 183rd Brigade, Nov. 8, was issued describing
the details of this attack.
3. The attack was to be made on the Bois Frehaut by the 2nd Bn., 365th
Inf., Major Warner A. Ross, commanding. The attack on the Bois Voivrotte
was to be made by two platoons, 2nd Bn., 366th Inf. At the zero hour, one
platoon, 366th Inf., was to occupy the Bois Cheminot in order to cover
Cheminot bridge.
4. On Nov. 8 Marbache Sector was garrisoned as follows: C. R. Seille,
by the 3d Bn., 366th Inf. and Co. A, 350th M. G. Bn.; C. R. Les Menils, by
the 3rd Bn., 365th Inf. and Co. B 350th M. G. Bn.; C. R. Mousson, by the
1st Bn., 365th Inf. and Machine Gun Co., 365th Inf.
The 2nd Bn., 366th Inf., and Co. C, 350th M. G. Bn., were in support
position southern part Foret de Facqi The 2nd Bn. 365th Inf., and Co. D,
350th M. G. Bn., were in support position western part Foret de Facq. The
150
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
1st Bn., 366th Inf., and the M. G. Co., 366th Inf., were held as Brigade Re¬
serve at Bezaumont.
5. On the afternoon of Nov. 9, the 2nd Bn., 365th Inf., was in Pont-a-
Mousson, the 2nd Bn., 366th Inf., in the northern part of Foret de Facq,
where they had been placed in preparation for the attack as specified above.
The zero hour for the attack had been given for 5 A. M., November 10.
6. The plans for the attack were changed by telephone instructions from
the Commanding General, 92nd Division, to the Commanding General, 183rd'
Brigade, received 12 -.45 A. M., Nov. 10. These instructions were to the effect
that the second American Army would attack on the morning of Nov. 10
at 7:00 A. M.; that the 92nd Division would attack at that hour, pushing the
advance as expeditiously as possible, and holding all captured ground.
Telephone messages were immediately sent the attacking troops, changing
the hour for the attack from 5:00 to 7:00 A. M. The Commanding General,
183rd Brigade, with the Brigade Adjutant, started out at 2:00 A. M. by auto¬
mobile to consult the Commanding Officer, 365th Inf. and 366th Inf., with
reference to the change in plans. Both of these officers were notified as to
the new plans, and given preliminary instructions as to their execution. The
Brigade Reserve Bn. was ordered alerted and moved to Camp Schnable, Foret
de Facq. The supporting artillery was notified as to the change of plans.
7. At 6:15 A. M., Nov. 10, F. O. No. 24, C. S. 92nd Div. was received.
At 7:00 A. M., Nov. 10, attack as specified in Operation Orders No. 7
above was launched.
At 7 -.25 A. M., F. 0. No. 19, 183rd Brigade, was issued. This order was
based on F. 0. No. 24, 92nd Division, as above, and required the advance to
be pushed beyond the objective as ordered in Operation Order No. 7. It was
in accord with verbal instructions given Regimental Commanders the early
morning of Nov. 10.
8. At 8:00 A. M., information was received that the French Division
on our right was not attacking. Telephone instructions were then sent to the
Commanding Officer 366th Inf. to hold his 3rd Bn. in C. R. Seille, and to have
his 3rd Bn. maintain liaison between the French Division on our right and the
attacking troops.
At 8:12 A. M., a pigeon message was received from the C. O. 2nd Bn.,
366th Inf., by runner, and relayed by telephone, to the effect that the Bois
Yoivrotte had been completely occupied and that three prisoners had been
taken.
At 9:00 A. M. a message was received that sharp fighting by machine
guns was going on in the Bois Yoivrotte and the Bois Frehaut.
At 10:00 A. M., a runner message was received from the Commanding
Officer, 2nd Bn., 365th Inf., to the effect that they were being heavily shelled
THE NEGRO COMBAT DIVISION
151
in the Bois Frehaut by enemy artillery, and requesting counter battery fire;
it was also stated that their advance had almost reached the northern edge of
Bois Frehaut. Heavy artillery was asked to counter-fire on enemy artillery,
which they promptly did.
At 10:30 A. M. a message from the Division was received that the attack
of the 367th Inf., 184th Brigade, had been repulsed (on our left), but that
two companies were being sent forward to reinforce their attack.
At 11:15 A. M., a message from the C. 0. 2nd Bn., 365th Inf., to the
effect that Bois Frehaut was completely occupied, that Boches were shelling
woods with gas and high explosives, and requesting counter battery fire.
At 11:16, Heavy Artillery asked to counter fire on German battery, whieh
they promptly did.
At 11:30, the Commanding General, 167th F. A. Brigade, called in con¬
sultation in reference to artillery preparation for a further advance. After
consultation, it was decided to bring forward reinforcements, and to launch
a new attack on the strong enemy positions of Champey, Bouxi&res, and La
Cote at 5 -.00 P. M.
11:50—Telephonic orders to Commanding Officer, 365th Inf., to move
his 1st Bn. to the northern edge of Foret de Facq as Brigade reserve, and to
move his P. C. to C. R. Les Menils, and take command of the advancing troops
of his regiment.
12:00 M.—Information from Commanding General, 92nd Div., that one
Bn., 368 Inf., was moving to Pont-a-Mousson, east bank of river, as reserve
of 183rd Brigade; that 368tli Inf., less one Bn., would be concentrated at
Camp Schnable as Division Reserve.
1:05 P. M.—F. 0. No. 20, 183rd Brigade, issued; 2:00 P. M., 365th Inf.
reports capture one Boche, Bois Frehaut.
3:05 P. M.—Telephonic message from C. 0. 2nd Bn., 366th Inf., that he
had withdrawn his lines to southern edge of Bois Yoivrotte because of heavy
enemy shelling, high explosives and gas in woods.
3:55 P. M.—Orders received from Commanding General, 92nd Division,
not to launch attack as planned for 5:00 P. M., but to consolidate positions
gained, holding them at all costs against possible counter-attacks.
4:00 P. M.—Telephonic message sent Commanding Officer 365th-366th
Inf., C. G. 167th F. A. Brigade to this effect.
4:10 P. M.—Operation Memo. Hq. 183rd Brigade issued.
5:50 P. M.—Telephonic instructions to C. 0. 365th Inf., 366th Inf., arid
C. G. 167th F. A. that attack specified in F. O. No. 20 would be made at 5:00
A. M. on Nov. 11.
6 :00 P. M.—F. 0. No. 21 issued.
6:30 P. M.—F. 0. No. 25cs 92nd Division received.
152
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
7:30 P. M.—Message from C. 0. 365th Inf. that 1st Bn. was moving into
Bois Frehaut to support of 2nd Bn.
November 11.—5:00 A. M., attack launched as ordered in F. 0. No. 21.
Attacking troops met by strong enemy artillery, machine gun and in¬
fantry fire. Troops on right had reached the outskirts of Bouxieres by 7:30
A. M. Troops on left had advanced a short distance, but had been forced to
retire to woods.
7:18 A. M.—Telephonic message from Division to the effect that Armis¬
tice signed, effective at 11 hours, 11th Nov.; that all hostilities must cease at
that hour. All firing ordered stopped by our troops by 10:45 A. M. Firing
stopped promptly at that hour.
The line held by our troops at the cessation of hostilities was as follows:
Line shown by co-ordinates, Map, Pont-&-Mousson, 1/20,000.
65-97; 76; 98 (Ferme de Ponce); 81:02 (N. W. corner) Bois Frehaut;
92-02, N. W. comer Bois Frehaut, 93-01; 95-01; 95-95; 01-96, N. W. corner
Bois Voivrotte; 07-97, N. E. corner Bois Voivrotte; 06-92, La Voivrotte
Ferme; 02-87; Norroy, thence East and S. E. as formerly held; 19-86; Bois
Cheminot, held as an advance post.
9. Th'e enemy units engaged between the Moselle and the Seille were,
from west to east, the 86th and 30th Regiments of Infantry, 31st Landwehr
Brigade, and the 47th Infantry Regiment. These regiments were supported
by one Bn. of Sharpshooters. East of the Seille river were the 70th Infantry
Regiment and the 6th Grenadiers, formerly 10th Division.
10. Summary: (a) Our advance was for about a depth of 3Y2 kilo¬
meters. When this Brigade took over the sector just east of the Moselle river
there was a deep re-entrant next to the river, due to the St. Mihiel drive
which advanced the line several kilometers on west bank of the Moselle river,
while the line on the east bank remained in place.
The attack on the morning of Nov. 10, by the units of this Brigade, wiped
out this re-entrant, by advancing our lines on the east bank of the Moselle
river a distance of 21/4 km.
The advance thus made was held against heavy artillery and machine
gun fire and high concentration of gas. The attack was renewed on the
morning of Nov. 11, lines being, advanced a distance of S1/^ km., an original
line. Our liaison with the troops west of the river was thereby greatly
improved.
(b) A total of six prisoners was captured; three in the Bois Frehaut and
three in the Bois Voivrotte.
(c) The following material was captured: 1,000 (approximately) gren¬
ades, all types; 5,000 (approximately) rounds ammunition; 25 (approxi¬
mately) boxes M. G. ammunition, in belts; 50 (approximately) rifles and
bayonets, 10 (approximately) pairs field glasses, 4 (approximately) machine
THE NEGRO COMBAT DIVISION
i53
guns, 6 carrier pigeons, 1 signal lamp and battery, 2 Verey pistols, 3 carbide
lamps, 100 helmets. Many overcoats, boots, canteens, belts, and other articles
of equipment were left by the fleeing enemy.
(d) The following were our casualties:
Killed
Wounded;
Gassed
Missing
Total
365th Infantry
... 14
67
211
8
300
366th Infantry
... 17
52
63
0
132
350th M. G. Battalion,
1
0
11
0
12
Total
... 32
119
285
8
444
(e) Full use was made of auxiliary arms, machine guns, 37 mm. guns,
Stokes mortars, and rifle grenades. All of these weapons, except Stokes
mortars, were brought into play in the heavy fighting in the Bois Frehaut to
combat enemy machine-gun nests. 37 mm. guns were pushed well to the
front when direct fire at machine-gun positions could be obtained. It was to
the extensive use of these weapons that the rapid advance through the Bois
Frehaut was due. Machine guns were used frequently to cover the flanks of
the attacking infantry. They aided materially in protecting the N. E. corner
of the Bois Frehaut from an enemy counter-attack from Bouxieres. Trench
mortars were placed in position after the Frehaut woods were taken, to cover
the new front.
(f) No tank or gas troops were available for this attack. Regtl. and Bn.
gas officers and N. C. O.'s rendered valuable assistance in disinfecting in¬
fected areas, posting gas alarm sentinels, and upholding gas discipline.
(g) The divisional artillery supported both attacks with a rolling bar¬
rage, preceding the troops. These barrages were very well laid and proved
effective. It also rendered valuable work in placing heavy concentration fire
on enemy strong points and machine-gun nests. Its counter-battery work
was excellent.
(h) The attack was executed over a very difficult terrain. For a distance
of about iy2 Ion. in front of our lines, the terrain was open, heavily wired
with a downward slope. It was well registered by the enemy artillery, as the
numerous shell holes over its surface indicated. The Bois Frehaut is a wood
of about 1,500 meters square and breaks the western half of the sector at¬
tacked, about 700 meters to the east of the Bois Voivrotte, a small wood about
600 meters square. Both of these woods were a mass of heavy German wire,
much of it new. Their edges were protected by bands of heavy wire and
chevaux-de-frise. Both of these woods were at the foot of and north of the
ridge of which Eon hill, a hill 358 meters high, is the summit. From their
southern slopes the ground rises slightly for a distance of about 700 meters,
154 SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
then falls again to a deep ravine traversing the Bois Frehaut from east to
west. It then rises again, culminating in La Cote hill, a hill 1,500 meters
north of the Bois Frehaut, and 87 meters higher than the highest point of
the Bois Frehaut, namely, Hill 260.8. This hill is heavily wooded on its
summit, and was strongly held by infantry, machine guns, trench mortars,
and light artillery. The southern slopes of this hill were protected by a small
wood about 500 meters square about 200 meters north of the Bois Frehaut
and by the strongly fortified towns of Bouxieres and Champey. These towns,
together with the small wood in question, were heavily garrisoned by enemy
infantry and machine guns. They formed together a dominating and strongly
organized position, protected by heavy bands of wire. Numerous tank traps
had been prepared south of this position. These positions dominated the
Bois Yoivrotte, the Bois Frehaut and the ground to the north.
Conclusion.—The lines held by the Germans were unusually strong,
foeing the result of four years of stabilization in that sector. Their artillery
was most active, as unquestionably during these years they had registered on
every point of importance in the sector. Furthermore, their positions were
the first line of defense of Metz. The troops occupying them were youiig
efficient men and not old soldiers from a rest sector.
From the time we entered the sector, our patrols were very active, so
much so that we took complete possession of "no-man's-land." After the
first few days we were unable to find any German patrols outside their lines.
Previous to November 10, we made several reconnaissances in force (that
is, employing a company in each instance) to ascertain if the Germans were
still holding their lines. The abundance of machine-gun fire developed in
each case, showed that they were.
Our attack on the morning of November 10 was the first offensive move
made by the Brigade which required artillery preparation. The Command¬
ing Officers of units making the attack, and also of the artillery, were con¬
stantly stating that they were hurried into these movements without proper
preparation. Had they been familiar with such operations, the time allowed
would have been sufficient. Our artillery was having its first experience in
the line and was meeting with the usual difficulties: Lack of transportation,
unfamiliarity with sector, little opportunity to register on probable targets,
etc.
There is no doubt that some details of the operation were not carried
out as well as might have been done by more experienced troops. These were
the results of mistaken judgment due to lack of experience, rather than to
lack of the offensive spirit. These minor features have no effect on the gen¬
eral outcome.
From my intimate contact with the troops making these attacks, I can
THE NEGRO COMBAT DIVISION
155
state definitely that these men were just finding themselves. The improve¬
ment in the aggressive spirit from day to day was manifest.
As a summary, I desire to again call attention to the following: 1st,
that we were operating in a sector that had been organized for defense against
us for over four years, and was made unusually strong on account of being
in front of the great fortress Metz; 2nd, that our inexperienced troops were
operating against trained soldiers of the greatest military power of the world;
3rd, that from the time we entered the sector our troops were constantly on
the offensive; 4th, to the success that was obtained, viz., removing the re¬
entrant and advancing our lines 3y2 kilometers.
(Signed) Malvern Hill Barnum,
Brigadier General, U. S. A.
Major A. E. Sawkins, commanding the Second Battalion of the
366th Infantry, in referring to the same offensive operations of
November 10th and 11th, 1918, said:
2nd Battalion, 366th Infantry,
17th November, 1918.
FROM: Battalion Commander.
TO: Commanding General, 92nd Division.
SUBJECT: Conduct of troops in action.
1. Reference to action in which this battalion was engaged in Bois de la
Yoivrotte on 10th and 11th November, 1918, the following report is made on
conduct of officers and men while in action.
Troops: 2nd Bn. 366th Infantry, Company C, 350th M. G. Bn. attached.
Company A, 366th Infantry.
Officers and men deserving special mention have been recommended in
other communications. An observation of the general conduct of officers and
men is the reason for this report. I desire especially to c&ll to the attention
of the Division Commander the fact that the handling of their units by the
company and platoon commanders was all that could be expected from the
most experienced officers. There was an absolute lack of any disorder, and I
cannot say too much in praise of the manner in which these officers handled
their men. The men responded as though at a maneuver, and although
without food or sleep for 48 hours at time of the attack on morning of the
llth November, the men went into action in such a manner that I feel proud
to command such fine, soldierly troops.
(Signed) A. E. Sawkins,
Major 366th Infantry.
156
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
The Commanding General of the 92nd Division reported as to
these operations of November 10-11, 1918, as follows:
HEADQUARTERS NINETY-SECOND DIVISION
American Expeditionary Forces
A. P. 0. 766
30 November, 1918.
FROM: The Commanding General, 92nd Division.
TO: The A. C. of S., G-3, G. H. Q.
SUBJECT: Report on Operations 10-11 November, 1918.
1. This report made pursuant to paragraph 3, G. O. 196, G. H. Q.,
American Expeditionary Forces, 1918, embodies the operations of this Divi¬
sion during the period 10-llth November, 1918.
(1) Situation at Beginning of Operations
On November 9, .1918, it having been reported that the enemy, disor¬
ganized, was retreating along the entire front, the Commanding General of
the 2nd Army, of which this division is an element, gave the order for an
attack at 7 hours, 10th November, 1918, along its entire front, following the
enemy in his withdrawal, pushing with all energy to secure decisive results,
and holding all ground taken. The mission assigned to the Division was to
push forward west of the Seille river, along the heights on both banks of the
Moselle river in the direction of Corny, maintaining liaison with the 32nd
Army Corps (French) and the 7th Division on the left. The western boun¬
dary of its zone of action being the same but extending north—Preny (Excl.)
—Gorze (excl.). At the beginning of operations 10th.November, 1918, the
92nd Division of the 6th Corps, 2nd Army, with three regiments in line and
one in reserve, P. C. Marbache, held the Marbache sector, constituting the
existing front of the 6th Corps and extending from Clemery (Excl.) to Preny
(Excl.). The 165th D. I. (Fr.), P. C. Custines, occupied the sector on the
right. The 7th Division, P. C. Euvezin, occupied the sector on the left. The
Divisional limits were as follows:
Eastern Boundary.—Port-sur-Seille (inel.)—Ste. Genevieve (incl.)—
Bezamont (incl.)—Ville-au-Val (incl.)—Autreville (incl.)—Belleville (incl.)
—Marbache (incl.)—Sazerais (incl.).
Western Boundary.—Preny (excl.)—Eastern edges of B. des Rappes—
Villers-sous-Preny (excl.)—about one kilom. west of Montauville—Gezon-
court (inel.)—Rogeville (incl.).
Southern Boundary.—Roiseres-en-Haye (excl.)—St. Georges (excl.).
The portion of the sector east of the Moselle was divided into two sub-
sectors. The dividing line being—Ste. Genevieve (inclusive) north through
THE NEGRO COMBAT DIVISION
157
southern portion of Foret de Facq to a point on the Atton-Morville road about
two km. N. E. of Atton (381.2—234.6) then N. E. along road for 1 Inn, to
road cross, then north by west along Ste-Genevieve-Les Mennils road to road
cross at (381.5—236.5) (1:50,000) Cheminot map, thence east by north along
road to front at point 383.0—237.2. This portion of the sector was organ¬
ized in successive positions, viz.:
(a) A covering position consisting of a line of observation and a zone
of resistance and including the special defense position of the region of Aon.
(b) A position of resistance consisting of a high line and a low line.
The garrison east of the Moselle consisted of the 183rd Brigade and
elements of Divisional Machine-Gun Battalions (349th) with Division and
corps artillery support. The 366th Infantry with one battalion in line, one
battalion in support, one battalion in reserve, garrisoned the sub-sector east
of the Division line. This will be referred to as O. R. Seille. The other
sub-sector east of the Moselle was garrisoned by the 365th Infantry with two
battalions in line and one in support. The areas occupied by these two bat¬
talions were referred to as C. R. Les Mesnils and C. R. Mouson respectively.
The region included between the Moselle and the western boundary of the
division area was known as the C. R. Vandi&res, it was garrisoned by the
367th Infantry with one battalion in line, one battalion in support, and one
battalion in reserve.
At the commencement of operations units of the Division were disposed
in conformity with its defensive mission announced in F. O. No. 19, Hqs. 92nd
Division, 11 October, 18 (See Appendix "A"), and amplified by F. 0. No.
20, Hqs. 92nd Division, 24 October 18, Appendix "B," F. 0. No. 23, Hqs.
92nd Division, 8 November, 1918 (See Appendix "C").
In the event of forward movement, advance P. C.'s had been selected
after reconnaissance and had been announced. The Division advance P. C.
was- at Ville-au-Val.
On 10 November, 1918, at 3:30 hours, F. O. No. 4, Hqs. 6th Army Corps
issued prescribing interalia as follows:
"1. It is reported that the enemy, disorganized, is withdrawing along
the entire front.
"The second army will attack at 7 hours, 10th November, and follow
closely the enemy in his withdrawal, pushing him with all energy to secure
decisive results, and holding all grounds taken.
"2. The 6th Army Corps will attack in conjunction with the 4th Army
Corps on the left.
"3. (a) The 92nd Division will push forward west of-the Seille River
along the heights on both sides of the Moselle River in direction of Corny. It
will maintain liaison with the 32nd Army Corps (Fr.) on its right and the
158
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
7th Division on its left; "Western boundary of its zone of action being as at
present, extended North as follows: Preny (excl.)—Gorze (excl.).
"Artillery taken forward will be limited to that which can be fully horsed
and adequately supplied with ammunition.
"(b) Corps Artillery. Counter battery work on such targets as may
be designated by the Chief of Artillery.
" (c) Tlie 115th Engineers. Company D at disposal of Commanding
General, 92nd Division. Regiment (less Company D) will await orders in
Foret de Puvenelle. It will be in readiness to promptly repair the bridge
across the Moselle River at Pont-a-Mouson and to open and maintain road
communications North therefrom.
" (d) The Chief of Air Service will make the necessary assignments of
Artillery, infantry and command planes, and will prescribe the observation
to be executed by the 10th Balloon Company.
"(e) Corps Signal Troops will maintain communication between 92nd
Division, Corps Artillery, 115th Engineers, Corps Air service and these head¬
quarters.''
# * * • # * # * # * *
In conformity with the foregoing, the Division Commander having re¬
ceived advance information, issued F. 0. No. 24, Hqs. 92nd Division, 3 hours,
10 November, 1918, as follows:
HEADQUARTERS 92ND DIVISION
AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES, A. P. O. 766,
10 November, 1918, 3 hours.
Field Order No. 24.
1. 2nd Army attacks at 7 hours, 10 November, 1918. 6th Corps attacks
with Western boundary same as at present, extending north—Preny (excl.)
Gorze (excl.). Eastern limit of action—Seille River.
2. 92nd Division will attack in direction of Corny, advancing from
present front at 7 hours, 10 November, 1918. Decisive results will be ob¬
tained and all ground taken will be held.
3. (a) Division Artillery will support advance with standing and roll¬
ing barrage east of the Moselle in initial phase of advance, thereafter follow¬
ing advancing infantry with all mobile elements and supporting further ad¬
vance as occasion presents.
(b) 183d Infantry Brigade will attack east of the Moselle River with
elements of two battalions in line maintaining liaison with the 165th Division
(Fr.) on the right.
(c) 367th Infantry will attack west of the Moselle with two companies in
line maintaining close contact with elements of the 7th Division on its left.
(X) Liaison between advancing elements east and west of the Moselle
THE NEGRO COMBAT DIVISION 159
will be maintained by all means possible. Strong combat liaison between all
advancing elements will be maintained and liaison from front to rear will be
given particular attention.
(Y) Division reserve will await orders in alert positions.
4. Administrative instructions follow.
5. P. C.'s later.
By command of Major General Ballou.
(Signed) Allen J. Greer,
Colonel, General Staff.
Chief of Staff.
The detailed dispositions of the infantry and artillery units in each of
these C. R.'s (Centers of Resistance) are shown in the annexed reports of the
Commanding General, 183rd Brigade, Commanding General 167th Field Ar¬
tillery Brigade, and the C. 0. 367th Infantry, which are hereto appended,
and marked appendices "D," "E," and "F" respectively.
(2) The Attack—A. Chronological Statement of Enemy Units Engaged—
Time and Place.
1918
9 November, 23 hour. Instructions received from 6th Army Corps in
advance of F. 0. No. 4, 6th Army Corps, 10 November, 1918, relative to pro¬
jected offensive along front of 2nd Army.
9 Nov. 23 hr.—Instructions given to C. G. 183rd Brig., C. G. 167th F. A.
Brig., C. 0. 337th Inf., relative to projected attack and in advance of F. O.
No. 24, Hqs. 92nd Div., issued.
10 Nov. 3 hr.—10 November, 1918, at 3 hours. The exact time when
these instructions were received and detailed action taken shown on ap¬
pended reports.
10 Nov, 4 hr.—Received F. 0. No. 4, Hqs. 6th Army Corps, dated 10
November, 3:30 hrs., prescribing attack and confirming telephone instructions.
10 Nov. 7 hr.—Attack initiated along front east of Moselle between
Moselle and Seille Rivers. Division reserve in alert position at the time of
the attack.
10 Nov. 8 hr.—Information received that the French Division on right
was not attacking, whereupon C. 0. 365th Infantry was directed to hold 3rd
Battalion in C. R. Seille maintaining liaison with the French on right.
10 Nov. 9:30 hr.—Attack by 367th Infantry west of Moselle not prose¬
cuted because of failure of the 56th Infantry, 7th Division, to capture Preny.
The report of the C. 0. 367th Infantry at pages 2 and 3 shows the facts and
reasons.
10 Nov. 11 hr.—All first objectives east of Moselle were attained. The
exact progress of the attack and orders and messages sent and received are
160
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
shown clearly in the appendices. They are not reproduced in great detail
here.
11 Nov. 1:40 hr.—C. G. 184th Brig, directed to proceed with two remain¬
ing battalions and other remaining combat elements of the 184th Brigade to
Foret de Facq, locating P. C. at crossroads at 382.5—233.3. Field and com¬
bat trains to same position after dark. Command to be placed off road await¬
ing employment.
11 Nov. 3:59-—Artillery directed to put down barrage on northern edge
of Bois de la Yoivrotte, this point not being occupied by our troops.
11 Nov. 4:13—Fiva o 'clock advance called off. Divisional Artillery and
6th Corps notified. Advance troops directed to organize first position.
11 Nov. 16:30—Received F. 0. No. 5, 6th Army Corps, 10 November,
1918, 18 hr., directing continuation attk.
10 Nov. 18 hr.—Issued F. 0. 25, Hqs. 92nd Division, 10 November, 1918,
18 hr. (Annxd. as appendix "G"), continuation of attack directed.
11 Nov. 5 hr.—Attack launched on front of 183rd Brigade between Seille
and Moselle Rivers, direction as before.
7:10 hr.—Information from 6th A. C. received that armistice had been
signed, effective 11 hr., 11 November, 1918. Attacking troops met by strong
enemy artillery, machine-gun and infantry fire.
11 Nov. 10:45 A. M.—All firing by our troops ceased in accordance with
armistice.
(3) Statement of Enemy Units Engaged, Time and Place.
Inasmuch as the 367th Infantry operating west of the Moselle made no
advance due to the fact that it was necessary that the 7th Division should
first capture Preny before an advance was practicable. No report is made
here of enemy units engaged west of Moselle. The same condition applies
under subheads (4) and (5) of this report. The report of the Commanding
General of the 183rd Brigade under these heads is adopted with some modifi¬
cations as the report of the Division and to that extent is embodied herein.
The enemy units engaged by elements of the 183rd Brigade between the
Moselle and the Seille were, from west to east, the 96th and 30th regiments
of infantry, 31st L&ndwehr Brigade, and the 47th Infantry regiment. These
regiments were supported by one battalion of sharpshooters. East of the
Seille River the 70th Infantry regiment and the 6th Grenadiers, formerly 10th
Division, were encountered. See report of the Commanding General 183rd
Brigade, appended.
(4) Summary.
Our advance was for a depth of 3% km. When this Brigade took over
the sector just east of the Moselle River there was a deep re-entrant next to
the river, due to the St. Mihiel drive, which advanced the line several kms.
THE NEGRO COMBAT DIVISION
161
on the west bank of the Moselle, while the line on the east bank remained in
place.
The attack on the morning of the 10th of November, by one battalion,
365th Infantry, and the Machine Gun company of that regiment, and one
battalion 366th Infantry supported by Company C, 350th Machine Gun Bat¬
talion, wiped out this re-entrant, by advancing our lines on the east bank of
the Moselle River a distance of 2 y2 km.
The advance thus made was held against heavy artillery and machine-
gun fire and high concentration of gas. The attack was renewed on the
morning of the 11th, the lines being advanced to the northern edge of the
Bois Frehaut, a distance of 3^ Inn. from an original line. Our liaison with
the troops west of the line was thereby greatly improved.
The line held by our troops at the cessation of hostilities was as follows:
(Details already given).
A total of six prisoners were captured, three in the Bois Frehaut and
three in the Bois Voivrotte.
The following material was captured: 1,000 grenades, 5,000 rounds of
ammunition, 25 boxes of M-G ammunition in belts, 50 rifles and belts, 10 pair
of field glasses, 4 machine-guns, 6 carrier pigeons, 1 signal lamp and battery,
2 Verey pistols, 3 carbide lamps, 100 helmets, many overcoats, boots, canteens,
belts, and other equipment left by the fleeing Germans.
The following were our casualties:
Killed
Wounded
Gassed
Missing
Total
365th Infantry
.. 14
67
211
8
300
366th Infantry
.. 17
52
63
0
132
350th M-G Battalion
1
0
11
0
12
Total for Brigade...
.. 32
119
285
8
444
Full use was made of auxiliary arms for this attack—Machine-guns, 37-
mm. guns, Stokes mortars, and rifle grenades.
No tank or gas troops were available for the action.
The Divisional Artillery supported both attacks, with a rolling barrage
preceding the troops in placing heavy concentration fire on enemy strong
points and machine-gun nests.
The attack was executed over a very difficult terrain. For a distance of
about 1^2 km. in front of our lines the terrain was open, heavily wired, with
a downward slope. It was well registered by the enemy artillery as the
numerous shell-holes over its surface indicated. The Bois Frehaut is a wood
of about 1,500 meters square and breaks the western half of the sector at¬
tacked, about 700 meters to the east of the Bois Frehaut, and about on a line
162
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
with the southern edge of the Bois Voivrotte, a small wood of about 600
square meters. Both of these woods were a mass of heavy Oerman wire, much
of it new. Their edges were protected by heavy bands of wire and chevaux-
de-frise. Both of these woods were at the foot of and north of the ridge of
which Eon hill, a hill 358 meters high, is the summit. From their southern
slopes, the ground rises slightly for a distance of about 700 meters, then falls
again to a deep ravine traversing the Bois Frehaut from east to west. It
then rises again, culminating in La Cote hill, a hill 1,500 meters north of Bois
Frehaut and 87 meters higher than the highest point of the Bois Frehaut,
namely Hill 260.8. This hill is heavily wooded on its summit and strongly
held by infantry, machine guns, trench mortars and light artillery. The
southern slopes of this hill were protected by a small wood about 500 meters
square, about 200 meters north of the Bois Frehaut and by the strongly
fortified towns of Bouxieres and Champey. These towns together with the
small wood in question were heavily garrisoned by infantry and machine
guns. They formed together a dominating and strongly organized position
protected by heavy bands of wire. Numerous tank traps had been prepared
south of this position. These positions dominated the Bois Voivrotte, the
Bois Frehaut and the ground to their north. In the area west of the Moselle,
the ground in front of the position slopes to the north into a basin with
little or no cover. On the west Preny heights rise precipitously out of the
plain and the town and citadel dominate the entire basin up to Preny and
beyond.
This basin is enfiladed from the right by enemy artillery N. E. to S. E.
over an arc of 140 degrees in part by direct fire. Moulon creek crosses the
basin from west to east about 1 km. in front of position.
Creek line formerly held by enemy as advanced night outpost, taken by
us and held for same purpose. This line in daylight can be reached by
infiltration or by patrols but owing to flanking fire from Preny has been
found untenable except at night, any small body of troops attracting both
machine-gun and artillery fire under conditions of fair visibility.
At the time of our attack east of the Moselle, there was no general re¬
tirement immediately on our front. A vigorous resistance was interposed by
the enemy. The attack was made on very brief preparation, too brief in view
of the strength of the enemy positions, which were very strongly held. The
wire entanglements about Bouxieres rendered a very considerable artillery
preparation necessary to make a further advance possible. The attack was to
have been continued with this preparation had not the armistice occurred.
A decided improvement in offensive spirit and aggressive action was shown
by all troops engaged.
(Signed) Charles H. Martin,
Major General Commanding.
THE NEGRO COMBAT DIVISION
163
After the Armistice Was Signed
Immediately following tlie signing of the armistice,' the 92nd
Division was named among those divisions scheduled to embark for
the United States in the first available transportation. The various
units of the division were withdrawn gradually from front line posi¬
tions to back areas for rest and renovation.
At this time the rail facilities of France were taxed to the utmost
in transporting supplies into the area to be occupied by the allied
armies according to the terms of the armistice. In addition to the
hundreds of troop trains going forward daily, all wagon roads lead¬
ing toward the region of the upper Rhine were crowded with troops
forming the army of occupation. After waiting five weeks at Mar-
bache, transportation was finally supplied and the Division moved
down to Maronne for entrainment on the 19th of December, 1918.
Leaving Maronne between the 19th and 22nd of December the ele¬
ments of the Division arrived at Mayenne, in the zone of the embarka¬
tion center, on the morning of the 24th of December. Pending orders
to move forward to Brest, the units of the Division were billeted in
the following towns and villages: Mayenne, Ambrieres, Domfront,
La Chapelle, Couterne, Lassay, Villaines, Javron. In this section,
formerly a part of old Brittany, many evidences remain of the ear¬
liest days of the country's settlement. One of the principal roads
leading through the section was laid out by Julius Caesar, more than
fifty years before the birth of Christ; at Domfront the old fort built
by the Roman legions remains in a remarkable state of preservation.
The language of the ancient Bretons is often spoken by the people
at this time.
Five weeks were spent in this area completing preliminaries
incident to embarkation and waiting for transportation to the sea¬
board. The last units left Mayenne on the 29th of January, passing
through the forwarding camp at Le Mans and arriving at Brest the
first week in February. The first transports left Brest bearing our
troops homeward on the 5th of February and were followed by others
throughout the month and until the 12th of March, when the last
unit of the 92nd Division landed at Hoboken, completing nine months
of foreign service.
164
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Casualties of the Division
The total number of casualties in the 92nd Division was as
follows:
Officers Enlisted Men
Killed in action ,
Died of wounds
Died of Disease
Died of other causes
6
208
1
40
1
43
0
9
6
203
46
348
43
672
0
20
103
1,543
Total—1,646
Personal Conduct of Troops
The statistics of the Judge Advocated Department show that
the individual conduct of the soldiers of the 92nd Division was highly
creditable. Both in number of offenses committed against military
law and the nature of the offenses, the record of the 92nd. Division
compares most favorably with that of any other Division in the
American Expeditionary Forces. The only case of a conviction with
death penalty assessed applied to a soldier who was not a member of
the 92nd Division, but whose trial was held in the Division's courts
for convenience.
During the month of October, twelve hundred enlisted men were
granted furloughs with privilege of visiting Aix-les-Bains, the leave
center for soldiers of the American Expeditionary Forces. The
report of the Commanding Officer of Aix-les-Bains leave area is
referred to in the copy of General Order 31 given below:
HEADQUARTERS 92ND DIVISION
AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES
A. P. 0. 766
7*November, 1918.
General Orders No. 31.
1. The Division Commander desires to make known to the members of
this command the fact of his appreciation of the exemplary conduct of the
THE NEGRO COMBAT DIVISION
165
men composing the first and second leave quotas at Aix-les-Bains during
October, 1918.
The Commanding Officer of Aix-les-Bains reports that the neatness, gen¬
eral appearance, and military courtesy of the men of the 92nd Division while
on leave, was highly commendable.
By Command of Major General Ballou.
(Signed) Allen J. Greer,
Colonel, General Staff,
Chief of Staff.
Official :
Edw. J. Turgeon,
Major, Infantry.
Adjutant.
The Artillery Brigade
From the outset of the 92nd's organization, it was a problem to
get together and build up an artillery brigade that would in all
essentials be thoroughly efficient and dependable. In such warfare
as the European war entailed, the artillery arm was of the greatest
importance. It was doubted whether or not an artillery brigade
made up of Negro soldiers could be developed and sufficiently trained
in the technique of artillery to make an effective fighting artillery
unit. Men were needed for this branch of the service who were
educated and who could be depended upon to know fractions and
be able to read scales, deflections, and other technical details. In
the ordinary run of the enlistment, the draft did not furnish enough
men qualified along these lines to build up the artillery regiments,
and it therefore became necessary for the officers of the artillery
brigade to make special canvasses to secure a sufficient number of
qualified men. In this work, voluntary enlistments were called for.
In the course of time enough men were enlisted to make up the
Artillery Brigade. Tuskegee Institute furnished a group of students.
Baltimore, Pittsburg and other cities furnished men from the high
schools and other institutions. Through this special canvass the
great bulk of the artillery troops was secured.
In recruiting these men, specially qualified for the artillery regi¬
ments, through the process of voluntary enlistments, much credit is
due the following officers of the Brigade: General John H. Sher¬
burne, Colonels Fred T. Austin, William E. Cole, Dan T. Moore;
Lieutenant-Colonels Walter E. Prosser, Edward L. Carpenter,
166
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Charles L. Blakely; Captains Royal F. Nash, William Heffner, and
Lieut. Harry K. Tootle. The last named officer made personal can¬
vasses in the churches and schools of Pittsburg and other cities.
As a result of this plan of building up the Artillery Brigade, the
three regiments were made up of picked men, forming the first artil¬
lery brigade of Negroes ever organized in the world. During the
training period and afterward on the battlefield, General Sherburne
frequently expressed the opinion that his artillerymen were the
equals of any artillerymen in the American Expeditionary Forces.
Even during the short time in which the artillery was engaged, the
high degree of efficiency was evidenced by the accuracy and effective¬
ness of their barrages and bombardments as laid down by these
Negro gunners.
The following is a copy of the last General Order issued to the
Brigade by General Sherburne just before his transfer from the
Division to take up other duties:
headquarters 167TH field artillery brigade
92nd division, a. e. f.
3 February, 1919.
General Orders No. 1.
1. In leaving the 167th Field Artillery Brigade, to take up other duties,
the Brigade Commander wishes to record in General Orders the entire satis¬
faction it has given him to have commanded the Brigade, the first Brigade
of Negro artillerymen ever organized. The satisfaction is due to the excellent
record the men have made. Undertaking a work that was new to them, they
brought to it faithfulness, zeal, and patriotic fervor. They went into the line
and conducted themselves in a manner to win the praise of all. They had
been picked for important work in an offensive which had been planned to
start after November 11.
2. The Brigade Commander will ever cherish the words of the Com¬
mander-in-Chief, the compliments he paid in all sincerity to this Brigade,
while he watched it pass in review last "Wednesday. He wishes the Brigade to
understand that these words of appreciation were invoked because each man
has worked conscientiously and unflaggingly to make the organization a
success.
3. The brigade Commander feels that he should also make an acknowl¬
edgment in General Orders of the remarkable esprit-de-corps displayed by the
officers of the brigade. They were pioneers in a field where, at the start,
success was problematical. This being the first brigade of its kind ever
organized, it has been only natural that the work of the men should have
THE NEGRO COMBAT DIVISION
167
featured prominently, yet the same prominence and the same praise should
be accorded the officers. While the Brigade Commander takes this occasion
to praise splendid work, he believes the greatest praise will come from the
men themselves, not only now, but ever in greater measure when they have
returned to civilian life and have secured the perspective of time and ex¬
perience that will teach them how fortunate they were in making the race's
initial effort as artillerymen under officers who were both skillful artillery¬
men and sympathetic leaders.
By Command of Brigadier General Sherburne.
(Signed) Harry King Tootle,
First Lt. F. A., U. S. A.
Acting Adjutant.
Praised by General Pershing
The passage in the foregoing General Order from General Sher¬
burne, in which allusion is made to the compliments from the Com¬
mander-in-Chief, refers to the address delivered to the assembled
units of the 92nd Division at Le Mans on the 28th of January, 1919.
On this occasion General Pershing reviewed the troops of the Divi¬
sion for the last time before its embarkation for the United States.
In the course of his address to the officers and soldiers of the Divi¬
sion, the Commander-in-Chief, General Pershing, said:
"I want you officers and soldiers of the 92nd Division to know
that the 92nd Division stands second to none in the record you have
made since your arrival in France. I am proud of the part you have
played in the great conflict which ended on the 11th of November, yet
you have only done what the American people expected you to do
and you have measured up to every expectation of the Commander-
in-Chief. I realize that you did not get into the game as early as
some of the other units, but since you took over your first sector you
have acquitted yourselves with credit, and I believe that if the
armistice had not become effective on the 11th day of November,
the 92nd would have still further distinguished itself. I commend
the 92nd Division for its achievements not only in the field, but on
the record its men have made in their individual conduct. The
American public has every reason to be proud of the record made by
the 92nd Division."
The following memorandum, issued on the date on which Major
General Ballou left the Division as Commander to take up other
168
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
duties to which he had been transferred, marks the last official order
from the officer to whom, more than to any other individual, is due
the credit for organizing and training the first Division of American
Negro soldiers ever placed in the field:
headquarters 92ND division
American Expeditionary Forces
A. P. 0. 766
18 November, 1918.
Memorandum:
Five months ago today the 92nd Division landed in France.
After seven weeks of training, it took over a sector in the front line, and
since that time some portion of the Division has been practically continuously
under fire.
It participated in the last battle of the war with creditable success,
continuously pressing the attack against highly organized defensive works.
It advanced successfully on the first day of the battle, attaining its objectives
and capturing prisoners. This in the face of determined opposition by an
alert enemy, and against rifle, machine-gun and artillery fire. The issue of
the second day's battle was rendered indecisive by the order to cease firing
at eleven A. M.—when the armistice became effective.
The Division Commander, in taking leave of what he considers himself
justly entitled to regard as his Division, feels that he has accomplished his
mission. His work is done and will endure. The results have not always
been brilliant, and many times were discouraging, yet a well organized, well
disciplined and well trained colored Division has been created and commanded
by him to include the last shot of the war.
May the future conduct of every officer and man be such as to reflect
credit upon the Division and upon the Colored race.
By Command of Major General Bailout
(Signed) Allen J. Greer,
Colonel, General Staff,
Chief of Staff.
Official :
Edw. J. Turgeon,
Major, Infantry,
Adjutant. •
Changes in Official Personnel
Through the process of transfers and promotions, many changes
occurred in the official personnel of the numerous elements of the
92nd Division. The same was true on a larger scale of the entire
THE NEGRO COMBAT DIVISION
169
American Expeditionary Forces. In keeping with military methods
of promotions, transfers, etc., every promotion, transfer, or discharge
resulted in a chain of promotions or transfers or vacancies in all
units affected. Through this method, every unit of the A. E. F.
experienced a continual changing and shifting of its official personnel.
This was true of Field officers as well as Staff officers. Among the
names of officers who made up the Staff of the 92nd Division when it
sailed for France in 1918, not one was on the roster when the
Division returned.
The following synopsis, with military record, of the Division
Commanders gives an idea of the changes in the General Staff:
Commanding General:—
1. Major General Chaeles C. Ballot; : Born in Orange, Schuy¬
ler County, New York, June 13, 1862. Entered West Point June 6,
1882, by appointment from Fourth District, Illinois. Graduated June
12,1886. Commissioned 2d Lt., 16th Infantry, July 1,1886, and served
in that regiment in Texas, Utah,, and Sioux campaign of 1890-91 in
South Dakota. Promoted 1st Lt., 12th Infantry, April 23, 1893.
Served in Florida, Alabama, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kansas, Georgia,
Illinois, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Missouri. Mustered in 8th and
9th Illinois Volunteers at Camp Tanner, 1898. Promoted Captain,
12th Infantry, March 2,1902. Served in that regiment as captain in
the Philippine Insurrection, during which time he participated in
several battles and small actions. Name sent to Senate by President
Roosevelt for confirmation for brevet of Major for "distinguished
gallantry in action near Anzeles, Luzon, P. I.," August 16, 1899.
Quartermaster 12th Infantry. Transferred to 15th Infantry Feb¬
ruary, 1904. Quartermaster 15th Infantry. Commissary 15th Infan¬
try. Transferred to 12th Infantry, February, 1906. Detailed in
Quartermaster Department October, 1908. Promoted Major 7th In¬
fantry, June 26, 1909. Duty in Quartermaster General's office
1909-10. Transferred to 24th Infantry in 1912. Lt. Colonel 24th
Infantry February 7, 1915. Commanded 24th Infantry during por¬
tion of campaign in Mexico. Colonel of Infantry July 19,1916. Con¬
ducted Training Camp for Colored Officers, Ft. Des Moines, Iowa,
1917. Brigadier General, August, 1917. Commanded Depot Brigade,
Camp Dodge, Iowa, September and October, 1917. Major General,
November 28, 1917. Organized, trained and commanded 92nd Divi-
170
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
sion, October 26,1917, to November 19,1918. Attended Infantry and
Cavalry School at Ft. Leavenworth Field Officers' School, and "War
College. Five times in Philippine Islands. Sailed for France Jnne
10,1918. On front line August 24 to November 19,1918.
2. Major General Charles H. Martin : Commanded 86th Divi¬
sion prior to transfer to 92nd Division. Organized 86th Division at
Camp Grant, 111. Camp Commander Camp Grant, 111., 1917-18.
Commanded 92nd Division from November 19, 1918, to December
15,1918.
3. Brigadier General James B. Erwin: Cadet U. S. Military
Academy June 12,1875. Second Lieutenant, Cavalry, June 12,1880.
First Lieutenant, 4th Cavalry, March 18,1886. Captain, 4th Cavalry,
March 18, 1896. Major, 9th Cavalry, April, 1903. Lieutenant
Colonel, Inspector General's Department, May, 1911. Colonel,
January, 1914. Brigadier General, August, 1917. With 82nd Divi¬
sion to December 27, 1917. Organized and served with 6th Division
to December 14, 1918. Commanding 92nd Division since December
15, 1918. Honor Graduate Infantry and Cavalry schools, class 1883.
Inspector General 1906-10 and 1911-15. Adjutant General Septem¬
ber, 1914-August, 1915. Served in Indian wars, Philippine Insurrec¬
tion, Punitive Expedition in Mexico, and European War, 1914-18.
Aides-de-Camp:—
Staff of General Ballou—Captain Chauncey Dewey.
Staff of General Martin—Captain J. E. Eddy, Captain E. H.
Spencer, Captain Gordon McCormick.
Staff of General Erwin—Lieutenant Charles H. Cox, Lieutenant
Henry B. Tompkins.
Chiefs of Staff:—
1. Colonel Allen J. Greer : Appointed Second Lieutenant, 4th
Tennessee Volunteers, July 5,1898. Second Lieutenant 4th Infantry,
October 5, 1899. Appointed First Lieutenant, July 1, 1901. Trans¬
ferred to 26th Infantry, September 29, 1904. Twenty years con¬
tinuous service in grades of second and first lieutenants, captain and
major in regular army. Appointed Lieutenant Colonel and assigned
to duty as Chief of Staff, 92nd Division, November 2,1917. Promoted
to rank of Colonel, August, 1918. Continuous service as Chief of
Staff with 92nd Division until December 4, 1918.
2. Colonel George K. Wilson: Regular Army, May 1, 1898.
THE NEGRO COMBAT DIVISION
171
Second Lieutenant, Infantry, June, 1900. First Lieutenant, May,
1904. Captain, April, 1915. Major, August, 1917. Lieutenant
Colonel, June, 1918. Colonel, October, 1918. Transferred to 92nd
Division as Chief of Staff, December 4,1918.
Assistant Chiefs of Staff:—
Lieutenant Colonel James P. Barney, Major Frederick P.
Schoonmaker, Lieutenant Colonel Van L. Willis, Major Charles S.
Buck, Major Donald J. McLachlan, Lieutenant Colonel John D.
Sayles, Major Harding' Polk, Major H. L. Taylor, Lieutenant Colonel
James L. Cochran.
Division Adjutants:—
Major Sherburne Whipple, Captain Edward J. Turgeon (Act¬
ing), Major Alfred E. Sawkins, Major Ralph H. Leavitt, Major
Edward J. Turgeon.
Division Inspectors:—
Major Robert P. Harbold, Major Clifford D. Davidson, Major
Clifford B. King, Major Clifford D. Davidson.
Division Quartermasters:—
Colonel Edward L. Glasgow, Major Odiorne H. Sampson, Major
Joseph T. Byrne.
Division Surgeon:—
Lieutenant Colonel Perry L. Boyer, Lieutenant Colonel Jonas T.
White.
Division Ordnance Officer:—
Major Philip S. Gage, Captain Warner F. Russell.
Division Judge Advocate:—
Major Alfred M. Craven, Major Adam E. Patterson.
Visitors to the Division
During the sojourn of the 92nd Division in France, several dis¬
tinguished visitors, all of whom were interested in war work of one
phase or another, called at headquarters, or visited camps where our
troops were quartered.
In July, Miss Elsie Janis, famous actress and movie star, in
company with her mother, visited the Division at Bourbonne-les-
Bains. The coming of Miss Janis had not been generally announced.
172
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTOEY
It was therefore only a small group of soldiers whom she entertained
in an impromptu program in the city park on the afternoon of her
visit.
Mr. Ralph W. Tyler, of Columbus, Ohio, editor and writer, and
formerly Auditor of the Navy under President Roosevelt, visited the
Division during the month of October and remained throughout sev¬
eral weeks in the Marbache sector. Mr. Tyler visited a number of
organizations of Negro troops not included in the 92nd Division.
During his tour he represented the Committee on Public Information.
Dr. R. R. Moton, principal of Tuskegee Institute, in company
with Mr. Thomas Jesse Jones, national educator, Mr. Nathan Hunt
of Tuskegee Institute, and Mr. Lester A. Walton, of the New York
Age, visited the Division in December at Marbache. Dr. Moton
came as the representative of the administration at Washington and
directly from the War Department to bring official greetings to
Negro troops in France. Dr. Moton discharged this mission in a
manner creditable to himself and to the race.
Dr. John Hope, President of Moorehouse College, Atlanta,
Georgia, energetic Y. M. C. A. worker, visited the Division from time
to time in connection with Y. M. C. A. work.
Dr. W. E. B. DuBois, editor and writer, visited the Division
during the months of December and January.
CHAPTER XII
CITATIONS AND AWARDS, 92ND DIVISION
Officers and Men of the Famous Negro Division Whose Heroic
Conduct Gained for Them the Distinguished Service Cross•—
Details of Their Deeds of Heroism in Action—Special Mention
of Officers and Men by Various Commanding Officers.
The gallant Ninety-second Division, composed entirely of colored
American troops, received a great number of citations and awards
for meritorious and distinguished conduct on the battlefields of
France, and besides those who earned the coveted medals there were
many more members of the Division who were specially mentioned
in communications from Headquarters and by the commanding
officers of the various units, as appears hereafter. The lists given
below, however, are necessarily incomplete, as many recommenda¬
tions for awards were still under consideration when this volume
went to press.
The following is reproduced from a January (1919) issue of the
Army and Navy Journal:
"COLORED TROOPS OF THE A. E. F. VARIOUSLY HONORED."
"Colored troops forming the 92nd Division of the A. E. F. have
recently been awarded many honors. The entire 1st battalion of the
367th Infantry have been cited for bravery and awarded the Croix
de Guerre by the French military authorities.
4 4 The citation was made because of the bravery and fine service
of the battalion in the last engagement of the war, the drive toward
Metz on November 10 and 11.
"Major-General Martin, U. S. A., commanding the 92nd Divi¬
sion, has cited a number of colored officers, noncommissioned officers
and privates of the 365th Infantry for meritorious conduct in action
at Bois Frehaut on November 10 and 11. The officers cited are
Captain John L. Allen, Lieuts. Leon F. Stewart, Frank L. Drye,
173
174
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Walter Lyons, David W. Harris, Benjamin F. Ford, George L. Gains,
and Russell C. Atkins, all U. S. A. In another order, Lieut. Nathan
0. Goodloe, of the machine-gun company of the 368th Infantry, was
commended for meritorious conduct in the Argonne Forest. In the
entire Division, fourteen colored officers and forty-three enlisted
men have been cited for bravery in action a,nd awarded the Distin¬
guished Service Cross. The total casualties suffered by the Division
since its arrival in France number 1,748. Of officers, six were killed
in action and one died of wounds; 46 officers were wounded and 39
gassed. Of enlisted men, 31 died of wounds, 203 were killed in action,
543 were wounded, 661 were gassed, 40 died of disease, and 28 were
reported missing."
The following letter of commendation is self-explanatory:
headquarters first battalion, 367th infantry
FROM: Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion, 367th Infantry.
TO: Commanding Officer, 367th Infantry.
SUBJECT: Conduct of Company A.
1. I wish to call attention of the regimental commander to the merito¬
rious conduct of Company A on the night of November 2 and 3.
2. Under intense shell fire of gas and H. S. lasting two hours, the com¬
pany maintained its advanced positions, staying there without any shelter
and finally repelling the enemy raid and capturing one prisoner.
3. The conduct of Captain Peter McCall, his officers and men was such
as deserves the highest commendation, and in my opinion merits mention.
(Signed) Charles L. Appleton,
Major, 367th Infantry.
Extended space would be required to detail the meritorious work
of the individual units of the Division throughout the several opera¬
tions in which it participated. In the Argonne-Meuse offensive, after
overcoming its first extreme difficulties, the 368th Infantry performed
gallant service. Among the officers whose conduct was mentioned
for gallantry in the Argonne were Captain T. M. Dent, promoted
after commendation for special bravery and heroism; Captain R. A.
Williams, who also won commendation of his regimental commander
for skillful handling of his troops in the crucial advance through the
Argonne; Lieut. Charles G. Young and Captain Thomas E. Jones,
of the 368th, who each won the D. S. C. for extraordinary heroic
service and gallant conduct in the Argonne Forest.
CITATIONS AND AWARDS, 92ND DIVISION 175
Of the 367th Regiment, the unit organized and trained by Colonel
James A. Moss, much could be said of its excellent record, both in
the St. Die sector and in the Argonne and on the Moselle in front of
Metz. In this last-named position it rendered its most distinguished
service during the closing days of the war. On the 10th of November,
an attack was made on Pagny, a stronghold of the German line
opposite the Metz forts. In the general advance, two battalions of
the 56th Infantry, a white unit on the left of the 367th, after advanc¬
ing a half mile abreast of the 367th, became hopelessly entangled in
the enemy's wire entanglements and were being slaughtered by
Uvtman machine-gun batteries. Our own advance was stopped, and
a part of the 367th was sent to the rescue of the 56th in order to
cover their withdrawal from the perilous position. The 367th dis¬
patched two machine-gun companies, one of their own and the other
from the 350th machine-gun battalion. A counter fire was turned on
the German positions, which silenced their batteries, while the 56th
retired leaving a third of their men dead or wounded. In the mean¬
time the 367th held the position until relieved by reinforcements from
the 56th and then resumed their advance toward Pagny. Doubtless
the entire forces of the 56th would have been wiped out but for the
timely rescue of the 367th. For this action the entire battalion was
cited by the French commanding officer under whom the 56th was
brigaded.
Awarded the Distinguished Service Cross
The Distinguished Service Cross of the United States was
awarded to the following officers and men of the 92nd Division, for
the heroic deeds and exploits stated after their respective names:
Horton, Van, Corporal, Company E, 366th Inf. (A. S. No. 2168859).
Medal Number 431. For extraordinary heroism in action near
Lesseau, France, 4 September 1918.
During a hostile attack, preceded by a heavy minenwerfer
barrage, involving the entire front of the battalion, the combat
group to which this courageous soldier belonged was attacked
by about twenty of the enemy, using liquid fire. The sergeant
in charge of the group and four other men having been killed,
Corporal Horton fearlessly rushed to receive the attack and the
persistency with which he fought resulted in stopping the attack
and driving back the enemy.
176
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTOKY
Home address: Mrs. Minnie Horton, mother, Route 5,
Box 93, Athens, Ala.
Medal presented to above named soldier Dec. 2, 1918, near
Pont-a-Mousson.
Fisher, Aaron R., 2nd Lieut., 366th Infantry, Medal No. 432. For
extraordinary heroism in action near Lesseau, France, 3 Sep¬
tember 1918.
Lieut. Fisher showed exceptional bravery in action when his
position was raided by a superior force of the enemy by directing
his men and refusing to leave his position although he was
severely wounded. He and his men continued to fight the enemy
until the latter were beaten off by counter attack.
Home address: Benjamin Fisher, father, General Delivery,
Lyles, Indiana.
Lieut. Fisher was evacuated to Base Hospital No. 45, Sept.
18, 1918, consequently his medal was not presented to him while
in the Division.
Williams, Joe, Pvt., Company E, 366th Inf. (A. S. 2169035). Medal
No. 433. For extraordinary heroism in action near Lesseau,
France, 4 September 1918.
Private "Williams was a member of a combat group which
was attacked by twenty of an enemy raiding party, advancing
under heavy barrage and using liquid fire. The sergeant in
charge of the group was killed and several others, including
Private Williams, were wounded. Nevertheless, this soldier
with three others fearlessly resisted the enemy until they were
driven off.
Home address: Mrs. Carrie Gordon, friend, Octon, Ala.
Medal presented to above named soldier Dec. 2, 1918, near
Pont-a-Mousson.
Brown, Roy A., Pvt., Co. E, 366th Inf. (A. S. 2168841). Medal No.
434. For extraordinary heroism in action near Lesseau, France,
4 September 1918.
Private Brown was a member of a combat group which was
attacked by twenty of an enemy raiding party, advancing under
a heavy barrage and using liquid fire. The sergeant in charge
of the group was killed and several others, including Private
Brown, were wounded. Nevertheless, this soldier with three
SECRETARY BAKER'S WAR CABINET.
Top Left to Right—Hon. Benedict Crowell, Assistant Secretary of War; Hon. E. R. Stet-
timus, Second Assistant Secretary of War, Dr. Ernest Martin Hopkins, President
Dartmouth College, Special Assistant.
Center—Hon. Newton D. Baker, Secretary of War.
Below—Dr. F. B. Keppel, Third Assistant Secretary of War; General P. C. March, Chief
of Staff U. S. Army, and Dr. Emmett J. Scott, Special Assistant to the Secretary of
War, representing: the interests of the Negro Race of the United States.
GROUP OF COLORED OFFICERS.
Top, Left to Right—1st Lt. B. A. Jackson, 350th Mchn. Gun Bn.; 1st Lt. Abraham Morse
367th Infantry; 1st Lt. Herman L. Butler, 366th Infantry.
Center—Capt. Wm. B. Campbell, Personnel Adj. 317th A. T.; 1st Lt. Chas. H. Fearing-
365th Infantry; Capt. Alonzo Campbell, 367th Infantry.
Below—1st Lt. Geo. B. Cooper, 367th Infantry, Supply Officer; 1st Lt. Benjamin F Ford
365th Inf.; 1st Lt. Anderson Trapp, 366th Inf.
Above—Negro troops returning- to camp behind the lines after a strenuous day on the
Western Front during- operations on the Marne.
Center—Officers of Dental Corps attached to various units of the 92nd Division. With
the exception of Capt. Jacob Brause, Division Dentist, all were Negroes.
Below The American Red Cross knew no color line and sought' to render the same
service to Colored as to White troops.
CONFERENCE GROUP COLORED EDITORS in Washington during- the war.
Reading left to rig-ht, Front Row—Former Gov. P. B. S. Pinchback, Charles W. Anderson, Maj. L. P. DeMontal, Dr. Emmett
J. Scott, Chairman, Col. Edouard Requin, Dr. Robert R. Moton, Judg-e R. H. Terrell, Dr. W. E. B. DuBois, Major J. E.
Spingarn, Chris J. Perry, Rev. Ernest Lyon.
Second Row—W. H. Steward, Dr. A. M. Curtis, W. T. Andrews, Dr. W. H. Davis, Benj. J. Davis, Henry A. Boyd, R. S. Abbott,
John Mitchell, Jr., J. H. Murphy, G. L. Knox, A. E. Manning-.
Third Row—Dr. Maurice Curtis, Dr. II. M. Minton, J. C. Dancy, H. C. Smith, E. A. Warren, C. K. Robinson, J. E. Mitchell,
Ralph W. Tyler, R. W. Thompson, N. C. Crews.
Fourth Row—Dr. S. A. Furniss, R. C. Bruce, P. B. Young, Geo. W. Harris, Dr. W. H. Brooks, Jas. A. Cobb Dr. J. R
Hawkins, C. N. Love, W. J. Singleton, W. L. Houston, Wm. E. King-.
Fifth Row—Dr. R. E. Jones, Maj. A. W. Washington Robt. L. Vann, A. H. Grimke, Prof. Geo. W. Cook, Capt. Arthur S.
Spingarn, F. R. Moore.
Left—Colonel Charles Young-, Veteran Ranking- Negro Officer of the Regular U. S. Army. Commissioned from West Point.
Detailed to active service at Camp Grant during- the war.
Right—Major General Enoch H. Crowder, Provost Marshal General of the United States Army.
Top, Left—Capt. Moody Staten, 317th Military Police. Center—2nd Lt. Charle.s Udell
Turpin, 365th Infantry. Below—1st Lt. E. C. Morris, 366th Infantry.
Center Panel—Major James E. Walker, 1st Separate Battalion, District of Columbia N G
Top, Right—Capt. Thos. E. Jones; 368th Infantry, 92nd Div., Awarded Distinguished Service
Cross for bravery at Argonne Forest.
Eight Center—Capt. Samuel Reid, 317 A. T., Veteran of Spanish War and Philippine In¬
surrection; served over thirty years in United States Army, retired since close of the
Below—Sergt. Rufus Pinckney, Baltimore, Md., 1st Separate Company, 372nd Inf., wears
highest honors from French Government; captured 15 Germans, saved French
Officer's life, fought in Champagne, Argonne and at Verdun.
GROUP OF LEADING WOMEN WAR WORKERS.
Center—Miss Eva D. Bowles, Secretary of Colored Women's AVar Work in cities, National
Board of the Young- Women's Christian Association.
Above, Left—Miss May B. Belcher, Field Worker among- colored women of War Work
Council; a graduate of Sargent School, studied at Moody Institute and later Secretary
of Phyllis Wheatley Branch, Y. W. C. A. in St. Louis.
Right—Alice Dunbar Nelson (formerly Mrs. Pearl Laurence Dunbar), recognized leader
in mobilization of colored women of the United States for War Work under auspices
Council of National Defense.
Below, Left—Miss Mary E. Jackson, Special Industrial Worker among colored women for
War Work Council.
Right—Mrs. Louise J. Ross, Chairman New Orleans Chapter American Red Cross, recog¬
nized leader of the race in the South.
Above—American Negro Soldiers in hospital, Glasgow, Scotland, receiving cigarettes and
chocolates from Red Cross Chaplain Thos. E. Swan and a visit from Mrs. Jas.
Gardiner, one of the Red Cross Workers.
Below—Sergeants of Headquarters Company 372nd Infantry "somewhere in France" just
before the big drive.
CITATIONS AND AWARDS, 92ND DIVISION
177
others fearlessly resisted the enemy until they were driven off.
Home address: Mrs. Ellen Brown, mother, 620 Madison St.,
Decatur, Ala.
Medal presented to above named soldier Dec. 2, 1918, near
Pont-a-Mousson.
Merrifield, Ed., Private, Co. E, 366th Inf. (A. S. No. 2817823).
Medal No. 435. For extraordinary heroism in action near
Lesseau, France, 4 September 1918.
Although he was severely wounded, Private Merrifield re¬
mained at his post and continued to fight a superior enemy force
•which had attempted to enter our lines, thereby preventing the
success of an enemy raid in force.
Home address: Mrs. Lucinda Merrifield, mother, Green¬
ville, Illinois.
Private Merrifield was evacuated to Base Hospital No. 17,
Sept. 30, 1918, consequently his medal was not presented to him
while in the Division.
Hammond, Alex., Private, Co. E, 366th Inf. (A S. No. 2169003).
Medal No. 436. For extraordinary heroism in action near Les¬
seau, France, 4 September 1918.
Although he was severely wounded, Private Hammond re¬
mained at his post and continued to fight a superior enemy force
which had attempted to enter our lines, thereby preventing the
success of an enemy raid in force.
Home address: Will Hammond, father, Et. 1, Harvest, Ala.
Private Hammond was evacuated to Base Hospital No. 17,
Sept. 30, 1918, consequently his medal was not presented to him
while in the Division.
Bell, George, Private, Co. E, 366th Inf. (A. S. No. 2168986). Medal
No. 437. For extraordinary heroism in action near Lesseau,
France, 4 September 1918.
Although he was severely wounded, Private Bell remained
at his post and continued to fight a superior enemy force which
had attempted to enter our lines, thereby preventing the success
of an enemy raid in force.
Home address: Mrs. Clara Bell, mother, Rt. 2, Athens, Ala.
Private George Bell, Co. E, 366th Inf., deceased, Sept. 16,
1918.
178
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Olikcy, WiU/, Private 1st CI., Company F, 366th Inf. (A- S. No.
2169151). Medal No. 438. For extraordinary heroism in action
near Frapelle, France, 4 September 1918.
Private Clincy showed exceptional bravery during an enemy
raid. His teammate on an automatic rifle having been mortally
wounded and although he was himself severely wounded, he
continued to serve his weapon alone until the raid was driven
back.
Home address: John Clincy, father, 2616-6th Alley, N.
Birmingham, Ala.
Private 1st Class Will Clincy, Co. F, 366th Inf., was evacu¬
ated to Base Hospital (no record of number), Sept. 4, 1918, con¬
sequently his medal was not presented to him while in the Divi¬
sion.
Young, Chakles G., First Lieut., 366th Infantry. Medal No. 931.
For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France,
27-28 September 1918.
Lieutenant Young, while in command of a scout platoon,
was twice severely wounded from shell fire, but refused medical
attention and remained with his men, helping to dress their
wounds and to evacuate his own wounded during the entire
night, and holding firmly his exposed position covering the right
flank of his battalion.
Home address: Mrs. Millie G. Young, wife, 1802 Greenlaw
St., Austin, Texas.
Watkins, Lewis, Private 1st Class, Co. A, 350th Machine Gun Bat¬
talion (A. S. No. 2816183). Medal No. 1139. For extraordinary
heroism in action near Eply, France, 4 November 1918.
Private 1st Class Watkins accompanied an infantry patrol,
acting as gunner with a heavy machine gun. When a large party
of the enemy had worked around the flank of the patrol and was
advancing across a road along which the patrol was withdrawing,
Private Watkins went into action with his gun at a range of less
than 100 yards, although the order to withdraw had been given.
Displaying exceptional coolness and bravery under heavy rifle
and machine-gun fire, he succeeded in dispersing the enemy. He
was the last of the patrol to retire.
CITATIONS AND AWARDS, 92ND DIVISION
179
Medal presented to above yarned soldier December 2, 1918,
near Pont-a-Mousson.
Lawrence, Jackson S., Major Medical Corps, 368th Infantry. Medal
No. 1052. For extraordinary heroism in action at Binarville,
France, 30 September 1918.
Major Lawrence with two soldiers voluntarily left shelter
and crossed an open space fifty yards wide, swept by shell and
machine-gun fire, to rescue a wounded soldier, whom they
carried to a place of safety.
Home address: Mrs. Florence McC. Lawrence, wife, 405
S. 42nd St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Medal presented to above Officer November 26, 1918, at
Yillers-en-Haye.
Davis, Thomas H., Private 1st Class, Sanitary Detachment, 368th
Infantry (179930). Medal No. 1053. For extraordinary heroism
in action at Binarville, France, 30 September 1918.
Private Davis with an officer and another soldier voluntarily
left shelter and crossed an open space fifty yards wide, swept by
shell and machine-gun fire, to rescue a. wounded soldier, whom
they carried to a place of safety.
Home address: Mrs. Francis Davis, mother, 49 West
Lincoln St., Hampton, Va.
Medal presented to above named soldier November 26,1918,
at Villers-en-Haye,
Handy, Edwaed H., Private 1st Class, Company B, 368th Infantry
(1799754). Medal No. 1054. For extraordinary heroism in
action at Binarville, France, 30 September 1918.
Private Handy with an officer and another soldier volun¬
tarily left shelter and crossed an open space fifty yards wide,
swept by shell and machine-gun fire, to rescue a wounded soldier,
whom they carried to a place of safety.
Home address: Mrs. Rosena Gibson, sister, 2627^ Vir¬
ginia Ave., Washington, D. C.
Medal presented to above named soldier November 26,1918,
at Villers-en-Haye.
Rivers, Tom, Private, Co. G, 366th Inf. (No. 2169507). Medal No.
1633i For extraordinary heroism in action near the Bois de la
Voivrotte, France, 11 November 1918.
180
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Private Rivers, although gassed, volunteered and carried
important messages through heavy barrages to the support com¬
panies. He refused first aid until his company was relieved
Home address: Mrs. Cornelia Rivers, wife, R. F. D. 2, Box
7, Opelika, Ala.
Medal presented to above named soldier December 11,1918,
at Maron.
Lewis, Bernard, Private, Co. A, 368th Infantry. Medal No. 858. For
extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France, 30
September 1918.
Private Lewis, during an attack on Binarville, volunteered
to go down the road that leads into the village, to rescue a
wounded soldier of his company. To accomplish his mission, he
was compelled to go under heavy machine gun and shell fire. In
total disregard of personal danger he brought the wounded man
safely to our lines.
Home address: Mrs. Martha Lewis, mother, 135 E. St.,
N. W., Washington, D. C.
Medal presented to above named soldier November 8, 1918,
at Villers-en-Haye.
James, Joseph, Hqrs. Co., 368th Infantry (1798927). Medal No. 1731.
For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville, France,
30 September 1918.
Private James went to the aid of a wounded companion
under very severe machine-gun and artillery fire and brought him
to cover. He stayed with the wounded man, giving him all
possible aid until assistance came, when he returned to his place
with the platoon.
Home address: Mrs. Martha James, mother, 1622 N. Alder
St., Philadelphia, Pa.
Medal presented to above named soldier January 2, 1919.
Jones, Thomas Edward, 1st Lieut., Med. Corps, 368th Inf. Medal
No. 1844. For extraordinary heroism in action near Binarville,
France, 27 September 1918.
Lieutenant Jones went into an open area subjected to direct
machine-gun fire to care for a wounded soldier who was being
carried by another officer. While dressing the wounded runner
a machine-gun bullet passed between his arms and his chest and
a man was killed within a few yards of him.
CITATIONS AND AWARDS, 92ND DIVISION
181
Home address: Mrs. Leonie Jones, wife, 509 0 St., N. W.,
Washington, D. C.
Medal presented to above Officer January 2,1919.
Breckenridge, Robert M., Private 1st Class (Deceased), Company
H, 365th Infantry (1967624). For extraordinary heroism in
action at Ferme de Bel Air, France, 29 October 1918.
Although severely wounded in the leg from shell fire, Private
Breckenridge, an automatic rifleman, continued in action, crawled
forward for a distance of 100 yards to a position where he
obtained a better field of fire, and assisted preventing an enemy
party from taking a position on the company's flank. In spite
of his wound, Private Breckenridge continued to use his weapon
with great courage and skill until he was killed by enemy machine
gun fire.
Next of kin: Amelia Wilson, mother, Route 5, Box 95,
Hennessey, Oklahoma.
Pollard, Russell, Corporal, Co. H, 365th Infantry (1967745). Medal
No. 1899. For extraordinary heroism in action at Bois Frehaut,
France, 10 November 1918.
During the assault at Bois Frehaut, Corporal Pollard, a
rifle grenadier, conducted his squad skillfully in firing on hostile
machine guns, until his rifle was broken. He then used his wire-
cutters with speed and skill under heavy shell and machine-gun
fire. Although wounded in his right arm, he continued to cut
the wire with his left hand, and assisted his men in getting
through it, until ordered to the dressing station a second time
by his company commander.
Home address: Caroline Pollard, mother, Weatherford,
Texas,
Puksley, Earl, Private 1st Class, Medical Detachment, 366th Infan¬
try (2170837). Medal No. 1900. For extraordinary heroism in
action near Lesseux, France, 4 September 1918.
Private Pursley voluntarily carried a wounded soldier from
an exposed position under intense enemy shell fire for a distance
of 400 yards to dressing station. He then immediately returned
to the position and helped to dig out men wio had been buried
by the explosion of a shell,
182
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Home address: Earl Pursley, father, General Delivery,
Hickman, Ky.
Medal presented to above named soldier 2 January 1919.
Special Mention of Officers and Men
There were issued from Headquarters of the 92nd Division and
also by the Commanding Officers of the various units of the 92nd
Division through successive periods expressions of special com¬
mendation of various officers and soldiers. Among those which may
be quoted are the following:
Company M, 368th Infantry,
Trench Brealau, 94.1-71.75,
3 October, 1918.
FROM; The Commanding Officer, Co. M. 368th Inf.
TO: The Commanding Officer, 3rd Battalion.
SUBJECT; Lt T. M. Dent, 368th Inf.
1. I desire to call the attention of the Battalion Commander to the work
of First Lieutenant T. M. Dent, 368th Infantry, during the days covering the
advance from Vienne-le-Chateau.
2. Lieut. Dent was the only officer present with me during the greater
part of that time and his conduct was at all times characterized by fearless¬
ness and initiative. His platoon captured a German automatic rifle which
covered the bridge crossing the Vallee Moreau and he later on the same day,
28th September, led his platoon to the wire in front of Trench Clotilde at
92.5-73.5, but owing to heavy machine-gun fire from his right was unable to
remain there or to penetrate the unbroken wire.
3. In the event of another detail from this Company to the First Corps
Schools, I request that this officer be given the opportunity to further increase
his value to the service by attending said schools.
R. H. Williams,
Captain, 368th Infantry,
Headquarters 92nd Division,
Army Post Office No. 766.
American Expeditionary Forces.
October 11, 1918.
General Orders No. 27.
1. The Commanding General desires to call the attention of the entire
command to the excellent work and meritorious conduct of Captain R. A.
Williams and First Lieutenant T. M. Dent, both of the 368th Infantry.
During the days of the fight around Vienne-le-Chateau both of these officers
CITATIONS AND AWARDS, 92ND DIVISION 183
displayed courage and leadership, and their conduct should be an example
to the other officers of the Division.
2. The Division Commander desires to commend the conduct of Private
Philip Estrada (1766914), Battery A, 350th Field Artillery, who at the risk
of his own life saved Corporal Alfred Tinson (1767196), Battery B, 350th
Field Artillery, from drowning on or about the 8th day of August, 1918.
By Command of Major General Ballou.
. (Signed) Allen J. Greer,
Lieut.-Colonel, General Staff,
Chief of Staff.
headquarters 92ND division
A. P. 0. 766
28 November, 1918.
General Orders No. 35.
. # * *
II. Pvt. Bert Walker, 367th Infantry.
The Division Commander desires to commend in orders the meritorious
conduct of Pvt. Bert Walker, 367th Inf. Pvt. Walker, on November 9, 1918,
in the vicinity of Yillers-sous-Preny—after it was learned that the road lead¬
ing to Yillers-sous-Preny had been so heavily shelled by gas shells as to make
it almost impassable—volunteered to assist in carrying ga& masks down this
road to organizations in position, and made several trips through this gassed
area, helping to equip and protect against a heavy gas attack which troops
were later subjected to.
III. Lieut. E. B. Williams, 367th Infantry.
The Division Commander desires to call the attention of the entire com¬
mand to the excellent work and meritorious conduct of Lieut. E. B. Williams,
1st Battalion Gas Officer, 367th Infantry. During the action around Yillers-
sous-Preny this officer was gassed, but maintained his post until all shell-
holes were properly covered and his entire area free from gas. Lieut. Wil¬
liams refused to rest until ordered to do so by his superior officer.
By Command of Major General Martin.
(Signed) ^.llen J. Greer,
Colonel, General Staff,
Chief of Staff.
Official:
Edw. J. Turgeon,
Major, Infantry, U. S. A.,
Adjutant.
184
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTOKY
headquarters ninety-second division
American Expeditionary Forces
29th November, 1918.
General Orders No. 36.
I. 2nd Lieut. Nathan O. Goodloe, 368th Infantry.
The Division Commander desires to call the attention of the entire com¬
mand to the excellent work and meritorious conduct of 2nd Lieutenant
Nathan O. Goodloe, Machine Gun Company, 368th Infantry. During the
operations in the Foret D 'Argonne, September 26 to 29, 1918, this officer was
attached to the 3rd Battalion of his regiment, and on September 28, during
the course of action, it became necessary to reorganize the Battalion and
withdraw a part of it to a secondary position, and he rendered valuable as¬
sistance. The movement was carried out under a continual machine-gun fire
from the enemy, and Lieut. Goodloe's calm courage set an example that
inspired confidence in his men.
II. "Wagoner Tom Brown (1725697), Hq. Det., 351st M. G. Bn.
The Division Commander desires to commend in orders the meritorious
conduct of Wagoner Tom Brown, 1725697, Headquarters Detachment, 351st
Machine Gun Battalion, who, as driver with a combat wagon carrying am¬
munition to organizations going into action near Vienne-le-Chateau, in the
Argonne Forest, on September 27, 1918, displayed marked devotion to duty,
exceptional coolness, and great courage under fire. The ammunition was
hauled over a shell-swept road and Wagoner Brown insisted on completing
his work, even after his wagon and horses had been hurled into a ditch j he,"
despite a painful injury, worked faithfully until he had extricated his horses,
and his conduct was such as to merit having it called to the attention of
members of the Division as worthy of emulation.
By Command of Major General Martin,
(Signed) Allen J. Greer,
Colonel, General Staff,
Chief of Staff.
Official:
Edw. J. Turgeon,
Major, Infantry,
Adjutant.
headquarters ninety-second division
American Expeditionary Forces
1st December, 1918.
General Orders No. 37.
1. The Division Commander desires to commend in orders for meri¬
torious conduct in action at Bois Frehaut near Pont-&-Mousson, France,
November 10-11, 1918, the following named officers and enlisted men:
CITATIONS AND AWARDS, 92ND DIVISION
185
Major E. B. Simmons, Regimental Surgeon, 365th Infantry;
Captain John H. Allen, Machine Gun Company, 365th Infantry;
1st Lieut. Leon F. Stewart, 2nd Bn. Scout Officer, 365th Infantry;
1st Lieut. Frank L. Drye, Company "E", 365th Infantry;
1st Lieut. Walter Lyons, Company "G", 365th Infantry;
1st Lieut. Bravid W. Harriss, Company "H", 365th Infantry;
1st Lieut. Benjamin F. Ford, Company "H", 365th Infantry;
2nd Lieut. George L. Gaines, Company "G", 365th Infantry;
2nd Lieut. Russell C. Atkins, Company "H", 365th Infantry;
Sergeant Richard W. White, 2073368, 2nd Bn. Scouts, 365th Infantry;
Sergeant John Simpson, 2074325, M. G. Co., 365th Infantry;
Sergeant Robert Townsend, 1967208, Company "E", 365th Infantry;
Sergeant Solomon D. Colston, 2073518, Company "E", 365th Infantry;
Sergeant Ransom Elliot, 1967307, Company "G", 365th Infantry;
Supply Sergeant Charles Jackson, 2073816, Company "H", 365th.Inf.;
Corporal Thomas B. Coleman, 1967082, Company "E", 365th Infantry;
Corporal Albert Taylor, 2091596, Company "E", 365th Infantry;
Corporal Charles Reed, 2073745, Company "G," 365th Infantry;
Corporal James Conley, 2073730, Company "G", 365th Infantry;
Private 1st Class Jesse Cole, 2817706, Company "G", 365th Infantry;
Private 1st Class Earl Swanson, 1967391, Company "G", 365th Inf.;
Private 1st Class James Hill, 2091205 (deceased), Co. "H", 365th Inf.;
Private 1st Class Charles White, 2089235, Company "H", 365th Inf.;
Private George Chaney, 2655690, Company "H", 365th Infantry.
II. The Division Commander desires to commend in orders for meritori¬
ous conduct in action as specified below, the following named officers and
enlisted men:
During action near Frapelle, France, September 3, 1918:
Sergeant Isaac Hill, 2169092, Company "P", 366th Infantry.
During action near Lesseux, France, September 7, 1918:
1st Lieut. John Q. Lindsey, Company "E", 366th Infantry.
During action near Heminville, France, November 10-11, 1918:
1st Lieut. Edward W. Bates, Medical Corps, Ambulance Co. No. 368 ;
Sergeant Werter L. Gross, 2167835, Company "A", 366th Infantry.
By command of Major General Martin:
(Signed) Allen J. Greer,
Colonel, General Staff,
Chief of Staff.
Official:
Edw. J. Turgeon,
Major, Infantry, U. S. A.,
Adjutant,
186
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
headquarters ninety-second division
Army Post Office No. 766
American Expeditionary Forces
6th December, 1918.
General Orders No. 38.
I. Sergeant Rufus B. Atwood, 1974547, 325th Field Signal Battalion.
The Division Commander desires to call the attention of the entire com¬
mand to the excellent work and meritorious conduct of Sergeant Rufus B.
Atwood, 1974547, 325th Field Signal Battalion. On the morning of Novem¬
ber 10, 1918, while returning to the switchboard in Pont-a-Mousson, a shell
struck the house in which the switchboard was being operated, breaking all
the lines. Sergeant Atwood rendered valuable assistance to the officer in
charge in reconstructing the switchboard and connecting new lines under
heavy shell fire. When the ammunition dump began to explode in the same
neighborhood, he remained on the job, tapping new connections. After re¬
pairs were made from the first explosion, there were two to follow which
completely wrecked the switchboard room and tore out all the lines which
were newly fixed. Sergeant Atwood was left alone, and he established a new
switchboard and the same connections they had at first. The coolness with
which he went about his work and the initiative he took in handling the situa¬
tion justifies his being mentioned in orders.
II. Private Charles E. Boykin (Deceased), Co. "C", 325th Field Signal Bn.
The Division Commander desires to commend in Orders the meritorious
conduct of Private Charles E. Boykin, Company C, 325th Field Signal Bat-_
talion. On the afternoon of September 26, 1918, while the 368th Infantry
was in action in the Argonne Forest, the Regimental Commander moved for¬
ward to establish a P. C. and came upon a number of Germans, who fled to
the woods, which were found to be alive with machine guns. The Command¬
ing Officer ordered the woods searched to the top of the hill, the officer in
charge of the scouting called for volunteers, and Private Boykin, a telephone
linesman, offered his services and set out with the rest of the detail. While
trying to flank an enemy machine gun another opened fire, killing him
instantly.
By command of Major General Martin:
(Signed) Allen J. Greer,
Colonel, General Staff,
Chief of Staff.
Official:
Edw. J. Turgeon,
Major, Infantry, U. S. A.,
Adjutant.
CITATIONS AND AWARDS, 92ND DIVISION 187
BEADQUABTEBS 92ND DIVISION"
A. P. 0. 76$
16 November, 1918.
General Orders No. 32.
I. The Commanding General wishes to call the attention of the com¬
mand to the excellent and meritorious conduct of the following officers and
enlisted men:
Major Warner A. Ross, 365th Infantry.
Captain William W. Green, 365th Infantry.
Sergeant Rufus Bradley, 2073505, Company E, 365th Infantry.
Bugler Junius Jules, 2075822, Company H, 365th Infantry.
During the advance of November 10, 1918, in the action of Bois Frehaut,
these officers and men displayed such exceptional bravery and coolness under
fire as to merit commendation in orders.
This order will be read to the command at first assembly after its receipt.
II. The Commanding General wishes to call the attention of the com¬
mand to the excellent and meritorious conduct of the following officers and
enlisted men of Company A, 366th Infantry:
1st Lieutenant William H. Clark, 1st Lieutenant William Jones, 1st Ser¬
geant Eugene Love, Sergeant Gus Hicks, Sergeant Richard Parker, Sergeant
James E. Green, Corporal John H. James, Corporal Fred Lewis, Corporal
Ben L. Moore, Bugler Irvin Turpin, Pvt 1st CI. Fred Littlejohn, Pvt. 1st
CL Ed Martin, Pvt. 1st CI. Riley Porter, Pvt. 1st CL Ames Robertson, Pvt.
Jst CI. Mathew Rose, Pvt. 1st CL. Lonnie Rice, Pvt. 1st CI. Richard Wells,
Pvt. 1st CL Henry Williams, Private Conce Cooks, Private Willis Coles,
Private Charles Dozier, Private Frank W. Franklin, Private Harvey Hite,
Private Leonard Morton, Private Clarence Leake.
In the action near Bois de Voivrotte, France, on November 11, 1918,
these officers displayed such excellent qualities of leadership and courage, and
the men such heroic conduct and attention to duty under fire, as to merit
commendation in orders.
This order will be read to the command at first assembly after its receipt
By command of Major General Ballou.
(Signed) Allen J. Greer,
Colonel, General Staff,
Chief of Staff.
Official:
Edw. J. Turgeon,
Major, Infantry, U. S. A.,
Adjutant.
188
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
HEADQUARTERS 372ND INFANTRY
S. P. 179, France
Granges, Vosges.
December 23, 1918.
(1383)
FROM: The Acting Adjutant.
TO: - Captain Clarence S. Janifer, 92nd Division, American E. F.,
France.
SUBJECT: Decoration.
1. It is with pleasure that I inform you that you have been awarded a
Croix de Guerre with citation in the orders of the 157th Division. The ap¬
proval of the award was received from the Personnel Section, G. H. Q., Amer¬
ican E. F., on December 14th.
2. The citation is as follows:
1st Lieut. Clarence S. Janifer, M. C. Surgeon 3rd Battalion 372nd Infantry.
"Fearless to danger, established his First Aid Post on the battlefield in
front of Bussy Farm September 28, 1918, following the Battalion in the open
fields, giving help and relief to the wounded and dying at first hand."
Pending the receipt of the official citation from the 157th Division, this
letter will serve as authority for the wearing of the Croix de Guerre with a
silver star.
(Signed) Preston F. Walsh,
Captain Infantry, U. S. A.
I certify that the above letter is a true copy.
T. T. Thompson,
1st Lt., Inf., U. S. A.
There were many such, commendations of individual soldiers
issued during the period of the stay of the 92nd Division in France.
No officer in the 92nd Division won the respect and devotion of
his men more completely than did Brigadier-General Malvern-Hill
Barnum, commanding the 183rd Brigade. That General Barnum felt
a deep attachment to his command is shown by the following letter
addressed to the entire brigade:
A. P. 0. 714, France.
22 December, 1918.
From,: Malvern-IIill Barnum, Brigadier-General, U. S. A.
To: The Officers and men of the 183rd Brigade.
Subject: Relief from command.
The order detaching me from command of the 183rd Brigade was unex¬
pected and coming, as it did, Just as the Brigade was moving, made jt jrrj-
CITATIONS AND AWARDS, 92ND DIVISION 189
possible for me to give expression to my regret at having to sever an asso¬
ciation of over a year and one that will be one of the pleasantest recollec¬
tions of my Army career.
Having organized and trained the 183rd Brigade and commanded it
through its active service in the present war, I can speak for the willing
compliance to all requirements that made the work very enjoyable. When
men work with their hearts as well as their heads and hands, the best results
are certain to follow.
I feel that the officers and enlisted men of the Brigade may justly be
proud of the record made and I believe that history will accord them no
little credit.
I trust that each one will do his utmost to insure to the Brigade the
finest record possible during the remainder of its period of service.
Finally in returning to their homes I trust that each one will take with
him a high sense of responsibility as an American citizen and a keen desire
to perform faithfully whatever duties fall to him in the future.
With such a heritage from his Army service each one will not only have
helped win the war and thus rendered a great service to humanity, but will
himself have become the gainer through the remaining years of his life.
(Signed) Malvern-Hill Barnxtm.
This letter will be published to all members of the command at the
earliest opportunity.
By order of Colonel Parrott.
Hq. 366th Infantry. (Signed) R. D. McCord,
December 24, 1918. Capt. and Adjt., 366th Inf.
CHAPTER Xm
THE STORY OF "THE BUFFALOES"
Glorious Record of the 367th Infantry Regiment—Colonel James
A. Moss—Presentation of Colors at the Union League Club—
The "Buffaloes" in France—How They "Saw It Through" at
Metz—Their Heroic Conduct Under Fire—Regimental Colors
Decorated by Order of the French High Command—A Tribute
From France to "These Sunburned Americans
Quite naturally, and with pardonable pride, all the officers and
men of each unit of the 92nd Division regard their particular unit
as having contributed most to the glory of that Division and to
the record of the achievements of Negro troops upon battlefields
overseas. However, it will probably not be disputed that the 367th
U. S. Infantry was, in some respects, the most notable unit of the
92nd Division.
The 367th Regiment was organized at Camp Upton, N. Y., on
November 3, 1917, pursuant to Order No. 105, War Department,
1917, and Special Order No. 72, Headquarters 77th Division, 1917.
Colonel James A. Moss, Lieutenant Colonel William G. Doane,
Majors Charles L. Mitchell, Fred W. Bugbee and William H. Ed¬
wards were assigned to and joined the regiment, 3rd November,
1917, per Order No. 105, War Department, 1917.
Pursuant to telegraphic instructions from the War Depart¬
ment, 2nd November, 1917, Major Henry N. Arnold, Inf. R. C., was
transferred to the regiment vice Major William H. Edwards, trans¬
ferred to the 306th Machine Gun Battalion.
The Captains of the regiment (with the exception of the Regi¬
mental Adjutant, Commanding Officers* Headquarters and Supply
Companies), also the 1st and 2nd Lieutenants, graduated from the
Officers' Training Camp, Fort Des Moines, Iowa, were assigned
to and joined the regiment 3rd November, 1917, per Special Order
72, Headquarters 77th Division, 1917.
190
THE STORY OF "THE BUFFALOES"
191
The Regimental Adjutant, Captain Frederic Bull; Command¬
ing Officer, Headquarters Company, Captain Benjamin, F< Noras,
and Supply Officer, Captain Charles L. Appleton, were transferred
to the regiment 3rd November, 1917, from the 152nd Depot Brigade,
77th Division, per Special Order No. 72, Headquarters 77th Divi¬
sion, 1917.
The enlisted personnel of the regiment was assigned from
selective draft men, who joined as follows;
In November, 1917: New York, N. Y., 1,198; Camp Devens,
Ma,ss., 22; Camp Custer, Mich., 301; Camp Lewis, Wash., 100.
In December, 1917: Camp Travis, Tex., 300; Camp Pike, Ark.,
600; Camp Lee, Va., 300.
Six enlisted men from the Regular Army were transferred to
the regiment.
During the period, 3rd November, 1917, to 31st December, 1917,
the troops of the regiment were given training and instruction
daily, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays excepted, in the prescribed
course of instruction for officers and men.
The field officers, regimental adjutant, regimental supply offi¬
cer, regimental surgeon, and the commanding officers of the Head¬
quarters Company, nine in all, were white, while all the company
officers (87), except the commander of the Headquarters Company;
the medical officers, except the regimental surgeon; the dental sur¬
geons, and the chaplain, 97 in all, were colored officers. The
colored officers, with the exception of the chaplain, were all grad¬
uates of the Fort Des Moines (Iowa) Officers' Training Camp.
The enlisted men (3,699) were drafted from various parts of
the country, quotas having come from Camp Devens, Camp Custer,
Camp Lewis, Camp Lee, Camp Pike, Camp Travis, and about 1,500
from New York and Brooklyn. An enlisted training cadre of 19
men was assigned to the regiment from the 25th U. S. Infantry.
Being trained at Camp Upton, near New York City, the atten¬
tion of the metropolitan press was focused upon this particular
regiment, which was commanded by a Southern officer, Colonel
James A. Moss, a West Point graduate, who was born in Louisiana,
Colonel Moss early began to put the 367th Infantry "on the map"
after the regiment was organized; first by speaking before the
Union League Club and other important organizations in the City
192
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
of New York, and by the formation of the 367th Infantry Welfare
League, the object of which was to keep open the line of communica¬
tion with the home ties that the colored soldiers had left behind.
Colonel Theodore Roosevelt became its Honorary President, follow¬
ing an address he made to the men of the regiment at Camp Upton,
October 18, 1917. Colonel Roosevelt was delighted with the regi¬
mental singing and was fervent in his praise of the men. The
officers of the League were: Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, Honorary
President; Hon. Charles W. Anderson, First Vice-President; Dr.
W. M. Moss, Second Vice-President; Dr. William Jay Schieffelin,
Treasurer; Captain Walter B. Williams, Secretary; George W.
Lattimore, Field Secretary, and Colonel James A. Moss, Com¬
mandant, 367th Infantry.
This regiment paraded with the 77th Division through the
streets of New York City on the occasion of the celebration of
George Washington's birthday, February 22, 1918, and was
acclaimed by the metropolitan press as presenting a fine soldiery
appearance; this was especially noteworthy in view of the fact that
nearly one-half of the men had been drafted from the far South
and had come up from cotton plantations and fields without pre¬
vious military experience.
Union League Club Presents Colors
A particularly notable incident in connection with the stay of
the 367th Infantry at Camp Upton was the "presentation of colors"
by the Union League Club on Saturday, March 23, 1918. The
Union League Club during the Civil War always stood firmly and
boldly for equal rights of American citizens, regardless of color.
It decided, in 1863, to enlist Negroes of New York State in the
Union Army and within one month raised $18,000 for that pur¬
pose and in November, 1863, one thousand and twenty Negroes—a
regiment—were in training on Riker's Island. There remained
in addition six hundred men, who formed the skeleton of a second
regiment which the club subsequently raised. These regiments
were known during the Civil War as the Twentieth and Twenty-
sixth U. S. Colored Troops. Later the club assisted in the recruit¬
ing of two more colored regiments. The recruiting of Negro soldiers,
however, was not regarded with general favor. The then Governor
Above—Bureau of War Risk Insurance.
Front Row, Left to Right—Miss V. L. Comer, Atlanta, Ga.; Mrs. F. Alston, Mobile, Ala.:
Mr. W. Bernard Gardner, Philadelphia, Pa.; Miss V. B. Adams, Washington, D. C.;
Miss F. M. Botteese, Washington, D. C.: Miss B. Kebble, Waco, Tex.
Second Row, Left to Right—Miss C. J. Tarby, Boston, Mass.; Miss E. M. Cameron. Bir¬
mingham, Ala.; Mrs. H. L. Johnson, Washington, D. C.; Miss E. R. Nelson, Laurel,
Miss.; Mrs. E. T. Albert, Washington, D. C.
Below Officials of Young Men's Christian Association Department for Colored Troops.
Front Row, Left to Right—Wm. J. Faulkner, Placement; Jesse E. Moorland, Executive
Secretary; Robert B. DeFrantz, Personnel.
Rack Row, Left to Right—Geo. L. Johnson, Religious Work; Max Yergan, Overseas;
J. Francis Gregory, Religious Work.
Above—Group of Depot Company Sergeants of the 372nd Infantry behind the lines
waiting- for orders to advance.
Below—Truck Train of 365th Infantry unloading- troops at Bruyeres. It required the
services of 500 big army trucks for three days and nights to transport the 92nd
Division from Bourbonne-les-Bains to this point in the Vosges zone.
;, , m i|mir
Above—Group of typical French Colonials. These Senegalese Troops were brought di-
i-ectly from the Colonies in Africa for the war, as fully related in Chapter X of this
volume.
Below—German prisoners of war being brought into camp by the Negro soldiers who
surprised a large detachment and took them prisoners.
This group of Colored physicians served during- the war as lecturers under Captain Arthur B. Spingarn, Surgeon General's
Office, U. S. Army, visiting camps and cantonments and instructing Negro soldiers upon the subject of Sex Hygiene.
Center—Captain Arthur B. Spingarn. heft, top—Dr. Ralph Burnette Stewart of Washington, D. C. Below—Dr. C. V. Roman,
Nashville. Tenn. Right, top—Dr. A. B. Jackson, Philadelphia, Pa. Below—Dr. Roscoe C. Brown of Richmond. Va.
Left—Motor Corps Women did much for the comfort of sick and wounded during the war and after. Two are here shown
doing- their bit in helping- a wounded hero from ambulance into a theatre where a show was given for wounded Colored
soldiers.
Right—One of the thousands of Young Negro American Boy and Girl Red Cross Workers who took part in the Nation-wide
drive for war funds.
Above—Commander of Labor Battalion and Staff Eft Governor's Island. Capt. E. S.
Jones was Commander of the U. S. Labor Battalion stationed at this point.
Below—Baltimore War Camp Community Circle. Some of the beds at the War Camp
Community Service Colored Club which is typical of many such clubs organized
throughout the entire United States.
Above—Group of colored woman war workers of the New Orleans Chapter of American
Red Cross.
Below—Negro Sailors enjoying- a few hours' "liberty" in the restrooms, American Red
Cross Headquarters, New Orleans.
Above, Left—Ernest P. Atwell, who did organization work among the colored people for
Food Administration. Center—1st Lt. Denton J. Brooks, Regimental Insurance
. Officer, 365th Infantry, who covered members of his regiment with over $29,000,000
War Risk Insurance. Right—Chas. H. Williams, Special Investigator for Committee
on Welfare of Negro troops and conditions existing among Negro soldiers in camps
' and war camp community centers
Below—Capt Dee Jones, and sample Identification Card printed in English and French
carried by all American soldiers of Expeditionary Forces in Europe. On each identity
card was shown photo of its owner and a number corresponding with metal tag worn
by each soldier.
No... J 7 w /:: & ^
AMERICAN
EXPEDITIONARY FORCES
Corps Expeditionnaires Amcricairis
IDENTITY CARD
CARTE D'IDENTITE
Na
Nam *
Rank
Grade
Duty
Fonction
of H
Signature
du Tilulaire
THE STORY OF "THE BUFFALOES"
193
of New York State not only refused his authority, but withheld his
sanction of the movement, and it became necessary for the Union
League Club to obtain the proper authority from the War Depart¬
ment at Washington. It was not a matter of surprise, then, that
the Union League Club decided to present a "stand of colors" to
the '367th Infantry that comprised so large a number of colored
draftees from New York City and State for service in the World
War.
• The 367th Infantry regiment was a part of the first contingent
of the 92nd Division that sailed for overseas, leaving the port of
embarkation at Hoboken, N. J., on June 19, 1918, and arriving at
Brest, France, on Jun6 29, 1918. The regiment made a notable
record in France—the entire First Battalion of the 367th (Buffalo)
Infantry being cited for bravery and awarded the Croix de Guerre,
thus entitling every officer and man in the battalion to wear this
distinguished French decoration. This citation was made by the
French Commission because of the splendid service and bravery
shown by this battalion in the last engagement of the war,
Sunday and Monday, November 10 and 11, in the drive to Metz.
This battalion went into action through a valley commanded by
the heavy German guns of Metz, and held the Germans at bay
while the 56th Regiment retreated, but not until it had suffered
a heavy loss. In the record of operations of the 92nd Division
as a whole, the detailed statement of the glorious part played by
the 367th Infantry (see Chapters XI and XII) will be noted. It may
be said that this unit lived up to its regimental motto—"SEE IT
THROUGH."
Particular reference is made to this regiment (the 367th
U. S. A.), not only because its splendid record at home and
achievements overseas merits special mention, but also for the
purpose of bringing out in bold relief the fact that it is possible
for a white man born and bred in the South to learn to appreciate
the real worth of the Negro soldier and, whenever placed in com¬
mand of them, to treat them as all American soldiers should be
treated and to accord to them a full measure of respect, oppor¬
tunity, and credit. This has been notably true in the case of
Colonel James A. Moss, Commanding Officer of the regiment, who
enjoyed the confidence and even the affection of the men of his
194
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
command. It will be interesting, in this connection, to read the
tribute which he paid to the Negro as a soldier and military
officer, and which was issued as an "Introduction to a booklet
concerning his regiment of colored soldiers:
STATEMENT BY
COLONEL JAMES A. MOSS, COMMANDING 367TH INFANTRY, TJ. S. A.
"Having been born and reared in the State of Louisiana,
whose confines I did not leave until I went to West Point at the
age of eighteen, and having served eighteen years with colored
troops, including two campaigns, what I say about the colored
man as a soldier is therefore based on many years' experience with
him in civil life and in the Army—in peace and in war, in garrison
and in the field.
4'If properly trained and instructed, the colored man makes
as good a soldier as the world has ever seen. The history of the
Negro in all of our wars, including our Indian campaigns, shows
this. He is by nature of a happy disposition; he is responsive
and tractable; he is very amenable to discipline; he takes pride
in his uniform; he has faith and confidence in his leader; he pos¬
sesses physical courage—all of which are valuable military assets.
"The secret of making an efficient soldier out of the colored
man lies in knowing the qualities he possesses that are military
assets, and which I have named, and then appealing to and devel¬
oping them—that is, utilizing them to the greatest extent possible.
"Make the colored man feel that you have faith in him, and
then, by sympathetic and conscientious training and instruction,
help him to fit himself in a military way to vindicate that faith,
to 'make good.' Be strict with him, but treat him fairly and justly,
making him realize that in your dealings with him he will always
be given a square deal. Commend him when he does well and
punish him when he is refractory—that is to say, let him know
that he will always get what is coming to him, whether it be reward
or whether it be punishment. In other words, treat and handle
the colored man as you would any other human being out of whom
you would make a good soldier, out of whom you would get the
best there is in bim, and you will have as good a soldier as history
has ever known—a man who will drill well, shoot well, march well,
THE STORY OP "THE BUFFALOES"
195
obey well, fight well—in short, a man who will give a good account
of himself in battle, and who will conduct and behave himself
properly in camp, in garrison and in other places.
"I commanded colored troops in the Cuban campaign and in
the Philippine campaign, and I have had some of them killed and
wounded by my very side. At no time did they ever falter at the
command to advance nor hesitate at the order to charge.
"I am glad that I am to command colored soldiers in this, my
third campaign—in the greatest war the world has ever known.
(Signed) "Jas. A. Moss,
''Colonel 367th Infantry."
Colonel Moss has the reputation of being one of the best-
known military authors in the world. He has written twenty-six
military books, of which several have been for years regarded as
standard. His "Manual of Military Training'' has been called
the "Encyclopaedia Britannica of the Army." His "Officers'
Manual," a guide in official and social matters, is used by prac¬
tically every young officer entering the Army. His "Privates'
Manual" was adopted several years ago by the United States
Marine Corps, and a copy is placed in the hands of every recruit.
Other books of his, such as "Non-Commissioned Officers' Manual,"
"Army Paperwork," "Infantry Drill Regulations Simplified,"
"Field Service," "Riot Duty," "Company Training," and
"Applied Minor Tactics," are also regarded as standards among
all military men. Since his graduation from West Point in 1894
Colonel Moss's service has been distinguished. It includes a record
of three campaigns. In addition, he was aide-de-camp for three
years to Lieutenant-General Henry C. Corbin, during which time,
although only a captain in the Regular Army, he had the rank, pay,
and allowances of lieutenant-colonel. For three years he was
instructor at the Army Service Schools, Fort Leavenworth,
Kansas. In 1911 and 1912 he was on special duty in the office of
the Chief of Staff of the Army, General Leonard Wood, by whom
he had been specially selected to reduce and simplify the adminis¬
trative work of the Army. Not only is he the father of the present
system of Army correspondence, but he also gave to the service
the new, simplified pay and muster rolls, and several other labor-
196
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
saving blank forms that liave done much to reduce miliary
administrative work.
Perhaps the secret underlying the splendid relations that con¬
tinually existed between this Southern white Army officer and the
colored soldiers and officers of his command, is partly disclosed in
the brief biographical sketch of his military career given above,
for, whenever a THOROUGHLY EDUCATED WHITE MAN
meets the EDUCATED TYPE AND BETTER CLASS OF
NEGRO MEN, like most if not all of those comprising the officer-
group of the 367th Regiment, the difficulties connected with the so-
called Race Problem are simplified and reduced to the minimnm.
The success of the 367th IT. S. Infantry therefore strongly
suggests (1) that whenever white men are put in command of
Negro troops they should be of that high intellectual and moral
caliber that will enable them to appreciate, bring forth, and develop
the best that is in the colored men of their command; and (2) that
Negro officers are more and more demonstrating their fitness and
capacity to command men of their own race.
CHAPTER XIV
RECORD OF "THE OLD FIFTEENTH"
The Glorious Story of the 369th United States Infantry, Formerly
of the New York National Guard—The Regiment That Never
Lost a Man Captured, a Trench, or a Foot of Ground—First
Negro Troops to Go into Action in France.
The first effort to organize a colored National Guard regiment
in New York City was sponsored by Charles W. Fillmore, a colored
citizen, who afterwards was commissioned a Captain in the "15th"
by Col. Hayward. The effort to secure proper approval of such
a regiment was more or less abortive until Gov. Charles S. Whit¬
man, following the gallant fight of Negro troops of the Tenth
Cavalry against Mexican bandits at Carrizal, authorized the project
and named Col. William Hayward, then Public Service Commis¬
sioner, to supervise the task of recruiting an organization. It was
found that there were more than two hundred Negro residents of
the city who had seen service in the regular army, or in the militia
of other states. With these as a nucleus the work of recruiting
began on June 29, 1916.
By the first of October, ten companies of sixty-five men each
had been formed, and the regiment was then recognized by the
State and given its colors. By April 8, 1917, the regiment had
reached peace strength, with 1,378 men, and was recognized by the
Federal Government. Two weeks later the organization was
authorized to recruit to war strength. The 600 men needed were
recruited in five days after the applicants had been subjected to a
physical examination more stringent than that given in the regular
army. The first battalion of four companies was recruited in
Manhattan; the second battalion was composed of Brooklyn men,
and the third of men from Manhattan and the Bronx. " There is
no better soldier material in the world," said Col. Hayward, fol¬
lowing the organization of the regiment. "Given the proper
training, these men will be the equal of any soldiers in the world."
197
198
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Col. Hayward in a personal memorandum to the author su
mitted the following diary of dates in the history of the 15th ew
York, which afterwards became the 369th Infantry prior to is
going overseas:
'1 July 15, 1918, mobilized at various halls and meeting places
where regiment was recruited and went to Camp Whitman, near
Poughkeepsie, N. Y., for muster-in to United States service;
"August 2, Machine Gun Company sent to Ellis Island to
guard German spies and internes;
"Two companies—1st Battalion, Harrison, N. J., for guard
duty on Jersey railroads and certain essential factories.
"One company—1st Battalion, guarded tunnels and bridges
New York Central and other railroads from New York City to the
Adirondack Mountains in small detachments;
"One company, in and around New York City, including guard
duty on seized German ships;
"Second Battalion, less one company, pioneered Camp Upton.
"Fourth company, on guard over lona Island near "West Point
and Bear Mountain;
"Third Battalion, pioneered Camp Dix.
"First week in October, Regimental Headquarters, 2nd and
3rd Battalions, Headquarters and Supply Companies to Camp
Wads worth, Spartanburg.
"October 12, assembled and secretly transported at 9 to 10
A. M. via Fifth avenue busses and elevated railroads and on foot
in various parts of New York City to dock at 95th street and East
River, and transported to Hoboken. Embarked on transport
Hoboken." Second day at sea ship broke down and limped back
to Hoboken. Regiment moved to Camp Merritt.
"October 23, back to Hoboken to sail October 27. Owin°- to
incomplete equipment, unable to sail and battalions stationed at
Camp Hills, Park Avenue Armory, Van Cortlandt Park, 2nd Field
Armory and other armories in New York City.
"November 12, moved secretly with colors cased and drums
forbidden to play, at 10 A. M. by train to Hoboken and marched
through the principal street to transport " Pocahontas'9 at Pier 3
Ship on fire and regiment remained on board, sailing ao-ain
December 3.
RECORD OF "THE OLD FIFTEENTH"
199
"December 4, collision at seaj
"December 5, regiment repaired ship;
"December 27, landed at Brest. Right side up."
In sending the diary, Col. Hayward adds the following sig¬
nificant statement:
"We had no wrecks, no fires, no explosions, no escaped pris¬
oners during our tour, prior to sailing. Gen. Hoyle, Commanding
General Eastern Department, said ours was the only regiment,
regular or national guard, on this duty against which no complaint
had been filed by civilians or others."
Training the Regiment
Training the men presented some difficulty. At first they
were drilled in Lafayette Hall, 132nd street and Seventh avenue,
New York City. But the place was altogether too small and many
of the fifty squads which drilled nightly had to take to the streets
to carry out the maneuvers of their drill sergeants. Later they
went for three weeks to Camp Whitman. An announced plan to
send the regiment to train at Camp Wadsworth, Spartanburg, S. C.,
caused a storm of protest from the citizens of the South Carolina
town.
"The most tragic consequences," they insisted, "would follow
the introduction of the New York Negro with his Northern ideas
into the community life of Spartanburg." The Spartanburg
Chamber of Commerce drafted resolutions protesting against the
training of Negro troops at Camp Wadsworth, which were sent to
New York State officials. The resolutions, however, had less
weight than the exigencies of war and, early in October, the 15th
Negro Infantry detrained at Camp Wadsworth. The "tragic con¬
sequences" did not materialize. Certain stores refused to serve
Negro customers and were, in turn, boycotted by the white soldiers,
but the chief result of the Fifteenth's visit to Spartanburg was an
increased respect in some measure, at least, for the black soldier.
While at Spartanburg the regiment was supplied with the
latest things in trench shoes, heavy underwear, and other over¬
seas supplies. This led the men to expect immediate transfer
overseas. They were, indeed, ordered overseas, but as Colonel
Hayward's memorandum quoted above indicates, the regiment
200
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
made tliree distinct starts for France before it finally got away
from America. The accident that caused the first turning back
occurred when still in sight of the Narrows. The vessel was dis¬
abled by a bent piston rod and had to put back to the Brooklyn
Navy Yard for repairs. Four days later the ship put out again,
only to halt when fire was found in the reserve coal bunker.
Putting back to Hoboken, the sorely tried Fifteenth counted the
hours until a new transport could be obtained. Hours became
days, and days weeks, but still no other ship offered.
Delayed by Storm and Collision
Finally, on December 3, 1917, the Navy Department notified
the transport's commander to put to sea. But while the pier
lines were being cast off a storm started to blow up, and by the
time the "Pocahontas"—nameless at the time—reached the outer
bay, the greatest blizzard of the year was raging. Clouds of snow,
through which nothing could be seen, forced the ''Pocahontas'' to
drop anchor. She had hardly done so when a huge hulk, appearing
suddenly through the murk, bore down upon the transport's bow
and cut a ten-foot hole in her side. Then the storm abated in the
bay, but a new one arose below decks, where 3,000-odd exasperated
soldiers were maintaining their belief that no such place as France
existed. The captain of the transport was for turning back again
to the Navy Yard. The hole was above the water-line, he admitted,
and there was no great danger impending as a result of the
collision, he said. Nevertheless there would be an inquiry, and it
was necessary that he be present to state his case.
"I can see no reason for turning back except that of fear,"
said Col. Hayward to the captain. The captain did not turn back.
There was an ambulance assembly unit on board with electric
drills. Ten hours, it was said, would suffice to make sufficient
repairs to enable the vessel to proceed. The bent plates were
drilled out and double planking erected in their place. Concrete
was then poured between the planks. The result was not elegant
but the ship was water-tight and best of all, still bound for France.'
Brest was reached on December 27 without incident except for
an epidemic of German measles which attacked the crew of the
RECORD OP "THE OLD FIFTEENTH"
201
transport, but which was escaped by nearly all officers and men
of the Fifteenth.
From Brest the regiment was transferred to St. Nazaire,
where the troops were put to work constructing a huge railroad
yard, building roads, and unloading ships. The fact of being in
the country "where the war is" helped the impatient soldiers to
endure their lot for awhile, but before long there was a general
feeling that "while stevedoring may be all right, it is not war,"
and the officers were besieged with apologetic and respectful
queries, "When do we fight?"
Guarding German Prisoners
The answer was assumed to have been supplied when, early
in January, the Third Battalion was ordered to Colquidan, in
Brittany, where there was a big American artillery camp. It
turned out, however, that peace was still longer to bear down
upon the spirits of the Fifteenth. At Colquidan, they found, as
well as an American artillery camp, there was also a large German
prison camp, and it was for the purpose of guarding this camp
that their services were required.
Three weeks passed, and then the Third Battalion received
orders to join the rest of the regiment at Givry-en-Argonne, there
to be formally transferred to the French high command and to be
known as the 369th Regiment d'Infanterie Etats Unis (United
States Infantry). Actual fighting was still afar off, it seemed to
the soldiers, for they were put to training under French officers.
One hundred and twenty picked men and a number of officers
were sent to the French Divisional Training School, where they
were taught to use the French arms, including grenades, French
bayonets, rifles and machine guns. Upon the completion of the
course others of the former Fifteenth were sent to take this
training.
They proved apt pupils. In grenade-throwing they easily out¬
did their instructors, and in bayonet work they demonstrated
great skill. They surprised the French, also, with the manner in
which they acquired the French language. Many of them were
talking quite fluently after a week with their French comrades. It
turned out, however, that many of the soldiers hailed from Louis-
202
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
iana, and that their new environment merely had revived for¬
gotten memories of the French language.
In May the regiment went to the Main de Massiges, a part of
the French line which offered the greatest danger as well as the
greatest opportunity for training in trench warfare and raiding.
A small number of the Fifteenth's men were sent with each French
company, with instructions to observe all regulations and
familiarize themselves with the tactics of the French. The French
"poilus" were delighted with their colored comrades and soon
sought to teach them all they knew.
After two weeks' experience obtained in the manner described,
the 369th was sent into action in the Bois d'Hauze, Champagne,
where the regiment, unassisted by the French, held a complete
sector, which in length constituted 20 per cent of all territory held
by American troops at the time. In this action, which lasted until
July 4, 1918, when the colored soldiers, their ranks thinned by the
deadly German fire and completely worn out, were relieved by the
4th French Chasseurs-a-pied.
Fighting Ability Recognized
By this time the fighting effectiveness of the Negro troops
from New York was recognized by the high command, and after
resting behind the lines for a few weeks they were transferred and
placed in the path of the expected German offensive at Minancourt,
near Butte de Mesnil, where they bore the brunt of the German
attacks of July 15 and thereafter. Against the enemy in this
action the old Fifteenth was completely successful, holding against
the German fire, repelling German attacks and by counter-attacks
becoming possessed of the front line German trenches.
At the end of July the regiment, after a three days' march to
the rear, went into training for open warfare, but had hardly
started work when a hurry call was sent to them to take over the
same place in the line which they had left a few days before.
Motor lorries were impressed and the New York soldiers hastened
back to the front, arriving in time to assist in repelling the most
violent German attacks.
During the action which followed it was the policy of the
French strategists to retreat from the lines- then held, after having
RECORD OF "THE OLD FIFTEENTH"
203
"gassed" all the dug-outs. The advancing Germans thereupon
were met with such heavy shell fire that they were forced into the
underground shelters and so fell by the hundreds, victims of the
noxious fumes released by the French.
The men of the 369th, advancing again after this* defeat of
the enemy, found enough Mauser rifles lying beside the dead Ger¬
mans to equip an entire brigade. Finding the German Mauser to
resemble the Springfield formerly used by the American troops and
preferring it to the French weapon furnished them, the men of
the Fifteenth promptly adopted the captured rifle, and it was with
considerable difficulty that the French equipment was finally
restored to them.
Wins the Croix de Guerre
Early in September the men of the 369th were Transferred
from the 16th French Division, in which they had been serving,
and made an integral part of the 161st French Division. And then,
on the morning of September 26th, they joined with the Moroccans
on the left and native French on the right in the offensive which
won for the entire regiment the French Croix de Guerre and the
citation of 171 individual officers and enlisted men for the Croix
de Guerre and the Legion of Honor, for exceptional gallantry in
action. The action began at Maison-en-Champagne; it finished
seven kilometers northward and eastward and over the intervening
territory the Germans had retreated before the ferocious attacks
of the Fifteenth and its French comrades.
A month later a new honor came to the regiment—the honor
of being the first unit of all the Allied armies to reach the River
Rhine. The regiment had left its trenches at Thann, Sunday,
November 17, and, marching as the advance guard of the 161st
Division, Second French Army, reached Blodelsheim, on the left
bank of the Rhine, Monday, November 18. The 369th is proud of
this achievement. It believes also that it was under fire for a
greater number of days than any other American regiment. Its
historian will record:
That the regiment never lost a man captured, a trench, or a
foot of ground; that it was the only unit in the American Expedi¬
tionary Force which bore a State name and carried a State flag;
204
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
that it was never in an American brigade or division; that it saw
the first and the longest service of any American regiment as part
of a foreign army; and that it had less training than any American
unit before going into action.
Letter from Colonel Hayward
A highly significant letter written by Col. Hayward to the
author shortly after the 369th reached France and went into
training may be quoted:
"Deab Scott:
"Am writing this from away up on the French front where the
iFighting Fifteenth,' now the 369th U. S., is really fighting in a
French Division. We are known to the French as 369 R. I. M. S.
and our Secteur Postal is No. 54, France.
"I have two battalions in the trenches of the first line and the
third in relief at rest just behind our trenches. The three rotate.
Our boys have had their baptism of fire. They have patrolled No
Man's Land. They have gone on raids and one of my lieutenants
has been cited for a decoration. Of course, it is still in the experi¬
mental stage, but two questions of the gravest importance to our
country and to your race have, in my opinion, been answered.
"First: How will American Negro soldiers, including commis¬
sioned officers (of whom I still have five), get along in service with
French soldiers and officers—as for instance a Negro regiment of
infantry serving in a French combat division?
"Second: Will the American Negro stand up under the terri¬
ble shell fire of this war as he has always stood under rifle fire and
thus prove his superiority, spiritually and intellectually, to all the
black men of Africa and Asia, who have failed under these conditions
and whose use must be limited to attack or for shock troops?
"We have answered the first question in a most gratifying
way. The French soldiers have not the slightest prejudice or feel¬
ing. The poilus and my boys are great chums, eat, dance, sing,
march and fight together in absolute accord. The French officers
have little, if any feeling about Negro officers. What little, if any
is not racial but from skepticism that a colored man (judging of
course by those they have known) can have the technical education
necessary to make an efficient officer. However, as I write these
RECORD OF "THE OLD FIFTEENTH"
205
lines, Capt. Napoleon Bonaparte Marshall and Lieut. D. Lincoln
Reed are living at the French Officers' Mess at our division Infan-
terie School, honored guests.
"The program I enclose gives you an idea of the way I've cul¬
tivated friendship between my boys and the poilus. You should
have seen the 500 soldiers, French and mine, all mixed up together,
^ cheering and laughing at the show arranged while the Boche shells
(boxcar size) went screaming over our heads.
"Now, on the second question, perhaps I am premature. But
both my two battalions which have gone in have been under shell
fire, serious and prolonged once, and the boys just laughed and cud¬
dled into their shelter and read old newspapers. French company
got shelled and it was getting very warm around the rolling kitchen.
The cooks went along about their business in absolute unconcern
until the alarmed French soldiers ran to them and told them to beat
it. One of the cooks said, 'Oh, that's all right, boss. They ain't
hurting us none.' They are positively the most stoical and mys¬
terious men I've ever known. Nothing surprises them. And
we now have expert opinion. The French officers say they are
entirely different from their own African troops and the Indian
troops of the British, who are so excitable under shell fire. Of
course, I have explained that my boys are public school boys, wise
in their day and generation, no caste prejudice, accustomed to the
terrible noises of the subway, elevated and street traffic of New
York City (which would drive any desert man or Himalaya moun¬
taineer mad) and are all Christians. Also, that wThile the more igno¬
rant ones might not like to have a black cat hanging around for fear
it would turn into a fish or something, they have no delusions about
the Boche shells coming from any Heathen Gods. They know the
d child-killing Germans are firing at them with pyrocellulose and
they know how the breech mechanism works.
"I am very proud of what we've done and are doing. I put the-
whole regiment through grenade (live grenade) practice. Nasty',
dangerous business. They did it beautifully. I found one rank
arrant coward, who refused to throw. Said he couldn't. Another
threw prematurely after igniting the bomb. We asked him why he
did not wait for the command to throw (barrage). He said, 'Run¬
nel, that old grenade, she begun to swell right in my hand.' The
206
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
boys keep writing home that the 'war is not so bad if you just go
at it right.' Well, a very wise command somewhere, I don't know
where, has let us go at it right. You know I've always told these
boys I'd never send them anywhere I would not go myself, so I went
first to the trenches, prowled around, saw it all and came back to
the regiment to take in the battalion which was to go in first. When
they saw me covered with mud, but safe and sound they said, 'How
is she, Kunnel 1' 'She's all right,' I said. They all laughed and
then the sick and the lame of that battalion began to get well mirac¬
ulously and begged to go. Captain Clark called for twelve volun¬
teers for a raid and the company fell in to the last man—all wanted
to go, and he had to pick his twelve after all.
"Do you wonder that I love them, every one, good, bad and
indifferent?
"Personally I am well, strong, and the happiest man in the
world. I've learned more about the military game, at least the
fighting of this war, since I have been here with the French than I
learned in all the years as drummer boy, private, Sergeant, Cap¬
tain, Major and Colonel Second Nebraska Infantry, Spanish War,
Maneuvers, Officers' School, Gettysburg and Leavenworth prob¬
lems, etc., etc., and all the time I spent with my present regiment in
the New York National Guard.
"And another thing, I believe I know more about .Negro soldiers
and how to handle them, especially the problem of Negro and white
officers, than any other man living today. Of course, the other regi¬
ment I commanded for three years was a white regiment, so I had
a lot to learn, but I've learned it and I wouldn't trade back now.
"Suppose after I've held my sector up here by blood and iron
two or three months, some National Guard Brigadier, who has just
arrived in France, will come along and point out all the mistakes
I've made and tell me just how to do it. Well, 4C'est la guerre ' as
we French say. '
"Brother Boche doesn't know who we are yet, as none of my
men have been captured so far, and the boys wear a French blue
uniform when they go on raids. I've been thinking if they capture
one of my Porto Ricans (of whom I have a few) in the uniform of
a Normandy French regiment and this black man tells them in Span¬
ish that he is an American soldier in a New York National Guard
RECORD OF "THE OLD FIFTEENTH"
207
regiment, it's going to give the German intelligence department a
headache trying to figure it out.
"We are proud to think our boys were the first Negro American
soldiers in the trenches. Jim Europe was certainly the first Negro
officer in. You can imagine how important he feels! In addition
to the personal gratification at having done well as a regiment I
feel it has been a tremendously important experiment, when one
considers the hosts of colored men who must come after us. I wish
I had a brigade, yes, a division or a corps of them. We'd make his¬
tory and plant the hob-nailed boots of the 'Heavy Ethiopian Foot'
in the Kaiser's face all right.
"We were so disappointed that the Secretary didn't get up to
see us. The town we were holding then had been named by me
'Bakerville' and it is so on our maps.
"Regards and good wishes to you.
"Sincerely,
"William Hayward."
Called "Hell Fighters" by the Enemy
The men of the 369th came to be known among the French
and the Germans as "Hell Fighters." The regiment participated
in the action which followed the German offensive on the 15th of
July, 1918, when the Germans were reinforced by released pris¬
oners from Russia, so that they then had their maximum forces.
They had broken through the British line and disaster was at hand.
This was east of Rheims. The Germans had also torn through
the French at Montdidier and had gone through for 30 or 40
kilometers.
During the 191 days that the regiment was in the trenches
there were weeks in that immediate sector when there was nothing
between the German army and Paris but these black men from
America. It was through the action of the men of the 369th in
capturing German prisoners on the night of July 14 that the
expected German attack was learned. When the French found
out that the great German offensive was coming, their forces
did not remain a thin blue line. Gen. Gouraud, who commanded
the Fourth French Army, took his troops out of the front line
trenches over a front of 50 kilometers, and when the attack oo-
208
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
curred he had the 369th on one flank of a 50-kilometer line and the
old 69th New York, a part of the Rainbow Division, on the other.
When the German fire fell on these front line trenches for five
hours and twenty minutes, the shells fell on empty trenches except
for a few patrols left in reinforced trenches with signal rockets,
gas shells, and a few machine guns. When the hour for the German
infantry attack came, these patrols let off their gas bombs and
signal rockets and the massed allied artillery let loose on the
massed Germans, who were literally smashed and never got
through to the second line of the 369th. On the other end they
did get through, crashing into the Rainbow Division and the old
G9th New York, which met them hand-to-hand in some of the most
terrible fighting of the war.
Individual Exploits of the 369th
There are many outstanding exploits of the men of the 369th
and of Col. Hay ward himself. In Belleau Wood on June 6, 1918,
the regiment came up to the German front lines where it met a
very heavy counter-attack. Some one suggested that they turn
back. "Turn back? I should say we won't. We are going
through there or we don't come back," was what Colonel Hay ward
said as he tore off the eagles of his insignia, grabbed a gun from a
soldier, and darted out ahead of the rest of Company "K," which
went through a barrage of German artillery that was bearing down
upon it. A French General ordered the regiment to retire, but
Colonel Hayward, who, of course, was under direct command of
this French General said: "I do not understand you."
Then the French General raised his arms above his head and
cried:
"Retire! Retire!"
And then Colonel Hayward, with his hat knocked off, came
running up and cried: "My men never retire. They go forward,
or they die!''
A Prussian officer captured by the "Black Watch," as the
369th was called after they had reached the Rhine, is said to have
remarked: "We can't hold up against these men. They are
devils! They smile while they kill and they won't be taken alive."
The regiment was eleven times cited for bravery in action, and
RECORD OF "THE OLD FIFTEENTH"
209
Colonel Hayward himself received a citation, reading: "Colonel
Hayward, though wounded, insisted on leading his regiment in
battle."
Following is the citation awarded the 369th for its courage
and valor in the great offensive in the Champagne, September and
October, 1918, by the French Commanding General:
CITATION for CROIX DE GUERRE
AWARDED
369£ REGIMENT d'INFANTERIE U. S.
(FORMERLY I)th N. Y. INFANTRY)
FOR ITS OPERATIONS AS A COMBAT UNIT OF A FRENCH
DIVISION IN THE GREAT OFFENSIVE IN
CHAMPAGNE, SEPT. and OCT. 1918,
BY THE TRENCH COMMANDING GENERAL
Sous le Commandement du Colonel HAYWARD qui, biett que blesse, a
tenu & conduire. son rlgiment au combat, du Lieutena7it Colonel. PICKERING,
admirable de sang-froid et de courage, du Commandant COBB (tut), du Comman¬
dant SPENCER (griivement blessi), du Commandant LITTLE veritable entraineur
d'hommes, le j6ye R.J. U* S. qui torsades attaques de Sepiembre 1918, voyait le
feu pour la premiire fois, s'est imparl de puissant'es oi'ganisations ennemies, energique-
ment defendues et a erilevl de haute lutte le village de S , a fait' des
prisonniers, ramenS 6 canons- et un grand■ nombre de mitrailleuses.-
TRANSLATION
Under command of Colonel HAYWARD, who, though injured, insisted on
leading his regiment in the battle, of Lieutenant Colonel PICKERING, admirably
cool and brave, of Major COBB, (killed), of Major SPENCER (grievously wounded),
of Major LITTLE, a true leader of wen,- the 369th R. I. U. S. engaging in an
offensive for the first time in the- drive of September> 191S, stormed powerful enemy
positions energetically defended, took, after- heavy fighting, the town of S . ,
captured prisoners and brought- back six canfions. and. a.great- number of machine guns,
A typical story of the dare-devil courage of the men of the
369th is afforded in the exploit of Elmer McCowin of Company
210
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
"K," who won the Distinguished Service Cross. He tells his own
story as follows: "On September 26 the Captain asked me to
carry despatches. The Germans pumped machine-gun bullets at
me all the way. But I made the trip and back safely. Then I was
sent out again. As I started with the message the Captain yelled
to bring him back a can of coffee. He was joking, but I didn't
know it at the time.
"Being a foot messenger, I had some time ducking those
German bullets. Those bullets seemed very sociable, but I didn't
care to meet up with them, so I kept right on traveling on high
gear. None touched my skin, though some skinned pretty close.
"On the way back it seemed the whole war was turned on me.
One bullet passed through my trousers and it made me hop, step,
and jump pretty lively. I saw a shell hole six feet deep. Take it
from me, I dented another six feet when I plunged into it hard.
In my fist I. held the Captain's can of coffee.
"When I climbed out of the shell hole and started running
again, a bullet clipped a hole in the can and the coffee started to
spill. But I turned around, stopped a second, looked the Kaiser
in the face, and held up the can of coffee with my finger plugging
tip the hole to show the Germans they were fooled. Just then
another bullet hit the can and another finger had to act as a
stopgap.
"It must have been good luck that saved my life, because
bullets were picking at my clothes and so many hit the can that
at the end all my fingers were hugging it to keep the coffee in.
I jumped into shell holes, wriggled along the ground, and got back
safely. And what do you think? "When I got back into our own
trenches I stumbled and spilled the coffee!"
Not only did Lieut. George Miller, Battalion Adjutant, confirm
the story, but he added about Private McCowin: "When that
soldier came back with the coffee his clothes were riddled with
bullets. Yet half an hour later he . went back into No-Man's-Land
and brought back a number of wounded until he was badly gassed.
Even then he refused to go to the rear and went out again for a
wounded soldier. All this under fire. That's the reason he got
the D. S. C."
Corporal Elmer Earl, also of Company "K," living at Middle-
RECORD OF "THE OLD FIFTEENTH"
211
town, New York, also won the Distinguished Service Cross. He
explained: "We had taken a hill September 26 in the Argonne.
We came to the edge of a swamp, when enemy machine guns
opened fire. It was so bad that of the fifty-eight of us who went
into a particular strip, only eight came out without being killed
or wounded. I made a number of trips out there and brought back
about a dozen wounded men."
How Sergeant Butler Won the D. S. C.
On authority of General Pershing, Colonel Hayward himself
presented the Distinguished Service Crosses to the heroes among
his regiment. Then, from the hands of General Collardet, of the
French Army, he received the medal of the Legion of Honor. But
even among this list of distinguished heroes those who knew of the
exploits of Sergeant "Bill" Butler insisted upon calling for him
and making him the object of their attentions.
It was on the night of August 12, 1918, while the fighting
was raging in the Champagne District, that Sergeant Butler's
opportunity came to him. A German raiding party had rushed
the American trenches and, after firing a few shots and making
murderous use of the short trench knives and clubs carried for
such encounters, had captured five privates and a lieutenant. The
victorious raiders were making their way back to their own
trenches when Butler, occupying a lone position in a forward post,
saw that it would be necessary for the party to pass him.
The Negro sergeant waited until the Germans were close to
his post, then opened fire upon them with his automatic rifle. He
kept the stream of lead upon the raiders until ten of their number
had been killed. Then he went forth and took the German lieu¬
tenant, who was slightly wounded, a prisoner, released the Amer¬
ican lieutenant and five other prisoners, and returned to the
American lines with 'liis prisoner and the rescued party.
Under the heading, "Trenton Has Nothing on Salisbury,''
The Afro-American of Baltimore said: "Trenton, New Jersey, may
have her Needham* Roberts, but it takes Salisbury, Maryland, to
produce a William Butler. Roberts had his comrade, Henry John¬
son, to help him in repulsing a raiding party of Germans, but
Butler took care of a German lieutenant and squad of Boches all
212
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
by himself. Herbert Corey, a white newspaper correspondent, in
telling of the incident said that Butler came ' a-roaring and fogging
through the darkness with his automatic, and 'nobody knows how
many Germans he killed.' It was for this that General Pershing
awarded him the Distinguished Service Cross recently and the
citation read: 'Sergt. William Butler, Company L, 369th Infantry
(A. S. No. 104464). For extraordinary heroism in action near
Maison de Champagne, France, August 18, 1918. Sergeant Butler
broke up a German raiding party which had succeeded in entering
our trenches and capturing some of our men. With an automatic
rifle he killed four of the raiding party and captured or put to
flight the remainder of the invaders. Home address, Mrs. Jennie
Butler, Water Street, Salisbury, Maryland.'
"The rest of the State of Maryland and the whole United
States now has its hat off to Butler of Salisbury.''
And the New York Tribune, on April 28, 1919, said: " 4 Bill *
Butler, a slight, good-natured colored youth, who until two years
jtgo was a jack-of-all-trades in a little Maryland town, yesterday
came into his own as a hero among heroes. More than 5,000
men and women arose to their feet in City College stadium and
cheered themselves hoarse while representatives of two Govern¬
ments pinned their highest medals upon the breast of the nervous
youth. Sergeant Butler was one of a list of twenty-three members
of the famous 15th Regiment upon whom both France and the
United States conferred medals of honor because of extraordinary
heroism on European battlefields. But by common consent his
name comes first on the list—a list that was made up only after a
careful comparison of the deeds of gallantry that finally resulted
in the breaking of the Hun lines."
Won the Cheers of the French
Of the 369th it may be stated that although the Germans never
captured a single man, they killed nearly 200 of them and wounded
more than 800 others, but on the other side of the score were to be
found more than 400 Germans captured by the Third Battalion of
the 369th alone, and countless men of the enemy killed and wounded.
It proved itself to be one of the most efficient military units
of all the Allied forces. The officers and men were constantly
RECORD OF "THE OLD FIFTEENTH"
213
cheered by the gratitude of the French, who never failed to place
in evidence their appreciation for the wonderful fighting prowess
of the men of the 369th. The French were amazed not only at the
proficiency of the men as soldiers but at their proficiency in laying
railroad tracks, which was the first duty assigned them near one
of the larger French ports. The 369th laid many stretches of
track, pushed them into alignment, gave twists to the bolts, and
proceeded half a mile farther down to repeat the performance.
"Magnifique!" exclaimed a party of French officers who watched
them do the work.
The story of the wanderings of "the old 15th," of its hard
fighting in France, of its returning to America, and of the trium¬
phant procession through the streets of New York City, down Fifth
Avenue, is one of the proudest possessions of the Negro race and
of American arms.
Five colored officers went over with the 369th Regiment.
These officers were afterwards transferred to the 92nd Division.
Considerable criticism followed the transfer of these colored offi-^
cers from a colored regiment which had won such renown as the
369th. Col. Hayward, however, gave the following as reason for
the transfer:
"In August, 1918, the American Expeditionary Force adopted
the policy of having either all white or all colored officers with
Negro regiments, and so ours were shifted away (though Lieut.
Europe later was returned to us as bandmaster, whereas he had
been in the machine gun force before). Our colored officers were
in the July fighting and did good work, and I felt then and feel
now, that if colored officers are available and capable, they, and
not white officers, should command colored troops. I hope, if the
Fifteenth is reconstructed, as it should be, colored men will have
the active work of officering it, from top to bottom. ''
"There is splendid material there. I sent away forty-two
sergeants in France who were commissioned officers in other units.
I would have sent others, but they declared they'd rather be
sergeants in the Fifteenth than lieutenants or captains in other
regiments.''
CHAPTER XV
"THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS"
Story of the 370th TJ. S. Infantry—Another Negro National Guard
Regiment That Won Distinction on the Battlefield—Chicago's
Colored Fighters—Called "Black Devils" by the Germans and
"Partridges" by the French Because of Their Proud Bear¬
ing—First American Troops to March into the Fortified City
of Laon—Their Stubborn Resistance at the Oise-Aisne Caned.
The Eighth Illinois National Guard Regiment, which during
the great war came to be known as the 370th U. S. Infantry, was
the only regiment in the entire United States Army that was called
into service with almost a complete complement of colored officers
from the highest rank of Colonel to the lowest rank of Corporal.
Having been brigaded with French troops and given every oppor¬
tunity to get into the thickest of the fray and to demonstrate their
bravery, ability, and solidarity as fighting men, the brilliant record
made by this regiment effectually served to answer the question
as to whether colored soldiers would follow colored officers into
battle.
Below will be found the record of events of the 370th U. S.
Infantry (formerly 8th Illinois Infantry) from July 25, 1917, the
date of responding to the call of the President, to March 11, 1919,
the date of demobilization of the regiment.
Pursuant to the call of the President, dated July 3, 1917, the
regiment reported at the various rendezvous on July 25, 1917, as
follows:
At Chicago, Illinois—Headquarters, Headquarters Company,
Machine Gun Company, Supply Company, Detachment Medical
Department, and Companies A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H.
At Springfield, Illinois—Company I.
At Peoria, Illinois—Company K.
At Danville, Illinois—Company L.
At Metropolis, Illinois—Company M.
214
"THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS"
215
On the date of responding to the call, the Field and Staff was
as follows:
Colonel Franklin A. Denison, commanding the regiment.
Lt. Col. .James H. Johnson, duty with the regiment.
Major Rufus M. Stokes, commanding the 1st Battalion.
Major Charles L. Hunt, commanding the 2nd Battalion.
Major Otis B. Duncan, commanding the 3rd Battalion.
Captain John H. Patton, Regimental Adjutant.
On August 18, 1917, Company G proceeded to Camp Logan,
Houston, Texas, for the purpose of preparing camp for the arrival
of the remainder of the regiment. This company was present at
Camp Logan during the riot in Houston which involved certain
colored soldiers of the 24th Infantry, U. S. A., in the latter part
of August, 1917, and was commended by the public, the press, and
military authorities for its conduct and general bearing.
At the end of October, 1917, on the date of the closing of the
Second Liberty Loan campaign, out of a total of 2,166 officers and
enlisted men, belonging to the regiment at that time, 1,482 officers
and men subscribed $151,400.00 to the Second Liberty Loan. Ap¬
proximately 96 per cent of the regiment took out $10,000.00 War
Risk Insurance.
There was some question in military circles as to whether or
not this regiment should be sent overseas, to meet the Huns with
its colored Colonel and a full complement of colored officers; but
the splendid way in which Colonel Denison had handled his men
and maintained discipline at Camp Logan, and at Camp Stuart
(Newport News, Virginia), proved to the War Department that he
was every inch a man, that he was an intelligent and experienced
soldier, and a competent officer who knew how to command and to
guard the interests of his regiment. It is especially pertinent to
refer to the discussion as to whether this regiment should be sent
overseas with a colored commanding officer and its entire colored
officers' personnel, because, at that time, Colonel Charles Young,
the veteran colored officer, a graduate of West Point, who had
given the best years of his life to the United States Regular Army,
had been retired from active duty on the strength of a report
submitted by a Medical Board of Examiners, before which he was
called, and who decided that he was physically disqualified to
216
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTOKY
lead a regiment of colored soldiers on the battlefields of France.
Such service was not only Colonel Young's fervent desire, but it
was the equally fervent hope of colored Americans that h6 would
be permitted to do so.
The morale of the colored people was, therefore, very much de¬
pressed by the retirement of Colonel Charles Young over his earnest
protest and the protest of his legion of friends. Negro newspapers,
reflecting the sentiment and desire of the Negro people, urged that he
be not only retained and actively utilized as an officer of the National
Army, but that he be given what they believed to be his rightful re¬
ward—namely, promotion in rank to at least that of a Brigadier-
General. The futility of these requests and protests, and the failure
of repeated efforts to have the findings of the Medical Board which
passed upon Colonel Young's case reviewed, and set aside, so that he
could be placed in active command of a Negro regimental unit, gave
rise to suspicions of unfair play and disturbed the morale of colored
Americans generally. For another colored Colonel to be denied
active service would have further dampened the morale of the
colored people, especially in view of the openly expressed feeling
on their part that the highest ranking Negro officer in the United
States Regular Army had been unjustly denied active service in
the world's greatest war and had been likewise deprived of pro¬
motion to the next rank above him—that of Brigadier-General—
which he would have automatically received upon being called to
active duty.
Colonel Denison, however, proceeded overseas with his regi¬
ment, which was the first American regiment to set foot upon the
soil of Alsace-Lorraine—territory that had for nearly fifty years
been wrongfully held under German domination.
Equipped with French Arms
After about six weeks' training under French instructors, the
regiment was considered sufficiently trained to go into the lines, and
on June 12 and 13, 1918, pursuant to Ordre Particulier No. 30,
Headquarter^ 10th Division, French Army, dated June 11, 1918,
the regiment marched to Morvillars (Haut-Khin), entrained and
proceeded to Ligny-en-Barrois (Meuse), detrained and marched to
stations as follows: Headquarters, Headquarters Company, Sup-
"THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS"
217
ply Company, and the 1st Battalion at Nancois-le-Petit (Meuse);
the 2nd Battalion and Company K (Depot Company) at Trouville
(Meuse); the 3rd Battalion at Velaines (Meuse).
The French instructors referred to were needed in view of
the fact that the men of the 370th Infantry, when they arrived at
Grandvillars, were relieved of all of their American equipment,
with which they had been trained at home, and were re-equipped
with French arms and equipment exclusively, including French
rifles, pistols, helmets, machine guns, horses, wagons, and even
French rations, which consisted of food sufficient for about two
meals per day, while the American ration had provided for three
meals per day. But in spite of difficulties arising from difference
in languages, the issuing of French arms, ammunition and other
equipment, and the French ration, which was considered insufficient,
the regiment made rapid progress.
In the St. Mihiel Sector
On June 21, 1918, the regiment began occupying a sub-sector,
Han-Bislee, St. Mihiel sector. This being the first time the regi¬
ment had occupied positions in the line, it was deemed advisable
by the Division Commander to intermingle the 370th with French
troops, in order that officers and men might observe and profit
by close association with veteran French troops. Thus, the 1st
and 2nd Battalions, commanded by Majors Kufus M. Stokes and
Charles L. Hunt respectively, were intermingled with platoons and
companies of the French battalions. Except for occasional shell¬
ing and rifle and machine gun fire of the enemy, nothing of interest
occurred while in the sector, and there were no casualties.
On the night of July 3-4, 1918, the regiment was withdrawn
from the St. Mihiel sector, marched to Loxeville, and entrained
for the Argonne Forest. Various positions were occupied in the
Argonne until August 16, 1918. The particular sector occupied by
the 370th Infantry was exceptionally quiet at that time, except on
one or two occasions. In this position the regiment suffered its
first casualty, namely, Private Robert E. Lee of Chicago, Company
E, Machine Gun Company No. 2. It is highly encouraging to note
the fact that General Mittlehauser, the French general in command
218
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
of the entire division, although, "burdened with important official
duties, found time to attend in person the funeral of this brave
Negro soldier, who was buried with every military honor.
While in this sector, a portion of the regiment engaged in
its first offensive encounter with the enemy. The Stokes mortar
platoon, under the command of First Lieutenant Robert A. Ward,
took part in a "coup de main" (raid), on August 4, 1918, having
as its mission the filling-in of the gaps in the French artillery bar¬
rage. For his work during this raid Lieutenant Ward and his
platoon were highly commended by General Mittlehauser.
On August 16, 1918, the 370th was relieved from its position
in the Argonne Forest and sent for rest behind the lines near
Bar-le-Duc. On September 1, the regiment again began to move
toward the front lines, and by easy stages, proceeded to positions
in the Soissons sector. On September 16 Companies G, H, I, and L
were pushed forward to positions in front of Mont des Signes,
and from that date to September 21 took part in the various bat¬
tles and engagements incident to the capture of this exceptionally
strong enemy position.
One platoon of Company F, under command of Sergeant
Matthew Jenkins, especially distinguished itself by capturing a
large section of the enemy works, turning their own guns on them
and holding the position for thirty-six hours without food or
water, until assistance came and the position was strengthened.
For this meritorious work in this engagement Sergeant Jenkins
received both the American Distinguished Service Cross and the
French Croix de Guerre.
Company F was relieved on September 21, spending the night
at Antioche Farm and proceeding to Mont des Tombes (Aisne) the
following day and taking position in reserve; Company G was
relieved on September 21, 1918, and proceeded to the caves near
Les Tueries (Aisne); Companies I and L were relieved on Sep¬
tember 22,1918, and proceeded to Antioche Farm and Tincelle Farm,
respectively, and placed in reserve. From September 19 to 21,
the organizations not engaged in the front lines were employed
in constructing defensive works between Antioche Farm and
Vauxaillon.
"THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS"
219
Takes Over a Full Sector
Prior to September 21, the regiment had never occupied a full
regimental sector, the companies and battalions having been there¬
tofore attached to various French units of the 59th Division. Pur¬
suant to Order 187/S, Headquarters 59th Division, French Army,
dated September 21, the regiment for the first time took over a full
regimental sector. The 1st Battalion relieved the Battalion Gar-
nier of the 325th Regiment of Infantry, French Army, in the posi¬
tions outlined by La Folie-l'Ecluse on the Oise-Aisne Canal and
the Farm Guilliminet. The 2nd Battalion went into the support
position at Mont des Tombes and Les Tueries, and the slopes,
west of Antioche Farm. The 3rd Battalion went into reserve at
Tincelle Farm. The Headquarters Company was stationed at
Levilly and the Supply Company at Monte Couve.
On September 25 Company K (Depot Company) changed sta¬
tion from Duvy (Aisne) to Resson le Long (Aisne). On the night
of September 26-27 the 2nd Battalion, commanded by Captain John
H. Patton, was ordered to relieve with like units one-half of each
of the companies of the 1st Battalion in the lines. The relief was
completed about 2:00 a. m. An attack along the Oise-Aisne Canal
was ordered at dawn on September 27, 1918. By extreme effort
the remainder of the 2nd Battalion was brought up to the front,
relieved the remainder of the 1st Battalion, commanded by Major
Rufus M. Stokes, and the attack began as ordered. The attack
continued from the morning of September 27 until October 4.
The 2nd Battalion was relieved by the 1st Battalion after having
gained possession of the railroad track and woods to the northeast
of Guilliminet Farm.
On September 30 the 3rd Battalion, commanded by Lieut.
Colonel 0. B. Duncan, was ordered to make an attack with the
Ferme de la Riviere as the principal objective, and about 3:00 p. m.
on that date the attack began. The fighting in front of the Bois de
Mortier, which woods the enemy held strongly, continued and it
was not until October 4 that it was certain that the enemy had
been driven across the canal.
From the 27th of September to the 4th of October the 370th
was subjected to severe shelling and to murderous fire of numerous
machine guns and rifles. After the 2nd Battalion was relieved by
220
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTOKY
the 1st Battalion on October 17, Company G of the 2nd Battalion
supported the 1st Battalion until October 3, 1918. During this
time patrols from the 2nd and 3rd Battalions were ^out between the
lines night and day, making effort to locate machine-gun nests in
the Bois de Mortier and making other necessary reconnaissances.
On October 4, just before dawn, a reconnaissance in the Bois
de Mortier was ordered. As the enemy strongly held the woods,
a patrol consisting of volunteers was ordered to make the recon¬
naissance. Captain Chester Sanders and the necessary 20 men
readily volunteered and at 3:30 a. m. crossed the canal and pene¬
trated into the woods about 50 meters east of the Vauxaillon-Bois
de Mortier Road, more than a hundred meters within the enemy
lines. When reaching this point they were discovered by the
enemy and were fired on by numerous machine guns. The mission
of the patrol being to discover whether the woods had been aban¬
doned by the enemy, the patrol retired to the French lines under
heavy machine gun fire and shelling without the loss of a man.
October 4, 1918, pursuant to Order No. 330/S, Headquarters
59th Division, French Army, the 1st Battalion was ordered to
make the following dispositions: Company A sent to the 325th
Regiment of Infantry, French Army; Company B sent to the 232nd
Regiment of Infantry, French Army. These companies to be used
as reinforcements for those regiments. October 6, 1918, General
Vincendon, commanding the division, went on leave and General
Rondeau assumed command.
October 7, 1918, at 4:30 a. m., after five minutes' violent bom¬
bardment by the French artillery, three raiding parties started
into the triangle formed by the Oise-Aisne Canal, the railroad, and
the Vauxaillon-Bois de Mortier road. The mission of these raid¬
ing parties was to capture prisoners. One of these parties under
command of 1st Lieutenant Elisha C. Lane entered the triangle,
gained the trenches along the south bank of the . canal and ejected
the enemy after a hand-grenade fight, Lieut. Lane and two enlisted
men being wounded. This party was unable to hold this trench
on account of its being exposed to enfilade fire from two directions.
The other two patrols established themselves along the railroad and
sent small patrols into the triangle, but were unable to establish
themselves therein. No prisoners were captured.
"THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS"
221
During the night of October 7-8 Company C of the 1st Bat¬
talion relieved Company F of the 2nd Battalion in the lines near
l'Ecluse. Company C continued the effort made by Company F
to establish themselves in the above mentioned triangle, but were
unable to do so for the same reasons that prevented Company F
from remaining therein. On October 10 the remainder of the 1st
Battalion moved up into the front lines, relieving the rest of the
2nd Battalion, and the units of the 3rd Battalion in the lines along
the Oise-Aisne Canal in front of the Bois de Mortier. The 2nd
Battalion went into reserve at Antioche Farm and the 3rd Bat¬
talion went into division reserve at Mont des Tombes.
Pushing the Enemy Back
A general advance having been foreseen, Order No. 1978/3 of
the Division provided that after the objective, the Laon-La Ferre
Railroad, was reached, the Division would be relieved by the 33rd
Division, French Army, and sent into the reserve for rest. The
alarm for the advance was given at 9:40 a. m., on October 12,
and the various units of the regiment proceeded to the Zones of
Assembly previously assigned. The 1st Battalion was given the
mission of clearing the Bois de Mortier. The 2nd Battalion was
placed at the disposition of Lieut.-Colonel Lugand of the 232nd
Infantry, French Army. Company F and one section of Company
E (Machine Gun Company No. 2), were detached from the 2nd
Battalion and sent to join the Battalion Gamier of the 325th
Regiment of Infantry, which had as its mission the mopping up of
the hills and woods from near Anizy-le-Chateau to a point near
Crepy. One company of the 325th Regiment of Infantry, French
Army, was attached to the 2nd Battalion to replace Company F.
The 3rd Battalion was assigned as reserve of the division, the
command of which was assigned to Colonel T. A. Roberts.
Soon after the alert was given, the pursuit began. The 1st
Battalion advanced through the Bois de Mortier and successfully
reached the first objective, Penancourt, on the same date. The 2nd
Battalion began the pursuit on the morning of October 13, having
been assigned as the support battalion of the 232nd Infantry, and
passed Anizy-le-Chateau, the Farm Fontenille, Tervanne, Ces-
sieres, and Butte de Sevresis, and bivouacked at dark with the head
222
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTOKY
of the battalion resting at the north edge of the Bois d'Oiry and
the rear on the National Road.
On October 13 the 1st Battalion continued the pursuit via
Cessieres to a point to the west of Molinchart. The 3rd Battalion
rested in the Bois de Mortier the night of October 12, and next
day went to Manneux Farm. For the work done in this general
advance, the 1st and 2nd Battalions were complimented by the
Commanding General—the 1st for its passage of the exceedingly
strong position in the Bois de Mortier, and the 2nd for a well-
conducted march in pursuit via Anizy-le-Chateau.
The regimental P. C. moved up to Cessieres and late in the
night of October 13 the division was ordered into rest for twelve
days. The first ten days were spent in hard work on the roads,
but the last two were given over to the issue of badly needed
clothing and equipment. These twelve days found the regiment at
the following places: Regimental Headquarters at Susy; 1st and
2nd Battalions in the St. Gobain Forest near Le Cateau; the 3rd
Battalion at Manneux Farm. By Order No. 4442, Headquarters 59th
Division, French Army, dated October 16, 1918, the General Com¬
manding the division thanked the Colonel of the 370th Infantry
for the good work done by the regiment in aiding the Engineers
in the repair of roads and the cleaning of villages in the devastated
districts.
On October 19, 1918, Major Rufus M. Stokes was relieved from
command of the 1st Battalion and Captain John T. Prout assigned
to command the battalion, Major Stokes being assigned to the
Supply Company as administrative officer.
On October 27 the regiment was again ordered into the lines,
and pursuant to Ordre de Mouvement No. 30, I. D. 59th Division,
French Army, the 2nd Battalion during the night of October 27
proceeded to Farms d'Allemagne and de Cordeau. On the follow¬
ing night, October 28, the 2nd Battalion proceeded to a position in
support to the northeast of Grandloup, remaining in various
positions near Grandloup until November 5. Except occasional
shelling and some machine gun fire on the support positions, noth¬
ing of interest occurred to the 2nd Battalion while in position
near Grandloup.
On October 29 the 1st Battalion left camp in the St. Gobain
"THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS''
223
Forest and proceeded to Chambry, rested for the night, and on the
following day, October 30, moved up into the support position about
one kilometer to the northwest of Grandloup. On November 1
Regimental Headquarters moved up to Chambry.
On November 2 the 1st Battalion was moved to new positions
with a view to the defense of Grandloup in case of enemy attack,
Companies B and C taking position in the open trenches to the
southwest of Grandloup and Company A to the southeast of the
village. On November 3, an enemy shell struck in the mess line
of Company A, at the Farm Chantrud, killing 35 men and wounding
41, making it necessary to withdraw this company from the lines.
On November 4, Company C of the 1st Battalion relieved a com¬
pany of the 325th Regiment of Infantry in the front lines in the
vicinity of Brazicourt Farm. The positions of the 1st and 2nd
Battalions received severe intermittent shelling while in these posi¬
tions.
Further Pursuit of the Enemy
On November 5, the enemy began again to retreat and the
pursuit recommenced and continued until November 11, 1918, the
date of the signing of the armistice.
On November 5 the 2nd Battalion, commanded by Capt. John
H. Patton, moved out in pursuit of the enemy via Farm Atten-
court, Autremontcourt, and bivouacked in the woods north of
Ernecourt Farm for the night. The position was shelled inter¬
mittently during the entire night. At 6:00 a. m. the following day,
in a heavy rain, the pursuit was again taken up, the battalion pro¬
ceeding to the Farm Bellimont, arriving at about 11:00 p. m., and
resting until 6:00 a. m. the following morning, November 7, at
which time the battalion moved out and proceeded to Longue Rue
de Bas, arriving about 9:30 p. m. At 3:30 a. m. the battalion pro¬
ceeded to Beaume, arriving at 5:30 a. m., and reporting to Lieu¬
tenant-Colonel Lugand, 232nd (French) Regiment of Infantry.
An attack was ordered at 6:30 a. m. by the division. The 2nd
Battalion occupied a position on the left of the division with the
68th Regiment of Infantry on the left. At 6:30 a. m. the battalion
moved out to the attack. The first operation, crossing the River
Thon, was successfully accomplished, and the battalion continued
the attack eastward towards Aubenton for about one and one-half
224
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
kilometers, pushing the enemy back as it went. The enemy, fighting
a rearguard action, had located numerous machine guns to the south
of Leuze and along the heights stretching in the direction of Auben-
ton. The 68th (French) Regiment of Infantry, on the left, did
not advance as anticipated, thus exposing Company H to an
enfilade fire from machine guns located to the south of Leuze,
and the company suffered severely. About 11:40 a. m. the advance
was ordered stopped and preparation made for another attack,
which began at 2:00 p. m. and continued until dark, at which time
the battalion had reached its objective, the Hirson-Mezieres Rail¬
road. Casualties during the day, 4 killed and 2 officers and 33
enlisted men wounded. On the morning of November 9 the advance
began again and the battalion continued the pursuit until dark,
when it occupied positions from Goncelin, the advance outpost, to
the woods northeast of Tarzy. On November 10 the battalion re¬
ceived orders to continue the pursuit with La Verte Place, Bel¬
gium, as the objective.
The French military officials, as will be seen by the official
communication which follows, always called the battalion by the
name of the battalion commander. Thus the 2nd Battalion, just
referred to, commanded by Capt. John H. Patton of Chicago,
Illinois, was termed "the Battalion Patton.''
232nd regiment d'infantrie
(Translated)
FROM: Lieut. Colonel Lugand.
TO: Captain John H. Patton. November 7, 1918.
1. ORDER OF OPERATIONS FOR THE JOURNEY OF THE 8TH.
In the morning of the 8th, the 59th Division will attack as follows:
First Operation: Passage of the River Thon, occupation by the ad¬
vanced lines of the line Bas-Val-la-Caure to LaHayette.
2. The 6th Battalion of the 232nd Infantry and the Battalion Patton
will turn off at Aubenton towards the Northwest. The 325th Infantry will
occupy Aubenton. On the left the 68th Infantry will attack Leuze.
3. Axis of the march of the 232nd Infantry Le Four a Chaux, Hill
246, Fligny.
4. Limit of the left of Battalion Patton, Bas-Val-la-Caure, Lisiere,
south of Mattin Rieux.
5. Formation—
On the right the 6th Battalion of the 232nd Infantry will form an
"THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS"
225
advance guard "in echelon" in rear of the left of the Battalion Patton,
having two companies in the first line, one company in the second line. The
company on the right of the first line will march on the "axis of the
march" of the regiment, so as to be 600 meters from the company on the
left of the 6th Battalion. Battalion Patton will attack on the left of the
232nd each time the enemy resists during the forward movement.
6. The movement will commence at 6:30 a. m.
7. Battalion Patton will maintain "liaison" (keep in touch) with the
6th Battalion on his right and with the 68th Infantry on his left.
8. The Command Post of the Colonel will be at Beaume.
(Signed) Lugand.
On November 6 the 1st Battalion received orders to take up
the pursuit in support of the Battalion Michel of tlie 325th Regi¬
ment of Infantry, and proceeded to Hill 150, near St. Pierremont,
via Brazicourt, Yesles-et-Caumont, Rapiere. The Battalion P. C.
was stationed on the road to Marie and this road was shelled in¬
termittently during the night. On November 7 the battalion con¬
tinued the pursuit, advancing through St. Pierremont, Taveaux-et-
Pontsericourt to Maison De Garde, south of Nampcelles. At Yal
St. Pierre, Company C of the battalion, commanded by Captain
James H. Smith, by a series of flanking operations, drove the
enemy from a position they occupied with three field pieces (77's)
and two machine guns, causing them to abandon the cannon, which
were taken by Company C. The enemy left several dead on the
field and evidently had defended the position to the last. For this
action, Company C was decorated with the French Croix de Guerre.
On November 8, the battalion was ordered to Camp at LaHayette.
On November 9 the command advanced to Mont Plaisir. On No¬
vember 10 the battalion moved south to a position at Farm La¬
Hayette. On November 11 it proceeded to Fligny, at which place
it was found at the signing of the armistice at 11:00 a. m. on No¬
vember 11, 1918.
On November 5 the 3rd Battalion began the pursuit and rested
in the open field at night on the 5th and 6th. On November 7
the battalion moved up and passed Bosmont, Tarveaux, Virginette,
Lambercy, Mont Plaisir, and on into the front lines at the Rue
Larcher. At the Rue Larcher the battalion passed under command
of Colonel Pernin, of the 325th (French) Regiment of Infantry.
On November 9, the battalion passed under command of Lieut.-
226
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Colonel Lugand and was ordered to attack Pont d'Any. The ob¬
jective was reached, the enemy retiring before' the advance of the
battalion. On November 10 the battalion continued the pursuit
to Etignieres, where it was stopped temporarily by heavy shell
fire. On November 11 the battalion again took up the pursuit with
Reginowez as the principal objective. Later the objective was
changed to Gue d'Hossus, Belgium. The battalion reached its
objective a few, moments before the signing of the armistice.
After the Armistice
On November 12 the 3rd Battalion, pursuant to Order No.
2082/3, Headquarters 59th Division, French Army, retired from
Belgium and took station at Auge (Aisne). On November 15 the
regiment changed station as follows: Regimental Headquarters
and the 1st Battalion to Dagny (Aisne); the 2nd Battalion to St.
Clements (Aisne) and the 3rd Battalion to Morgny (Aisne). On
November 16 the regiment changed station as follows: Regimental
Headquarters and the 1st Battalion to Barrenton-sur-Serre (Aisne);
the 2nd and 3rd Battalions to Froidmont-Cohartille (Aisne). On
the following day, November 17, Regimental Headquarters and the
1st Battalion changed station to Verneuil-sur-Serre (Aisne).
From November 17 to December 12, 1918, the regiment was
engaged at its various stations in cleaning and repairing roads and
villages in the immediate vicinity of its stations. On December
12 the regiment formally passed from under command of the
French and on the same date left the various villages in which
cantoned and marched to Soissons, arriving in the afternoon of the
13th. On December 15 Capt. John H. Patton was relieved from
command of the 2nd Battalion and resumed his duties as Regi¬
mental Adjutant and Major R. M. Stokes was relieved from duty
with Supply Company and was assigned to command the 2nd
Battalion.
The usual cantonment duties were performed at Soissons until
December 23, 1918, on which date the regiment entrained for the
American Embarkation Center at Le Mans, arriving on December
25, 1918, and going into cantonment. While stationed at Le Mans,
the regiment was engaged in the various inspections incident to
embarkation for the United States until January 8, 1919, on which
"THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS"
227
date the regiment entrained for Brest, arriving there on January
10 and going into camp at Camp Pontanezen.
Until February 1, 1919, the regiment engaged in the various
delousings, inspections, etc., incident to embarkation and on that
date began embarking on the SS. La France IV, Colonel T. A.
Roberts assuming command of the troops on board and Captain
Patton the duties of Transport Adjutant. The embarkation hav¬
ing been completed on February 2, the steamer sailed for the
United States, arriving at New York on February 9, and proceeding
to Camp Upton, Long Island, for station.
The Reception in Chicago
February 15, 1919, the regiment entrained at Camp Upton,
Long Island, N. Y., en route for Camp Grant, Illinois, via Chicago.
On February 17 the regiment arrived at Chicago, detrained, and
proceeded to the Coliseum, where the citizens had arranged a re¬
ception for the returning regiment. At 2:00 p. m. the regiment
paraded through the "Loop" district of Chicago and at about 4:00
p. m. entrained for Camp Grant, Illinois, arriving the same date
and going into barracks.
From the date of arrival at Camp Grant, the regiment engaged
in the various duties incident to preparation for demobilization
until February 24, on which date the discharge of officers and
enlisted men began, and continued until March 12, 1919, on which
date the regiment formally ceased to exist.
Cordial Relations Overseas
In commenting upon the friendly and cordial relations which
existed between French, English, and Negro officers overseas Capt.
John H. Patton, at one time commanding the 2nd Battalion, 370th
Infantry (and who, together with Capt. James E. Dunjill and Lieut.
Charles S. Parker, 366th Infantry, 92nd Division, were the only
three Negroes who served in the capacity of Regimental Adjutants
during the war), made the following statement:
"Both French and English officers were very friendly and hos¬
pitable in their relations with the colored officers of the 370th In¬
fantry, which unit was brigaded with French troops. They made
no discrimination whatsoever in their treatment of Negro officers,
228
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
with whom they fraternized freely and truly regarded them as
brothers in arms.
"Colonel Franklin A. Denison and Lieut.-Colonel Otis B.
Duncan were frequently entertained at lunch, not only by officers
of their own rank, but occasionally by French generals, for instance,
by Gen. Hirshauer, Commander 2nd French Army; Gen. Lebuc, com¬
manding the 73rd Division; Gen. De Boisuide, commanding the
10th Division; Gen. Savatier, commanding the 34th Division; Gen.
Pauliner, commanding the 40th Army Corps, and frequently by
Gen. Mittlehauser, who was the commanding officer of the 36th
(French) Division."
Awards and Commendations
The first American Distinguished Service Cross won by the
370th Regiment was awarded to Corporal Isaac Valley, Company
M, in the following language: "When on July 22, 1918, a hand
grenade was dropped among a group of soldiers in the trench and
when he might have saved himself by flight he (Corp. Isaac Valley,
Company M, 370th Infantry), attempted to cover it with his foot
and thereby protect his comrades; in the performance of this brave
act he was severely wounded."
While serving under General Mangin, the French command¬
ing officer of the Tenth Army of France, the men of the 370th U. S.
Infantry came to be known as the "Black Devils" by the Germans
because of their fighting spirit, and were facetiously called "Part¬
ridges" by their French comrades because of their proud bearing.
Lieut.-Colonel Otis B. Duncan, commander of the Third Bat¬
talion, 370th Infantry, formerly the old Eighth Illinois National
Guard Regiment, who was raised from the rank of Major to
Lieutenant-Colonel at Camp Stuart, Newport News, Virginia,
March, 1918 (being the highest ranking Negro officer in the Amer¬
ican Expeditionary Forces), in speaking of the military campaign
overseas in which the 370th U. S. Infantry participated, spoke in
St. Louis of the difficulties which his men had to face and of the
hardships they had to endure. He related some of the deeds of
the regiment, but modestly refused to speak of his personal ex¬
ploits. He wears, however, the French Croix de Guerre, with silver
star, conferred by the French Government through General Vin-
"THE EIGHTH ILLINOIS"
229
cendon, who, in a general order, relates how the Third Battalion
(Lieut.-Colonel Duncan's command) took Logny, and "carried
away by their ardor of the previous week could not be stopped
short of Gue d'Hossus, on November 11th after the armistice
Colonel Duncan continued: 'iBeginning September 27, 1918,
we sailed into them and drove them hack to the Ailette Canal,
where they made a stand, facing us not 50 yards away. The
fighting here was fierce. The Germans had placed barbed-wire
entanglements in the canal,. but we avoided these with pontoon
bridges and continued our drive. We reached what was known
as Mont des Signes, or "Monkey Mountain." We took up our
position here between "Monkey Mountain" and the German line,
near a narrow-gauge railroad. Here we encountered more con¬
crete emplacements, dugouts, and barbed wire, and in getting to
the Germans every man of us had to climb up on that railroad
embankment, where we were fair marks for any kind of shell
the Germans sent over. Naturally we lost many of our men.
"The 370th Infantry," Colonel Duncan said, "was the first
regiment of allied troops to enter Petit Chapelle, in Belgium, and
the citizens gave them an ovation. In the advance made by Gen.
Mangin's army in its 59-day drive, from September 11, 1918, to
the date of the Armistice (November 11, 1918), one or another of
the units of the regiment was always under shell fire and fighting.
In Petit Chapelle the regiment established its lines while German
combat troops still were in the town."
Colonel Duncan served for 16 years with the Illinois National
Guard, and saw service on the Mexican border, where he held the
rank of Major. He was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in April,
1917., His home is in Springfield, Illinois, where for twenty years
he was connected with the State Department of Education. The
order citing him for bravery which was signed by Gen. Vincendon
of the French Army, reads:
"The General commanding the Fifty-ninth Division cites to the Order
of the Division Military the following names;
"Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan, Otis B., commanding the Third Battalion
of the 370th R. I. U. S.
"In command of a battalion during the operations of September,
October and November, 1918, up until our victorious armistice, with the
very best of tact and highest type of judgment.
230
SCOTT'S'OFFICIAL HISTORY
''At all times during the pursuit from the 6th of November to Novem¬
ber 11th, 1918, he was present in person and was an example of bravery
and endurance for his soldiers.
(Signed) "Vincendon."
On the Soissons front the 370th Regiment met with the strong¬
est resistance of the enemy. Companies F, G, H, I, and M dis¬
tinguished themselves in the great drive. They took "Hill 304"
from the Germans, and the Tenth French Army, with which this
unit was fighting renamed it "370th Infantry U. S. Hill" in honor
of this Negro regiment.
Death Valley was another exciting place for this unit, for they
had advanced into the Hindenburg line and every inch of ground
that was won had to be held with science and grit. The "8th
Illinois Regiment" gave a splendid account of itself, and proved
at the Oise-Aisne Canal to be among the world's greatest troops.
Their position was near the center of the 59th Division, in the
same spot where France had lost division after division.
Record of the 370th in France
Suffered 20 per cent casualties, lost ninety-five men and one
officer killed outright.
Lost only one prisoner to the Germans in all the months they
fought.
Captured many German cannon and German machine guns.
Participated in the final drive against the Germans on the
French sector, advancing in the final stages of the war as far as
thirty-five kilometers in one day.
Were the first American troops to enter the French fortress
of Laon when it was wrested from the Germans after four years
of war.
Won twenty-one American Distinguished Service Crosses,
sixty-eight French War Crosses, and one Distinguished Service
Medal.
Fought the last battle of the zvar^ capturing a G'erman T^agon
train of fifty wagons and crews a half-hour after the Armistice
went into effect.
Refused to fraternize with the Germans even after the Armis¬
tice was signed.
CHAPTER XVI
THE 371ST INFANTRY IN FRANCE
How This Colored Regiment of the "Red Hand" Division Helped
to Win the War—Service in the Trenches Under General Goy-
bet—In the Great Champagne Offensive—Fierce Fighting and
Heavy Losses—The Regiment Decorated by the French—In¬
dividual Citations and Awards.
In addition to the 369th Infantry Regiment (old New York
Fifteenth) and the 370th (old Eighth Illinois), the 371st and 372nd
Regiments, also composed of colored troops, were brigaded with
the French during their active service overseas. It had been first
decided by the United States War Department that these four
colored regiments should form the nucleus of the 93rd Division
(Provisional), but it was finally decided not to organize the 93rd
Division, but to brigade these four regiments with French troops.
The 371st Infantry was organized August 31, 1917, at Camp
Jackson, South Carolina, in compliance with War Department
General Order No. 109, of August 16, 1917, as the First Pro¬
visional Infantry Regiment (colored). Col. Perry L. Miles assumed
command of the regiment September 1, 1917. All the officers of the
371st regiment were white. On September 5, 1917, fourteen
colored men from Pensacola, Florida, were received as the first
recruits for the regiment. The time of arrival of recruits for
the regiment was delayed by the War Department for about a
month, because of the shortage of labor in moving the 1917 cotton
crop. It was not until early in October that the first considerable
body of recruits was received. By November 20, 1917, however,
3,380 men had been received by the regiment. These men were
not all received at once, but in varying sized draft increments at
different times. Of this number, 1,680 men were transferred to
labor organizations and 500 to a combat organization at Camp
Upton.
231
232
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Under a staff of French officer instructors and interpreters.,
the 371st Infantry was reorganized on the French plan, soon after
its arrival in France (April 23, 1918), with 194 men- to the com¬
pany and three machine gun companies to the regiment instead
of one as on the American plan. All the American equipment
was turned in, and the men were given the French rifles, bayonets,
helmets, packs, and other equipment of the French soldier. Only
the American khaki uniform remained. After a few weeks' in¬
struction in this new equipment and in French tactics, the regi¬
ment went into the trenches as part of the 157th French Division
under General Goybet. It remained in line for over three months,
holding first the Avocourt and later the Verrieres subsectors
(northwest of Verdun). The regiment, with its division, was then
taken out of line and thrown into the great September offensive
in the Champagne. It took Cote 188, Bussy Ferme, Ardeuil, Mont-
fauxelles, and Trieres Ferme near Monthois, and captured a num¬
ber of prisoners, 47 machine guns, 8 trench engines, 3 field pieces
(77s), a munition depot, a number of railroad .cars, and enormous
quantities of lumber, hay, and other supplies. It shot down three
German airplanes by rifle and machine-gun fire during the ad¬
vance.
During the fighting between September 28 and October 6,
1918, its losses—which were mostly in the first three days—were
1,065 out of 2,384 actually engaged. The regiment was .the apex
of the attacking salient in this great battle. The percentage of
both dead and wounded among the officers was rather greater than
among the enlisted men. Bealizing their great responsibilities, the
wounded officers continued to lead their men until they dropped
from exhaustion and lack of blood. The men were devoted to their
leaders and as a result stood up against a most gruelling fire,
bringing the regiment its well deserved fame.
For its action in the Champagne, the 371st was very highly
commended by the French high command and awarded the Army
citation. Vice-Admiral Moreau on behalf of the French Govern¬
ment decorated the regimental colors on January 27, 1919 in
Brest. In addition to this regimental citation, 146 individual cita¬
tions were awarded members of the 371st regiment. These were
divided as follows;
Hon. Newton D. Baker, Secretary of War. Throughout the war Secretary Baker stood for a
square deal for the Negro soldier, and was prompt to rectify every injustice or case of dis¬
crimination that came to his attention.
%
THE 371 ST INFANTRY IN FRANCE
233
American Distinguished Service Cross: Officers, 10; enlistod
men, 12.
French decorations: Legion of Honor: Officers, 1. Croix de
Guerre, in various grades: Officers, 34; enlisted men, 89.
The 371st went into line for, its initial experience in sector
work at a time when a big German offensive was expected. From
that time until shortly after the Armistice, the regiment remained
continuously in line or was on the offensive. It was never in rest.
Returning homeward, the regiment sailed from Brest February
3,1919, on the U. S. S. Leviathan and arrived at Hoboken, February
11, 1919. From there it went to Camp Upton, where it was broken
up into detachments and sent to various camps for demobilization.
The largest detachment, nearly 1,400 men with Regimental Head¬
quarters, was sent to Camp Jackson, at Columbia, South Carolina,
the place of the regiment's birth. Demobilization was completed
and the regiment dissolved February 28, 1919.
Praise for the Regiment
Col. P. L. Miles, who commanded the 371st, speaks in warm
and approving terms of the efficiency of his men. i' I never heard ot
similar performance by any regiment of any nation," Col. Miles
writes, commenting on the feat of shooting three Boche airplanes
"on the wing.", "Our division commander, who had over four
years of war over here, said he had heard of a former case where
one machine had been shot down in a similar manner."
Another officer of the 371st, Capt. J. Leo Collins of East Pitts¬
burgh, Pennsylvania, a member of the Allegheny County bar,
who was commissioned an officer at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, and
assigned to duty at Camp Jackson, South Carolina, where the 371st
was organized and trained, says: "The 371st was the first draft
regiment to sail from this country, sailing in April, 1918, and the
first draft outfit to take the trenches. In the engagements around
Verdun the fighting qualities and courage of our boys won the
admiration and most profuse praise of the French. Citations were
showered upon the valorous boys for their unflinching conduct in
the face of withering machine-gun fire, which they overcame and
silenced at the point of the bayonet. We broke the Hindenburg
line at Monthois, and so rapidly did our boys move that a halt was
234
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
called to enable the right and left flanks of our line to catch up.
An excellent opportunity was furnished by comparisons as to just
how good our colored soldiers were. At times we were brigaded
with the French Moroccan and with English Canadian troops, with
the Germans opposite, and it is quite safe to say that we certainly
did not suffer by comparison."
Frank Washington's Story
A typical story of the courage and bravery of the men who
composed the 371st Regiment is revealed in the record of Frank
Washington of Edgefield, South Carolina. He proved his valor
under conditions worthy of testing the bravery of the bravest.
He was attached to Company B, and received an explosive bullet
through the arm at Champagne. His story was as follows:
"It was all bad, but the worst came when the German air¬
planes flew low and sprayed the wounded with liquid fire. There
is no way of putting out that liquid flame, and no one can help
you, because the fire spreads so quickly. It is bad enough to be
helpless out there, without water or friends, but to have a hell-
fiend fly over and just squirt torture at you—well, the Indians or
the savages of Africa were not much worse. They were not so
bad, in fact, for they were savages—while the Germans are sup¬
posed to be civilized.
"A Hun plane flew over when I was wounded, but believe me,
when I saw that fire coming I sure did some lively hopping around.
There wasn't going to be any broiled Washington if I could help
it. But some of the mortally wounded were burned to death.
Those Huns should .be made to pay for that sort of thing. It ain't
fighting; it's concentrated hell! But we had to attend to their
wounded, and one of our officers saw that we did it.
"I went over the top in the fighting on September 29 and 30.
We advanced after the usual barrage had been laid down for us.
We went up to the Germans, and my platoon found itself under
the fire of three machine guns. One of these guns was in front
and running like a millrace. The other two kept a-piling into us
from the flanks, and the losses were mounting. We got the front
one. Its crew surrendered and we stopped. The other guns kept
right on going, but we got them, too.
THE 371ST INFANTRY IN FRANCE
235
"It was while we were attacking the guns on our flanks that
I was wounded. Ordinary bullets are bad enough, but the one that
hit me was an explosive bullet. That's me, sir, every time! When
things are coming, I am sure to get my share of them. I certainly
did get my share.
"While I was knocked down, it was safer to stay down. Those
machine guns kept right on pumping, not the ones we captured,
but others. The wind they stirred up around your face kept you
cool all the time. I finally started back, but found myself in a
German barrage. It was shrapnel in front of me and machine guns
in back of me. I lay right down and had a heart-to-heart chat with
St. Peter. I never expected to get home again.
"They say Edgefield, back home, isn't much to look at, but I
would have given two months' pay, including allotments, to get
back on my farm about then. But now that I've been there and
come back, I feel that I'm square with this country. I did my
share, and I'm glad I did it."
Jim McKinney's Experience
James P. McKinney, of Greeneville, South Carolina, attached
to the Headquarters Company of the 371st Infantry, was wounded
in the right arm by shrapnel. Gas infection set in and he was
invalided out of service.
"The day we went over the top," says McKinney, "we took
our positions early in the morning, and waited until our barrage
had smashed the German defenses pretty well. About the time
our barrage lifted, the Huns sent over a counter-barrage, but
we went right through it, and over the slopes commanded by their
machine guns. They turned loose everything they had to offer,
and the storm of lead and steel got a lot of our men. Still, we
followed our officers into the devils' trenches. A few of the Ger¬
mans tried to fight with their bayonets, but we could all box pretty
well, and boxing works with the bayonet. A few feints and then
the death-stroke was the rule. Most of the Huns quit as soon as
we got at them. Even the ones that had been on the machine guns
yelled for us to spare them. I guess in the excitement some of
them fared poorly.
il While we were advancing we worked along low and took all
240
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
"Left rest camp Base Section No, 1, France, April 21,1918,
and entrained for Vaubecourt.
"Arrived at Vaubecourt 7:00 P. M., April 23, 1918.
"Left Vaubecourt 8:30 P. M. Sd. (same day), and hiked in a
very heavy rain to Conde-en-Barrois, arriving there 2:00 A. M.
April 24, 1918.
"Under special instructions with the 13th French Army Corps
at Conde-en-Barrois from April 24, 1918, to May 25, 1918.
"Left Conde-en-Barrois 8:05 on the morning of May 28, 1918,
in French motor trucks for Les Sennades, arriving at Les Sennades
1:30 P. M. Sd.
"Regiment took sector "Argonne West" May 29, 1918.
"In front line trenches May 31, 1918.
"Regimental Headquarters moved to La Neufour, June 9, 1918.
"Regiment changed sectors June 29-30, 1918, and took over the
Vacquois Sector, a sub-sector of the Verdun.
"The 157th Division being a reserve division at this point where
the enemy was expected to attack.
"Regimental Headquarters moved to Camp Chillaz June 30,
1918.
"Regiment left Vacquois sector July 13, 1918, for "Hill 304"
of the Verdun sector.
"Colonel Young relieved from command and Colonel Tupes
assumed command at Locheres.
"Regimental Headquarters moved to Bois St. Pierre July 18,
1918, and moved again Sd. to Sivry La Perche'.
"Regiment left Sivry La Perche where it had stopped awaiting
orders to take over sector July 25, 1918.
"Arrived and took sector about 9:00 P. M. Sd. Usual trench
duty.
"Severe shelling at Regimental P. C. August 3, 1918.
"Heavy shelling at Monzeville August 16, 1918, by a new regi¬
ment of Austrians which was opposing us, two American and one
Frenchman wounded. Second Lieut. James E. Sanford, Co. A, 372nd
Infantry, captured by German patrol August 20, 1918.
"Left Hill 304 September 8, 1918, being relieved by the 129th
U. S. Infantry of the 33rd Illinois Division.
THE RECORD OF THE 372ND
241
4'Hiked in rain and mud to Bois de Brocourt, the trip being a
long and disagreeable one.
"Left Bois de Brocourt September 12, 1918, for Souasems La
Granges; the trip was a short one and the boys full of fun.
" Arrived at Souasems Sd.
"Left Souasems in motor trucks for Juzanvigny September 13,
1918, an all night trip, arriving at Juzanvigny 12:00 M. September
14, 1918.
"Left for Brienne Le Chateau 8:05 September 17, 1918, to
entrain for Jussecourt. (Napoleon attended school at Brienne Le
Chateau.)
"Arrived at Vitry La Francois 2:00 P. M. Sd. The city is a
beautiful one and overlooks the battlefield "MARNE," the trip
being in box cars.
"Left next morning for Jussecourt at 9:00 A. M. on the hardest
hike to date and arrived at Jussecourt 8:00 P. M. September 18,1918.
"Regiment left for Contault September 20, 1918, at 8:00 P. M.,
arriving there at 12:30 A. M. September 21, 1918.
"Left Contault for Dommartin 9:00 P. M. September 22, 1918.
Arrived Sd.
"Left for Camp Des Mangnieux 9:00 P. M. September 23, 1918,
arriving at 12:30 P. M. September 24, 1918.
"Left for Hans September 24, 1918, arriving and joining the
9th French Army Corps at Hans Sd.
"Left Hans to take position in attack; the 3rd Battalion leav¬
ing September 26,1918, the 1st September 27,1918, and the 3rd Sep¬
tember 28, 1918.
"Over tho Top" on September Mora
" 'Over the Top' September 28, 1918, the 3rd Battalion started
after the Boche. The first blow being delivered by the 2nd Moroc¬
can Division of shock troops. The retreating Boches are still bom¬
barding our position. Machine gun fire is thick and the 88s are
falling like hail.
"On the morning of September 29, 1918, we are trying hard to
keep up with the retreating enemy, which is retreating fast, unable
to stand our assault. This afternoon it is raining which is unfortu¬
nate for our wounded, as there are many.
242
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
"Today b September 30,1918, and we find that the 1st Battalion
is on our right, and advancing fast in the rain and mud. Machine
gun opposition is still stiff. Our casualties are small and we have
captured a large number of prisoners.
11 October 1, 1918, we are meeting with a stiff resistance from
the enemy who has fortified himself in a hill during the past night.
Owing to the bad condition of the ground we are not getting any
support from the French artillery.
"October 2, 1918, we have driven the enemy out of Fountain-
en-Dormois and are now in the village. Still we are giving the
enemy no rest, they are retreating across the valley to one of their
supply bases which has a railroad running into the same. The
enemy is now burning the supplies which cannot be moved.
"October 3, 1918, we have advanced and captured the little vil¬
lage of Ardeuil and a considerable amount of war material. Our
losses have been rather heavy during the past 24 hours, but we have
inflicted a much heavier loss on the enemy. On our right the 1st
Battalion has taken the village of Sechaut after some hard fighting
by Company A.
"October 4, 1918, the 2nd Battalion is going in this morning,
and we are resting at Vieox, which is about four kilometers from
Monthois and is one of the enemy's railroad centers and hospital
bases. The enemy is busy destroying supplies and moving wounded.
We can see trains moving out of Monthois. Our artillery is bom¬
barding all roads and railroads in the vicinity. The enemies' fire
is fierce and we are expecting a counter-attack.
"October 5, 1918, the German artillery has opened up good
and strong and we are on the alert. They attacked us and a stiff
hand-to-hand combat ensued. Again he has been driven back, suf¬
fering an exceedingly heavy loss. We have taken many prisoners
from about twelve different regiments. After resting a little, we
continued our advance and are now on the outskirts of Monthois.
"October 6, 1918, the enemy is throwing a stiff barrage on our
left where the 333rd French Infantry is attacking. The enemy is
again being driven back. The liaison work of the 157th Division has
been wonderful, not the slightest gap has been left open.
"October 7, 1918, our patrols entered Monthois early in the
morning but were driven out by machine gun fire, but returned with
THE RECORD OF THE 372ND
243
a gun and its crew. We have just received word that we are to be
relieved by the 76th Regiment, French, sometime during the night;
we were relieved at 8:00 P. M. We hiked a very long distance over
the ground. We fought so hard to take to Minnecourt where the
regiment proceeded to reorganize.
"Regiment reached Somme Bionne Oct. 9, 1918. Regiment left
Somme Bionne Oct. 11, 1918 to entrain for Vignejnont. Left Valmy
8:00 A. M. Oct. 12, 1918 and arrived at Vignemont Oct. 13, 1918.
Hiked 15 kilometers to St. Leonard and arrived Sd. Left St. Leonard
for Ban de Laveline in the Dept. of the Bosges Oct. 15, 1918, arrived
at Laveline 10:15 P. M. Sd.
"November 7, 1918, 1 officer and 22 enlisted men captured by
German patrol. Nov. 10, 1918, a patrol of Co. A, took several pri¬
soners from a German patrol.
Everybody Happy When the End Came
"November 11, 1918, everybody in the village of Laveline is
happy over news of the abdication of the Kaiser and the signing
of the armistice. Martial music is plentiful and the colors of the
regiment are displayed from the P. C.
"The regiment left the 10th Army Corps Nov. 17th, 1918.
"Left Laveline Nov. 17,1918 and hiked 45 kilometers to Granges,
arrived at Granges the morning of Nov. 18,1918. Usual close order
drill at this station preparing for overseas duty.
"Regiment left 157th Division Dec. 13, 1918, the Commanding
General thereof was down to pay his respects to the regiment.
"January 1,1919, regiment left for Le Mans (forwarding camp).
The 92nd Division was assembled here and we met many of our old
friends. Left Le Mans January 10, 1919 for Brest (embarkation
port). Left Brest February 3, 1919 for Hoboken. Arrived at
Hoboken February 11,1919 on world's greatest ship, The Leviathan,
U. S. N. (formerly the Vaterland owned by Germany)."
On October 8th the 157th Division with others was transferred
from the 9th Army Corps of the French to the 10th Army Corps.
General Garnier Duplessis took this occasion to commend the division,
particularly mentioning the American regiments in the following
general order:
244
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
" P. C. Ootobsr 7th, 1918
"9th Army Corps.
Staff 3rd Bureau
No. 2555
NOTE
"The 157th, 161st and the 2nd Moroccan Divisions are leaving
the Army Corps. The General commanding the 10th Army Corps
addressed to them his most sincere thanks and his warmest con¬
gratulations for the glorious success achieved by their admirable
ardour and their indomitable tenacity. He salutes the brave Amer¬
ican Begiments who have rivaled in intrepidity their French Com¬
rades.
"He cannot recount here the feats which have been performed
for every one of the days of that victorious gourney. They are
inscribed on the conquered grounds, materialized by the trophies
taken from the enemy and engraved in the heart of the chief who
bows before the troops and salutes them profoundly.
General Garnier Dtiplessis,
Commanding the 9th Army Corps.''
In transmitting this order to the several regiments compris¬
ing the Division, General Goybet reviewed the exploits of the Divi¬
sion in the following order:
"P. C. October 8, 1918.
"157th Division.
"Staff.
General Order No. 234
"In transmitting to you with legitimate pride the thanks and
congratulations of the General Garnier Duplessis, allow me, my dear
friends of all ranks, Americans and French, to thank you from the
bottom of my heart as a chief and a soldier for the expression of
gratitude for the glory which you have lent our good 157th Division. I
had full confidence in you but you have surpassed my hopes.
"During these nine days of hard fighting you have progressed
nine kilometers through powerful organized defenses, taken nearly
600 prisoners, 15 guns of different calibres, 20 minenwefers, and
nearly 150 machine guns, secured an enormous amount of engineer¬
ing material, an important supply of artillery ammunition, brought
down by your fire three enemy aeroplanes.
THE RECORD OF THE 372ND
245
"THE 'RED HAND' sign of the Division, thanks to you, became
a bloody hand which took the Boche by the throat and made him cry
for mercy. You have well avenged our glorious dead.
(Signed) GOYBET,
General, Commanding 157th Division."
But even greater distinction was to come. On the following
day, October 8th, Colonel Tupes of the 372nd, received notice that
his regiment had been recommended for citation in the general orders
of the French Army. Following is a translation of the official order
conveying this splendid news:
October 8, 1918.
" 157th D. I.
No. 5508 i
0
"From: Colonel Quillet, Commanding 157th D. I.
To; Colonel Tupes, Commanding 372nd Infantry.
"The Colonel Commanding the I. D. has recommended your
regiment for citation in the orders of the French Army worded as
follows:
" 'Gave proof, during its first engagement, of the finest qual¬
ities of bravery and daring which are virtues of assaulting troops.
" 'Under the orders of Colonel Tupes dashed with superb gal¬
lantry and admirable scorn of danger to the assault of a position con¬
tinuously defended by the enemy,—taking it by storm under an excep¬
tionally violent machine gun fire. Continued the progression in spite
of enemy artillery fire and very severe losses. They made numerous
prisoners, captured cannons, machine guns, and important war mate¬
rial. '
(Signed) Quillet."
On October 8 General Goybet of the 157th Division, in a com¬
munication addressed to the commanding officers of the 371st and
372nd Infantry Regiments, U. S. A., said:
"Your troops have been admirable in their attack. You must
be proud of the courage of your officers and men; and I consider it
an honor to have them under my command.
"The bravery and dash of your regiment won the admiration
of the 2nd Moroccan Division who are themselves versed in war-
246
SCOTT'S' OFFICIAL HISTORY
fare. Thanks to you during those hard days. The Division was at
all times in advance of all other divisions of the Army Corps. I
am sending you all my thanks and beg you to transmit them to
your subordinates.
"I called on your wounded. Their morale is higher than any
praise. (Gtoybet."
It is to be noted that at the date this communication was re¬
ceived, October 8, 1918, the 372nd had on its roster six colored line
officers, who were later transferred to the 92nd Division.
After the Armistice
On the day of the signing of the Armistice, November 11,
1918, the regiment was at Ban-de-Laveline. How the termination
of the war was celebrated is told by Sergeant Wm. J. Huntley of
the 372nd Infantry, whose account follows:
"Ban-De-Laveline has today the signs of what one might term
a "contented, mirthful, and prosperous village.' It was Ban-De-
Laveline before the war. News of the abdication of the Kaiser, a
symbol of the total collapse of the German empire, together with
the official announcement of the signing of the terms of the armistice,
putting an end to the fifty months of anguish, brought out all the
legendary light-heartedness of the people of this vicinity.
"One of the most inspiring scenes I ever witnessed was today
about 11:05 A. M. The Regimental band played 'Marseillaise', 'The
Star Spangled Banner' and 'God Save the King.' As soon as the
last note was sounded, hilarious cheers, by both soldiers and civilians,
were almost deafening. Old men jumped and threw up their hats,
women, whose hearts were heavy from a strain caused by a relent¬
less war, waved their hands and aprons in exultant joy and children
romped joyously up and down the streets. The bell and chimes on
the church, which had been previously silent, sent their resonant
peals far and near. Indeed, they rang out 'glad tidings of joy.' In
the meantime, the band struck up a lively march and started up the
street followed by 'Old Glory', the regimental colors and soldiers,
Americans and French. The scene was a beautiful blending of
colors—the khaki and the blue. It seemed as if they wanted to
assemble in one great family to celebrate the glorious events, and
to see the reflection of their own gladness in the faces of their fellow
THE RECORD OF THE 372ND
247
comrades. The street was filled with a solid, slowly-moving and
seething mass of humanity. It appeared to me that the brotherhood
of the trenches was heralding the brotherhood of men.
"I should have mentioned one incident in connection with the
parade, namely: When the band marched up the street around by
the church toward the trenches, which was only about two kilo¬
meters, the procession was met by a party bringing to the infirmary
a Boche who had been captured and also wounded in the early morn¬
ing by our boys. This party joined the procession and in regular
cadence these stalwart fellows marched in review with their Boche,
who later was the occasion of much curiosity. I am quite sure this
prisoner rejoiced silently that the horribleness of such hideous work
of bestial ferocity, that only the Germans know, was at an end, for
according to his own statement he declared his comrades were
satisfied with peace negotiations and also stated that the Kaiser
must abdicate. Thankful for human hearts, he was not allowed to
suffer but was immediately relieved of his humiliation and pain—
and such were the scenes, mingled with sadness and gladness, the
most inspiring, significant, and most impressive I have ever wit¬
nessed.
" Elaborate preparations were made for the grand entertain¬
ment which was a part of the day's program. The decorations,
prepared by both Americans and French, were as pretentious as
though prepared for the metropolis city of France. At nightfall
the streets were lighted with electricity (a thing which had not
been done since the beginning of the war) with* jack o'lanterns,
lamps and flares of every description. Long before the hour to
begin the program the theatre was filled by civilians from neigh¬
boring villages and with soldiers of the cantonment.
' 'At 7:30 the master of ceremonies announced the beginning of
the program and at this time the building's seating capacity was taxed
to its utmost and standing room at a premium. The program began
with an overture by the band. The significance of the occasion, a
most enthusiastic audience that eagerly waited, the contagious glad¬
ness which permeated the atmosphere, created an environment in
which the band has never appeared to better advantage. At the
conclusion of the number, men and women applauded frantically
and the American contingent whistled itself breathless.
248
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
"The program composed of solos, quartettes, dancing, comic
skit by our boys and solos, duets, comic monologues and a pantomime
with, characters representing Alsace, Lorraine, Prance, and America,
by the French. Some of these were entertaining and some were
otherwise. But considering the events of the day, not one left dis¬
appointed and felt that the evening was spent without profit. As a
closing number, Collins, the Caruso of the Regiment, sang in a
pleasing manner "Perfect Day."
"And thus Monday, the eleventh day of the eleventh month,
1918, was passed."
The praise and compliments of the French for the 372nd did
not terminate with the cessation of hostilities, for on November
17th, General Vandenberger, commanding the 10th Army Corps,
issued the following general order:
November 17, 1918.
"10th Army Corps.
"Staff (French)
GENERAL ORDER
"It has been an honor for the 10th Army Corps to receive and
welcome the 157th Division after its successes in Champagne.
"During the few weeks that the Division belonged to the Army
Corps its Regiments of Americans and French have by their con¬
duct and biting activity produced the best impression.
"It had prepared in its sector the ways of penetrating in Alsace
and it should have deserved the honor of entering it.
"But military necessities bring today the higher command
to consider its use in another part of the front and to give to the
Americans a part of the front facing Belgium, Luxemburg and a
corner of Lorraine.
"The General commanding tEe 10th Army Corps sees with pain
the gallant Division and her Chief General Goybet move away from
him. He cannot defend himself from the painful thought that Gen¬
eral Goybet will not have the consolation of treading with his Divi¬
sion that reconquered land that keeps the remains of one of his
sons.
THE RECORD OF THE 372ND
249
"To all lie wishes good luck and expresses the hope of meet¬
ing again one day.
(Signed) "Vandenberger
"General, Commanding the 10th Army Corps."
When the orders were finally issued for the return to America
of the 371st and 372nd, Colonel Quillet, commanding the 157th Infan¬
try Division, addressed the following message of farewell to Colonel
Miles and Colonel Tupes, commanders respectively of these two
Negro regiments::
December 15, 1918.
"157th Division
"Staff of the Infantry.
ORDER OF THE DIVISIONAL INFANTRY NO. 100
"The 371st and 372nd Infantries are leaving France after hav¬
ing carried on a hard campaign of six months with the I. D. 157.
"After having energetically held a series of difficult sectors, they
took a glorious part in the great decisive battle which brought the
final Victory.
"In sector, they have shown an endurance, a vigilance, a spirit
of devotion and a remarkable discipline.
"In battle they have taken by storm, with a magnificent anima¬
tion, very strong positions doggedly defended by the enemy.
"In contemplating the departure of these two fine regiments
which I commanded with pride, I desire to tell them all how much
I think of them and also to thank them for the generous and precious
concurrence which they brought to us at the decisive period of the
great war.
"I shall keep always in my soldier heart their loyal memories
and particularly those of their distinguished commanders who have
become my friends: Colonel Miles and Colonel Tupes.
(Signed) Quillet."
"Commanding the I. D. 157.
On the same day, General Goybet, Commander of the entire
157th Division also took occasion to praise the work of these Amer¬
ican fighters.
250
SCOTT '8 OFFICIAL HISTORY
H. Q., December 15, 1918.
"157th. Division
Etat-Major. ■
GENERAL ORDERS NO. 245
"On the 12th of December, 1918, the 371st and 372nd R. I. U. S.
have been replaced at the disposal of the American Higher Command.
"With a deep feeling of emotion, on behalf of the 157th Division,
and in my own personal name, I come to bid farewell to our brave
comrades.
"For seven months we have lived as brothers at arms, partak¬
ing in the same activities, sharing the same hardships and the same
dangers. Side by side we took part in the great Champagne Battle
which was to be crowned by a tremendous victory.
"Never will the 157th Division forget the indomitable dash,
the heroical rush of the American Regiments up the Observatory
Ridge and into the plain of Monthois. The most powerful defenses,
the most strongly organized M. G. nests, the heaviest artillery bar¬
rages, nothing could stop them. These crack regiments overcame
every obstacle with a most complete contempt for danger; through
their steady devotion the RED HAND Division, for nine whole days
of severe struggle, was constantly leading the way for the victorious
advance of the 4th Army.
"Officers, non-commissioned officers, and men, I respectfully
salute our glorious comrades who have fallen, and I bow to your
colours, side by side with the flag of the 333rd Regiment of Infantry
they have shown us the way to VICTORY.
"Dear friends from America, when you will be back again On the
other side of the ocean don't forget the Red Hand Division. Our
brotherhood has been cemented in the blood of the brave and such
bonds will never be destroyed.
"Remember your General who is proud of having commanded
you, and be sure of his grateful affection to you all for ever.
"General Goybet, Commanding the 157th Division.
(Signed) Goybet."
THE RECORD OF THE 372ND
251
Washington Men Win Honors
In the 372nd Infantry was the First Battalion of the Dis¬
trict of Columbia National Guard, whose heroes were prevented by
the Armistice from winning added glory. It would have fallen to
its lot to have the honor of being the vanguard of the French
Army of Occupation. Of the nearly 600 District of Columbia
colored men who were with the 372nd, at least 200 were wounded
more or less seriously, and about 33 were killed; probably the first
to fall with a fatal wound was Private Kenneth Lewis.
The District of Columbia men proclaimed Sergeant Ira Payne
as the hero of heroes among the' District of Columbia fighters.
He wears the Croix de Guerre and '1 isn't afraid of the devil
himself,'* according to the men of his company.
Sergeant Payne speaks modestly of his exploits. He says:
"During the fighting at Sechault the Germans were picking off
the men in my platoon from behind a bush. The Germans had sev¬
eral machine guns behind that bush and kept up a deadly fire in
spite of our rifle fire directed at the bush. We did our best to
stop those machine guns, but the German aim became so accurate
that they were picking off five of my men every minute. We
couldn't stand for that, so I decided I would get that'little machine
gun nest myself and I went after it. I left our company,, detoured,
and by a piece of luck got behind the bush. I got my rifle into
action and 'knocked off' two of those German machine gunners.
That ended it. The other Germans couldn't stand so much excite¬
ment. The Boches surrendered, and I took them into our trenches
as prisoners.''
Another hero is Benjamin Butler, a private, awarded the
Croix de Guerre. His citation reads: "For displaying gallantry
and bravery and distinguishing himself in carrying out orders
during the attack on Sechault on September 29, 1918, under heavy
bombardment and machine gun fire." Butler said: "I did very
little. During this fight with several others, I carried dispatches
to the first line trenches from headquarters. They decorated me,
I suppose, because I was the only one lucky enough to escape being
knocked off."
252
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Private Charles E. Cross was awarded the Croix de Guerre
for "his speed and reliability in carrying orders to platoons in
the first line under the enemy's bombardment on September 29,
1918." "In some cases," Cross said, "I had to creep across
No-Man's-Land, and a greater part of the time I was exposed to
enemy fire."
First Sergeant John A. Johnson was termed in his citation
and award of the Croix de Guerre "a heroic soldier." "Near
Sechault, during the time the District men were making a big
effort to capture the town, I was put in the front line not fifty
feet away from the enemy," Johnson reports. "A greater part
of the time I was exposed to machine-gun fire. I suppose I got
my medal just because I stuck with my men. Quite a few District
boys were bumped off at this point."
Private "William H. Braxton, a member of the Machine Gun
Company of the regiment, received the Croix de Guerre for dis¬
playing "zealous bravery." "An enemy party," his citation reads,
"having filtered through his platoon and attacked same in rear,
Private Braxton displayed marked gallantry in opening fire on
the enemy and killing one and wounding several others, finally
dispersing the entire party." "The men who stuck by me when
death stared them in their faces, deserve just as much credit as I,"
Braxton s.aid. "I was only temporary leader of the men."
The official list of the Washington men of the First Separate
Battalion of the District of Columbia who were decorated follows:
First Sergeant John A. Johnson, Company B; First Sergeant Ira
A. Payne, Company A; Sergeant James A. Marshall, Company B;
Sergeant Norman Jones, Company B; Sergeant Homer Crabtree,
Company B; Sergeant Norman Winsmore, Company C; Corporal
John B. "White, Company B; Corporal Benjamin Butler, Company
C; Corporal March Graham, Company D; Private Warwick Alex¬
ander, Company B; Private George H. Budd, Company B; Private
Thomas A. Frederick, Company B; Private John S. Parks, Com¬
pany B; Private Charles H. Murphy, Company C; Private William
N. Mathew, Company D; Private Ernest Payne, Company D;
Private Joseph McKamey, Company A; Private William Dicker-
son, Company A; Sergeant Major Samuel B. Webster.
THE RECORD OF THE 372ND
253
Decoration of the Regiment
A special correspondent of the Paris edition of the New York
Herald transmitted a report to that publication of the distin¬
guished honors shown the 372nd when Vice Admiral Moreau, French
Commander of the Port of Brest, decorated the colors of the
regiment with the Croix de Guerre and palm for distinguished
service in the Champagne offensive, just before the regiment sailed
for America. During September and October, 1918, individual
honors had been previously conferred as chronicled above, The
ceremonies in which Vice Admiral Moreau took part were held at
Cours Da jot, overlooking the Port of Commerce and was wit¬
nessed by thousands of French civilians and soldiers and sailors
of several nations.
The Herald report says: "The American fighters, numbering
about 3,000, were with the famous French iRed Hand' division.
They became heroes on many fighting-fronts, and were in the
Yosges Mountains when the Armistice was signed.
i * Vice Admiral Moreau arrived at about 2:30. Major General
Helmick, of the American post of Brest, was present as a spec¬
tator. The regimental band added much to the program with
'Keep the Home Fires Burning/ patriotic selections, and * Caesar's
Triumphal March.'
4'The basis of this citation was included in the Army orders
in favor of the 372nd Infantry, which Colonel Quillet, commanding
the I. D. of the 157th, submitted to the Commanding General after
the Champagne offensive battle.
"The substance of Colonel Quillet's commendation was in¬
cluded in Admiral Moreau's words, to the regiment.
"After the delivery of the Croix de Guerre to the regiment,
Admiral Moreau conferred the Croix de Guerre and palm on
Adjutant Walsh and read quotations from Colonel Quillet's com¬
mendations quoted above, dated and signed December 15, 1918."
A Monument to the Dead
The regiment did not immediately leave France, however. While
waiting for transport, it was decided by the officers and men of the
regiment that they would erect a monument with the permission
254
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
of the French Government, to mark the ground on which so many
of their comrades had fallen in battle. For the carrying out of
this plan, General Goybet and Colonel Quillet were requested to act
as Trustees for the regimental monument fund, in the following com¬
munication from Colonel Tupes:
"HEADQUARTERS 372nd INFANTRY
Forwarding Camp,
A. P. 0. 762.
January 9, 1919.
"From: Commanding Officer.
"To General Mariano Goybet and Colonel Augustin Quillet.
"Subject: Trusteeship for Monument.
"1. It is the desire of the officers and enlisted men of this
regiment to erect a monument upon the ground where we have fought
in memory of those who have fallen on the field of battle. In order
to accomplish this, it is necessary that the regiment have representa¬
tives residing in France. Due to the high regard we have for our
former French Commanders, it is the request of all ranks of the
regiment that General Mariano Goybet, commanding the 157th D. I.
and Colonel Augustin Quillet, commanding the 157th L D., act as
trustees of a fund that has been donated by all ranks for the erection
and maintenance of a monument. The fund, consisting of 10,744
francs, has been deposited with the Credit Lyonnais at Le Mans
Sarthe, to the credit of the above mentioned trustees. The trust
fund so deposited is for the purpose of securing a site, purchasing
and erecting a monument upon the site, erecting a suitable fence or
safeguard for the monument and covering all expenses incidental
to the purchasing, erection and maintenance of the monument and
fence or safeguard and for making and forwarding a limited num¬
ber of photographs of the monument after it is erected.
"2. It is the desire of the members of the regiment that the
monument shall be a plain shaft of granite or other durable stone
with the following inscription in English:
IFtt flDemors of tbe fiDembers of tbe
372nt> 1DL £♦ Unfantr^, millet) in Hctton September 20,
1918, to ©ctober 7, 1918
THE RECORD OP THE 372ND
255
"3. It is the desire of the regiment that the monument be
erected if practicable, in a conspicuous place near a public roadway
and near the most forward point of the advance of the regiment.
It is the request of the regiment that the two trustees take all legal
measures to put the above in full force with the least possible delay.
"4. It is requested that 24 photographs of the monument, taken
after its erection on the site selected, be forwarded to the present
Commanding Officer of the 372nd U. S. Infantry.
"Herschel Tupes,
Colonel Infantry."
The trust was accepted by the Gallant French officers, and under
their direction there is to be erected in France a massive granite
memorial to the heroic American Negroes of the 372nd. May they
rest in peace!
CHAPTER XVIII
NEGRO HEROES OF THE WAR
The Exploit of Henry Johnson and Needham Roberts—How one
American Soldier in No Man's Land Killed Four Germans and
Wounded Twenty-eight Others Single Handed—First Amer¬
ican Soldiers to Receive the French Croix de Guerre—Other
Instances of Individual Heroism by Negro Soldiers.
There is no prouder chapter in the history of the Negro race
than the. records of the American and French Armies that tell of
the heroic exploits of colored soldiers, exploits that rank with the
most glorious examples of individual courage and devotion to duty
in all history. The names of these men who, through their per¬
sonal bravery and daring, won the coveted Distinguished Service
Cross of the American Army or the no less significant Croix de
Guerre (Cross of War) of the French, will live forever in the annals
of the race.
The first American soldiers of any race, white or black, to
receive the French Croix de Guerre, were Henry Johnson of Albany,
N. Y. and Needham Roberts, of Trenton, N. J. Both men were
privates in the 369th Infantry, the old Fifteenth New York National
Guard regiment. This regiment was brigaded with French troops
and early in May, 1918, with other American Negro detachments,
was put in charge of a long sector of the front line trenches. The
event that gave to Johnson and Roberts the honor of being the
first Americans to win the French War Cross is best described in
a letter which Colonel William Hay ward wrote to Mrs. Edna John¬
son, the wife of Private (now Sergeant) Johnson. Colonel Hay-
ward's letter follows:
Colonel Hayward to Mrs. Johnson
"Your husband, Private Henry Johnson is in my regiment,
369th United States infantry, formerly the Fifteenth New York infan¬
try. He has been at all times a good soldier and a good boy of fine
256
NEGRO HEROES OF THE WAR
257
morale and upright character. To these admirable traits he has
lately added the most convincing numbers of fine courage and fight¬
ing ability. I regret to say at the moment that he is in the hospital,
seriously, but not dangerously wounded, the wounds having been
received under such circumstances that every one of us in the regi¬
ment would be pleased and proud to trade places with him. It was
as follows:
"He and Private Needham Roberts were on guard together at
a small outpost on the front line trench near the German lines and
during the night a strong raiding party of Germans numbering
from twelve to twenty judging by the weapons, clothing and para¬
phernalia they left behind and by their footprints, stole across No
Man's Land and made a surprise attack in the dead of the night m
our two brave soldiers.
Fighting Against Great Odds
"We had learned some time ago from captured German prison¬
ers that the Germans had heard of the regiment of Black Amer¬
icans in this sector, and the German officers had told their men
how easy to combat and capture them it would be. So this raiding
party came over, and on the contrary Henry Johnson and Needham
Roberts attended very strictly to their duties. At the beginning
of the attack the Germans fired a volley of bullets and grenades and
both of the boys were wounded, your husband three times and
Roberts twice, then the Germans rushed the post, expecting to make
an easy capture. In spite of their wounds, the two boys waited coolly
and courageously and when the Germans were within striking dis¬
tance opened fire, your husband with his rifle and Private Roberts
from his helpless position on the ground with hand grenades. But
the German raiding party came on in spite of their wounded and in
a few seconds our boys were at grips with the terrible foe in a
desperate hand-to-hand encounter, in which the enemy outnumbered
them ten to one.
"The boys inflicted great loss on the enemy, but Roberts was
overpowered and about to be carried away when your husband, who
had used up all of the cartridges in the magazine of his rifle and
had knocked one German down with the butt end of it, drew his bolo
from his belt. A bolo is a short heavy weapon carried by the American
258
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
soldier, with the edge of a razor, the weight of a cleaver and the
point of a butcher knife. He rushed to the rescue of his former
comrade, and fighting desperately, opened with his bolo the head
of the German who was throttling Roberts, and turned to the boche
who had Roberts by the feet, plunging the bolo into the German's
bowels. This one was the leader of the German party, and on
receiving what must have been this mortal wound, exclaimed in Amer¬
ican English, without a trace of accent, "Oh, the son of a got
me," thus proving that he was undoubtedly one of the so-called
German-Americans who came to our country, not to become a good
citizen, but to partake of its plenty and bounty and then return to
fight for the kaiser and help enslave the world. He was doubtless
selected as a leader of the party to speak English and perhaps fool
my soldiers, calling to them in English not to fire, that it was a
friend.
Knifing the Hun
"Henry laid about him right and left with his heavy knife, and
Roberts, released from the grasp of the scoundrels, began again
to throw hand grenades and exploded them in their midst, and the
Germans, doubtless thinking it was a host instead of two brave
Colored boys fighting like tigers at bay, picked up their dead and
wounded and slunk away, leaving many weapons and part of their
shot riddled clothing, and leaving a trail of blood, which we followed
at dawn near to their lines. We feel certain that one of the enemy
was killed by rifle fire, two by your husband's bolo, one by grenades
thrown by Private Roberts and several others grievously wounded.
So it was in this way the Germans found the Black Americans.
Both boys have received a citation of the French general command¬
ing the splendid French division in which my regiment is now serv¬
ing and will receive the Croix de Guerre (Cross of War). The
citation translated, is as follows:
"First—Johnson, Henry (13348), private in company C, being
on double sentry duty during the night and having been assaulted
by a group composed of at least one dozen Germans, shot and dis¬
abled one of them and grievously wounded two others with his bolo.
In spite of three wounds with pistol bullets and grenades at the
beginning of the fight, this man ran to the assistance of his wounded
comrade who was about to be carried away prisoner by the enemy,'
NEGRO HEROES OF THE WAR
25$
and continued to fight up to the retreat of the Germans. He has
given a beautiful example of courage and activity.
"Second—Roberts, Needham (13369), private in Company C,
being on double sentry duty during the night was assaulted and
grievously wounded in his leg by a group of Germans continuing
fighting by throwing grenades, although he was prone on the ground,
up to the retreat of the enemy. Good and brave soldier. The general
requested that the citation of the division commander to the soldier
Johnson be changed to the citation of the orders of the Army.
*' Some time ago the great General Gouraud placed in my hands
the sum of 100 francs to be sent to the family of the first one of my
soldiers wounded in the fight with the enemy under heroic circum¬
stances. Inasmuch as these boys were wounded simultaneously, and
both displayed great heroism, I think it but fair to send to each
one-half of this sum. Accordingly I am enclosing New York ex¬
change for the equivalent of fifty francs. I am sure that you have
made a splendid contribution to the cause of liberty by giving your
husband to your country, and it is my hope and prayer to bring
him back to you safe and sound, together with as many comrades
as it is humanly possible by care and caution to conserve and bring
back to America. But it must be borne in mind that we cannot all
come back, that none of us can come back until the job is done."
Whole Regiments Decorated
Four Negro regiments won the signal honor of being awarded
the Croix de Guerre as a regiment. These were the 365th, the
369th, the 371st and the 372nd. The 369th (old 15th New York
National Guard) was especially honored for its record of 191
days on the firing line, exceeding by five days the term of service
at the front of any other American regiment.
Among the honors which France has bestowed upon American
soldiers none is more interesting than the "citation" by which the
entire 365th Regiment was given the coveted Croix de Guerre. The
citation was for gallantry in the September and October offensives
in the Champagne sector. By command of General Martin, com¬
manding the 92nd Division, General Orders were issued commend¬
ing a number of colored officers, non-commissioned officers, and
privates of the 365th Infantry for meritorious conduct in action
260
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
at Bois Frehaut, near Pont-a-Mousson, November 10 and 11, 1918,
during the drive on Metz. Those named in this General Order
were Captain John H. Allen, First Lieutenants Leon F. Stewart,
Frank L. Drye, Walter Lyons, David W. Harris, Benj. F. Ford;
Second Lieutenants George L. Gaines and Russell C. Atkins;
Sergeants Richard W. White, John Simpson, Robert Townsend,
Solomon D. Colston, Ransom Elliott, and Charles Jackson; Cor¬
porals Thomas B. Coleman, Albert Taylor, Charles Reed, and
James Conley; and Privates Earl Swanson, Jesse Cole, James Hill,
Charles White, and George Chaney. In the same General Orders
the following were cited for bravery in action: Sergeant Isaac
Hill, bravery displayed at Frapelle; First Lieutenant John Q.
Lindsey, for bravery at Lesseux, both of the 366th Infantry, and
First Lieutenant Edward Bates of the 368th Ambulance Corps,
and Sergeant Walter L. Gross of the 266th Infantry, for distin¬
guished service near Hominville.
Individual Awards for Bravery
Among the first men in the 92nd Division to receive the
Distinguished Service Cross for bravery in the fighting in the
Argonne was First Lieutenant Robert L. Campbell. He was twice
cited for bravery in a single battle. Another instance of his
bravery is told, when it became necessary to send a runner with a
message to- the left flank of an American firing line. The way
was across an open field swept by heavy machine-gun fire. Volun¬
teers were called for. Private Edward Saunders of Company "I"
responded. Before he had gone far a shell cut him down, when
Lieutenant Campbell sprang to his rescue and carried his man
back to the American lines. For the valor shown both were cited
for the Distinguished Service Cross. Before entering the army
Campbell was instructor in mechanical engineering at the Agri¬
cultural and Technical College at Greensboro, North Carolina.
Another single detail taken from the record of this same
company is the instance of John Baker; having volunteered, he
was taking a message through heavy shell fire to another part of
the line; a shell struck his hand, tearing away part of it, but he unfal¬
teringly delivered the message.
First Lieutenant T. M. Dent was promoted to a captaincy.
NEGRO HEROES OF THE WAR
261
On September 28, 1918, Dent led Ms platoon in a most heroic
charge and captured a German machine gun which covered the
bridge crossing the Vallee Moreau, the key to the battle at this
point. Captain Dent gained the highest rank of any officer in the
92nd Division under 23 years of age. He was also mentioned by
Major-General Ballou as follows: "The Commanding General
desires to call the attention of the entire command to the excellent
work and meritorious conduct of Captain B. A. "Williams and First
Lieutenant T. M. Dent, both of the 368th Infantry. During the
days of the fight around Vienne-le-Chateau both of these officers
displayed courage and leadership and through their conduct should
be an example to the other officers of the division."
In another General Order Second Lieutenant Nathan 0. Good-
loe of the 368th Machine Gun Company was commended for ex¬
cellent work and meritorious conduct. During the operations in
the Argonne Forest Lieutenant Goodloe was attached to the 3rd
Battalion; during the course of the action it became necessary to
reorganize the battalion and withdraw part of it to a secondary
position. He carried out the movement under a continual machine-
gun fire from the enemy. General Martin said of him: "Lieutenant
Goodloe's calm courage set an example that inspired confidence
in his men."
General Martin also cited for meritorious conduct near Vienne-
le-Chateau, Tom Brown, a wagoner, who as driver of an ammuni¬
tion wagon, displayed remarkable courage, coolness, and devotion
to duty under fire. Brown hauled his wagon, even after his horse
had been hurled into "a ditch by shells, and despite his own painful
wounds, worked until he had extricated his horse from the ditch,
refusing to quit until he had completed his work, even though
covered with blood from a painful wound.
Lieutenant Thomas Edward Jones faced a direct machine-gun
fire to care for a wounded soldier. A man was killed within a few
yards of him. For this deed he was awarded the Croix de Guerre.
When Pershing's infantry swept the Huns from the St. Mihiel
salient September 12 and 13, the veteran Pennsylvania machine
gunners and automatic riflemen were in the van. Prominent in the
attack were Lieutenant John H, Geisel, who was wounded on the
262
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
first day of action, and Corporal David El. Binkley ^of Lancaster,
who were recommended for a Distinguished Service Cross.
Awarded the Croix de Guerre
The following officers and privates from different regiments
were awarded the Croix de Guerre:
Although severely wounded in action near Lesseau, France, on
September 4, 1918, Private Ed Merryfield of Greenville, Illinois,
remained at his post and continued to fight a superior enemy force
which had attempted to enter our lines, thereby preventing the
success of an enemy raid in force.
Sergeant Duncan, formerly an elevator operator in a depart¬
ment store in Philadelphia, took over the command of his platoon
when the platoon sergeant was killed and the officer wounded. He
was awarded the French "War Cross and four hundred francs.
Captain Napoleon B. Marshall, a graduate of the "Washington
High School and Harvard Law School and an attorney of New
York City, served on the firing line, where he was gassed and sent
to the hospital. Returning to the battle he was wounded from shell
fire on October 21, 1918, in a night raid south of Metz in an effort
to capture a machine-gun position.
Sailor Edward Donahue Pierson was wounded when the
U. S. S. "Mount Vernon'' was torpedoed off the coast of France;
he is the son of Professor and Mrs. E. D. Pierson, his father being
head of the Science Department of the Colored High School in
Houston, Texas.
Lieutenant L. E. Shaw was in one of the most exposed centers
of the fighting, being under terrific artillery fire and the fire of
two German machine guns. He handled this very difficult situation
with cool bravery. The enemy barrage was so close that it was
impossible to stand up and Lieutenant Shaw controlled his guns
by rolling from one to the other; his two guns fired 5,000 rounds.
Lieutenant E. C. Grame was in command of the group which
received the brunt of the enemy fire which, besides the barrage,
added a heavy fire of large minenwerfers. There was no flinching—
the troops always working under perfect control and keeping all
combat posts manned, though three men were knocked down by
the explosion of shells. Private Howard Gaillard, with a small
NEGRO HEROES OF THE WAR
263
rapid-fire piece, was unable from position to get a good fire to
bear upon the advancing enemy groups, so he coolly and with
entire disregard of danger mounted the parapet and while enemy
bullets were flying around him, fired his rapid-fire piece from the
hip, first at one group and then at the other. Privates Smithfield
Jones and George Woods were specially mentioned for their cool¬
ness in the face of violent shelling when they dismounted their
machine guns and then reassembled them and continued firing
until the close of the action. There were other instances of rare
bravery and Private Sanders, Corporals Frank Harden and Bean
and Sergeant G. A. Morton were also specially mentioned.
Dr. Claudius Ballard, a colored physician of Los Angeles,
received the Croix de Guerre for work in the Belgian drive; Henry
P. Cheatham, son of former Congressman Henry P. Cheatham of
North Carolina, for distinguished service in action under the French
General Rondeau, Commandant of l'Infanterie de la 59th Division,
with which the 370th Infantry was brigaded, and Captain Samuel
R. Gwynne, commanding officer of the Third Machine Gun Com¬
pany for loyalty and bravery in action, having led his men over
the top after having been wounded twice.
For extraordinary heroism under fire 124 soldiers of the
371st and 372nd Infantry have been decorated by the French
authorities. Four received the Croix de Guerre. Several exploits
stand out prominently. Sergeant Depew Pryor, Corporal Clifton
Morrison, Privates Clarence Van Allen and Kenneth. Lewis were
awarded the Medaille Militaire. All except the last mentioned were
Massachusetts boys and belonged to the same company. Lewis is
dead, having been killed at his post by hand grenades. He took
from the Germans a machine gun while it was in action on Bussy
Farm in the Champagne district. Lewis was from Washington, D. C.
Sergeant Robert Terry and Sergeant Charles Hughes were
in a big raid and went ahead in spite of a terrible barrage fire
from the enemy. Over the top they went and it was due to their
coolness under fire that all objectives were gained.
Private George Byrd was in command of a mortar near
Verdun. He rendered valuable assistance to a raiding party by
cutting wires so that the party could advance into enemy territory.
The mortar he was firing had not been securely placed and it began
®64
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
to jump about] In order to secure a steady aim Byrd sat on it
while it was piping hot and continued to shoot by feeding the gun
from behind. In the same company with Byrd was Corporal Eyre
who received the cross for bravery under fire.
Sergeant George H. Jordan received the Croix de Guerre and
palm for taking command of an ammunition train at Yerdun on
October 5, 1918, when the commanding officer had been killed by a
shell; he saved and brought through eight of the seventeen wagons
of the train.
Private Reuben Burrell, of a machine gun company with the
371st Regiment, was cited for extraordinary heroism in action in
the Champagne sector, September 30, 1918, and Private Ellison
Moses of Company C went forward and rescued wounded soldiers,
working persistently until all of them had been carried to shelter
after his company had been forced to withdraw from an advanced
position; all the while he was under severe machine-gun and artil¬
lery fire. For such services these heroes also were given the
Croix de Guerre.
Private James Williams was a member of Company C, of the
369th, and it was in the attack of his regiment on "Snake Hill" in
the Champagne sector that he exhibited the valor for which he was
awarded the Croix de Guerre.
Private Tom Rivers, of Company G, 366th Infantry, was cited
by the commanding general of the American forces in France 4'for
extraordinary heroism in action.'' Although gassed he volunteered
and carried important messages through heavy barrages and re¬
fused aid until his company was relieved.
Heroes of "The Old Eighth" Decorated
The Distinguished Service Cross has been awarded to the fol¬
lowing soldiers attached to the old 8th Illinois Regiment. Copies
of citations follow:
Private Tom Powell (deceased) for extraordinary heroism
in action near Beaume, France, November 8, 1918. He repeatedly
carried messages under severe fire to the various units in the
vicinity of his company, until he was killed in the performance of
his duty.
NEGRO HEROES OF THE WAR
265
Private Spirley Irby carried messages to the various units in
his vicinity under severe enemy fire. He was badly wounded.
Private Alfred Williamson of the Medical Detachment was
assigned to duty at the first-aid station, but volunteered to accom¬
pany the attacking lines to more expeditiously attend to the
wounded. During the advance he constantly exposed himself to
the enemy fire to render first aid.
Acting as ammunition carrier, Private Arthur Johnson re¬
ceived a painful injury in the back from a shell fragment. While
engaged in carrying ammunition he found a. wounded man in an
exposed position, and, regardless of his own wound, carried this
man under heavy fire to the first-aid station, a distance of more
than a kilometer, returning to his work immediately afterward.
Private Charles T. Monroe, afterward promoted to Sergeant,
in the absence of a platoon commander took charge of a platoon
of Stokes mortars, directing the work of the men under heavy
shell fire. Although the shelling was so intense that guns wer«
at times buried, Sergeant Monroe and his men. worked unceasingly
in placing them back into action. He himself was buried by the
explosion of a shell, but on being dug out continued to direct the
work of the men and encouraged them by his fearless example.
During the action at Mont-de-Sanges, September 20 to October
1, 1918, Sergeant Thompson, then a corporal, volunteered and
took charge of a detail to secure rations. He succeeded in this
mission under very dangerous and trying conditions, and, not¬
withstanding the fact that his detachment suffered numerous
casualties, he remained on this duty, and continued to supply the
company with rations until completely exhausted.
A messenger having been wounded by an enemy sniper in the
open between the line, Sergeant Lester Fossie immediately went
to his rescue and brought him into the company headquarters, over
ground swept by machine-gun and sniper's fire.
Early Instances of Heroism
No one in France was in a better position to report on the
heroism of Negro soldiers than Ralph W. Tyler, the Negro war
correspondent. Here is Mr. Tyler's report of some of the first,
instances that came to his attention:
266
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
"Somewhere in France.—A successful raid, planned by one of
the majors of the old 8th Illinois Regiment, whose home is at
Metropolis, Illinois, was made in .the Youcharn sector, and with
great daring. The motor battery of the regiment first took part in
laying down a* barrage fire. The barrage fire began at 4 o 'clock
in the morning—just as the first rays of the sun shone sluggishly,
and but dimly, behind the horizon. At the hour named, every
gunner was at his post. The Major flashed an electric signal, and
within a minute or two thereafter every gun fired simultaneously,
as if connected with and controlled by an electric battery. For
fifteen minutes the colored gunners kept up their barrage fire,
and then a French company was sent out behind the barrage to
make the raid. So surprising was the raid, and so quickly made,
that but three of the colored soldiers were wounded, and they but
slightly, and but eight of the French, with whom they were fighting,
while the Germans' casualty toll was eleven killed and three
wounded, and the remainder were captured."
The Negro in the Argonne
"Stories of the fight in the Argonne Forest," said Mr. Tyler
in a later report, "and the splendid endurance and valiant fighting
of the colored soldiers continue to come in. It is reported that a
eompany of the old Ninth Ohio Battalion, under command of its
colored captain from Dayton, Ohio, lay in an open field all night,
awaiting orders to go into action, while all the time the Germans'
were dumping big shells and machine-gun fire into them. But
even in the face of such a murderous fire, the colored line stood as
firm as if the huge shells and murderous machine-gun fire were but
the discharge of toy blowguns. Among their casualties were
Anderson Lee and "William Chenault, of Dayton, who were killed.
The firmness of the line these khaki-garbed black soldiers main¬
tained in the face of a withering fire—a veritable hell—constitutes
one more reason why the folks of the race back home should be
proud of these, their colored soldiers over here, whose unyielding
spirit and bravery is making history for the race.
"I have learned that Hill 304, which the French so valiantly
held, and which suffered such a fierce bombardment from the
Germans that there is not a single foot of it but what is plowed
NEGRO HEROES OF THE WAR
267.
Tip by shells, and whose sides, even today, are literally covered with
the corpses of French soldiers who still lie where they fell, was
later as valiantly held by the colored soldiers from the United
States, who fought with all the heroism and endurance the best
traditions of the army have chronicled. The * colored soldiers,
under their own captain from Dayton, Ohio, who so splendidly
maintained their line in the Argonne Forest, and those who held
that bloody and forever historical Hill 304, had the odds against
them, but like Tennyson's immortalized ' Six Hundred,' they fought
bravely and well, firmly in the belief it was 'not theirs to reason
why, but theirs to do or die,' and, like the patriots they were,
they did DO and this war's history will so record."
How Two Colored Captains Fell
Still another report by Mr. Tyler says: " Recently, in an
engagement already reported, a colored unit was ordered to charge,
and take if possible, a very difficult objective held by the Germans.
Captains Fairfax and Green, two colored officers, were in command
of the detachments. They made the charge, running into several
miles of barb-wire entanglements, and hampered by a murderous
fire from nests of German machine guns which were camouflaged.
Just before charging, one of the colored sergeants, running up to
Captain Fairfax, said: 'Do you know there is a nest of German
machine guns ahead?' The Captain replied: 'I only know we
have been ordered to go forward, and we are going.' Those were
the last words he said, before giving the command to charge, 'into
the jaws of death.' The colored troops followed their intrepid
leader with all the enthusiasm and dash characteristic of patriots
and courageous fighters. They went forward, they obeyed the
order, and as a result 62 men and two officers were listed in the
casualties reported, Captains Fairfax and Green being among those
who fell to rise no more. Captain Fairfax's .last words: 'I only
know we have been ordered to go forward, and we are going,' are
words that will forever live in the memory of their race; they are
words that match those of Sergeant Carney, the color sergeant of
the 54th Massachusetts during the Civil War, who, although badly
wounded, held the tattered, shot-pierced Stars and Stripes aloft
and exclaimed: 'The old flag never touched the ground.' Men
268
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
"who have served under Captains Fairfax and Green say two braver
officers never fought and fell."
"Since this 92nd Division has been in France there has come
to it four promotions for its colored officers, among these being
the promotion o'f Captain Adam E. Patterson and Captain Dean
to major ships, the former now serving as Divisional Judge Advo¬
cate, while the latter is in command of a munition train. Major
Patterson will be remembered as the colored man whom President
Wilson, soon after his first inauguration, nominated for the posi¬
tion of Register of the Treasury, but who, on learning certain
Southern Senators would prevent his confirmation, wrote the Presi¬
dent requesting, in order not to embarrass the President, that he
withdraw his name, which was done. The Division Commander
speaks in high terms of Major Patterson's ability, his attentiveness
to duty, and his fine conduct of the office of Division Judge Advo¬
cate. Both Major Patterson and Major Dean won their promotion,
the Division Commander says, on merit alone."
Captain Jones and His Gallant Fighters
"In one engagement in the Argonne woods, where the fighting
has been most sanguinary," said Mr. Tyler, "and where the Amer¬
ican troops showed their mettle, Captain J. Wormley Jones, of
Washington, D. C., is reported to have stood like a stone wall, and
rallied his men, when others were wavering in the face of a mur¬
derous fire and of great odds. In this particular engagement,
Captain Jones displayed such fine leadership, such fearlessness of
danger, that his Division Commander, in a personal talk with the
writer, praised in highest terms the valor and leadership shown
by the Captain. It is such instances as these, and there are many
coming to light almost daily, that justify the hope entertained
by the race that our colored officers would prove efficient, and that
our colored soldiers would fight as well under colored officers as
under any others." And in a later dispatch Mr. Tyler continued:
"Realizing that there is nothing more encouraging to the race
back in the States than to learn how bravely our colored soldiers
over here are enduring and fighting, I made it a point to secure a
fuller report of the bravery displayed by Captain J. Wormley
Jones, of Washington, D. C., in one of the Argonne engagements.
NEGEO HEROES OF THE WAR
269
The place of honor, it appears, fell to Captain Jones's regiment,
and to the battalion to which he belongs. Under cover of the night's
pitch-black darkness, the Captain led his men into the trenches
overlooking No-Man's Land, that grim sepulcher that holds so
many'thousands of the Allies' and the enemy dead.
"Notwithstanding that Captain Jones and his men had just
completed a forced march of some twenty kilometers, the men were
in excellent condition and splendid spirits, and eager to demon¬
strate their fitness to try conclusions with the Huns. Captain
Jones was supported by Lieutenants Frank Coleman, C. W. Mar¬
shall, D. J. Henderson, and Paul Jones, the last mentioned being
a brother of the captain. These men were all of 'the sterner
stuff,' and fit for the trying ordeal which awaited them. Space
forbids dealing with the blackness of the night, or with the awful
bombardment.
"Neither can I individualize respecting the magnificent valor
of the men of the company led by Captain Jones in this engage¬
ment, which Secretary Baker himself praised. "When the. awful
bombardment died away, just as the gray streaks of early dawn
pierced the night's blackness, which was made grayer by a thick
heavy fog, the Captain ordered a charge 'over the top' with fixed
bayonets; through the treacherous fog and into no-man-knew-what
or seemed to care. The first wave, or detachment, went over with
a cheer—a triumphant cheer—and the second wave followed their
comrades with a dash. It may, perhaps, be best to let these boys
and officers tell with their own lips of the terrific, murderous shell,
shrapnel, gas, and machine-gun fire which baptized them, only to
make them the more hardened and intrepid warriors; of how they
contended every inch; fought with marvelous valor, never for an
instant faltering. Trench after trench of the enemy was entered
and conquered; dugout after dugout was successfully grenaded
and made safe for the boys to follow; wires were cut and communi¬
cating trenches explored; machine-gun nests were raided and
silenced, and still the boys fought their way on. Of course, as a
natural sequence to such a daring raid, there were casualties, but
the black soldiers, heroes as they were, never flinched at death, and
the wounded were too proud of their achievements even to murmur
because of the pain, they endured. Captain Jones and his men
270
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
took over a mile of land and trenches which for four years had
been held by the Germans. The newspapers have given due and
proper credit to the Americans for this daring raid, but the world
has not been informed that it was the colored soldiers of America,
under Captain J. Wormley Jones, a former "Washington, D. C.,
policeman, who made the charge that was as daring, and more
successful, than the Tennyson-embalmed charge of 'The Light
Brigade.' "
A Brave Y. M. C. A. Secretary
To E. T. Banks, of Dayton, Ohio, belongs the honor of being
the first Y. M. C. A. colored secretary to go "over the top," which
he did in one of the Argonne engagements. It was permitted him
to fight for two days and nights in the forests and trenches side
by side with real soldiers. On the last night, while lending first
aid to a wounded black scout soldier, he was fired upon by a Ger¬
man machine gun, but succeeded in bringing his wounded scout
to the American line, though not until they had lain all night in the
forest under a most fearful barrage fire. For his bravery, Banks
was cited and recommended for meritorious service. An officer, in
a personal letter to him commending his splendid service, wrote:
"When the full story of the Argonne is told, the 'Bed Triangle*
represented by Mr. Banks will add beauty to the rainbow that is
reflected from the silent tombs of those who sleep the sleep of
death that Democracy may not perish from the earth."
A Heroic Colored Physician
There was a heroic calmness, according to Ralph W. Tyler,
in the death of Lieutenant Urban F. Bass, of Fredericksburg, Vir¬
ginia, colored, serving as a physician with one of the colored regi¬
ments, and it is deserving of more than a passing notice. He was
directing the affairs of his temporary aid station just behind the
crest of a hill, while the battle was raging, when a shell from the
enemy's gun combed the hill and struck among the group of work¬
ers being directed by him, tearing off both legs of the physician.
Lieut. Bass, with remarkable fortitude, as calmly instructed his
hospital corps how to give him first aid as if he was but writing a
prescription for one of his patients back in his Virginia office.
NEGRO HEROES OF THE WAR
271
He died a few moments later, from blood hemorrhage. Thus went
a most promising colored physician who, although beyond the
draft age, volunteered his services; left a splendid practice, wife
and children, to serve his country in France, and by so doing help
to advance the interests of his race back in America.
Here is another story told by Mr. Tyler: uYesterday about
10 o'clock, a platoon of colored men, under colored officers, was
sent out to reconnoiter, to learn the strength and position of the
enemy, and with positive instructions to bring back live prisoners.
They went, but discovering that the enemy was strongly entrenched,
and realizing that it would be suicidal to attempt to attack almost
a regiment with a handful of men, returned and reported. The
Major of the battalion thereupon said he would go himself and
do the job, and called for eight volunteers to accompany him.
There was no lack of volunteers, even from among those of
the platoon that had previously returned to make this report.
The Major, a white officer, selected eight men from the many who
had volunteered to make the perilous trip, and started out to locate
the Huns' position and return with a live prisoner. Instead of
returning, he, with two of his volunteers, are now prisoners of
war in the German camp, for they found, to their Major's regret,
that the colored officer had reported correctly the German strength,
This is but one more instance showing that the colored soldiers are
indifferent to fear; that they quickly, cheerfully, and eagerly vol¬
unteer to go even though death or capture is the sure fate await¬
ing them.''
How Lieutenant Cameron Died
"It was but one of the many small raids nearly every night
chronicles here at the front," said Mr. Tyler in another dispatch,
"but it demonstrated the daring courage of our colored troops.
Some two hundred colored soldiers, under Captain Robert Stephens,
of Columbus, Ohio, were ordered to raid the Boche's trenches.
They were ordered to do this without a barrage fire being first
laid down for them, and without artillery or machine-gun support.
They never hesitated, however, but out into the pitch-black darkness
of night they moved, encountered the usual barbed-wire entangle^
ments which so fearfully harass advance even in the day, to say
272
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
nothing of the night. The Germans lay quiet until these black
warriors were within forty rods of their trenches, and then they
opened up a murderous machine-gun fire, and exploded shells of
deadly gas among the black soldiers. But ther latter never wavered.
They fought manfully against great odds. Among the casualties
were Captain Stephens and Lieut. Stewart, badly gassed, and
Lieut. Cameron, of Nashville, Tennessee, killed. Bruce McCray,
Maxton, North Carolina, just as he was going over the top, was
hit by a machine-gun bullet that ripped his stomach, and Cor¬
nelius Turner, of Sellars, Louisiana, was stopped from going over
the top by a bullet which indented his helmet, cutting a jagged
wound in his head. There were a number who were more or less
gassed. I visited them in the hospital the following afternoon,
and found those injured and gassed getting along as well as could
be expected, and had the assurance of the physicians in attendance
—careful physicians of their own race—that all would recover.
The death of Lieutenant Cameron, however, cast an impenetrable
gloom over every one in the regiment, and even in the entire
division, for he was loved by officers and men. The draft would
not and could not have reached Lieutenant Cameron, but he came
—volunteered—to serve his country, and died for it."
Badly Wounded, He Fought On
"An incident showing unusual fidelity to duty came to light
yesterday. Sergeant Gans, with two other colored comrades, was
on guard at a 'strong point' on one of the active fronts. During
the night his two comrades were killed by enemy shrapnel, asad
he himself had ugly wounds in his back and leg, from which the
blood flowed freely; still he remained at his post. "When it was
learned that his two comrades had been killed, and he himself
wounded, Captain Harry Atwood sent to have the dead and
wounded brought in, but Sergeant Gans refused to leave his post,
because a sergeant, as he thought was proper, was not there to
relieve him. It became necessary for Captain Atwood to order
this badly wounded sergeant to leave his post at the point of a
bayonet, to secure medical treatment. All he knew was duty; he
was firm in the belief that before he could leave his post for any¬
thing, a relief should be there to take his place."
NEGRO HEROES OF THE WAR
273
A Fighting Colored Chaplain
"The gas mask has saved hundreds from being gassed," said
Mr. Tyler, "but perhaps the first case reported of a gas mask
saving a soldier's life by warding off a deadly bit of shrapnel was
the case of Chaplain J. T. Simpson, a former Pittsburgh colored
minister. The courageous chaplain, as full of fight as of religion,
was going over the top with 'his boys/ as he called the troops of his
regiment, when a big shell exploded, and a piece of the shrapnel
from it hit the mask he was wearing, striking the metal part, other¬
wise he would now be a dead chaplain instead of confined in the
hospital from shell shock. Frequently it takes longer to recover
from shell shock than from a shell wound. The chaplain, when I
saw him was, however, slowly but surely recovering."
Mental Effect of a Big Shell
"When one calmly reads of the shelling of a town, he cannot
form any adequate knowledge of the feeling which possesses those
who experience the shelling. Yesterday afternoon the Boche opened
up on the little town at the front, in which I was gathering news,"
said Ealph W. Tyler in another letter. "The big guns of the Huns,
sent their awful instruments of death whistling through the air.
First a belching sound is heard, and then comes the siren-like
whistle of the shell as it races overland to its terminal of destruc¬
tion; and then a roaring, hellish sound—'Boom!'—shaking hills
and vales for miles arcmnd. The people are startled. They gather
in little knots and look far over the lines, whence came the belch¬
ing sound, to see if they can get a view of the approaching engine
of death. Soldiers hardened to the oft-heard sound, calmly proceed
about their duties, when they find the Hun has failed to get the
proper range of the town. But the feeling is peculiar. Even when
the shell misses, involuntarily there arises, in one's mind, the ques¬
tion: 'Will the next one hitT There are experiences far more
pleasant than seeing a big death-tipped shell—so I thought when
two whistled over my head yesterday and struck a few yards to
tile riarht and left of me."
CHAPTER XIX
THE NEGRO SOLDIER AS A FIGHTER
Unanimous Praise by Military Observers—Value of Negroes as
Shock Troops—Discipline and Morale Under Fire—What the
War Correspondents Said About Them—Comments by Foreign
Military Observers — Estimates by American and French
Officers.
The Negro has always had the record of being a good soldier.
General Pershing has been quoted as to the courage and valor of
the colored troops. It may be well to quote here the testimony of
four other distinguished Americans as to the faithful service of
colored soldiers in other wars. Commodore Perry said after the
Battle of Lake Erie: "They seemed to be absolutely insensible
to danger." General Jackson asserted on the occasion of the
Battle of New Orleans: "You surpassed my hopes. The nation
shall applaud your valor." Speaking of the Negro in the Civil
War, General Grant said: "The colored troops fought nobly."
Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, reporting on the record of the Negro
soldiers in the Spanish-American war, said: "No troops could
behave better than the colored soldiers."
The reader will have noted that Negro combat units in their
fighting overseas lived up to all the traditions of their race. They
distinguished themselves by bravery, fortitude, and loyalty, and
the records of the regiments of which they were a part compared
favorably with iany of those who went overseas. Whether in
Flanders, in Champagne, in the Argonne Forest, in the Vosges,
on the Meuse, or before Metz, it was the old story of indomitable
courage, of willingness to go forward always, no matter how mur¬
derous the opposing fire. There was the same valor and spirit
displayed by them in every action, and they saw some of the most
intense and critical fighting of the war.
The Negroes went into the World War with a spirit of the true
274
THE NEGRO SOLDIER AS A FIGHTER
275
soldier. They were determined to fight it out at the earliest possible
moment. Sixteen Negro soldiers passing through Defiance, Ohio,
were asked whether they were going to France.
"No, sir, I am not going to France," replied one of them, "I am
going to Berlin and I may stop in France for a short time on the
way.''
"What we are aiming to do," said a Negro officer, "is to push
our way right on into Berlin without stopping, as we promised the
folks at home we would do, and we don't intend to be long about
it either."
"Heaven, Hell or Hoboken"
Soldiering for the Negro was a pleasant pastime as long as
there were any Germans around. They, therefore, had for their
watchword that of the Black Herald: "Heaven, Hell, or Hoboken
by Christmas." They soon established themselves as being cool
and reliable fighters in the front line. Both Americans and French
report that if the Germans ever discovered who it was that held
part of the line through the Argonne Forest when the Boche failed
once to get through, they would have a decidedly high respect for
the American Negro infantry.
Their fighting spirit always ran high. They seemed to fear
nothing. There is a story of a Negro soldier who was found sitting
pensively in a field while shells were roaring overhead like invisible
midair express trains.
"What are you thinking about, Buddy? Making your will?
Are you wondering why you were nut enough to enlist?"
"No," said the doughboy gloomily, "I was wondering how I
was ever nut enough to let a man hold me up in Chicago last spring.
He only had a thirty-two."
Upon an occasion of a Negro regiment hammering its way
through the German lines the brigade commander summoned the
colonel of a Negro regiment before him and demanded to know in
terse military fashion, why that colonel had not maintained better
control over his troops, and why, above everything else, he had
not "stopped" his men and kept them from passing beyond their
appointed objectives, and, in fact, hacking their way through ahead
of their own protective barrage.
276
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
"Stop them?" queried the Colonel. "Stop them? Hell, man,
how could you. expect me to stop them, when the whole German
army couldn't do it?"
Because of these unusual feats in war the Germans soon began
to regard the Negroes not with mere curiosity but with unusual fear.
■ Early in the war the German army offered a reward of 400 marks
for the capture alive of each Negro as an inducement to German
soldiers to overcome the great fear and terror of the Negroes. A
discharged German soldier reported that one evening on the front
a scouting party consisting of 10 Germans including himself encoun¬
tered two French Negroes. In a fight which followed, two of the
scouting party were killed. One of the Negroes escaped, the other
being taken prisoner. In the fight two of the Germans left their
comrades and ran to the protection of their own .trenches, but these,
it was explained, were young soldiers and untrained. The reward
of 400 marks subsequently was divided among the remaining six
Germans for capturing the Negro.
German Fear of Colored Troops
How the Germans feared the colored American soldiers is indi¬
cated by Mr. Tyler in his report of a conversation with two American
aviators, Lieut. V. H. Burgin of Atlanta and Lieut. A. L. Clark of
Boston. Both had been forced to descend behind the German lines
and had been held as prisoners of war for two months. Writing
from Brest, where these airmen were waiting for transport home,
Mr. Tyler said:
"The interesting part of these intrepid American airmen's nar¬
rative of their fight, capture and imprisonment, to colored people, is
that while they were captured at different points, and imprisoned at
widely separated prisons, both state that when brought before the
German military intelligence department and questioned as to the
American force in France, one of the first questions asked of them,
and which the Germans seemed most concerned about, was how many
colored troops the Americans had over here. Lieut. Burgin, of
Atlanta, said he told them there were 13,000,000 American colored
troops in France. He stated that this not only surprised the Ger¬
mans, but appeared to depress them, 'For/ he added, 4the Germans
have a holy fear of colored troops and their knives wielded with
THE NEGEO SOLDIEft AS A FIGHTER
277
skill and dexterity.' He stated that this information made a tre¬
mendous impression on the Germans, although he admitted he did
not know, at the time, how many colored troops were in France,
but thought it was best to exaggerate rather than underestimate the
strength of our forces when questioned by the enemy.
"Lieut. Clark, the Boston aviator, also said that the leading ques¬
tion put to him by the German military intelligence officers was:
4How many Negro troops have the Americans got over here?' He
stated that not knowing, he was frank in telling them that he did not
know, but that'he believed there were several millions. He, too,
stated that this information regarding the force of colored troops in
France, given to the German officers who questioned him, greatly
depressed them.
"It was a fact patent to every American officer and soldier who
had had contact with German soldiers, that they had a mortal fear
of colored soldiers. This fear had been occasioned by two things.
First, before the American colored soldiers had been put on the
battle front the Germans had encountered the fierce fighting Sene¬
galese and Algerians, fighting with the French, who took no prisoners,
and who were prone to cut off the ears and other parts of a German's
anatomy before dispatching him into eternity. Then again, later,
they had encountered the 372nd, 371st, 370th and 369th colored regi¬
ments, the first colored Americans to arrive in France, and who were
brigaded and fought with the French. The Germans had learned
that the American colored soldier, while not brutal like the Senegalese
and Algerians, were even harder, more scientific and more dangerous
fighters. They were men who fought with precision—fought like
trained veterans—were good in trench warfare, in raids, or in at¬
tack—any way they were ordered to fight, while the Senegalese and
Algerians were best in attack—being dashing, whirlwind fighters in
attacks, or as shock troops."
Efficiency of Colored Fighters
Major L'Esperance of the 369th regiment has borne testimony
to the efficiency of his men. Says Major L'Esperance: "The
heaviest fighting was on September 26, 1918, when we went into
action with twenty officers and 700 men in our battalion in the
morning and at the close we had seven officers and 150 men left.
278
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Our boys advanced steadily like seasoned veterans and never lost
a foot of ground they liad taken or let a prisoner escape."
The testimony of Colonel William Hayward of the 369th has
already been quoted to the same general effect. Colonel T. A.
Roberts, who commanded the 370th referred to in the foregoing
chapters, says: "I have been commended for the fighting qualities
and general bearing of the men who were actually over the Belgian
border when the Armistice was signed, and one of my battalions
was the most advanced unit of the French army with which we were
cooperating at the time."
As the New York Times said upon the return of these gallant
soldiers from France: "The American Negro troops in France
never failed to share the glory of battle with the French, or with
their white American comrades."
In all that makes the soldier, bravery, intelligence, endurance,
and, particularly, good nature under hardship and privation, the
Negro soldier excels. He is never downhearted, and usually he is
gay and full of humor. No American army would be complete
without the familiar and historic Negro troops.
In the war of wars in which the Negro has participated it
remained for the American Negro to be represented by a full divi¬
sion, with all the military units thereof. The band of the 350th
Field Artillery Regiment appeared in Nancy for a concert,
and this was the first information to reach the inhabitants that
the only brigade of Negro artillery ever organized had been
defending Nancy by holding the Marbache sector south of Metz.
This organization came up behind the line about a month before
the end of hostilities. It was so eager to get into the fray that the
men drew some of the guns into position by hand. The brigade
participated in the taking of Foret de Frehaut. It was the accurate
fire of these colored artillerymen which reduced the resistance and
enabled the infantry to capture the position without great loss. It
was said by a war correspondent at the front that if Emperor
William in the weeks preceding September, 1918, had been on his
historic observation post at Mount Fauson, where he saw the fight¬
ing before Verdun in 1916, he would have seen the American Negro
soldiers holding a portion of the trenches in the Foret de Hesse.
The unanimous opinion of French military observers, with whom
THE NEGRO SOLDIER AS A FIGHTER
279
the .four regiments of colored troops served, as well as of their
commanders who have been quoted (both Northern men and
Southern men) was that the colored soldier met every test of
service.
Rev. D. Leroy Ferguson, Chaplain in the United States Army,
writing from France, is quoted as saying: "The colored soldier
here is making a great record in France, and the officers and French
people with whom I have talked praise his worth and work. The
same bravery and courage and skill that characterized his efforts
in other wars in America and Mexico are shown here in an excellent
way. They are enduring the hardships and the suffering with
smiles; their deportment is good; and whether it is unloading the
great cargoes, digging the roads or on the firing line, the black
soldier is equal to any. When the history of the war is written
our soldiers will have their names written large with honors, and
though here in France for victory, they all want to and expect to
return to the good old U. S. A. With all her faults we love her
still—our wives, our sweethearts, families and our homes. I am
proud to be able to contribute something to the war.''
Comparison with European Soldiers
The European war gave colored American soldiers the first
opportunity for comparison of their mettle with the best soldiers of
Germany, Great Britain and France; and unanimous testimony is
'more or less to the effect that they were able to hold their own in
courage, endurance and aggressiveness without whimper or com¬
plaint. Colored Americans are proud of the following two para¬
graphs which appeared in The Stars and Stripes, the organ of the
American troops in France:
"The farthest north at 11 o'clock (when the armistice went
into effect) on the front of the two armies was held at the extreme
American left, up Sedan way, by the troops of the 77th New York
Division. The farthest east—the nearest to the Rhine—was held by
those New York soldiers who used to make up the 'old 15th New
York' and have long been brigaded with the French. They were
in Alsace and their line ran through Thann and across the railway
that leads to Colmar."
"Probably the hardest fighting by any Americans in the final
280
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
hour was that which engaged the troops of the 28th, 92d, 81st, and
7th Divisions of the Second American Army. It was no mild thing,
that last flare of the battle, and the order to cease firing did not
reach the men in the front line until the last moment, when the
runners sped with it from foxhole to foxhole.''
The gratifying thing is that there should be recorded in the
official organ of the American Expeditionary Forces a reference
to the fact that colored troops were nearest the Rhine of all
American troops, as, indeed, they were later the first of all Allied
troops to reach the Rhine, and that the 92d Division—their Divi¬
sion—was engaged "in the hardest fighting of the last hour of
the war.''
The Brooklyn Standard Union epitomizes in an editorial
expression the general opinion which obtains as to the fighting
quality of the colored American troops sent overseas to fight "for
democracy" during the world war:
"Of the American Negro soldiers it has been frequently said
since we have been fighting in France, that they are decidedly the
most cheerful troops who have spilt blood in this war, and as highly
courageous as any who have shouldered guns. This is not an
exaggerated tribute, for the testimony of the Allies, and, of course
of General Pershing and other white officers bears out this esti¬
mate, while the War Department at Washington has abundant
proof, in the way of records, showing the bravery of these boys.
"Some of those who recognized the extremely sociable and
good natured qualities of the Negro questioned his ability as a
fighter. They feared he would not stand up well in a bayonet
charge, or in an advance upon singing machine guns, or where
shells from the big cannon were bursting and rocking the earth.
But that was a superficial view. Under his smile and ready laugh
or grin the colored man has the qualities of a fighter—coolness,
patience, steadfastness, optimism, pluck and, of course, courage. All
these have been brought out in recent months, and honors have fallen
upon him in France in a manner that is cause for national pride.
"In every department of the army, from wireless telegraphy
to the sanitary squad, the Negro has played his part and played it
conscientiously, and it is gratifying to know that this city has con¬
tributed a very large number of Negro fighters to the nation's
THE NEGRO SOLDIER AS A FIGHTER
281
army, for the percentage of volunteers here has been high. Easy
to mold to the requirements of discipline, happy under any and
all circumstances, he is an exemplary soldier. On the charge he
sees red, as the fighter should, and in rest billets or even in the
trench he seldom loses his cheerful outlook upon life."
French Wanted Colored Troops
Assigned to the French High Commission in the city of
Washington during the war were two distinguished Frenchmen,
Colonel Edouard Requin and Major L. P. DeMontal. These gentle¬
men often called at the office of the author to make inquiry as to
when additional combat troops were to be sent to France. They
spoke in terms of gratitude of the services of the S. 0. S. men but
their eagerness always manifested was that the War Department
should decide to send over increasingly large numbers of colored
combat troops, for, as they both stated, every report that reached
them from France spoke of the wonderful courage and coolness of
the colored American troops, who made a wonderful impression
upon the French population both civil and military and as will have
been noted from the praise and commendation of high French
officers, they won the respect of those military representatives of
the French army. The courage of these colored American troops
was always in evidence; their cool headedness and bravery under
fire as well as their desire to engage in the aforesaid engagements
went to demonstrate that the colored soldiers were unsurpassed as
fighters. The Germans had little or no respect for the fighting
ability of these soldiers until they encountered them in several
hand-to-hand combats.
The Bulletin of the Armies issued by the French government
after the completion of every drive in which the allied armies
participated, gives some of the most amazing records of heroism
in the history of wars. The Algerian and Senegalese soldiers gained
favor continuously as fighters of the first rank. The records of
these soldiers were heralded on the European continent as incom¬
parable achievements of bravery, and upon every occasion when
they paraded the streets preparatory to leaving for the first line
trenches, storms of applause greeted them from every roadside
and tavern, and upon one occasion when these black troops returned
282
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
to the city of Paris, after having been engaged in a vigorous drive
against the Germans at Verdun, every soldier was bedecked with
a shower of flowers tendered him by French women, who wept
bitterly as they viewed the wounded Negroes limp through the
Paris thoroughfares.
One of the most remarkable feats recorded in, the Bulletin was
the work performed by a corporal of a French' infantry regiment,
Louis Hermitte, a Senegalese. After a German attack in December,
19X7, he went out of the trench and drove back the enemy by hurling
hand grenades. He dug himself into a little corner quite close to
the German line and stayed there for several days. He received a
military ncwdal.
Heroism of French Negroes
The black troops of France won many honors and proved them¬
selves unafraid of suffering. One page in the Bulletin was devoted
to the mention of five cases of Algerian and Senegalese soldiers, men
born in a hot climate and quite unused to frost and snow, who
remained at their posts under fire and fought bravely, though all
of them were terribly frostbitten—so badly in two cases that both
legs had to be amputated. In two other eases the men lost a leg
each. One of these men endured the agony of frostbite and of
terrific German attacks for nineteen consecutive days and finally
fell when his ammunition gave out. Still another, with hands and
feet frozen, fought with such fury that he captured several machine
guns and single handed brought back sixty German prisoners.
These feats of heroism have crowned several of the men with the
Croix de Guerre honors, but these honors are not received with a
vainglorious boast on the part of the soldiers. It is one of the
highest honors that a soldier can receive from the government.
Hard fighting in close quarters calls for a greater measure
of athletic ability and superior physical strength and endurance.
This the Senegalese seem to possess to a greater degree than any
other allied body. In every single close battle with the German
they proved themselves masters of the situation and slaugh¬
tered their opponents unmercifully. In one instance Oorporal
Hamilde Annonetti was badly gassed, but continued work until his
lungs were overcrowded with the vapor. He was taken to the
THE NEGRO SOLDIER AS A FIGHTER
283
relief station and begged to go back to the firing line to finish his
attack. After being temporarily relieved he escaped from the hos¬
pital and dragged himself back two miles over the bullet riddled
ground and renewed his attack, killing, it is claimed, five or more
Germans who were manning a machine gun. He was picked up by
the ambulance corps with both legs shot away.
The high state of discipline and the morale which existed in
the 92d (colored) Division was the subject of a great deal of
eomment from all of the allied officers who had the opportunity to
view the troops who composed this command, and is attested by
the remarks of General Pershing relative to discipline and morale
addressed to the 92d Division at Le Mans, France, just previous to
their departure for the United States, when he said:
"The 92d Division has been, without a doubt, a great success,
and I desire to commend both the officers and men for the high
state of discipline and the excellent morale which has existed in
this command during its entire stay in France."
Brig. Gen. W. H. Hay, of the 184th Brigade, 92d Division, said:
"I have been with colored troops for 25 years, and I have never
seen better soldiers than the drafted men who composed this divi¬
sion." Capt. "Willis, of the 365th Infantry, said: ''These men are
the best disciplined and best saluting soldiers that I have ever
seen." An officer en route between Camp Meade and "Washington,
D. C., on or about February 26, 1919, said, "You just have to give
it to these colored troops; they have come back with the stuff; there
has been absolutely no slump in their discipline and saluting, but
I notice that the white troops have slumped considerably."
CHAPTER XX
WITH OUR SOLDIERS IN FRANCE
Official Reports of the Only Accredited Negro War Correspondent—
Ralph W. Tyler, Representative with the A. E. F. of the U. S.
Committee on Public Information—The Story of the Life and
Fighting of American Negro Soldiers m Frmce as Seen By
This Trained Observer.
One of the most important results of the conference of Negro
editors held in Washington in June, 1918, was the sending to France
of a trained newspaper writer of the Negro race with instructions
to report on the life and the activities of the Negro soldiers as
he saw things, in order that the Negro press of America might he
furnished with first-hand and accurate information for their read¬
ers of the precise conditions under which their people were work¬
ing and fighting in France. The announcement of Mr. Tyler's
appointment was made by the Committee on Public Information on
September 16, 1918 when the following bulletin was issued to the
press of the country:
"One of the direct requests of the Editors' Conference in June
was that a reliable colored news-writer be sent to France to report
the doings of the colored troops on the western front in France, for
the information of the anxious millions of colored Americans in
this country and to the end that' the correct story of the valor and
patriotic devotion of their brethren might be told fully and in a
sympathetic vein by one of their own blood and kindred.
"In compliance with this request, the Committee on Public
Information has designated Ralph W. Tyler, of Columbus, Ohio,
former Auditor of the Navy Department at Washington, as a regu¬
larly-commissioned war correspondent, to specialize on the conditions
surrounding the colored troops in France and to make daily reports
of the activities and engagements in which the colored soldiers are
prominent. He will be on the staff of General Pershing, commander-
in-chief of the American Expeditionary Forces overseas. Every
WITH OUR SOLDIERS IN FRANCE
285
facility has been provided by Mr. George Creel, director of the
Committee on Public Information, for the prompt and accurate
gathering of all facts that may be of interest to the colored people.
4'Mr. Tyler is the first colored man to be named as a regular
war correspondent by any Government in the world. He is a native
of Ohio. For seventeen years he served in various departments
on the Columbus Evening Dispatch and the Ohio State Journal,
which gave him experience in the technique of the newspaper craft
and afforded him opportunity for association with many influential
newspaper men. This intimate contact with such forces will be
invaluable to him in his labors as a war correspondent. The fact
that he has a wide acquaintance with correspondents now at the front,
will make it possible for him to get news concerning colored troops
which, perhaps, no other colored correspondent could secure.
"The claims of a number of men were fully considered in
connection with this important assignment, but Mr. Tyler was finally
selected as the most efficient of those available. Immediately after
war was declared by the United States on Germany, Mr. Tyler wrote
the President, tendering his services in any capacity. He has three
sons, all of whom are at the front in France.''
The plan under which Mr. Tyler worked was to send his reports
to the Committee on Public Information, which in turn sent them
to me for editing and for circulation throughout the country. This
news service unquestionably had a tremendously valuable effect in
Cringing the truth about conditions in France to the colored people
of America. As it happened, the war came to an end in less than
three months after Mr. Tyler's appointment. In that brief time,
however, and in the short time after the armistice was signed during
which he remained in France, he wrote and sent to this country the
most valuable and interesting first-hand reports about our Negro
soldiers that have come from any source. There is no better way
in which I can present an adequate picture of the life of our soldiers
in France than by reproducing here Mr. Tyler's dispatches, begin¬
ning with his graphic account, written after the fighting had ceased,
of the last great battle of the war and the glorious part which the
Negro soldiers had in it. This is Mr. Tyler's summing up of the
work of the 92nd Division:
41 Somewhere in France, November 20. They were in it at the
286
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
finish, as they were at Verdun, Soissons, Chateau-Thierry, Argonne
and Champagne. At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the
eleventh month in the fifth year of the war, when the signal flashed
from Eiffel Tower in Paris stopped hostilities, in conformity with
the terms of the armistice just signed by the Germans, the 92nd
Division, composed of Colored American Soldiers, occupied the
point closest to the German city of Metz, the objective of the last
drive of this war. At the stroke of eleven the cannon stopped,
the rifles dropped from the shoulders of our Colored soldiers, and
their machine guns became silent Then followed a strange, unbe¬
lievable silence as though the world had ceased to exist. It lasted
but a moment—lasted for the space of time the breath is held. Then,
among these dark-skinned troopers came a sigh of.relief—came jubi¬
lance, as every colored soldier, in true Parisian vernacular, ex¬
claimed: 'La Guerre est fini'—the war is over, and immediately
thoughts turned to dear ones back across the sea, while tears flowed
down their war-grimmed black faces for their hundreds of comrades
bivouacing forever in sepulchers over here in France. The wish was
father to the thought when it was prophesied, back in the states,
when the first colored troops sailed for France, that they would be
in it at the finish, that their 44 On to Berlin" slogan would become
a reality. The armistice stopped their advance into Berlin, but
they did reach the nearest point to the German city of Metz in what
was designed as a victorious march to Berlin, and the valor they
displayed, their courageous, heroic fighting all along that advance,
won for our mefi in the 92nd Division high praise from superior
officers, including the corps and division commander, for they never
wavered an instant, not even in that awful hell, the Frehaut "Woods,
upon which the big guns of Metz constantly played; which the Sen¬
egalese were unable to hold, but which our colored soldiers from
America did take, and did hold until the signal came announcing
the cessation of hostilities." Mr. Tyler also wrote:
Colored Troops in the Final Drive
"In this^ last battle of the war to establish world democracy—
a thing the colored soldiers and their kinsmen back home crave
the following colored army units effectively took part: 365th, 366th
and 367th Infantry; 349th, 350th, and 351st Field Artillery, and
WITH OUK SOLDIERS IN FRANCE
287
167th Machine Gun. All these were combatants in this final drive,
but in this account of the battle the three non-combatant units, the
317th Ammunition Train, under the command of a colored major,
Major Milton T. Dean; the 325th Field Signal Battalion; the staff
of the 366th Field Hosptial, to which the wounded and gassed
were rushed, and the 365th and 366th Ambulance Corps, under the
command, respectively, of Captain Sherman Hickman of Memphis,
and Captain Charles H. Garvin of Cleveland, must not be over¬
looked or slighted. The 368th Infantry, while they did not get into
this last action, had however been moved up to Guzoncourt, where
they were held in reserve.
"If the reader will get out his map of France, and observe it,
he will be able to follow the advance of the combatant colored
troops in this last drive, which must go down in history as the
final battle of the World War. The 367th, or "Buffaloes," as they
were familiarly known, had been holding Villers-sous-Preny for
many days and up to the time, seven o'clock Sunday morning,
November 10, they were ordered to advance to Pagny, which
they did, and held. The advance of this regiment was through
"Death Valley," exposed to the heavy fire of the German guns
stationed on the hill skirting the advance. They made the advance
yithout a single casualty, and that they did so, considering the fire
the men were subjected to, appears like a miracle, blind fate, or
tlie will of God. They reached their objective in good form, and it
was providential that they did, for it was from this point they
were able to open up fire on the German guns, and save the 56th
Infantry (white) from annihilation, when it had become pocketed
by a murderous German fire which prevented its making Preny,
or retreating.
"This saving of the 56th by the 367th was history repeating
itself—colored troops saving white troops from destruction in 1918
as the 10th Cavalry saved the Bough Riders during the Spanish-
American War in 1898. So splendidly did the 367th colored regi¬
ment advance and perform that they wrung from the Corps and
Division Commander a letter of praise, in which he paid tribute to
the regiment's high qualities. Although the "Buffaloes" had for
weeks been holding the front line trenches in a particularly active
zone, upon which the Boche rained shells and gas daily and nightly,
288
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
and although, from this regiment, almost daily and nightly, raiding
parties of colored soldiers went out and brought in German prison¬
ers, the regiment was the only colored regiment over here, per¬
haps, that had not been sent into an engagement—something they
had longed for. The order to advance, at seven o'clock Sunday
morning the 10th of November, gave them the opportunity they
had so long waited for impatiently. In spite of the fact that their
advance was to be through "Death Valley,'' a section flanked by
big German guns massed on the overlooking hills, the order gave
them more enthusiasm and satisfaction than an order to embark
for home. When seven o'clock came they were ready to move,
these "Buffaloes," and they did move with astonishing rapidity,
absolutely indifferent to the bursting shells, which, fortunately,
fell a little short of them, or caromed over their heads. "Hail,
Hail, the Gang's All Here, What the Hell Do We Care?" greeted
many a Boche shell as it fell short, or spent its force a few yards
beyond their advancing line. They established and maintained a
perfect liaison, and even their Supply Department, under that
efficient acting supply offiicer, Lieut. McKaine, coordinated per¬
fectly with the line advancing "on to Mefz."
Colored Officer Refuses to Retire
"The 366th had been occupying the line at Vaudieres, prior to
the Metz advance, and the order was to advance into one section
of Bois Frehaut and Bois de Voiwotte, which it did in a most
effective manner, displaying such bravery, in the face of a deadly
shell fire, and its colored line officers displaying such excellent qual¬
ities of leadership as to merit unstinted praise from the Division
Commander. In the engagement in the Bois Yoivrotte, Lieut.
Guy W. Canady, of Atlanta, was killed, and Lieut. M. W. Rush,
of the same city, fell mortally wounded, dying a few days later
in the hospital, after having lain out in the woods, thus terribly
wounded, for twenty-four hours. Capt. George A. Holland, of the
same regiment, also displayed remarkable courage and leader¬
ship. He had been ordered to take a position by his Colonel, and
hold it at any cost. With his men he took it, but the fire was so
heavy and murderous that his white major, commanding his bat¬
talion, sent orders to him to retire. This he positively refused to
Above—Some heroes of the famous 15th New York, who went away singing and came back
singing after having earned all the Honors of War.
Below The "Stockholm" with her cargo of "Hell Fighters" under command^rif Colonel Hay-
ward on deck, just before docking in New York harbor.
Chicago homecoming of the 370th Regiment (Old 8th Illinois) passing in parade at 13th St. and Michigan Ave.
Another Group of Officers of the 370th (Old 8th Illinois) on the deck of the La France before landing. Reading left to right:
2nd Lt. Lawson Price ; 2nd Lt. L. W. Stearls ; 2nd Lt. Ed. White ; 2nd Lt. Eli F. E. Williams ; 1st Lt. Oasola Browning ; Capt.
Louis B. Johnson ; 1st Lt. Prank Bates ; 1st Lt. Binga Desmond.
The troopship "La France" was still in her war paint as she brought the 370th (Old 8th Illinois National Guard) safely home
from the battlefields of France.
Chicago parade of the 370th Regiment (Old 8th Illinois) passing the reviewing stand in Michigan Ave., where the crowds were
so dense that troops could not march in regular formation.
This is the way the people of Buffalo, N. Y., turned out to welcome home the returning heroes of the colored race as they returned
from their service in France.
WITH OUE SOLDIERS IN FRANCE
289
do, sending word back that lie had been ordered by his Colonel
to hold the position taken, and he and his men would hold it until
the last man fell, unless he had orders from his Colonel to retire.
Few instances, in the annals of war, are recorded showing equal
courage, in the face of heavy odds, to that shown by this colored
officer, Captain Holland, and his company of the 366th who obeyed
to the letter, the order given to take and to hold a position. As a
result of the incomparable courage, endurance, and bravery shown
by this conjpany, twenty-five of them were commended, in General
Orders, by the Division Commander.
"The First Battalion of the 365th engaged in this final drive
of the war, had occupied the front line trenches in the Marbache
sector. From almost the moment of occupancy, active patrolling
and raiding into the enemy's lines was ordered, to determine the
strength of the enemy. Officers and men of this battalion were
sent out daily and nightly on such missions, and many instances
of conspicuous bravery were displayed. Several of their number,
however, were captured, and not a few killed and wounded, but the
number of the enemy killed, captured, and wounded greatly out¬
numbered the casualties suffered by this First Battalion.
The 365th in the Bois Frehaut
"The 365th, prior to the last drive, had been occupying the front
line trenches near Dieulouard, that town being the regimental
headquarters. It had orders to advance into, take and hold a
position in the Bois Frehaut. It happened that, for one reason or
another, all the white officers of this regiment, including the Colonel
commanding, and save the Major commanding the 2nd Battalion,
had been incapacitated for action, and so the 2nd Battalion went
into action with but one white officer, the Major. No unit in the
advance had a more difficult position to take and hold than the
position assigned to the 2nd Battalion of the 365th. The Bois-
Frehaut was a network of barbed-wire entanglements, and the big
guns in Metz had nothing to do but sweep the woods with a mur¬
derous fire, which they did most effectively. French and Senegal¬
ese in turn had failed to hold these woods, for it was worse than
a heil—it had become the sepulcher of hundreds. I (Ralph W.
Tyler) was over and through these woods; I saw the mass of
290
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
barbed-wire entanglements; I saw the nests in the trees in which
Germans had camouflaged machine guns that rained a fire upon
the Allied troops.
' 'It is impossible to describe this scene of carnage. The order
to the colored men of the 365th was to ''take and hold," although
it-was believed, almost to a certainty, that they could not hold it,
even if they did take it. But they did take and hold it, and these
men of the 2nd Battalion, with Spartan-like courage; with an en¬
durance unbelievable, would be holding the position at this writing
had not the Armistice been signed, or had they not received orders
to retire. In these woods, at the head of his company, Captain
Boutte, and the other line officers, fought tenaciously, heroically—
so heroically that the Major commanding stated to me that the
world had never produced gamer fighters than the colored men
who made up his battalion of the 365th Infantry. The casualty list,
because of the savage nature of the resistance the Germans made,
because of the heavy, well directed big guns and machine gun fire,
was large. But the 365th did take and did hold that which the
fighting Senegalese could not hold after they had taken it.
"After sixteen days of activity on this front, the battalion was
ordered in support for a week, and on November 5th it was
ordered to the front line trenches in the Mousson sector, an in¬
tensely active front, that was shelled daily and nightly. On the
memorable morning of November 10, 1918, the 1st Battalion was
ordered to the "alert," as support for the 2nd Battalion of the
same regiment, then engaged in the last drive. On the evening of
the 10th it was ordered to attack Champey and LaCote Hill, a
very strongly fortified German position. The battalion moved to
the attack at five o 'clock Sunday evening, entering the position from
the rear of the 2nd Battalion's position. A very heavy gas-shell
and high explosive barrage laid down by the Germans checked
the advance, and the battalion was ordered to remain in its position
for the night.
"At five o'clock the next (Monday) morning, the 11th of No¬
vember, the battalion moved into position for the resumption of the
attack. Its line moved into position under cover of our artillery
barrage, which began at 4:30 a. m. "With two companies in the
front line and two in support, the 1st Battalion advanced through
WITH OUR SOLDIERS IN FRANCE
291
the difficult woods, Bois de Frehaut. It advanced with machine-gun
support until the northern edge of the woods was reached, over¬
looking Champey. At this point the advance was met by a most
terrific artillery bombardment and machine-gun fire delivered by
the Germans stationed on the heights of LaCote Hill. The fight¬
ing at this point was bitter. Men and officers, however, remained
in action and held their line under extremely adverse conditions.
Up to this point the line had advanced, in the face of a terrific
fire, about 400 yards, forcing many machine guns of the enemy to
retire, and capturing a number of others along with much material.
This action continued until 10:45 a. m., at which time the "Cease
Fire" was sounded, which ended the hostilities of this titanic war.
'1 The casualties of the 1st Battalion of the 365th in this engage¬
ment were two officers wounded and 61 enlisted men killed,
wounded, and gassed. Among the wounded officers was Lieut.
Charles H. Fearing, formerly of Washington, D. C., who was slightly
cut in the arm by shrapnel. Lieut. Fearing, but a few days before,
had escaped death most miraculously.
Work of the Ammunition Train
"Distributing the many tons of ammunition along the route of
the advance, and moving it up to the American combatants in this
final drive for the 92nd Division, was a big task, but was success¬
fully done by a colored Ammunition Train, under the command of
Major Milton T. Dean, a colored officer. Arranging the telegraphic
and signal communications between the various units, was a dan¬
gerous—most dangerous—and big achievement, and this was done
by the 325th Colored Field Signal Battalion. Caring for and at¬
tending to the hundreds of wounded and gassed, as they were
rushed back to the field hospital in ambulances driven by colored
men and commanded by colored ambulance commanders, was the
big task of those sacrificing and sympathetic colored surgeons on
the staff of the 366th Field Hospital.
"I was at the front when the drive began—this the last battle
of the world war. I was thrilled, and inspired by the enthusiasm
of our men, and their eagerness to get into battle. The thundering
of the big guns, the terrific explosion of death-carrying shells—
hell opening up—served only to inspire our colored soldiers with
292
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
a grim determination to maintain the race's traditional fighting
reputation. As I retraced my steps over the battlefield, the awful
field of carnage, and saw the havoc German shells had wrought;
saw lifeless, blood-bespattered bodies of colored soldiers lying on
the dark and bloody field; saw the maimed and mangled living,
the natural feeling of sorrow, of anguish, of pain, was made en¬
durable only by the thought that our men—our colored soldiers—
were in it to the end, that they fought like heroes, died like heroes,
died like martyrs. And then there was the radiant hope—perhaps
they fought and fell, in the last battle of the greatest war ever
waged for civilization, NOT in vain.
"As the colored troops, in the last battle of the war, the drive
on Metz, were the first to reach the nearest point to the city of
Metz, so it was colored troops, the old 15th New York, that first
reached the point farthest east and nearest to the Rhine in the
battle on the Meuse. They were in Alsace, and their line ran
through Thann and across the railroad leading to Colmar." Mr.
Tyler continues:
As to Transfers of Officers
"Distance lends enchantment to the view, and likewise, not
infrequently, to some degree, distance exaggerates a rule into an
exception. The transfer of colored commissioned officers from
combatant to non-combatant units is, I know, regarded by a very
considerable number of colored people in the States as an 'ex¬
ception.' I am aware that information has been, or soon will bo,
received back in the States that a number of colored officers were
recently given assignments to casualty camps, and that white offi¬
cers were assigned to their places in the line. German propaganda
is sure to convey these transfers as an 'exception* prompted by
racial prejudice. To one who is here on the scene, and who knows
of countless number of white officers who are daily being trans¬
ferred to units and assignments which they would not themselves
have selected, and of some having been peremptorily shorn of their
rank on the field of battle, the 'rule' carries no evidence of 'ex¬
ception' due to racial discrimination. So far as I have been able
to ascertain all transfers are made for the good of the . service,
WITH OUR SOLDIERS IN FRANCE
293
regardless as to whether the ones transferred are white or colored.
"The number of colored commissioned officers discharged,
or transferred from their units, has been negligible when compared
with the number of white officers honorably (?) and dishonorably-
discharged and transferred, even when the proportionate number of
each is considered.
"This is war over here—actual, not theoretical war, and its
prosecution to the earliest conclusion is so urgent that command¬
ing generals have no time to consider racial problems, even if they
were, ordinarily, so inclined to do. To 'win the war' as speedily
as possible, with the best available units and officers, appears to
prompt all allied commanders, Americans, French, and British,
and if some few colored officers, like hundreds of white officers, fall
into the discard, or receive new assignments, the race back in the
States must not too quickly assume that race discrimination was
the actuating factor. I have learned of instances, over here, where
white colonels who had aspired to become brigadier-generals have
lost the insignia of colonelcy. I have learned of many white officers
whose self-estimate made them available for commanding and di¬
recting attacks in battle who have been, much to their chagrin,
given desk assignments.
'' Just prior to a recent engagement, it is reported, a number of
commissioned colored officers were transferred from their units
to casualty and other assignments. Had they not been transferred
just when they were some of them would have their names now
appearing in the list of 'Killed in Battle.' They, doubtless,
would have as willingly filled a martyr's grave as they, unwillingly
and uncomplainingly, accepted other assignments.
"The fact is patent to all who are conversant with the war
over here that casualty camp assignments are as necessitous as
field assignments; that the stevedore regiments make possible the
success of the combatant regiments; that the swivel-office-chair
officer performs an important and necessitous function. Secretary
of War Baker, although a civilian, performs a duty, the non-per¬
formance of which would have made it impossible for General Per¬
shing to achieve glory over here for the United States. I simply
want to impress upon my race, back in the States, that in this war
294
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
'the hewer of wood and the drawer of water' is as necessary to
victory as the man who adjusts the distance for the 75-centimeter
grin, and that when the world has been made safe for democracy
it will be impossible to deny honor to all who helped to achieve
victory, even to those who, having received no assignment in the
theater of war, cheerfully stood and waited for an opportunity to
serve, even if only in some humble capacity.
"The necessarily quick decisions made on a battlefield, or im¬
mediately prior to entering battle, where victory hangs as much on
strategy as on man-power and equipment, will ofttimes disillusion
even the theorist who employs platitudes, at a safe distance far
behind the battle front, rather than bullets and shrapnel with which
wars are won. I am now here where life is but a gamble, and the
flow of blood is but commonplace, and know whereof I speak, and
knowing the necessity of war here at the seat of it, I am willing
to stand or fall by the foregoing statement, and in the assurance
that our race is actually winning glory over here in France.''
Negroes in the Final Fighting
Following is Mr. Tyler's report of the final fighting, written
on the day before the Armistice took effect:
"In the battle raging today in the American advance toward
Metz, the 92nd Division played a big role. Not only were its black
infantry and machine gun units up at the front, in the thickest of
it, but its artillery, the 167th Brigade of Field Artillery, was on
the line, behaving like veterans, laying down a barrage for the
infantry that was marvelously effective; and they established a
reputation which has been made by but few, among French, British
or Americans, of laying down a barrage that did not entrap, and
fatally so, their own men.
"This has been a glorious day for the black soldiers. The
fighting is still on, and I have just received the intimation that
the casualty toll may be heavy—depressingly so, for Metz, and the
sector around about it, is strongly fortified by the Germans, and
resistance determined. Metz is considered by experts to be the
strongest fortified city in the world, almost as impregnable as the
fortifications of the Dardanelles. But the Americans are hammer-
WITH OUR SOLDIERS IN FRANCE
295
ing away at it, and only the signing of the Armistice terms by
the Germans, by eleven o'clock tomorrow, will save Metz from fall¬
ing. Even as it is, colored soldiers are now on German soil.
"The husky invaders include the colored soldiers of the 92nd
Division, embracing the 'Buffaloes* or 367th, the 365th and 366th
Regiments of Infantry, and the 167th Brigade of Field Artillery,
composed of the 349th, 350th and 351st Regiments and the 317th
Trench Mortar Battery, and all are conducting themselves with
a fortitude and valor that have won for them high praise from their
commanding officers every time they have been put to any test.''
And here is Mr. Tyler's report on the very day of the Armis¬
tice, November 11, 1918:
"The colored troops who took part in the last battle of this
war acquitted themselves splendidly, fought valiantly, and with such
precision and order as to earn for them high praise. Reminiscent
stories of this engagement will be coming to light for weeks—even
months—after this battle has long been a matter of history, for,
as in all big battles, the reverberations of the big guns, the rattle
of musketry, and the smoke of the battle must have died away be¬
fore the accounting can be made. There is one remarkable, even
astonishing, record made in this last drive, a record that either
establishes the fact that God was with the colored regiments en¬
gaged, as a protector, or that Fate is not merely a fetish, for the
iBuffaloes* suffered not a single casualty—not one wounded or
killed. Just how they could have advanced along the difficult line
given them; flanked by heavy German guns—guns from whose rain
of hell-made and death-charged shells it seems incredible that any
could escape, is beyond the conjecture of man, and yet they made
their advance, gained their objective, and held it without the loss
of a single man. The 366th, 365th, 351st Machine Gun, and 167th
Field Artillery, all colored, engaged in this final battle of the war,
suffered a casualty which, in the aggregate, was but slight, and
yet they were in the thick of it, and to the finish when the note was
sounded that, under the terms of the Armistice signed this morning
by the Germans, hostilities cease.
"It will be gratifying to the colored people to know that the
colored soldiers and officers have acquitted themselves splendidly,
296
SOOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
from the first engagement into which the 372nd was rushed soon
after landing to the final drive 'on to Metz' in which three colored
regiments and colored field artillery took part. And, claim what
they will, in every one of these engagements in which colored units
took part their colored officers led with commendable bravery
and efficiency, and the soldiers in line followed with such a fidelity,
loyalty, devotion, and dash as to forever set at rest the claim that
colored men are incapable to command as officers, and that colored
soldiers best fight under white officers. The drive 'on to Metz'
which concluded the four years' titanic war affixes 'finis' to the
argument put forth by some as to the loyalty of the race to their
own leaders.
"The effect of the signing, and promulgating in the camps of
our colored soldiers, of the Armistice today, was like magic in
this Marbache sector, where more than 30,000 combatant colored
troops are centered. Just out of the trenches, just out of the
fierce and bloody battle, they began singing and cheering, and
nearly every Frenchman they met, it mattered not the sex, greeted
them, these bronzed, khaki-garbed troops, with an embrace and the
exhilarating 'La guerre est fini,' meaning 'The war is finished.'
This evening, as I am writing this account, colored soldiers are
moving up and down, back and forth, over the streets of this little
French town at the front, cheering and singing. Their repertoire
of songs and hymns, exultingly and plaintively sung, from 'Down
on the Suwanee River,' 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,' to 'Hail, Hail,
the Gang's All Here,' interrupted ever and anon, although strictly
forbidden, with the firing of a revolver or gun, tell how happy
they are over the conclusion of peace. And many of them—most
of them, if not all—are anxiously awaiting the order for embarka¬
tion back to America, although they must realize that, of a neces¬
sity, many of them will witness the blooming of next June's roses
in France, rather than back in the States.
"It is perhaps one of the most glorious epochs in the history
of the race, since the issuing of the Emancipation Proclamation,
that the race, represented by three regiments—crack fighting regi¬
ments—and a field artillery unit, was engaged in the last battle
of the war; that the race was among the first of the Allied troops
WITH OUR SOLDIERS IN FRANCE
297
to go over the top and set foot on German soil after more than
four years' courageous fighting. Here are some of the expressions
with which colored privates gave vent to their happiness at the
war being over, in this sector last night:
(We done signed another Emancipation Proclamation!'
" 'That 4'New Freedom'' must come—we have won it.'
" 'We came to France and won a man's chance!' "
How France Received the Negro Soldiers
Let Mr. Tyler's fascinating and gossipy narrative of the life
of the American Negro troops in France close with a reproduction
of the tribute paid them by the French people themselves. The
following is a translation of an article written by a talented French
woman and published in the leading newspaper of one of the large
French cities:
"A peaceful town, far from the front. A beautiful June day
full of perfume of roses; resplendent summer freely bursting into
bloom, indifferent to human plaints, frets, and agitations. A boy
of ten years, head like the urchin of the year one, runs through
the streets crying: 'The Americans are coming to B ; the in¬
habitants are invited to greet them.'
"The Americans! For months they had been discussed; they
had been expected, and there was great curiosity; groups of people
go down to the public square of the town, where they see upon our
white streets the first ranks of the Allied troops. But what a sur¬
prise! They are black soldiers! Black soldiers? There is great
astonishment, a little fear. The rural population, not well in¬
formed, knows well the Negro of Africa, but those from America's
soil, the country of the classical type, characterized by the cold,
smooth white face; that from America could come this dark troupe
—none could believe his own eyes.
"They dispute among themselves; they are a little irritated;
some of the women become afraid; one of them confides to me that
she feels the symptoms of an attack of indigestion. Smiling, re-
assurably, 'lady with all too emotional stomach, quiet yourself!
They do not eat human flesh; two or three days from now you
will be perfectly used to them.' I said two or three days, but from
298
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
that very evening the ice is broken. Natives and foreigners smile
at each other, and try to understand each other. The next day we
see the little children in the arms of the huge Negroes, confidently
pressing their rosy cheeks to the cheeks of ebony, while their
mothers look on with approbation.
"A deep sympathy is in store for these men, which, yesterday,
was not surmised. Very quickly it is seen they have nothing of the
savage in them, but, on the other hand, one could not find a soldier
more faultless in his bearing, and in his manners more affable, or
more delicate than these children of the sun, whose ancestors
dreamed under the wonderful nights along murmuring streams.
We admire their forms—handsome, vigorous and athletic; their
intelligent and loyal faces with their large gleaming eyes, at times
dreamy, and with a bit of sadness in them.
"Far removed is the time when their inauspicious influence
was felt upon the digestive organs of the affrighted lady. Now on©
honors himself to have them at his table. He spends hours in long
talks with them; with a great supply of dictionaries and manuals
of conversation. The white mothers of France weep to see the
photographs of the colored mothers, and display the portraits
of their soldier sons. The fiancees of our own 'Poilus' become
interested in the fiancees across the sea, in their dress, in their
head dress, and in everything which makes woman resemble woman
in every clime. Late at night the workers of the field forget their
fatigue as they hear arise, in the peaceful night, the melancholy
voices which call up to the memory of the exile his distant country,
America. In the lanes along the flowery hedges, more than one
group of colored American soldiers fraternize with our people, while
the setting sun makes blue the neighboring hills, and gently the
song of night is awakened.
"And then these, soldiers who had become our friends depart.
One evening sad adieus are exchanged. Adieu? How we wish
they may be only 'Au revoirs.' Promises to correspond, to return
when furloughs are granted. Here.and there tears fall, and when,
the next day, the heavy trucks roll off in the chilly morning, carry¬
ing away to the front our exotic guests, a veritable sadness
seizes us.
WITH OUR SOLDIERS IN FRANCE
299
" Soldier friends, our hearts, our wishes, go with you. That
destiny may be merciful to you; that the bullets of the enemy may
spare you. And if any of you should never see your native home
again., may the soil of France give you sweet repose.
"Soldiers, who arrived among us one clear June day, redolent
with the scent of roses, you will always live in our hearts.''
CHAPTER XXI
NEGRO MUSIC THAT STIRRED FRANCE
Recognition of the Value of Music by the U. S. War Department—
The Patriotic Music of Colored Americans—Lieutenant James
Europe and His Famous "Jazz" Band—Other Leaders amd
Aggregations of Musicians—Enthusiasm of the French People
and Officials for American Music as Interpreted by These Col¬
ored Artists and Their Bandsmen.
"You cannot defeat a singing nation,'' a keen-witted observer
has said, in noting the victory spirit engendered by the martial
music, the patriotic songs and the stirring melodies of hearth
-and home that have moved the souls of men to action on all the
battlefields of history.
"Send me more singing regiments," cabled General Pershing,
and Admiral Mayo sent frequent requests that a song leader organ¬
ize singing on every battleship of the Atlantic Fleet.
Since "the morning stars sang together" in Scriptural nar¬
rative, music has exerted a profound influence upon mankind,
be it in peace or in war, in gladness or in sorrow, or in the tender
sentiment that makes for love of country, affection for kindred or
the divine passion for "ye ladye fair." Music knows no land or
clime, no season or circumstance, and no race, creed or clan. It
speaks the language universal, and appeals to all peoples with a
force irresistible, and no training in ethics or science is necessary
to reach the common ground that its philosophy instinctively
creates in the human understanding.
The War Department was conscious of this and gave practical
application to its theory that music makes "a soldier "fit to fight"
when it instituted, through the Commission on Training Camp
Activities, a systematic program of musical instruction throughout
the American Army at the home cantonments and followed up the
work overseas. It was the belief that every man became a better
300
NEGRO MUSIC THAT STIRRED FRANCE
301
warrior for freedom when his mind could be diverted from the
dull routine of camp life by arousing his higher nature by song,
and that he fared forth to battle with a stouter heart when his steps
were attuned to the march by bands that drove out all fear of bodily
danger and robbed "grim-visaged war" of its terrors. Skilled
song leaders were detailed to the various camps and cantonments
here and abroad, and bands galore were brought into service for
inspiration and cheer.
The emotional nature of the Negro fitted him for this musical
program. The colored American was a '1 close up'' in every picture
from the start to the finish and was a conspicuous figure in every
scenario, playing with credit and distinction alike in melody or
with the musket.
No instrumentality was more potent than music in offsetting
the propaganda of the wily German agents, who sought to break
down the loyalty of the Negro. The music he knew was intensely
American—in sentiment and rhythm. It saturated his being—and
all the blandishments of the enemy were powerless to sway him
from the flag he loved. His grievances were overshadowed by the
realization that the welfare of the nation was menaced and that his
help was needed. American music harmonized with the innate
patriotism of the race, and the majestic sweep of "The Star-
Spangled Banner'' or the sympathetic appeal of "My Country,
'Tis of Thee," were sufficient to counteract the sinister efforts of
the missionaries of the Hohenzollerns to move him from his moor¬
ings.
No labor is ever so onerous that it can bar music from the soul
of black folk. This race sings at work, at play and in every mood.
Visitors to any army camp found the Negro doing musical "stunts"
of some kind from reveille to taps—every hour, every minute of
the day. All the time the trumpeters were not blowing out actual
routine bugle calls, they were somewhere practicing them. Mouth-
organs were going, concertinas were being drawn back and forth,
and guitars, banjos, mandolins and whatnot were in use—playing
all varieties of music, from the classic, like "Lucia," "Poet and
Peasant," and "II Trovatore" to the folk-songs and the rollicking
"jazz." Music is indeed the chief est outlet of the Negro's emo-
302
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
tions, and the state of his soul can best be determined by the type
of melody he pours forth.
Some writer has said that a handful of pipers at the head of
a Scotch regiment could lead that regiment down the mouth of a
cannon. It is not doubted that a Negro regiment could be made to
duplicate the "Charge of the Light Brigade" at Balaklava—"into
the mouth of hell," as Tennyson puts it, if one of their regimental
bands should play—as none but a colored band can play, the vivaci¬
ous strains of '1 There '11 Be a Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight.''
The Negro's love of home is an integral part of his nature,
and is exemplified in the themes he plaintively crooned in camp on
both sides of the ocean. Such melodies as '' Carry Me Back to Old
Virginia," "My Old Kentucky Home," "In the Evening by de
Moonlight," and "Suwanee River" recalled memories of the "old
folks at home," and kept his patriotism alive, for he hoped to re¬
turn to them some day and swell their hearts with pride by reason
of the glorious record he made at the front. The Negro is essentially
religious, and his deep spiritual temperament is vividly illustrated
by the joy he finds in "harmonizing" such ballads of ancient days
as "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "Steal Away to Jesus," "Standin'
in the Need of Prayer," "Every Time I Feel the Spirit," "I "Wan*
To Be Ready," and 'Roll, Jordan, Roll." The Negro is also an
optimist, whether he styles himself by that high-sounding title or
not, and the sincerity of his "make the best of it" disposition is
noted in the fervor he puts into those uplifting gems, "Pack Up
Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag and Smile, Smile, Smile,"
"There's a Long, Long Trail," "Keep the Home Fires Burning,"
and "Good-bye Broadway, Hello France."
Just as the Negro folk-songs—or songs of war, interpreted with
the characteristic Negro flavor—stirred all France and gave poilu
and populace a taste of the real American music, the marvelous
"jazz bands" kept their feet patting and their shoulders "eagle-
rocking" to its infectious motion. High officials are said to have
been literally "carried away" with the "jazz" music furnished by
the colored bands "over there" during the war. General Petain
is said to have paid a visit, at the height of the hostilities, to a
sector in which there were American troops and had "the time of
his life" listening to a colored band playing the entrancing "jazz"
NEGRO MUSIC THAT STIRRED FRANCE
303
music, with some Negro dance stunts in keeping with the spirit of
the melodies. He warmly congratulated the colored leader upon
the excellence of the work of his organization, and thanked him
for the enjoyable entertainment that had been given him. The
stolid Briton is scarcely less susceptible to the "jazz" than his
volatile French brother, for when another colored band from "The
States'' went to London to head a parade of American and English
soldiers, and halted at Buckingham Palace, it is said that King
George V and Queen Mary heard the lively airs with undisguised
enthusiasm and were loath to have the players depart for the park
where they were scheduled for a concert, with a dance engagement,
under British military control, to follow. The colored bands scored
heavily with the three great Allied Powers of Europe by rendering
with a brilliant touch and matchless finish their national anthems,
"God Save the Queen," "La Marseillaise" and the "Marcia,
Reale.''
"Filling France Full of Jazz"
In an illuminating article, abounding in wit and calling for
descriptive powers far out of the ordinary, Mr. Charles Welton,
in The World Magazine, New York City, March 30, 1919, using
the unique title in the subhead above, tells much of interest con¬
cerning the experiences of Lieutenant James Reese Europe and
his 369th Regiment Band, which is said to have "jazzed its way
through France" and filled up all the vacant spaces in "No Man's
Land" with the remnants of notes broken by shells and shrapnel
as the one hundred master "jazzers" forced their lines to the very
banks of the Rhine, where the world woke up and found them on
the day the armistice was signed. Mr. Welton not only gives a
clever recital of the way the Europe aggregation "jazzed," but
pictures quite realistically the enthusiasm of the French people and
the army officials for American music of this new type, as inter¬
preted by these colored artists.
The writer tells engagingly the story of how "Jim" Europe
spent his early boyhood on his native heath, Mobile, Alabama, con¬
sorting with fiddles and improvised musical instruments until he
became acquainted with an upright piano, helped on by a father who
was himself something of a sound manipulator on all kinds of "con¬
traptions." Outgrowing his Mobile environs, or "down in 'the
304
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
sticks,* " as some facetious Northerners are fond of styling the
South, the youngster migrated to Washington, where he rapidly
advanced in all branches of music and learned to play upon practic¬
ally every instrument known to an orchestra or brass band and
became a director of musical organizations, vocal and instrumental.
One of Lieut. Europe's particular friends and admirers was
Col. William Hayward, who had fostered the development of the 15th
New York Regiment throughout its long struggle for recognition as
an integral part of the New York National Guard, and at the en¬
trance of the United States into the war, Col. Hayward became the
proud commander of the recruited and accepted "15th," officially
known as the 369th United States Infantry, which later achieved
international fame as "Hell Fighters" and led the Allied van to the
Rhine as the curtain fell upon the greatest tragedy in the annals
of the world.
How Europe and His "Jazz Outfit'' Broke Into the War
Following up the meteoric career of "Jim" Europe, Mr. Wel-
ton goes on to say:
"Then the war broke out, and Europe broke in. If he had been
built that way, he could have ducked it and stayed in town with his
bank deposits; but he couldn't figure it. He told Col. Hayward that he
was ready to follow or even go ahead of the flag to the last ounce of
jazz, and there were ninety-nine others like him. So the band was
signed up and sworn in, and Daniel C. Reid and some others made a
pool of enough thousands of dollars to supply instruments that would
stand the wear and tear of war and not go bad if dented up with shrapnel
and such like.
"Among the men who slipped into olive drab with the boss, come
weal, come woe, were Sergeant Noble Sissle, who played the cornet like
anything and knows all the tricks of drum majoring, and sings like a lark,
and writes verses by the yard; Herbert and Steve, whistlers and oh! such
drummers; Raphael Hernandez, baritone saxophoner; Ward Andrews, bet¬
ter known as Trombone Andrews; Elige Rijos, clarinetist, and Frank De
Bronte, who next to Europe himself is called the king of Jazz. The rest
of the band—the marimbaphones, the double B-flat helicons, the bunch of
French horns and all the rest clear down to the cymbals, were manned by
other eminent operators, making what is called a toot ensemble at once
hoDe-revivinc and awe-insDirine-.
Left—Col. Moss of the "Buffalo's." Right—The Colored Color Bearers of the 15th National Guard, New York.
Group of Negro Officers of the 370th (Old 8th Illinois National Guard) called the Black Devils by the Germans. Reading- left
to right: Capt. Joe Warner; 1st Lt. Arthur Jones; 2nd Lt. Ed. White; 2nd Lt. Julian D. Rainey; 2nd Lt. M. McGuinn • 2nd
Lt. "Luther Harris; 2nd Lt. Alvin M. Jordan ; 2nd Lt. Edward L. Goodlett ; 2nd Lt. J. F. Baker; 2nd Lt. Fred Johnson ■ 1st
Lt. F. Hewitt.
Colored heroes who won the Croix de Guerre. All of these are enlisted men of 369th Infantry who were decorated by the French
High Command. In front row from left to right are: Privates Ed. Williams, Herbert Taylor, Leon Fraitor and Ralph Hawkins. In
rear row are Private H. D. Prunes, Sgt. D. Stormes, Private Joe Williams, Private Arthur Menly and Corp. Taylor.
Left—Presenting- the Colors to "The Buffaloes." Governor Charles S. Whitman presenting, on behalf of the New York Union
League Club, the National and Regimental Flags to the 367th Infantry, just before they started overseas.
Right—American Negro Soldiers in the Spanish-American War. For more than a half century the Negro soldier has played an
important part in the Army of the United States. This photograph, taken during the Spanish-American War, shows how
our colored troops who fought in 1898 were uniformed and equipped.
Life in the Training- Camp. There was a good deal more than drill and work in the training camps as this photograph
of a boxing bout at Camp Travis, Texas, under the management of the Y. M. C. A., proves. The man on the stage in the light
colored shirt is the Negro Y. M. C. A. Secretary.
Left—Colonel William Hayward, commanding the 369th Infantry, and Major Arthur W. Little of the same regiment. Notice regi¬
mental badge, the Coiled Rattlesnake, on Major Little's shoulder.
Right—Major Joseph H. Ward who has the distinction of being one of the only two Negro officers of the Medical Corps to
attain the rank of Major.
How New York welcomed the famous "Hell Fighters." Triumphal Parade up Fifth Avenue o£ the 369th Regiment (15th
National Guard) on its return from "Over There." Photographed passing the New York Public Library.
GROUP OF OFFICERS OF THE 370TH
Reading- from Left to Right—Top—1st Lt. Norman Garrett; Capt. John H. Patton, 2nd Batt. 1st
Lt. Michael Browning, Machine Gun No. 2.
Center—Capt. Spencer C. Dixon, Med. Corps ; Major Charles H. Hunt, 2nd Battalion ; Capt. Lib-
burn Jackson, Machine Gun No. 2.
Bottom—1st Lt. Robt. C. Chavis ; 1st Lt. Benote H. Lee ; 2nd Lt. Frank Corbin, all of the 370th
Infantry (formerly old 8th Illinois).
NEGRO MUSIC THAT STIRRED FRANCE
305
"To understand jazz, it is well to know that it isn't merely a series
of uncontrollable spasms or outbursts of enthusiasm scattered through a
composition and discharged on the four winds, first by one wing and then
by another of the band. Of course if a player feels an attack of some¬
thing which he believes to be a jazz novelty rumbling in his system it
is not the Europe rule to make him choke it back and thus run the risk
of cheating the world out of a good thing. Any player can try anything
once. If it doesn't come out a fliv on harmony it can remain as a toot
to be used whenever there's a place where it won't crowd regular notes
over the bars.
"The basic fundamental of jazz, however, is created by means of a
variety of cones inserted point down in the bells of the horns. These
cones are of two kinds. One is of metal and the other of leather. The
leather cones are usually soaked in water before the band goes out for
a blow. The metal cones muffle and modify the natural tones of the in¬
struments and make them come across with new sound values.
"When a leather cone is wrung out and fitted into the vestibule of a
horn, and the man back of the works contributes the best that is in
him, it is somewhat difficult to explain what happens, in mere words.
You get it with both ears, and almost see it. The cone being wet, the
sound might be called liquefied harmony. It runs and ripples, then has
a sort of choking sensation; next it takes on the musical color of
Niagara Falls at a distance, and subsides to a trout brook nearby. The
brassiness of the horn is changed, and there is sort of a throbbing nasal
effect, half moan, half hallelujah. Get me?
"Having set this down, we may now land with the band at Brest,
France.
"The first thing that Jim Europe's outfit did when it got ashore
wasn't to eat. It wanted France to know that it was present, so it
blew some plain ordinary jazz over the town. Twenty minutes before
the 369th disembarked, Brest wasn't at all la-la, so to speak; but as
soon as Europe had got to work, that part of France could see that hope
wasn't entirely dead.
"From Brest the Europe outfit went to St. Nazaire, sowing jazz
selections over the agricultural terrain and bunching bits of it in the
cantons en route. There was a rest center at St. Nazaire. Europe went
to the center of the center, and for two months all he had to do was
to help the boys rest by providing a brand of soothing syrup. All the
sects in all the sectors round about that had carfare commuted into town
and lolled in the rest zone. The city council adopted resolutions and the
prefect delivered an eulogium right at Noble Sissle and the backstop
of snare drums.
2QG SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
» «-Y ipq Bains took tlie band to tliat TGSOrt.
"A call to. help from ^^Bt»e oasijlo ^ a ^git attack. On
It arrived just :in ^ ttat; had been dodging minenwerfers were
Wyedby the promise that Jim Europe had enough jazz in stock to
last until the war was over, over there. Troops suffering with aches were
hurried down to Aix—honest, they were—and the baud did the rest.
Equally Handy With Trombones or Machine Guns.
"Between concerts, so to express it, the 369th band would get from
under the coils of horns, unsling its drums, and load up with machine
guns and go into the deep and mussy trenches and practice on the un¬
happy wretches on the other side of no man's land. Europe himself
was the first colored officer to rest elbows against a first-line trench in
one of the uncomfortable bois countries. He did solo work with a ma¬
chine gun forty times heavier than a trombone, and actually got it to
working in syncopated time. If we ever have another war and it could
be fought exclusively by syncopating, Jim Europe would have a Major
General's rating."
The people everywhere turned out to hear the 369th Kegimental
Band, and its magic influence gave proof to the assertion by its
devotees that "JAZZ WON THE WAR." The return of "Jim"
Europe's band to America, when it led the imposing parade up
Fifth Avenue, February 17, 1919, the day the gallant 369th was
welcomed home by a grateful nation, was an occasion that will live
in history.
Sergeant Noble Sissle, who served as the regimental drum
major of the 369th, is one of the musicians whose work has "stood
out" in the estimation of the people on the other side of the water.
Noble Sissle was reared in Indianapolis, Ind., which boasts of
having furnished more real talent to the colored musical and dra¬
matic world than any other spot on earth, and his father, Rev.
* e(^£eSissle, was a one-time pastor of Simpson M. E. Chapel
^ oosier capital, as well as prominent in ministerial circles
S Kent!^- Sissle has won an
is regarded as one of LieuTenL? E„3nd pianist' and
both in the Clef Club in New York m°S? dePendable aids,
overseas. ln e regimental band work
Sergeant Sissle has made a study of the effect of Yankee
NEGRO MUSIC THAT STIRRED FRANCE
307
time, as interpreted by the colored artists, on French audiences,
and advantage may be taken of this opportunity to give a summary
of his impressions, as prepared for interested friends "over here."
It covers much heretofore unknown matter in connection with the
marvelous 369th Infantry Band and the intricacies of ragtime
or 4'jazz'' construction in general. Sergeant Sissle wrote, in part,
as follows:
""When our country was dance-mad a few years ago, we quite agreed
with the popular Broadway song composer who wrote:
'Syncopation rules the nation
Tou can't get away from it.'
"But if you could see the effect our good old 'jazz' melodies have
on the people of every race and creed you would change the word 'nation'
quoted above to 'world.'
"Inasmuch as the press seems to have kept the public well informed
of our band's effort to make the boys happy in this land where everybody
speaks everything but English, I will endeavor to start off with a few
notes concerning James Reese Europe, its organizer and conductor. This
Lieutenant Europe is the same Europe whose orchestras are considered
to have done a goodly share toward making syncopated music popular
on Broadway. Having been associated with Lieutenant Europe in civil
life during his 'jazz bombardment' on the delicate, classical, musical ears
of New York's critics, and having watched 'The Walls of Jericho' come
tumbling down, I was naturally curious to see what would be the effect
of a 'real American tune,' as Victor Herbert calls our Southern synco¬
pated tunes, as played by a real American band.
"At last the opportunity came, and it was at a town in France where
there were no American troops, and our audience, with the exception of
an American general and his staff, was all French people. I am sure the
greater part of the crowd had never heard a ragtime number. So what
happened can be taken as a test of the success of our music in this coun¬
try, where all is sadness and sorrow.
"The program started with a French march, followed by favorite-
overtures and vocal selections by our male quartette, all of which were
heartily applauded. The second part of the program opened with 'The
Stars and Stripes Forever,' the great Sousa march, and before the last
note of the martial ending had been finished the house was ringing with
applause. Next followed an arrangement of 'Plantation Melodies' and
then came the fireworks, 'The Memphis Blues.'
"Lieutenant Europe, before raising his baton, twitched his shoulders,
308 SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
apparently to be sure that his tight-fitting military coat would stand the
strain, each musician shifted his feet, the players of brass horns blew the
saliva from their instruments, the drummers tightened their -drumheads,
every one settled back in their seats, half closed their eyes, and when, the
baton came down with a swoop that brought forth a soul-rousing crash
both director an-d musicians seemed to forget their surroundings; they
were lost in scenes and memories. Cornet and clarinet players began to
manipulate notes in that typical rhythm (that rhythm which no artist
has ever been able to put down on paper); as the drummers struck their
stride their shoulders began shaking in time to their syncopated raps.
4'Then, it seemed, the whole audience began to sway, dignified French
officers began to pat their feet along with the American general, who,
temporarily, had lost his style and grace. Lieutenant Europe was no
longer the Lieutenant Europe of a moment ago, but once more Jim
Europe, who a few months ago rocked New York with his syncopated
baton. His body swayed in willowy motions and, his head was bobbing as
it did in days when tepsichorean festivities reigned supreme. He turned
to the trombone players, who sat impatiently waiting for their cue to
have a 'Jazz spasm,' and they drew their slides out to the extremity and
jerked them back with that characteristic crack.
"The audience could stand it no longer; the 'Jazz germ' hit them,
and it seemed to find the vital spot, loosening all muscles and causing
what is known in America as an 'Eagle Rocking Fit.' 'There now,' I
said to myself. 'Colonel Hayward has brought his band over here and
started ragtimitis in France; ain't this an awful thing to visit upon a
nation with so many burdens?' But when the band had finished and the
people were roaring with laughter, their faces wreathed in smiles, I was
forced to say that this is just what France needs at this critical moment.
"All through France the same thing happened. Troop trains carry¬
ing Allied soldiers from everywhere passed us en route, and every head
came out of the window when we struck up a good old Dixie tune. Even
German prisoners forgot they were prisoners, dropped their work to
listen and pat their feet to the stirring American tunes.
"But the thing that capped the climax happened lip in Northern
B^'" i„ ! JET. PTng T C°l0nel'S faTOrite 'The Army
±>lues, m a little village where we were th<* * * ,
there, and among the crowd listening to that band was an^lTl^
sixty years of age. To everyone's surprise, all tfTtZ ab°^
doing a dance that resembled 'Walking the Dog.' Then I w*' starte^
satisfied that American music would some day- be the world'^e^,
While at Aix les Bains other musicians from American bands said^T1-0"
experiences had been the same. eir
NEGRO MUSIC THAT STIRRED FRANCE
309
"Who would think that little U. S. A. would ever give to the world
a rhythm and melodies that, in the midst of such universal sorrow, would
cause all students of music to yearn to learn how to play it? Such is the
case, because every musician we meet—and they all seem to be masters of
their instruments—are always asking the boys to teach them how to play
ragtime. I sometimes think if the Kaiser ever heard a good syncopated
melody he would not take himself so seriously.
"If France was well supplied with American bands, playing their
lively tunes, I'm sure it would help a good deal in bringing home enter¬
tainment to our boys, and at the same time make the heart of sorrow-'
stricken France beat a deal lighter."
Sissle was made a Lieutenant before he returned with his regi¬
ment from overseas.
This resume of how Negro music thrilled France brings to
mind an interesting and pathetic story of an experience in a little
war-stricken town of the 369th Infantry Band and its agile drum
major—this same Noble Sissle. After the band had finished its
output of "Army Blues," etc., the program shifted to plantation
melodies, and the auditors were literally overcome by the power of
the songs, which were sung as only Negroes can sing them.
Dr. E. E. Moton used to say in his Tuskegee Talks that "the
white people can beat the Negro doing a great many things, but
there is one thing at which no white man can "beat the Negro, and
that is in the singing of Negro songs."
The closing piece on this occasion was "Joan of Arc," ren¬
dered by Drum Major Sissle, in a beautiful rich baritone. He
sang it first in English and then in excellent French. It will be
remembered that this Joan of Arc was the "Maid of Orleans" that
came as a mysterious child from the womb of destiny to liberate
the French at a time when their national existence hung in the
balance, and her memory is revered throughout France as a patron
saint. As Drum Major Sissle sang, the people wept. One be-
whiskered peasant, an elderly man, with tears streaming down his
age-hardened cheeks, rushed up to this man of color,—an apostle
of liberty, a man with many wrongs, but like the "Man of Galilee,"
willing to forget—and strenuously attempted to throw his arms
around the neck of the singer and kiss him.
310
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
The 350th Field Artillery Band
The 350th Field Artillery Band, led by Lieutenant J. Tim
Bryznm, of Philadelphia, won fame in France, and received a royal
welcome upon its return home in March, after an absence of about
a year. The band has about 70 soloists, recruited "from the four
corners of the earth," as its organizer, General Fred T. Austin,
facetiously puts it. The organization returned to Philadelphia under
flattering auspices, and Lieutenant Brymm, who has won distinction
as a composer, had two new offerings Sor the home-coming recep¬
tion, "The Philadelphia Sunday Blues," a glittering "jazz" con¬
ceit, and the "Dieulouard Glide," the latter a fox-trot composed
by lieutenant Brymm as descriptive of an artillery bombardment.
It depicts the course of a heavy artillery shell from the beginning
of its flight to its explosion, and was composed during one of the
regiment's fiercest artillery duels. Lieutenant Brymm has given
the country hundreds of popular song hits, the best-known of which
is perhaps "Please Go 'Way and Let Me Sleep," which had quite
a vogue some years ago.
Among the thousands of appreciative welcomers that packed
the Academy of Music was Mme. Ernestine Schumann-Heink, the
famous operatic contralto, who has evinced deep interest in a
number of aspiring colored composers, and who is styled "the god¬
mother of the 350th band," and its chief sponsor. Some wag has*
described Tim Brymm's Band as "a military symphony engaged in
a battle of jazz." Lieutenant Brymm also did excellent work as
leader of the band of the 349th Field Artillery for quite an extended
period, and brought it up to a high standard.
Other Regimental Bands That "Made Good" in France
Other bands that made a record in France, and whose expe¬
riences were much the . same as those chronicled with reference to
the bands of the 369th Infantry and 350th Field Artillery were:
The 368th Infantry Band, directed by Lieutenant A. Jack Thomas;
the parade at Baltimore before going overseas afforded President
and including Edgar Landin, the drum major whose evolutions in
Wilson and his party so much solid enjoyment;
NEGRO MUSIC THAT STIRRED FRANCE 311
The 370th Infantry (the "Old Eighth Illinois'* Regiment)
Band, directed by Lieutenant George E. Dulf;
The 349th and 351st Field Artillery and the 365th, 366th and
367th Regiments of Infantry all had bands that gave a splendid
account of themselves on both sides of the ocean.
Several of these unique organizations toured the country
shortly after their return from overseas, visiting many of the
principal cities, and were accorded the warmest kind of a reception
everywhere arrangements were made for their appearance. Their
work was inspirational to the last degree. The band of the 370th
Infantry (Eighth Illinois) scored heavily throughout the North and
East, with the celebrated coloratura soprano, Mme. Anita Patti
Brown, of Chicago, as prima donna and soloist.
Among the bands that have done good work in this country,
the 16th Battalion Band of the Minnesota Home Guards, under the
leadership of William H. Howard, is warmly praised in the North¬
west. Mr. Howard was commissioned as a First Lieutenant. He
is a native of Baltimore and for several years conducted one of the
leading musical studios in Minneapolis.
Some of the Song Leaders
The song leaders who trained the soldier lads in mass singing
in the home camps contributed largely to the morale of the army
and their labors, rendered in many instances at a heavy personal
sacrifice, are deserving of the highest commendation. They made
camp life happy, when the hearts of the men were sad from home¬
sickness, and every task was made lighter by the song that accom¬
panied it. In Y. M. C. A. huts, in the open field, and as the boys
whiled away the time in the highways and byways of the camp
area, the song leaders were on deck and had them humming some
care-destroying melody which brought a silver lining to the threat¬
ening clouds. Of these leaders, J. E. Blanton, Max Weinstein and
William C. Elkins, deserve especial mention.
Service Rendered Colored Soldiers by Mrs. Baker
Among the remembrances of the war period are the visits of
•Mrs. Newton D. Baker, the wife of the Secretary of War, who
sang in the camps and cantonments and the clubs of the War Camp
312
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Community Service, and in various city auditoriums. The &pPeal"
ances of Mrs. Baker at Howard University, at Dunbar High c oo ,
at War Camp Community Club No. 3, Camp Meade and o er
places near Washington, where soldiers and civilians were sta¬
tioned, were most welcome "breaks" in the daily routine of the
soldiers. Her singing always met with an enthusiastic reception,
commingling in her selections the military, the folk-song and the
ballad of heart-appeal, and the insistent demands for more, despite
the extraordinary draft upon her patience and powers, were re¬
sponded to in a measure that was generous to the last degree. She
enjoyed her faculty of giving joy to others, and it cannot be doubted
that Mrs. Baker's talents as a singer, and her rare capacity for
cheering white and colored Americans "to do their best, whate'er
betide," exerted a potent influence toward the winning of the war.
It was arranged with the War Camp Community Service that
J. E. Blanton, of the Penn School, should go from camp to camp,
leading the men in the singing of the spirituals, teaching them the
"Hymn of Freedom," written by Mrs. Burlin, a student of Negro
hymn-songs, and exerting his influence in sustaining the morale
which has ever characterized the colored troops. The plan was
heartily endorsed by Secretary of War Baker, who, in a letter
written to Mr. Peabody, said:
"I am quite sure that you are not overestimating the effect of
these spirituals. Indeed, there is a certain cadence to these songs
which is quite unattainable in any music with which I am ac¬
quainted, and I have little doubt that the white soldiers will be
singing them as eagerly and effectively as the colored men before
we get very far with it."
In an interesting article in The Outlook magazine, Miss
Grant makes note of the fact that the use of these spirituals
was not restricted to colored camps. The "Hymn of Free¬
dom," for instance, she says, has been sung in white churches,
schools and service clubs and by choral organizations connected
with the war in different parts of the country, thus justifying the
hope that the noble old Negro melody would become a bond of
sympathy between the races. The statement is made that the
writing of the words was in part prompted by Mrs. Burlin's belief
that "the artistic utterance of the Negro, which has so important a
NEGRO MUSIC THAT STIRRED PRANCE
313
place in the music of America, might help to build a bridge of
understanding between the races, spanning the chasm of prejudice."
These songs, many of the titles of which have been quoted
throughout this chapter on Negro music, along with the hundreds of
patriotic war melodies by our skilled composers of the modern
school, were carried to France by the colored troops, and toward
the close of the conflict they found an additional champion in Dr.
Moton, himself an unrivaled interpreter of the "spiritual," who
went abroad at the request of President Wilson and Secretary
Baker to assist in safeguarding the welfare of the black soldiers
on the battle fronts.
Miss Grant is firm in the belief that the work of promoting
the folk-song, with its accompanying Americanism, has suggestion
for the future in the nation's dealing with the Negro, and the
solution of what has come to be known as the "race problem."
Her admirable article closes with a quotation from Mrs. Burlin,
in the sentiment of which she concurs most heartily:
"Through toil and suffering song has kept the heart of the
Negro still unembittered; through prejudice and misunderstanding
it has upheld him; through the stress and sacrifice of this whit©
man's war it has cheered him on. And, those who recognize its
power are surely not wrong in feeling that in the inspired musio
of the black man lie a prophecy of the possibities of the race and
an earnest plea for that democracy at home which cannot be won
by bomb or bullet, but by sympathy and understanding and a
realization of the contribution which each race can make to the
civilization of the world."
Some of the Compositions That Counted
Thousands of creditable compositions, vocal and instrumental,
marches, duets, quartets and choruses, have been brought out by
gifted colored musicians throughout the land. Of the long list of
such compositions, a song "The Colored Soldier Boys of Uncle
Sam," by W. J. Nickerson, of New Orleans, Louisiana, dedicated to
the colored soldiers of the TJ. S. A., occupies a conspicuous place.
The music is in march time, and has a lively step and a resonant
swing that gives it an especial appeal to all who appreciate the
combination of classic style with the sprightliness of the melodies
314
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
that make movement their chief function. The words of this
meritorious production are also by Mr. Nickerson, and they carry
a sentiment that is at once eloquent and convincing in their
patriotism.
"There'll he no stop, 'till we're over the top,
We're the colored boya of Uncle Sam!"
Mr. Nickerson's inspiring war song acquired a large measure
of popularity through its use by Mme. Anita Patti Brown, prima
donna soprano, in the nation-wide concert tour of the 8th Regiment
(or 370th) shortly after the signing of the armistice.
The Negro troops of Camp Shelby composed a song of their
own and dedicated it to their military cantonment. The men at
this camp were all Southern born, and the theme bore strongly upon
their attachment to the land in which they first saw the light and
their comprehension of the joys of army life. The hymn was
entitled "Glory, Glory to Old Shelby," and was sung to the tune
of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic.'*
Miss Nannie G. Board, a young colored woman of Louisville,
Kentucky, won first place in a contest for producing the best orig¬
inal war song, securing this laurel in competition with a field of
contestants nearly all white. The contest was conducted by the
United War Work Campaign Committee of the State of Kentucky.
Miss Board graduated from Howard University and became a
teacher in the State Agricultural and Industrial Institute, Nashville,
Tennessee.
After all is said of the mesmeric influence of Negro music
upon France, and of the high-grade morale maintained in camps
and communities over here through its magic wand, the world is
impressed with the thought that melody is indeed the common
tongue of mankind, and that the Negro-American music that filled
the hills and dales overseas has forged a link of international
friendship that will last for all time, and has built up a spirit of
fellowship and cameraderie between the races, white and black that
will lay the foundation of an enduring human brotherhood through¬
out the earth.
CHAPTER XXII
THE NEGRO IN THE SERVICE OP SUPPLY
A Vast Army of Colored Stevedores in France—Their Important
and Efficient Work—Essential to the Combatant Army in the
Trenches—Their Loyalty and Cheerfulness—Important Lessons
Learned in the War — The Labor Battalions — Well-Earned
Tributes to These Splendid Colored Workers Overseas.
"WVr is not all "death, and glory." For every soldier who gets
even a glimpse of the enemy or risks his life within range of shell-
fire, there mnst, in all modern warfare, be from twenty to thirty men
working at such commonplace and rontine tasks as loading and
unloading ships, building piers, laying railroad tracks, making
roads, in a thousand other ways making it possible for the fighting
men to get to the front, and for the necessary food, ammunition,
and other supplies to reach them. But what man would want to
render such service? It was somewhat exciting news for the Negro
population of the United States to learn that only about twenty
per cent of the colored draftees were to be trained to fight while
the remaining Negroes in the military service would constitute non-
combatant divisions in the Service of Supply, or other non-fighting
organizations. On June 23, 1918, when 237,000 Negroes had been
called to the colors, it was estimated that the battalions of the non-
combatant to the combatant troops were in the proportion of about
four to one.
This vast army of Stevedores in France was composed mostly
of men who volunteered when the call was first sounded. The first
men who went over early in June, 1917, were with a civilian con¬
tract company, experienced as stevedores in America. They served
one year and finishing their contract in June, 1918, returned to
America. During the early days of July, 1917, other companies of
volunteer men arrived, so the army grew until the Stevedore Camps
at base ports in France became one great industrial army, number¬
ing about fifty thousand.
315
316
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
The army of Stevedores had all the equipment, regulations,
and military rank and uniform that the infantry had. Though
industrial in its nature, all the life and workings, and details of
procedure, were according to military law and order. This vast
army of workers was divided into companies and regiments and
had their individual camps regularly officered and numbered. Any¬
thing by the way of uniform and ration that other men received,
the Stevedore shared equally. They were soldiers and took great
pride in the fact that they belonged to Uncle Sam's Army. Includ¬
ing all the display that goes with drills, reviews, and inspections,
saluting an officer, flag-raising, and perchance, the grand parades,
with companies swinging into line, and the martial music of bands,
the Stevedores always stepped proudly and lively enough to suit
the keenest military eye for discipline and fine training.
The Stevedores also took great pride in their companies, their
camps, and all that belonged to the Army, and because their work
and contribution were always emphasized by officers as being essen¬
tial to the boys in the trenches, the name 4'Stevedore" finally
became a dignified and distinguished term, representing an impor¬
tant part of the great American Army.
To the Negro soldiers of the American Army fell a large part
of the work of this 11 Service of Supply," or, as it was known in
Army slang, the "S. 0. S." The work of the Negro Stevedore
Regiments and Labor Battalions, and their unremitting toil at the
French ports—Brest, St. Nazaire, Bordeaux, Havre, Marseilles—
won the highest praise from all who have had an opportunity to
judge of the efficiency of their work. Every man who served his
country in one of these organizations was as truly fighting to save
his country as though he had carried a rifle and killed Germans.
The following are the Negro organizations, other than combat
troops, that served overseas:
Butchery Companies, Nos. 322 and 363.
Stevedore Regiments, Nos. 301, 302 and 303.
Stevedore Battalions, Nos. 701, 702.
Engineer Service Battalions, Nos. 505 to 550, inclusive.
Labor Battalions, Nos. 304 to 315, inclusive; Nos. 317 to 327,
inclusive; Nos. 329 to 348, inclusive, and No. 357.
Labor Companies, Nos. 301 to 324, inclusive.
THE NEGRO IN THE SERVICE OF SUPPLY,
317
Pioneer Infantry Battalions, Nos. 801 to 809, inclusive; No. 811
and Nos. 813 to 816, inclusive.
At the same time, there were 207 Labor Battalions in France
composed of white soldiers.
As there were not sufficient colored officers to command the
colored regiments and no efforts were being made to train colored
officers for this purpose, there was much apprehension among the
colored people as to how these Negro laborers in the military
service would be treated. Some said it meant the re-enslavement
of the Negro race. An effort was then made to increase the
facilities for military training offered to colored draftees in the
various camps to supply this peculiar need of the Service battalions,
and some encouragement and some actual deeds to meet this demand
followed. It was argued not only that officers to be placed in charge
of these noncombatant troops should be well trained themselves, but
that the Negro laborers should be given an opportunity to be
trained in military tactics. A memorial was, therefore, made to
the Secretary of "War by the Central Committee of Negro College
Men, recommending that the noncombatant units excluded from the
officer training privileges be allowed through the extension of
training privileges to supply their own quota of noncombatant
officers, and that for the general good of the service such troops
be given at least one month's military training before being assigned
to their specific duties.
Arduous Tasks for the Army
The tasks of these soldiers in the Service of Supply were
numerous. On arriving at the ports they were called upon to
handle bags of mail and freight sent to supply the Army. The
Army had to be furnished with horses and mules, which had to be
fed with forage and supplied with saddles and harness. The men
needed ice, meat, bacon, flour, and lard, and for comfort shoes,
clothes, matches, ipecac, and gasoline. When our Army was in full
swing in France we had to hurry up the shipments of millions of
rounds of ammunition and large supplies of blankets, rubber-boots,
hay, and medicines to carry out the great work of promoting
the war.
318
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
When brought to the various ports, an unusual number of
laborers were required to unload such supplies. When unloaded
the task of transporting them to the various points for distribution
among the divisions of the Army was a still greater task. As
railroads were not always available and railway connections had
been broken up by the penetration of the Germans almost into the
heart of France, automobile transportation was a necessity. In
this same service French cattle cars, the ox-cart, the motorcycle,
side-cars, aeroplanes, and human beings as beasts of burden were
used.
The task was rendered somewhat easier later when these same
men increased sufficiently in numbers to be detached for the special
service of building Yankee railroads. This made possible an easier
handling of these supplies through storage depots located at various
places in France. The storage depot at Gievres, through which
millions of American wealth passed in the Army like water over a
milldam, covers six square miles. It was started in the fall of 1917
and when the war ended the Army had there about twenty miles of
warehouses and shops of modern construction and about 25,000
men handling the enormous masses of stores distributed from that
point. From such warehouses were distributed everything except
artillery, heavy ammunition and aeroplane products, which had
supply depots of their own at Mehun and Eomorantin. This depot
is diamond-shaped, with 140 miles of interior railroad lines within
the reservation for the handling of freight.
How the colored American Stevedores in France worked is
told in a report by the Reverend D. Leroy Ferguson, Rector of the
Protestant Episcopal Church of Our Merciful Saviour, Louisville,
Kentucky. He paid a high tribute to the American Army of Colored
Stevedores in a lengthy account which tells of their patriotic deeds.
On the same day that the American Infantry, treading in the
wake of the retreating Germans gained the outskirts of Fismes,
says he, Colored Stevedores unloading a ship at one of the base
ports, unostentatiously won an important victory by discharging
1200 tons of flour in 9y2 hours, setting a record for the A. E. F.
and a pace which is rarely excelled on the best-equipped docks in
the United States. The same group of Stevedores over a period
of five days discharged an average of 2000 tons of cargo a day frttna
THE NEGRO IN THE SERVICE OF SUPPLY
319
one ship, a record more notable still. It was a 24-hour-a-day grind
at the base ports, he says, where thousands of American colored
troops put ashore the million and one articles, big and little, which
are necessary for the maintenance of a modern army. The scarcity
of ocean tonnage made necessary the utilization of every ounce of
ship capacity, and the saving of every possible moment in dispatch¬
ing supplies to France.
With the same force with which American line units made their
debut in a big scale warfare, did the other branches of the service
upon whose efforts depend the potency and effectiveness of the men
in the trenches accomplish their less spectacular but equally impor¬
tant work;—more work was accomplished in the S. 0. S. by an
appreciable percentage during July, 1918, than in any previous
month. More dirt was excavated; on the rail lines of communica¬
tion, more steel was laid; more warehouses were constructed; and
more conspicuous still, at the base ports, more men were landed,
more freight was discharged from incoming ships, and the efficiency
of its handling was materially increased.
Most of the American colored Stevedores had never seen a ship
until they started for France, but they proved their worth as cargo
handlers. Working in the hold of a ship, with the August sun
raising heat waves from the deck, was not the easiest job in the
Army, but they broke records at it, and it did not dampen their
sunny disposition either.
How splendidly the Stevedores measured up to military stand¬
ards of efficiency while "making good,'' and with what great
affection their officers regarded them and their work, Dr. Ferguson
had opportunities to witness. And Col. C. E. Goodwyn in a letter
expresses this fact most admirably. His can be taken as a special
standard, because Colonel Goodwyn for over a year was in charge of
the largest camp of Colored Stevedores in France.
"It is with many keen thrusts of sorrow," said he, "that I am
obliged to leave this camp and the men who have made up this
organization. The men for whose uplift you are working have not
only gained but have truly earned a large place in my heart, and
I will always cherish a loving memory of the men of this wonder¬
ful organization which I have had the honor and privilege to
command."
320
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
That Colonel Goodwyn was also held in high esteem by his
men, may be judged from a conversation which was overheard one
day. After the armistice a group of the boys were diseussing what
they had in mind to do first after returning to America. One
ambitious fellow said, "I'm going to marry right away, and get
me a fine little boy stevedore!'' Another remarked that 1' Of course
his name will be Abraham Lincoln." "Oh, no," replied the first
speaker. "There's too many Abe Lincolns in America now; my
first boy's going to be called * Colonel Goodwyn.' "
Cheerfulness in the Camps
Very naturally, many amusing stories and jokes, with the war
and France as a background, featured the life of the colored boys
over there. One heard many funny "bon mots" and puns and
clever stories attributed to the Negro soldier, until it seems that
they brought and made most of the humor connected with the grim,
frightful war. Surely, in America, the jokes of their experiences
and life in France, and foreign surroundings, their efforts to imitate
or speak the French language, will, I imagine, serve to increase the
record, which will be all the more laughable, as well as interesting,
because of the new situation and circumstances that enter into the
stories. It is very true that with that native talent and fun-making
nature of his, the Negro soldier found many things in France that
amused him, and made possible for him all sorts of jokes and
clever expressions. Indeed, the Negro soldier was quick to see
whatever was humorous over there; the war, the army, the firing
line, even the serious and dangerous things, that make others sad,
he made the basis of his jokes and ofttimes ridiculed, so that even
his dangers and his tasks seemed to have been less difficult. No
doubt these jokes and comic expressions will be heard over again
and happily enjoyed in America when the boys return home.
As to cheerfulness, the Stevedore Camps had their share of
songs, music, and that gaiety which characterizes a cheerful race.
One thing that most impressed those who were willing to observe,
was that all through those stressful days and anxious, when the
strain of work and the handling of cargoes and ammunition for
the front became really one long grind for the Stevedores, morning,
noon and night, one could see them through all sorts of weather
THE NEGRO IN THE SERVICE OF SUPPLY
321
and hours, swinging by companies into line, marching bravely and
merrily to the difficult tasks, singing oi whistling some patriotic
melody or popular song.
Frequently the base commander and other distinguished officers
visited the camps and were seen at the public gatherings and
Y. M. C. A. buildings. "I have heard them repeatedly emphasize,"
writes Dr. Ferguson, "how much the Army at the front depended
on the work and loyalty of the Stevedores at the base. They also
spoke to them in the highest terms about the way in which they
were performing their difficult tasks, without the show, applause,
and excitement that inspire the soldier at the front. They were
doing the drudgery, the dull routine, the monotonous labo#; still
they were the foundation and groundwork upon which the whole
Army was built. They also were American soldiers and heroes.
"With such patriotic sentiment always encouraging them, I
believe the same acted as a spur to keep the morale up to the
highest, and the energy with which they worked was all the more
vital, because they responded readily to the principles of patriotism
that urged them on, believing that through their efforts all the more
quickly victory and peace would come. Even after the armistice
was signed and their thoughts naturally turned homeward to their
families and friends, a new appeal is being made to them, that the
Army of Occupation now needs supplies and food, to which they
are responding loyally, and the Stevedores are over there still at
work, far into the night and even from the rising to the setting of
the sun.
"When it is considered to what extent with regard to different
States and communities the huge army of Stevedores was organized,
and the various types and conditions of men represented, ranging
from the young man of school training and city-bred, to those from
hamlets and small farms Vay down South, and illiterate, it is
remarkable how they were all brought together and welded finally
into a fine industrial army that made such a wonderful record of
work and efficiency. This credit belongs to the Army discipline and
training they received. The traveler was often amazed to see this
development of hundreds of young men from crude farmhands,
very raw material, indeed, day by day improving under Army
discipline, until in these days, after their months rof training, they
322
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
stand forth, erect, alert, earnest, industrious soldiers; and in them
is found a type of industrious and useful citizens for the future
America.''
»
Lessons Learned in the War
They learned remarkable lessons in this experience of war
times, aside from the broadening view of life that travel and
foreign contact give. These are the lessons of self-control, cleanli¬
ness, promptness, obedience, efficiency, and the value of time.
Another agency with the camp that greatly influenced the men and
urged the development of mind, body, and soul was the Y. M. C. A.
In each camp wherever the Stevedores were stationed there were
soon established very home-like and commodious "Y" buildings,
all equipped with the same regular, standardized furnishings and
supplies as others, under the able direction of colored secretaries.
That the men received additional help and advantage here also is
well recognized. The programs were elaborate and interesting,
oonsisting of lectures by eminent men and women, concerts by the
leading musicians, singers, and actors that went the rounds of all
the camps; moving pictures, athletics, circulating libraries, and
educational classes in reading, writing, mathematics; besides reg¬
ular instruction in French. All these fine influences must have
reached the minds and hearts of the Stevedores, and scores of men
who came to the Army illiterate were able, after the training
received, to write their names and first letters home to wives,
sweethearts and friends.
The service rendered by the Negroes of these battalions evoked
many expressions of admiration and praise from all persons who
saw the Army in action in France. It was observed that the spirit
which animated the Americans engaged in the Service of Supply
division was the same as that of those in the front-line trenches.
The shiploads of products requiring usually four days for unloading
were disposed of by these Negroes in half of that time. In fact
they did everything on a gigantic scale and did their work quickly.
The rapidity then with which the American soldiers were dispatched
to France so as to excite surprise at home and abroad was due
primarily to the unselfish and patriotic service of the thousands of
Negro stevedores who cleared the ports on arrival in France.
THE NEGRO IN THE SERVICE OF SUPPLY 323
Writing of these wonderful feats an observer asserted that
when the greatest of American transports first came over, it took
52 days to unload it at Liverpool. Later this period was reduced
to 28 days. On the third trip it was decided to send this transport
to a French port where Americans could handle the freight in less
time. It turned out that on the first arrival 10,000 men and supplies
were unloaded and the ship coaled and sent back in four days.
On the second arrival the same task was completed in three days;
the third arrival in 48 hours, and the fourth arrival in 44 hours.
In each case, 5,000 tons of coal had to be put on this large transport
and loaded from lighters, as her 41 feet of draft kept her far out
in the harbor.
Work of the Stevedores
Referring to the work done by these stevedores in France,
Mr. Ralph W. Tyler, accredited representative of the Committee on
Public Information, then in France, said: "Figures just made
available show that for the month of September, 1918, there were
handled at the American base ports in France 767,648 tons, or a
daily average of 25,588 tons, an increase of nearly ten per cent over
August. When it is considered that colored stevedores handled by
far the largest per cent of this tonnage, some idea can be formed
of the very important service colored stevedores are rendering the
Government here in France, and how necessary they are to the
success of the Allies. The work of colored stevedores may be
menial, and is laborious, but it is as essential as the manning of
the guns at the front. The fact is, that without these stevedores
first unloading and aiding in transporting the guns, munitions, and
supplies to the front, there would be no manning of "guns at the
front. One who sees the stevedores' work notes with what rapidity
and cheerfulness they work, and what a very important cog they
are in the war machinery. The colored stevedore has greater
endurance than the others."
At a Stevedore Camp
In another letter Mr. Tyler said: "I have just returned from
a two days' visit to a point where there are assembled, and at
work, some twenty-five thousand service, or stevedore troops. I
was particularly impressed with to arrangements, and witli the
324
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
uniform cheerfulness and splendid morale of the men. During quite
an extended conference, or audience, with the Colonel in command,
he stated that he would not exchange his men, if it were a matter of
option, for any command in the Army; that he was proud of his
men, and that they not only responded to discipline readily, but most
cheerfully. He further stated that he would like to lead his men
into action, but that the work they were performing was urgently
necessary to facilitate action at the front, and that his men accepted
their duties, as I learned from the men themselves, knowing that
their work, although non-combatant, was absolutely necessary to the
prosecution of the war.
*1 The erroneous opinion existing among many of the colored race,
that only colored men are commandeered for the laborious, or manual
work, would quickly be dispelled, among those who hold to such
opinion, were they over here at the front and could observe the many
thousands of white men in the Army performing the same class of
work performed by colored men. In the assignment of duty over
here, I find that men's racial identity is not considered; that duty is
paramount. Between the commanding officer, at the point visited,
and the colored stevedores there appears to be a bond of sympathy
akin to that existing between a most considerate employer and satis¬
fied and cooperating employees. Not only are our men, at this point,
treated with marked consideration, without offending strict military
discipline, but they are wholesomely and abundantly fed, and com¬
fortably and sanitarily quartered. There need not be, back in the
States, any concern whatever felt as to the treatment accorded, or
the provisions made for the maintenance of the colored service bat¬
talions in France, so far as I have seen. Most of the men are faring
as well as they did back in the States, and many of them are faring
infinitely better than they did when at home, and the amusements
and recreations provided for them are excellent.
"The relations existing here between these colored soldiers and
the French people is fine. Absolutely nothing has transpired here
among these more than 25,000 colored men gathered from every walk
of life, and many of them from the ghettos, to arouse even the sus¬
picion of fear in the most timid of white women. It was a long,
tedious ride to reach this point, but what I have learned at this camp
abundantly compensates me for the trip.
THE NEGRO IN THE SERVICE OF SUPPLY
325
" Another pleasing thing, to me, about this stevedore camp, was
that the guardhouse was, in size, but a small affair, and that its
inmates constituted an astonishingly low number, and such as were
confined in it were there for trivial offenses—mere infractions of
strict military rules rather than crimes.
The Colored Motorcycle Riders
'' There is a glamour about the combatant units of an army in
war that very frequently causes the non-combatants who are most
essential in war, to be overlooked," continued Mr. Tyler. * * Among
the non-combatants over here who have been overlooked in all reports
are the colored motorcycle riders, who act as couriers and trans¬
porters, carrying messages, night and day, from front to front; from
headquarters to the front line trenches and battle front, and back,
or who rush officers, almost with the velocity of the wind, to distant
points. It is really marvelous how these colored motorcyclists ride
pell-mell, in the darkest nights, without headlights, along these
strange, devious, forking, and merging roads of France, leaving
towns, through which they pass, behind in an instant. It is mar¬
velous how these riders so quickly learned these French country
roads. They race along, at times, when the darkness is so thick one
cannot see his hand before his face, with only their judgment, which
never fails them, to tell them the right road to take, or how near a
precipice they are riding. They race along these lonely roads at
night, whose darkness is only pierced now and then by a bursting
German shell just ahead or behind them, or at their side, at the rate
of from 65 to 75 miles per hour. Frequently, as they race along,
bearing an important message to the front, German shells fall and hit
the road so continuously as to be incessant, but these daring colored
motorcyclists, never daunted, ride on, indifferent to the shells, as if
they were but covering a peaceful road with which they are perfectly
familiar back in the states.
"I rode several miles with one last night, from one front to
another, at a 65-mile-per-hour clip. He was indifferent to the burst¬
ing of American anti-aircraft shells, aimed at the Boche airplane in
the sky above us; he was oblivious to the thunder of the German
cannon, and their shrieking shells to our right; he merely had his
mind, as he kept his eyes to the front, on getting me back to the point
326
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
which we had left a few hours before, a distance of five miles, in ten
minutes. And he made it without slip or hit. When the history of
this war is written some space, by right, must be given to telling
of the bravery, daring and speed of the colored motorcycle riders,
seventy-odd of whom are with the colored division which I am with
at present."
In appreciation of the unselfish service rendered by these col¬
ored men at one of these ports, General Pershing visited them and
paid them a fine compliment. He said: "When this expedition
first started, the question was: 'Do you want any colored men
over there?' and I said, 'Yes, of course, I want colored men.'
I said: 'Aren't they American citizens? Can't they do as much
work in the line of fighting and as much work as any other American
citizen?' " The General referred to the fact that he was raised in
a town where three-fourths of. the people were colored, and that he
was proud to say that during the Spanish-American War he com¬
manded a colored troop which did splendid work then, just as other
Negro troops are doing splendid work now. He said on leaving:
"I expect to come back here and organize a few volunteer units
and give you guns and let you go to the front and try your hand
at it."
One of the largest camps in France, numbering nine thousand
Stevedores, frequently had distinguished visitors, who brought
greetings from America. How happily the boys heard them, and
with what enthusiastic applause they were welcomed! Especially,
they will remember Mr. Ralph W. Tyler, war correspondent for the
colored press, who brought greetings from the Secretary of War,
and their families back home; also, Mr. Julius Rosenwald, who
brought to the boys greetings from the Governors of their states,
whom the boys all applauded vigorously. Mr. Rosenwald liked so
well what he saw that he donated one thousand francs to be spent
among the boys. One American representative especially received
prolonged applause and a hearty welcome from the stevedores,
and that was Ella Wheeler Wilcox. And this because her words
were so helpful and friendly. Moreover, this eminent poetess was
able to see something of the heroic and splendid in the Stevedores,
which inspired her to sing this martial song:
THE NEGRO IN THE SERVICE OF SUPPLY
327
The Stevedores
We are the Army Stevedores, lusty and virile and strong;
We are given the hardest work of the war, and the hours are long;
We handle the heavy boxes and shovel the dirty coal;
While the soldiers and sailors work in the light,
We burrow below like a mole.
But somebody has to do this work, or the soldiers could not fight;.
And whatever work is given a man, is good if he does it right.
We are the Army Stevedores and we are volunteers;
We did not wait for the draft to come, and put aside our fears.
We flung them away to the winds of Fate, at the very first call of our land,
And each of us offered a willing heart, and the strength of a brawny hand.
We are the Army Stevedores, and work as we must and may,
The Cross of Honor will never be ours to proudly wear away.
But the men at the front could not be there
And the battles could not be won,
If the Stevedores stopped in their dull routine,
And left their work undone.
Somebody has to do this work;
Be glad that it isn't you!
We are the Army Stevedores; give us our due!
—Ella Wheeler Wilcox.
CHAPTEK XXIII
"WITH THOSE WHO WAIT"
Provision for Technical Training of Draftees—Units That Did Not
Get to France—Vocational and Educational Opportunities
Opened to Them—The Negro in the Students' Army Training
Corps—In the Reserve Officers' Training Corps.
The progress of the war and the gathering up of miscellaneous
men from civil life to serve as defenders of the nation, developed
the fact that the education of the youth of the land had been woe¬
fully neglected, even in the primary and secondary grades, but
particularly in the matter of technical or vocational training. Thou¬
sands upon thousands of those inducted into the Army through the
operation of the Selective Draft Law, who were ready and eager to
battle for the safety of their country's freedom, were sadly deficient
in practical knowledge of the simplest thiAgs essential to the well-
being of a military organization. Their experience had been con¬
fined largely to the routine of civil life, and the great majority
called to the colors knew nothing of machinery, the handling of
tools (as in carpentry, construction and repair), electrical work,
woodwork, operation and repair of automobiles, horseshoeing, or
the proper care of animals, etc. The number actually illiterate
was alarming. It was surprising to those unfamiliar with scholastic
conditions among the people of this country, that there should be
so many men unable even to sign their names to the Army payrolls.
This deplorable situation led the military officials to cast about
for a means of raising the mental tone of the Army, to enhance its
efficiency by making provision for technical training, and to carry
along with such training a system of scholastic improvement, such
as would enable the soldiers to read and understand army orders,
to contprehend the meaning and import of signals, to grasp the true
spirit of service that had brought them into the great war, and to
fit them for the largest measure of usefulness and to be ready for
328
"WITH THOSE WHO WAIT"
329
the advancement that would naturally come to those who per¬
formed their duty most capably. When it was decided that there
should be provision for a double system of education and training
for soldiers, the Special Assistant to the "Secretary of War looked
about to see if all soldiers were to be included in this highly
important program—that is, if the schedule had in mind the par¬
ticular needs of colored soldiers also. To his regret, he found
nothing to indicate that colored soldiers were to be given this train¬
ing. After several full and free conferences with Dr. C. A. Prosser,
Director of the Federal Board for Vocational Training, and his
assistant, Dr. W. I. Hamilton, to whom, at first, was confided the
responsibility of developing a program of vocational training, a
memorandum was drawn up calling attention to the number of
colored troops already in the service and the probable number to
follow. As a result the whole program was broadened to include
also colored soldiers.
Schools Selected for Training
A Committee on Education and Special Training was after¬
ward designated by the Secretary of War, and entrusted with the
execution of this far-reaching program. Certain educational insti¬
tutions were set apart under Government contract for the training
of student-soldiers. Thirteen of the leading colored schools of the
land were among the number authorized to undertake the instruc¬
tion of the colored soldiers. The schools selected and the courses
of instruction decided upon, together with the number of soldiers
allotted to the various terms were as follows:
Howard University, Washington, D. C.—May 15 and July 15, 1918,
300 men, Capt. Jerome Lavigne, C. 0.; bench, workers, electricians, wire¬
less operators.
Atlanta University, Atlanta, Georgia.—120 men, July 1, 1918; bench
workers, general carpenters, army truck drivers, blacksmiths.
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical College, Savannah, Georgia.—
125 men; July 1, 1918; blacksmiths, carpenters, electricians, wheelwrights.
Georgia State Industrial College, Savannah, Georgia.—200 men,
July 1, 1918; army truck drivers, general carpenters, bench workers,
blacksmiths.
Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, Hampton, Virginia.—
Capt. Robert H. Nealy, C. O.; June 15, 245 men; August 15, 1918, 245 men;
330
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
electricians, carpenters, wheelwrights, machinists, chauffeurs, auto repairers,
truck drivers, master truck drivers, horseshoers, blacksmiths, pipefitters.
Negro Agricultural and Technical College, Greensboro, North
Carolina.—Capt. C. C. Helmar, C. 0.; 260 men, June 15; 280 men, August
15, 1918 j chauffeurs, carpenters, tractor operators, truck drivers.
Branch Normal School, Pine Bluff, Arkansas.—120 men, June 15,
1918; carpenters, blacksmiths, auto mechanics.
Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, Tuskegee, Alabama.—
Capt. Edgar R. Bonsall, C. O.; 380 men, May 15; 380 men, July 15; 380
men, Sept. 15, 1918; auto mechanics, carpenters, blacksmiths, general
mechanics.
Western University, Quindaro, Kansas.—100 men, June 15, 1918;
blacksmiths, carpenters, concrete workers, electricians, horseshoers.
Prairie View N. and I. College, Prairie View, Texas.—150 men, June
15, 1918; auto mechanics, chauffeurs, blacksmiths, carpenters.
Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, Ohio.—180 men, July 15; 180
men, August 15, 1918; machine shop, auto gas engines, general mechanics,
cobblers, carpenters, blacksmiths.
State Agricultural and Mechanical College, Orangeburg, South
Carolina.—240 men, July 1, 1918; auto mechanics, truck drivers, tractor
operators, concrete workers, blacksmiths, bench woodworking.
"Wendell Phillips High School, Chicago, Illinois.—170 men, July 1,
1918; auto mechanics, truck drivers, bench woodworking, electricity.
Sumner High School, St. Louis, Missouri.—275 men.
These military units are listed under the head of "Those Who
Wait," although many of them so quickly assimilated the voca¬
tional instruction given them that in a few weeks they were ready
for overseas service, and actually went over and served in several
of the great offensives. The preparedness which was theirs, and
the cheerfulness that characterized their every activity were large
items in preserving the morale of the Negro people on this side
of the ocean.
Value of the Vocational Detachments
The value of this vocational training cannot be overestimated.
The mere fact that the Government should be willing to assume
the responsibility for the mental, physical and technical develop¬
ment, pay all the bills, and give these men a brighter outlook for
the future, was a revelation to the colored millions of America, and
"WITH THOSE "WHO WAIT"
331
did more to raise the morale of the race than could have been
brought about by a thousand speeches or platitudinous proclama¬
tions. It was a big, concrete thing, done in a big way, and no single
endowment by the Federal authorities in the war period went
further to encourage the masses to renewed patriotic endeavors
than did the establishment of these vocational detachments in the
colored schools of the land. In the first six months more than 3,000
young colored men received the benefits of the training, and plans
were laid for an extension of the work to include 20,000 additional
men had war continued to the point expected by the military
experts.
When the armistice was signed more than 10,000 colored men
were on the roster of these Vocational Detachment units and as
members of the Students' Army Training Corps, this latter being
an outgrowth of the success achieved by the Vocational Detach¬
ments.
The War Department recognized that there are many branches
of army service in which preliminary technical training is a great
asset. This training must be largely secured in intensive, short,
practical courses, so that essential industrial production may not
be impaired. Much was done at first to meet this need in voluntary
classes organized by the Federal Board for Vocational Education,
by various divisions of the Army, and by individual schools.
Valuable as were the benefits thus secured, however, experience
demonstrated that on a civilian basis the desired results could not
be obtained; therefore, it was decided to conduct the training
under military control.
In order to coordinate the training program with voluntary
enlistments and the operations of the selective service regulations,
there was established in the War Department, as already noted, the
Committee on Education and Special Training reporting to the
Chief of Staff. The functions of this committee as stated in the
General Order creating it were:
"To study the needs of the various branches of the service for
skilled men and technicians; to determine how such needs should
be met, whether by selective draft, special training in, educational
institutions or otherwise; to secure the cooperation of the educa¬
tional institutions of the country and to represent the War Depart-
332
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
ment in its relations with such institutions; to administer such
plan of special training in colleges and schools as may be adopted.''
The War Department undertook to provide this intensive tech¬
nical training only for soldiers in the service who were under disci¬
pline and on pay and subsistence during the period of their train¬
ing. For the purpose of training them the War Department made
use of facilities now in existence, thus offering the different educa¬
tional centers of the country an opportunity to contribute in a very
important way to the preparation of our armies for service in
France.
Since the men to be trained were soldiers under military disci¬
pline, the War Department was obliged to impose certain general
stipulations on communities agreeing to undertake this work. These
orders read:
"1. Hen will be sent to civilian institutions for technical training in
units of from 100 up. Few units will number less than 200 or more
than 2,000.
"2. For the maintenance of effective military discipline it is necessary
that men be housed and fed in groups of approximately 100-500. Com¬
munities and institutions which are willing to receive men for training
should note that proper facilities for housing and feeding must be provided.
In training centers already established this requirement has been met in
various ways; for instance, by utilizing a dormitory or a hotel, by the con¬
version of a hall or an armory, by the erection 'of temporary barracks, etc.
"3. Sufficient space suitable for military drill and located at a con¬
venient distance from the quarters must be available.
"4. Institutions providing training and arranging housing and feeding
facilities will be compensated at a reasonable per diem rate for each man,
which is intended to cover actual costs.
"5. Men will be ordered in some cases to the training centers directly
upon their induction into the service; in this case they will bring extra
clothing. They will be provided at once with overalls and, as soon as prac¬
ticable after arrival, with service uniforms and other equipment In other
cases the men will come from the recruit depots, at which they will be
equipped.
"6. It is expected that the work involved in the technical training
courses will occupy six to seven hours daily, the remaining time available
for training being devoted to military drill.
"7. Most of the men thus assigned are inducted under the selective
service system. Any one subject to draft, not under call from the Provost
"WITH THOSE WHO WAIT"
333
Marshal General, but desiring to volunteer, may be inducted on application
to his Local Board, providing such Local Board has been called upon by
the Provost Marshal General to supply a share of men and has not already
filled the call, and provided he has the qualifications named in such a call.
Under special authority given to recruiting officers from time to time this
service may be opened also to men not of draft age who can volunteer as
enlisted men in the Army."
Course of Instruction
The training required was such as to give the men some prac¬
tical skill in the simple underlying operations of carpentry, metal-
working, blacksmithing, auto mechanics, and other mechanical
activities useful in the Army.
Only fundamental training was possible, and training there¬
fore was thoroughly practical rather than theoretical. Most of the
courses of training were two months in length. The work required
included the following courses, for which the War Department
provided definite directions and outlines:
1. AUTO DRIVING AND REPAIR.—Driving motor vehicles of
various types, making all general repairs to motor trucks, cars, motorcycles,
tractors.
2. BENCH WOOD WORK.—Splicing frames, joining, pattern mak¬
ing and fine wood work.
3. GENERAL CARPENTRY.—Use of the usual carpenter's tools and
materials; practice in rapid rough work with hatchet and saw to qualify
the man for building and repairing barracks, erecting concrete forms, rough
bridge work.
4. ELECTRICAL COMMUNICATION.—Construction and repair of
i
telephone and telegraph lines; repair, adjustment and operation of tele¬
phone and telegraph apparatus; cable splicing.
5. ELECTRICAL WORK.—Installing, operating and repair of elec¬
trical machines; inside wiring and power circuits.
6. FORGING OR BLACKSMITHING.—Jobbing blacksmithing;
motorcycle, automobile, truck, gas engine and wagon repairing.
7. GAS ENGINE WORK.—Reconstructing and repairing automobile,
motorcycle and airplane engines.
8. MACHINE WORK.—General machine shop work on lathe, drill,
press, shaper, planer, miller, grinder, etc.
9. SHEET METAL WORK.—Coppersmithing and tinsmithing; sol¬
dering, brazing and general repairing.
334
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
The widest publicity was given to this program as it affected
colored soldiers, through the colored papers, in addition to the
use of the official circulars of the War Department, and each of the
schools under contract was flooded with applications, sent by mail
or brought in person to the institution by the applicant, to be con¬
sidered by the Commanding Officers of the Training Detachments.
Applicants already in the military service or of draft age and yet
to be inducted, were required to have a grammar school education,
and were assigned to the courses to which the applicant in question
seemed best adapted by education, physical condition or experience.
For sympathetic counsel, practical suggestions and constant
encouragement in getting the work of these vocational schools
before the people and bringing to the Negro the full fruits of this
beneficent program, the author was indebted in the largest measure
to General Robert I. Rees, of the General Staff Corps, and Chair¬
man of the Committee on Education and Special Training; Major
Grenville Clark, of the Adjutant General's Department; Mr.
William H. Lough and Dr. Ralph Barton Perry, executive secre¬
taries, and Mr. C. R. Dooley, educational director, of the Committee
on Education and Special Training of the War Department. The
results of the training received by the thousands of young colored
men in the selected schools, under the control of the Government,
are reflected not only in the broader opportunities afforded for
helpful service and advancement during the war, but in the wider
area created for the soldier after the war, in the way of a more
lucrative employment and a larger mental and moral endowment.
The Students' Army Training Corps
The success achieved throughout the country by the Vocational
Detachments of the United States Army in the utilization of the
young manhood of the Republic, led naturally to a further plan
for enlisting the strength of the student forces of the land. The
regularly established camps and cantonments were, in many in¬
stances, far away from the centers where thousands of youths
might be found and who were available for the army of the future,
for no one could know at that time how long the war might continue
and it was deemed advisable to marshal the entire man-power of the
nation to be drawn upon, if the necessity therefor should arise. It
"WITH THOSE WHO WAIT"
335
occurred to farseeing military authorities that the hundreds of school
plants, some of them almost denuded of men by the operation of the
draft, might be utilized to train the still younger men and boys who
might be needed to defend the flag. The Government perceived the
wisdom underlying this plan of providing for future necessities, and
out of the mass of suggestions and discussions was born the Students'
Army Training Corps, to include qualified young men between the
ages of eighteen and twenty-one, not then acceptable under the
selective draft law.
The administration of this new instrumentality for the national
defense was also placed in the hands of the Committee on Education
and Special Training of the War Department at Washington.
Through the prompt action of those entrusted with the welfare of
the colored people of the land, provision was made for the participa¬
tion of colored young men in this work, on equal terms with others,
and units of the Students' Army Training Corps were established
at colored schools which were able to meet the Government's require¬
ments.
The primary purpose of the Students' Army Training Corps, as
described in the military regulations, was to utilize the executive
and teaching personnel and the physical equipment of the educa¬
tional institutions to supplement the labors of the regular camps
and cantonments in the training of the new armies of the nation. Its
aim was to train officer-candidates and technical experts of all kinds
to meet every need of the service. In the list of colleges, universities,
professional, technical and trade schools of the country, totaling
about 550, a score or more were conducted for the education of
young colored men.
For administrative purposes the Corps was divided into two
sections, the Collegiate or "A" Section, and the Vocational or "B"
Section. The units of the "B" Section were formerly known as
National Army Training Detachments, and their especial function,
after being incorporated in the "S. A. T. C." pcheme was to continue
the program of industrial development and to train soldiers" for
service as trade specialists in the Army. The colored schools carried
into this program included:
Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, Alabama; Hampton
Institute, Hampton, Virginia; Howard University, Washington,
336
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
D. C.; Atlanta University, Atlanta, Georgia; Georgia State A. and
College, Savannah, Georgia; North Carolina A. and T. College,
Greensboro, N. C.; South Carolina A. and M. College, Orangeburg,
S. C.; Prairie View Normal and Industrial College, Prairie^ View,
Texas; Lincoln University, Chester County Pa.; West Virginia Col¬
legiate Institute, Institute, W. Va.; "Wilberforce University, Zenia,
Ohio; Alabama A. and M. College, Normal, Ala.; Tennessee A. and
M. College, Nashville, Tenn.; and Louisiana A. and M. College,
Baton Rouge, La.—fourteen in all.
The "A" or Collegiate Section, which was inaugurated October
1, 1918, was open to registrants of authorized colleges, universities
or professional schools who were, eligible for admission to the
S. A. T. C. by voluntary induction into the military service. They
thus became members of the Army on active duty, receiving pay and
subsistence, subject to military orders, and living in barracks under
military discipline in exactly the same manner as any other soldier.
The housing, subsistence and instruction of soldiers in both branches
of the Students' Army Training Corps were provided by the educa¬
tional institutions under contract with the Government to furnish the
same. Students voluntarily inducted into the service were ordinarily
allowed to choose the branch of the service for which they wished to
be prepared, but this freedom of choice was not absolute, being
subject to a very large extent to the particular qualifications of the
individual and upon the needs of the service at any specified time.
All students were required to meet the physical standards authorized.
The status of a member of the S. A. T. C. was that of a private;
the pay was $30 per month. Students were at the beginning divided
into four groups, according to age, and were given the same course of
two months' military, industrial'or other training, followed by a
second two months of higher academic subjects of military value, if
the soldier was found capable of greater advancement. Members of
the Collegiate or "A" Section, who showed by their rating in
academic and military work that they had unusual ability were given
opportunities for transfer to a Central Officers' Training School;
transfer to a non-commissioned officers' school; or assigned to the
institution where they were enrolled for further intensive work in a
specified line, as, for instance, in engineering, chemistry or medicine.
Those members of a Collegiate Section whose record was such
"WITH THOSE WHO WAIT"
337
as not to justify the Government in continuing their collegiate train¬
ing were eligible for assignment to a Vocational Training Section
for technical training of military value; or transfer to a cantonment
for duty with troops as a private.
Men in "B" unit of the S. A. T. 0. were given an equal oppor¬
tunity with those in the college or "A" unit, to demonstrate their
fitness for advancement and their qualifications for officers and non¬
commissioned officers' schools, or for continuance at institutions for
more advanced study. The plan adopted provided that student-
soldiers would be transferred to the army for active service at stated
intervals, and their places would be taken at the school by new con¬
tingents, inducted for similar training.
The colored educational institutions embraced in the "A" or
Collegiate Section of the Students' Army Training Corps were:
Howard University, Washington, D. C.; Lincoln University, Chester
county, Pa.; Fisk University, Meharry Medical College, Nashville,
Tenn.; Atlanta University and Morehouse College (combined),
Atlanta, Ga.; Wiley University and Bishop College (combined),
Marshall, Texas; Talladega College, Alabama; Virginia Union Uni¬
versity, Richmond, Va.; Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, Ohio.
An instruction camp for colored schools and colleges was held at
Howard University, Washington, D. C., August 1 to September 16,
1918. Howard University, Washington, D. C.; Atlanta University,
Atlanta, Ga.; Lincoln University, Chester county, Pa.; Raleigh. Uni¬
versity, Raleigh, N. C.; Shaw University, Raleigh, N. C.; Wilberforce
University, Zenia, Ohio; Virginia Union University, Richmond, Va,;
Straight University, New Orleans, La.; Morehouse College, Atlanta,
Ga.; Talladega College, Talladega, Ala.; Bishop College, Marshall,
Texas; Benedict College, Columbia, S. C.; Allen University, Colum¬
bia, S. C.; New Orleans University, New Orleans, La.; Florida A.
& M. College for Negro Youth, Tallahassee, Fla.; Biddle University,
Charlotteville, N. C.; Livingston, College, Salisbury, N. C.; the
Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, Alabama; the Hampton
Normal and Agricultural Institute, Hampton, Va., and Lincoln Insti¬
tute, Jefferson City, Mo., were among the schools which were asked
to send a student representative for each twenty-five and one faculty
member for each one hundred of the male student enrollment. These
men were trained forty-seven days on temporary enlistment as
333
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
privates, during which term they received housing, uniforms, sub¬
sistence, equipment, and instruction at the Government's expense
with the pay of a private, $30 per month (and reimbursement of
transportation to "and from camp at 4 cents per mile). The plan of
operation and the advantages given these men were identical with
those of all other colleges of the country. Wilberforce University,
alone of all the schools, however, secured a rating for recognized
■military training. A group of officers was designated by the War
Department to take charge of the instruction, including Lieutenant
Russell Smith (afterwards promoted to a captaincy), commanding
officer.
Where the Color Line Was Drawn
As no institution, however well-intentioned, is without its flaws
in the administration of its purposes, the S. A. T. C. had its "fly in
the ointment." The color question came to the fore, especially as
related to those institutions which had not "been in the habit of
accepting colored students, or in which but few had previously been
registered. Trouble on this score was reported by colored students
who attempted to secure entrance to the military units at certain
colleges in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Nebraska and perhaps other states.
A declaration was issued by the War Department officially dis¬
countenancing all discriminations based on color. This declaration
as officially announced by the War Department was signed by Col.
Robert I. Rees, an upstanding American. He always stood for jus¬
tice and fair play so far as the men of the S. A. T. C. and the R. 0.
T. C. units were concerned. His declaration read as follows:
"No-color line will be drawn in inducting men into the S. A. T. C.
Colored men eligible for induction will be inducted at institutions
which they attend and will not be required to transfer to other insti¬
tutions. ''
Such problems as arose in connection with attendance of colored
students at Northern institutions were left by the War Department
to be settled by the college authorities, the War Department refusing
to be a party to any program which would introduce the color line
into those schools where it is not already drawn. At the same time
announcement was made that the War Department did not seek
through its program-to break down the color line in any institution
"WITH THOSE WHO WAIT"
339
where it was observed. The general effect of this prompt decision
on the part of the War Department was gratifying to colored people
throughout the country. The controversy and its satisfactory adjust¬
ment was described in clear fashion in an interesting news item,
making note of the circular letter sent out by the Secretary of the
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. The
statement of Mr. John P. Shillady, Secretary of the organization
referred to, touching the matter of the rejection of colored student
applicants to the Students' Army Training Corps, was:
"Certain college authorities, acting under a misapprehension of War
Department regulations, denied the privileges of the Students' Army Train¬
ing Corps to colored students of Ohio and Nebraska colleges. In one case
this action was taken upon instructions of the regional director of a section
of the Training and Instruction Branch of the War Department Committee
on Education and Special Training, and in another case by direction of
the War Department's District Inspector. In the Ohio case inquiries were
addressed to the War Department by the students themselves, by the
National Office of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored
People, and by the Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio, branches. These
branches and the students arranged for conferences with the college author¬
ities on the matter. The following telegram on the subject, signed by
Emmett J. Scott, Special Assistant to the Secretary of War, under date of
September 25, 1918, is self-explanatory:
" 'The War Department has not issued any instructions pre¬
venting Negro students from joining Student Army Training Corps
at Ohio State University or any other institution. Any student
mentally and physically qualified and accepted by the school offi¬
cials is eligible for admittance into any Student Army organiza¬
tion.
'Emmett J. Scott,
'Special Assistant to Secretary of War.'
"It is apparent from a reading of this telegram and from the
statements of Mr. Scott made personally to the Secretary of the National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People, while in Washington,
on September 28, that the War Department has made no ruling requiring
a separation of colored and white students in barracks or. dormitory
arrangements in the colleges, and that the acceptance of a student by a
college under the terms and conditions usual to such colleges qualifies the
student for admission to the Students' Army Training Corps provided
he is able to qualify.
340
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
"The branches and the members of the Association generally are re¬
quested to put this matter clearly before the colored students who may
desire to enter the Students' Army Training Corps. This will serve as a
guide to appropriate action in case any colleges deny admission to colored
students under a similar misapprehension to that alluded to above."
Demobilization of the S. A. T. C.
Although, the country was keenly alive to the necessity for some
system of general military training for the youth of the land that
would serve as a medium for insuring the national safety, when the
armistice was signed November 11,1918, discussion arose at once as
to the future of the Students' Army Training Corps. The War
Department was at first of the opinion that the organization could
be maintained with profit to itself and to the students until the end
of the fiscal year at least, while others high in authority contended
that the war emergency being over, the corps should be demobilized
at once. Among the forces that desired the continuance of the
S. A. T. C. was the Merchants' Association of New York City, which
laid before the Department an offer of financial assistance, if neces¬
sary, to maintain the organization along the original lines.
Major Ralph Barton Perry, executive secretary of the Committee
on Education and Special Training, administering this branch of
instruction under the War Plans Division of the General Staff of the
Army, replying to the communication of the Merchants' Association
urging the continuance of the S. A. T. C., gave as follows the reasons
why the War Department did not consider it practical to carry on
the military training units in colleges:
"It was not, as had often been assumed, an educational measure,
but a plan for creating a reservoir of officer material with which to
supply the Officers Training Camps and the other needs of the army
for specially trained men. There were certain strong reasons for
continuing to June 30, 1919, but these reasons were not military
reasons, and did not justify the expenditure of money appropriated
for specifically military purposes. While this is the fundamental
reason for the demobilization of the Students' Army Training Corps,
for various reasons it would have proved difficult, if not impossible'
to continue it in any case.''
According to Major Perry, about 25 per cent, of the institutions
"WITH THOSE WHO WAIT"
341
wete opposed to maintaining the units, once war ceased. He also
said that many of the members of the corps immediately sought dis¬
charges in order to pursue civil studies, and these men could not be
held in service against their inclinations. "The War Department,"
said Major Perry, "is fully aware of the force of the arguments
in favor of continuing the Students' Army Training Corps. The
demobilization will, in some cases, doubtless result in inconvenience
to the institution. The Committee on Education and Special Train¬
ing has, however, been authorised to make equitable financial adjust¬
ments. It is also recognized that in many cases the individual stu¬
dents will suffer hardships.
"It should, however, be clearly borne in mind that no man was
inducted into the S. A. T. C. on promise of an education at Govern¬
ment expense. He was inducted into the army for the purpose of
receiving special additional training in connection with his purely
military training, always with a view to the needs of the service."
To Train Reserve Officers for the Army
On December 21, 1918, Secretary Baker authorized the state¬
ment that, with the demobilization of the Students' Army Training
Corps, the colleges of the country would turn their attention to an¬
other phase of military preparedness—that of establishing the
Reserve Officers' Training Corps. This offered another opportunity
for the training of youth, colored men along with others, for the
national defense, and many of the colored educational institutions
which had maintained the S. A. T. C. up to the period of its demobili¬
zation, filed application for units of the new R. 0. T. C., and also
asked that colored officers of experience and capacity be installed
as instructors in military science and tactics.
R. 0. T. C. Units and Their Military Instructors
Below is a complete list of the schools selected up to April 1,
1919, together with a roster of the officers designated as military
instructors therein. Most of the instruction at the beginning was in
infantry movements.
Howard University, Washington, D. C.—Major Milton T. Dean
and First Lieutenant Campbell C. Johnson.
Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, Tuskegee, Ala.—
342
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Captain Russell Smith, First Lieutenant James 0. Pinkston and
Second Lieutenant Harry J. Mack.
Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, Ohio.—First Lieutenant
Percival R. Piper.
Negro A. and T. College, Greensboro, N. C.—Second Lieutenant
Horace G. Wilder.
South Carolina A. and M. College, Orangeburg, S. C.—First
Lieutenant Samuel Hull.
Hampton A. and I. Institute, Hampton, Va.—First Lieutenant
Leonard L. McLeod.
Virginia N. and I. Institute, Petersburg, Va.—Second Lieutenant
Ernest C. Johnson.
Prairie View N. and I. College, Prairie View, Texas.—First
Lieutenant Walter A. Giles.
Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial School, Nashville, Tenn.—
First Lieutenant Grant Stuart.
West Virginia Collegiate Institute, Institute, W. Va.—First
Lieutenant John H. Purnell.
Branch Normal School, Pine Bluff, Ark.—First Lieutenant
Elijah H. Goodwin.
Straight College, New Orleans, La.—Captain Charles C. Cooper.
One important change in the organization was worked out, allow¬
ing the units of the R. 0. T. C. to specialize in training officer mate¬
rial for Field Artillery, Engineer, Coast Artillery, Ordnance, Medi¬
cal, and Aeronautics Corps, instead of the uniform training for
Infantry, which was the rule before the war. In addition to the
collegiate units, plans were formulated for the establishment of
junior units in secondary schools. The Committee on Education
and Special Training was able to take advantage of the opportunity
afforded by the war to make available a large amount of scientific
and technical material, which had been developed by the experience
of military leaders on both sides of the ocean, and in all units special
emphasis is placed on physical training and mass athletics.
The formation of these units of the R. 0. T. C. came in response
to the national demand for military training for the youth of the
land, to provide the preparedness necessary as a safeguard to pro¬
tect the general welfare. The sentiment was everywhere heard that
*1 Even if we have no wars, universal military training will make bet-
"WITH THOSE WHO WAIT"
343
ter citizens." The discipline and courtesies which grow out of the
relations of military men among themselves and the lessons that
soldiers learn in keeping themselves 4'fit to fight" are fine additions
to what young men have been able to get in colleges.
The difference between the Students' Army Training Corps and
the Reserve Officers' Training Corps is that the S. A. T. C. trained
the private; the R. 0. T. C. trained officers: the former took a short
cut and laid stress on military training; the latter took the long way
round and laid stress on the general education of the individual and
emphasized the value of administrative or executive ability. One
taught the individual to obey without question; the other taught the
individual to command judiciously and to get results from the correct
application of military science. The Reserve Officers' Training
Corps was designed to give a large number of capable young men
(colored and white) such training as would qualify them to serve
their country as officers in case of another war. All found to be
qualified mentally, physically and temperamentally, have been placed
on the reserve officers' list subject to call in the event of another war.
This branch of the service proved to be of inestimable value to hun¬
dreds of live and ambitious young men of the Negro race.
CHAPTER XXIV
GERMAN PROPAGANDA AMONG NEGROES
Insidious Efforts to Create Dissatisfaction Among Colored Amer¬
icans—Germany's Treacherous Promises—How the Run Tried
to Undermine the Loyalty of Our Negro Citizens—Steps Taken
to Combat Enemy Propaganda—Work of the Committee on
Public Information.
Many were the methods resorted to by Germany and her allies
in their desperate efforts to win the war. Some of them were among
the most despicable, dishonorable, and unscrupulous ever recorded in
the annals of military history. By no means did the Imperial Ger¬
man Government confine its war activities to soldiers, to battleships,
or to battlefields—those open, legitimate methods which honorable
nations use, as a last resort, to settle international differences. On
the contrary, Germany sought in many nefarious, secret ways (as
was discovered and revealed by the Military Intelligence Bureau
and the Department of Justice) to aid her war program right here
on American soil, through propaganda work among enemy civilians,
and through acts of open outlawry committed either directly by her
subjects or by pro-German sympathizers.
Even prior to the breaking out of hostilities, Germany diligently
endeavored to promote anti-war sentiment in America, designed to
produce an increased number of pacifists who were opposed to the
declaration of war as well as to our country's war program. She
tried in a number of ingenious ways to appeal to, and to cause dis¬
satisfaction among various racial groups which go to make up Amer¬
ica's composite population, and to make them lukewarm in the sup¬
port of their Government. For instance, in her effort to disaffect
the Irish-American group, she paraded before them in certain news¬
papers, in the form of subsidized articles, by lectures, public
speakers, and otherwise, the Irish Home Rule Question so dear to
the Irish heart, the alleged mistreatment of Ireland by England, the
344
GERMAN PROPAGANDA AMONG NEGROES 345
execution of Sinn Feiners and of Sir Roger Casement; by which
sort of propaganda work she hoped to set Americans of Irish descent
against the idea of supporting this country as an ally of England.
In order to influence German-Americans, she energetically fos¬
tered in this country various kinds of propaganda designed to make
this racial group support the "Fatherland'' more and America less;
she urged German-American workers in munition plants and in
other establishments supplying war materials "to be true to the
Fatherland'' and to withdraw their labor from all such industries,
and not only that, but her agents aided and abetted German sympa¬
thizers to commit acts of sabotage and violence in order to impair
or destroy the power of this country to produce war materials and
the implements of war. Her, secret service agents and paid hirelings
strove to promote strikes and friction among various groups of
American workingmen, and even encouraged and engaged in the
blowing up of bridges, railroads, munition plants, and other indis¬
pensable adjuncts connected with the successful prosecution of war.
In addition to her insidious plans to disaffect those of alien birth
or parentage, she also attempted propaganda work among native-
born Americans both white and black, and it required all the courage
and intelligence of the white press and the Negro press, ably assisted
by the Committee on Public Information and its countless number
of loyal public speakers, white and black, to counteract the pacifist
propaganda, "Made in Germany," which threatened for a time to
keep our country from participating in the world's great struggle
for freedom and democracy.
Foremost among those who successfully combated this pro-
German propaganda was Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, whose force¬
ful opposition to hyphenated Americans and pacifists will ever stand
as a monument to his 100-per-cent Americanism. Even before our
country's entrance into the arena of war as an ally of Great Britain
and France, German propaganda made itself manifest in a deter¬
mined effort to influence American voters in favor of placing an
embargo upon all shipments of arms, ammunition, etc., to belligerent
nations; the defeat of Germany's plan in this regard led up, indirectly
if not directly, to the Lusitania disaster, which may be said to have
brought the United States into the war.
346
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Propaganda Among Negroes
Active German propaganda of various kinds was attempted,
and was officially recognized to exist among the colored people of
this country, and it is one of the most remarkable facts of the war
that in spite of so many insidious plans to bring about disaffection
among them by emphasizing racial discriminations, injustices, and
the like, in spite of so many temptations to be disloyal, the entire
racial group of colored Americans remained absolutely loyal and
actively patriotic. Authentic information that the Germans tried to
incite the colored people of the South against the United States was
brought out by Mr. A. Bruce Bielaski, Chief of the Bureau of Investi¬
gations, Department of Justice, in a Congressional inquiry conducted
by the Senate Committee which investigated German propaganda
in America. Mr. Bielaski said that "The colored people did not take
to these stories, they were too loyal. Money spent among them for
propaganda was thrown away." During the course of the same
official hearing, Captain George B. Lester, Military Intelligence
Officer, told the Senate Propaganda Investigating Committee that
German propaganda among Negroes, of the South was particularly
active in the Spring and Summer of 1918.
Stirred Eace Hatred
In the course of his testimony, Captain Lester said: "When
the thirty-one propagandists who reached this country (from Ger¬
many) shortly after the outbreak of the war organized the Fuehr
publicity bureau in New York, they set aside one 'section' for dealing
with American race problems. They kept records of every lynching,
every attack by a Negro upon a white person, and every item of
alleged oppression of the Negro race by the whites. The directing
head of the propaganda was the German ambassador at Mexico City.
In this country Reiswitz, former Consul at Chicago, acted as his
assistant. The Negroes were told by the propagandists that in
Europe there was no color line; that there the blacks were equal to
the whites; that if Germany won the war the rights of Negroes
throughout the world would equal those of whites. On the military
side the propaganda took the form of stories that Negro soldiers
were left on the ground to die and that they always were put in the
first line trenches in France and used almost exclusively as 'shock
GERMAN PROPAGANDA AMONG NEGROES
347
troops.' The German agents passed the word among Negro recruits
that if Germany won the war, a certain section of the United Statei
would be set aside where the Negroes could rule themselves."
As later developments proved, this was an unsuccessful attempt
to weaken the morale of Negro soldiers. In his story of the work of
Germans among colored Americans generally, Captain Lester said
that "the propaganda became so annoying that a conference of
leading Negroes (referring to the Negro Editors' Conference which
was also attended by a number of other leaders of Negro thought
and opinion) was called in June, 1918, m Washington, D. C., and a
movement immediately started through the War Department and
the Committee on Public Information to offset it." "As a result,"
he added, "the activity of the German agents soon ceased." It was
the splendid team work of Negro editors throughout the country
that, in large measure, helped to guard colored Americans against
such propaganda and to maintain a healthy morale among them.
Lynchings During the War
While German propaganda failed to affect the colored people
to the extent of diverting them from their loyalty to the United
States, yet the truth of the matter is that the morale of the colored
people was kept more or less disturbed and at a frazzled edge during
most of the war by what came to be known as "anti-Negro propa¬
ganda." Much of this could not be traced to German sources, but
plainly had its origin in age-old prejudices which have existed in
America against colored people along certain well .defined lines.
The number of lynchings of Negroes seemed to be on the increase
during the course of the war, and THESE LYNCHINGS, BE IT
REMEMBERED, WERE NOT "Made in Germany." According
to the records compiled by Monroe N. Work, in charge of records
and research of Tuskegee Institute, there were 58 Negroes lynched
in 1918 and 38 lynched in 1917, a total of nearly 100 Negroes lynched
on American soil while our country was at war and while hundreds
of thousands of loyal Negro soldiers and millions of law-abiding
colored Americans were supporting the Government with unfalter¬
ing patriotism.
This unfortunate condition gave German newspapers abroad
much ground for effective criticism, and the following press reports
348
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
indicate the kind of articles which frequently appeared in tlie Ger¬
man press, some of which were reprinted in American newspapers.
Many of these articles carried the impression to the German people
that Germans were being lynched in America.
The Munich Neueste Nachtrichten said that at the Berne pris¬
oner-of-war conference the German representatives would have the
opportunity of bringing up the question of Praeger, who was lynched,
remarking that questions were asked of the foreign office representa¬
tive at the last session of the Beichstag on this case. It called atten¬
tion to the cases of Consuls Bopp and Schack of San Francisco,
which, it said, should be made the subject of an interpellation in the
Beichstag. The paper said that the German delegates should bring
up the whole question at the conference and be- able to assure better
treatment for Germans in America.
The Kolnische Volkszeitung published a long article headed
"JUDGE LYNCH, MISTEB MOB." The article asserted that for¬
merly American writers alleged that the crime of lynching existed
only in the black belt, but now, the paper declared, lynch law belongs
to the approved rites of "culture" in the United States.
"The most horrible scenes of human bestiality which can be
recorded," it goes on, "are quite natural for the Yankee. * * *
He no longer gets excited over a lynching, and is only ashamed when
foreigners call attention to this 'people culture.' "
It is always asserted, the paper proceeded, that mobs and the
scum of the people are responsible for lynchings.
"Every American who uses the word MOB in this sense," it
adds, "lies, because he knows that all classes of society, without
exception, including men and women, partake.''
At Brookhaven, Miss., the paper sets forth, a colored man was
lynched by 20,000 persons, and many landowners from Lincoln drove
in during the night in order to "enjoy the crime."
That paper also referred to Praeger, and declared that after
energetic action by the German government, Washington gave the
press the tip to discourage lynching. It scoffed at President Wilson's
message regarding crimes committed by the German army, saying
"he lives in a glass house and should not throw stones."
Articles of this kind generally appeared prior to and to excuse
what the Germans call "reprisals," otherwise Hun brutality.
GERMAN PROPAGANDA AMONG NEGROES
349
A National Danger
No question was fraught with more danger to our national
security in time of war, and none will be more deserving of radical
treatment in time of peace than the unlawful practice of lynching,
regardless of the state or section in which it occurs and regardless
of the nationality of the victim.
Some of the lynchings that occurred during the war were cases
of colored women (5) accompanied by barbarities that cannot prop¬
erly be described in print and wholly unworthy of civilized groups
of people. There were burnings of human beings at the stake,
modeled after medieval horrors, and, in several instances well-known
colored citizens of wealth, intelligence, and upright character were
tarred and feathered and nameless outrages committed upon their
persons and property. Reports of these outrages found their way
to the colored people through the Negro press, which stoutly main¬
tained that if America had gone forward to fight battles for freedom
and democracy abroad, it should at least give full protection to all
of its citizens at-home. Foremost among the white friends of the
Negro, who vigorously opposed lynching and whose trenchant pen
and eloquent voice have always been enlisted on the side of Right
and Justice, was Mr. Moorfield Storey, the well known lawyer of
Boston, who delivered a most remarkable address on "The Negro
Question" before the Wisconsin Bar Association, on June 27, 1918,
in the course of which he said:
"Negroes are denied the protection which the law affords the
lives and property of other- citizens. If only charged with crime or
even misdemeanor, they are at the mercy of the mob and may be
killed and tortured with absolute impunity. In many States they
cannot obtain justice in the courts. At hotels, restaurants and
theaters they are not admitted or are given poor accommodation.
In the public parks and public conveyances, even in the public offices
of the nation, they are set apart from their fellow-citizens. The
districts which they occupy in cities are neglected by the authorities,
and of-the money which the community devotes to education, a very
small fraction is allotted to them, so that their schoolhouses and
their teachers are grossly inadequate.
"It is notorious that in many cities they are wretchedly housed
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
and charged unreasonable rents for their abodes. Labor unions will
not receive them as members, and as non-union men they find it hard
to get employment. If in spite of every obstacle they gain an educa¬
tion, they find door after door closed to them which would have
opened to receive them gladly had their skins been white.
"The deliberate effort is made to stamp them as inferior, to
keep them "hewers of wood and drawers of water," to deny them
that opportunity which America offers to every other citizen or
emigrant no matter how ignorant or how degraded. These are the
unquestionable facts, and they are not controverted."
Mr. Storey then proceeded to quote some testimony from the
Southern Press, as follows: "Let me give you some testimony from
the South. Says The Atlanta Constitution: 'We must "be fair to
the Negro. There is no use in beating about the bush. We have not
shown this fairness in the past, nor are we showing it today, either
in justice before the laws, in facilities afforded for education, or in
other directions.'
"Some years ago," said Mr. Storey, "a Mississippi lawyer,
addressing the Bar Association of that State, said': 'A Negro ac¬
cused of crime during the days of slavery was dealt with more justly
than he is today. * * * It is next to an impossibility to convict,
even upon the strongest evidence, any white man of a crime of
violence upon the person of a Negro, * * * and the converse is
equally true that it is next to an impossibility to acquit a Negro of
any crime or violence where a white man is concerned,' and well did
he (the Mississippi lawyer) add: 'We cannot, either as individuals,
as a country, as a State, or as a nation continue to mete out one kind
of criminal justice to a poor man, a friendless man, or a man of a
different race, and another kind of justice to a rich man, an influ¬
ential man, or a man of our own race without reaping the conse¬
quences. '
"From the Vicksburg Herald come these words (continued Mr.
Storey): ' The Herald looks with no favor upon drafting Southern
Negroes at all, believing they should be exempt in toto because they
do not equally ' share in the benefits of government.' To say that they
$0 is to take issue with the palpable truth. 'Taxation without repre¬
sentation,' the war-cry of the Revolutionary wrong against Great
Britain, was not half so plain a wrong as requiring military service
GERMAN PROPAGANDA AMONG NEGROES 351
from a class that is denied suffrage and which lives under such dis¬
criminations of inferiority as the * Jim Crow' law and inferior school
equipment and service.' "
It was the attitude and just such sentiments as that voiced by
the VicJcsburg Herald as well as by a number of other Southern
white newspapers, and by certain Senators and Congressmen, in¬
cluding Senator Vardaman, of Mississippi, that led the colored peo¬
ple of the United States to feel for a time that it was not desired that
they should have any participation in the world-wide struggle for
"Freedom and Democracy."
The prevalence of lynching Negroes in America had become so
noticeable that not only the German press, but the newspapers and
diplomatic representatives of other nations as well, have from time
to time commented upon the practice as a sad reflection upon our
boasted civilization, our high ideals, and our ability to preserve and
enforce law and order. Pregnant with grave danger in time of
peace, the lynching evil constituted an even greater menace in time
of war, and when the epidemic began'to spread and to include white
victims as well as black victims, citizens of this country as well as
citizens of foreign countries, the President of the United States saw
fit to issue from the White House a strong public statement denounc¬
ing lynching and mob violence, and later, in New York City, on
May 5th and 6th, 1919, a National Conference was held for the pur¬
pose of (1) promoting propaganda against lynching in every State
of the Union; (2) urging the passage of Federal laws against lynch¬
ing, and (3) bringing about the formation of white and Negro com¬
mittees throughout the South to agitate against mob murders and
the like.
Propaganda Among Negroes in New York City
How the Harlem colony of Negroes in New York City was stirred
up or, in a measure, influenced by German propaganda, may be gath¬
ered from a letter written to Mr. George Creel, Chairman of the
Committee on Public Information, by a well-known New York citi¬
zen, Mr. Trumbull "White, whose wideawake patriotism and deep
interest in the welfare of the Negro people are numbered among his
many commendable virtues. His letter to Mr. Creel follows:
352
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
INVESTORS' PUBLIC SERVICE
(Incorporated)
149 Broadway, New York.
March 15, 1918.
Mr. George Creel,
Chairman of the Committee on Public Information,
"Washington, D. C.
Dear George:
This is a matter which seems to me very important and immediate.
The big Negro colony in Harlem is badly infected with a series of
rumors arousing great distress and disquiet. I happen to know about it
because of very intelligent colored servants at our house who have relatives
in the Expeditionary Forces in France.
The rumors are of various kinds. One is that the Negro regiments are
being terribly abused by their white officers. Another is that the Negro
regiments are being discriminated' against in the distribution of troops
where the danger and suffering will be the greatest. Another is that the
Germans have vowed that they will torture all Negroes who may be cap¬
tured, in order to prove that this is a white man's war and that no Africans
are wanted in Europe. Another is that already more than 200 Negro
soldiers with eyes gouged out and arms cut off, after being captured by
Germans and then turned loose by them to wander back to the American
lines, have been sent home to this country and are now in the Columbia
Base Hospital, No. 1, up in The Bronx.
These rumors are spreading like wildfire in the Negro colony through
churches, Negro papers, clubs and in general conversation. The colony is
seething. I do not know whether German propaganda started the rumors
or whether some even less responsible source is the cause. It is clear, how¬
ever, that serious harm can result and indeed is now resulting.
I have two recommendations. One is that a permit be arranged for
one Negro preacher, one Negro doctor, and one Negro woman of intelligence
from that colony to be admitted to a complete inspection of the Base Hos-<,
pital, in order that they may report back to their own people the falsity
of the stories.
The other is that some lecturer, preferably Irvin Cobb, if he is in this
country, be sent up to that colony to lecture at one of their big churches,
specifically on the subject of what he has seen of the Negro troops in
France, the work they are doing, and the conditions surrounding them.
Cobb has the southern affection for the Negro and could do the thing right.
Failing him, can you get a returned Negro minister, Y. M. C. A. worker,
or wounded or invalided Negro private of intelligence to tackle that job?
GERMAN PROPAGANDA AMONG NEGROES 353
I will help arrange it through the Negro preachers and editors of the colony.
I know that the matter should be expedited. Please do not think this
matter a light one. As ever yours,
(Signed) Tkumbull White.
The following press dispatch further indicates the" kind of Ger¬
man propaganda which sought to influence the colored people in
New York and elsewhere:
New York, April 11, 1918.—After an alleged threat to kill an aged
colored woman in Harlem) Max Freudenheim was arrested yesterday by
Agent Davidson of the Department of Justice. He was sent to Newark
jail to await internment proceedings.
Charles F. DeWoody, Federal Investigating Chief here, left for Wash¬
ington last night. He will lay before Attorney General Gregory toda/y an
amazing story of German propaganda among Negroes, revealed by Freuden¬
heim's arrest.
Mr. DeWoody believes that behind Freudenheim's activities for sev¬
eral months in Harlem lies a Berlin plan like the ''Committee for the East,"
which had for its object the alienation of all the Jews in the world from
the allies.
It is known that the trail has led to several States. It was less than a
year ago that the same sort of propaganda which had been made rife
around One Hundred and Thirty-fifth street and Lenox avenue caused
almost a panic among the Negroes of the South. Thousands of them left
their homes and fled to Northern States at word of an uprising in favor of
Germany which it was said would start in South America and Mexico and
sweep through this country.
Freudenheim, who is married and has three children, has been in this
country for eighteen years. He says he is an Austrian, but the Federal
officials say he was born in Germany.
Posing as an insurance solicitor, the man has been working in Harlem
exclusively among Negroes. The Federal authorities say he would meet
men and women and when the talk touched on the war, would declare:
"Germany is sure to win this war and it is a good thing for you
colored people that she will. Germany is the greatest friend the colored
man ever had. All her colonies in East Africa were started to better the
conditions of the black man. When she wins the war her intention is to
start a colony exclusively for Negroes in one of the Southern States. This
will be virtually a Black Republic. The colored men will choose their own
rulers.
"In this city the Negroes will get the recognition the United States
354 SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
has denied them so far. They will be made th& social equals of white men.
An elderly wpman whose mother was a slave freed by Lincoln's Eman¬
cipation Proclamation reported Freudenheim's activities to Superintendent
DeWoody. Men were sent to shadow the man.
He was followed and his conversations were listened to. He discovered
this, and within hearing of a Department of Justice agent he shouted to
this woman whom he suspected of betraying him: "111 see that you are
killed long before this war is over. Germany has many friends in New-
York and they will stride."
As a part of the activities of German propagandists who were
seeking to incite the Negro people of the United States to be disloyal
to their country and to their flag, they constantly hinted that the
Kaiser's love for the Negro was so great that if ever Germany should
be triumphant and should win the war, he would dominate affairs in
America and would parcel out one or more States of the Union where
the Negro would be given real freedom and the full right of self-
government. The ntter fallacy of such false promises was clearly
brought out by Harrison Rhodes (of the Vigilantes), the celebrated
newspaper and magazine writer of New York City, who wrote an
informing article which was printed in many of the leading news¬
papers throughout this country.
In order to weaken the morale among colored American soldiers
in France, German airships dropped among them all sorts of litera¬
ture, of which a*typical example was given in Chapter XI.
Thus it was, 4'with fightings within and foes without,'9 the
Negro soldiers and civilians of America stood firm against every
temptation to divert them from their primary duty of helping to
win the war. What more remarkable and commendable record could
be made, or has ever been made by any class of citizens than was
made by Negro Americans who remained steadfastly loyal to the
Stars and Stripes notwithstanding the fact that they had been, and
• were being subjected to unjust and embarrassing conditions and
discriminations which even the enemy government noticed, ridiculed,
and condemned! It is a record which should, and doubtless will
vouchsafe to this racial group not only the eternal respect and grati¬
tude of America but radical reforms and practical rewards befitting
their unfaltering patriotism.
CHAPTER XXV
HOW COLORED CIVILIANS HELPED TO WIN
Their Co-operation in All the Liberty Loan Drives—The Negro
and the Red Cross—In the United War Work Campaign—How
the Negroes Bought War Savings Stamps—Special Contribu¬
tions and Work of Colored Citizens—The "Committee of One
Hundred" and Its Valuable Work.
Not halting at the cheerful giving of their man-power through
volunteer enlistment and under the operation of the selective draft,
the 12,000,000 American Negroes contributed with equal cheerful¬
ness and promptness and liberality to the call of the Nation for
their money-power. The total amount of money brought by
Negroes to the country's relief through the sale of Liberty Bonds
of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth issues, has not been
carefully compiled, and may never be definitely known, because of
the diffuse method by which the collections were made; but it is
safe to say that the figures will run into many millions, represent¬
ing untold sacrifices and a measure of patriotism unexcelled by
any similar number of citizens of the American Eepublic.
To extend this good work the War Department and the Com¬
mittee on Public Information, charged with preserving the morale
of the great body of American citizens, and especially of groups
known to have what they term " special grievances,'' decided that
a vigorous campaign of education was necessary to instruct the
Negro on the war aims of the Government, to secure at the hands
of the race the full measure of co-operation which it was capable
of giving. Early in May, 1918, therefore, a patriotic campaign was
determined upon, and upon the recommendation of the author,
the Committee on Public Information organized a "Committee of
One Hundred,'' made up of .strong, well-poised and thoroughly
trained men, representing practically every organization of Negroes*
in the'land, and having undisputed influence with all classes and
355
356
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
conditions of the Negro race throughout the land. Bishops and
ministers of all denominations, editors of every kind of publica¬
tion, heads of every known fraternal organization, heads of educa¬
tional institutions, prominent factors in all of the professions,
industries and business agencies formed a part of this unique
body of missionaries and messengers.
Zones of activity were worked out and men of varying qualifica¬
tions were given assignments where they could do the most ef¬
fective work for the cause at stake and to serve the United States
Government in its hour of national emergency and need. These
men, without exception, took hold of the work with a will, and
their intensive campaign of education, driving home the war aims
of the Government in a plain and straightforward fashion, had a
pov/erful influence in inspiring a livelier patriotism throughout
the race and encouraging them to engage whole-heartedly in the
countless activities designed to help America to win the war.
Specially equipped by nature and by experience for dealing with
collective humanity, the Committee of One Hundred performed its
duty well, and their labors were made more potent for good by
the close relationship they were able to establish with the State
Councils of Defense in the North, East, South and West, from
which they derived much valuable data which enabled them to
counteract the particular disadvantage to patriotic endeavor in
each of the communities they; were called upon to visit and
evangelize.
The Fourth Loan Campaign
At* the opening of each specific campaign inaugurated by the
Secretary of the Treasury for the flotation of the big loans, running
into billions—a denomination which had heretofore held for the
Negro, as well as for the white people, a very vague meaning—
some well-known member of the race invariably launched the
" drive'' with a formal address, outlining the necessity for the
money asked for and pointing out to the Negro the significance of
a victory over the Teutonic allies in its relation to his future,
as an integral factor in the American body politic.
The Special Assistant Secretary of War was asked to launch
the Fourth Liberty Loan Campaign among the colored citizens of
HOW COLORED CIVILIANS HELPED TO WIN
357
the District of Columbia, and spoke at Howard Theatre, Washing¬
ton, Saturday evening, October 29, 1918, as follows:
"This is as the President says, the people's war. It is not a white
man's war. It is not a black man's war. It is a war of all the people
under the Stars and Stripes for the preservation of human liberty through¬
out the world. Civilization is in peril, and the natural rights of mankind
are menaced for all time by the unholy aggressions of the Imperial
German Government. The triumph of autocracy means the destruction
of the Temple of Freedom which our fathers helped in 1776 to erect, and
which their sons have sacrificed blood and treasure ever since to perpetu¬
ate. The failure of democracy in this mighty conflict will entail disaster
upon humanity throughout generations beyond number.
"The American Negro is beginning to realize that if the American
white man is enslaved by reason of this Republic's inability to rout the
Hun in the present struggle, the ultimate result will be his own re-enslave¬
ment and the loss of all that he has gained since the Emancipation
Proclamation. His fate is indissolubly bound up with the fate of the
Republic, and he must join with it, loyally, whole-heartedly and to the
finish, in every movement that will add strength to the American arms
in the death-grapple with Germany. This common purpose must be
contended for by a common brotherhood.
"Already, the Negro has responded promptly and cheerfully to
the call for his man-power, and three times since the declaration of war
against the Imperial German Government he has answered generously,
readily and without stint to the call for his money-power.
Now comes a fourth call for financial aid and it is not doubted that
the 12,000,000 free colored Americans, who wish to remain free, will
again respond with the same or greater measure of liberality and en¬
thusiasm that has characterized them when the previous demands were
made.
"Appropriately, indeed—in view of the onward march of General
Pershing's Invincible Crusaders on France's western front, the Fourth
Liberty Loan is styled "The Fighting Loan." Black men are among
these Crusaders. We who must remain at home are in duty bound to
lend the limit of our aid to those who have gone abroad to bare their
breasts to shot and shell in defense of our flag and the sacred ideals
for which it stands. We cannot do this in a more effective way than to
offer our dollars to sustain the Government—the only Government
we know—and its fighting men while they are braving death, to insure
„ freedom and justice to all mankind. Even as they are making their
358
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
bayonet fight in protection of the jewel of liberty, we can make our
DOLLARS fight to gird up their loins for stronger efforts in trench and
on field.
"We can all rest assured that the response of the colored million*
to the fourth call for financial aid will be in keeping with our public-
spirited and intensely patriotic rallies of the past. The success of the
Fourth Liberty Loan should overtop all of its predecessors in the volume
of subscriptions accredited to the Negro race everywhere, and this
should be the absorbing mission of colored ministers, editors, teachers,
merchants, lawyers, doctors and speakers and workers day by day and
night by night until that objective is gained. 'He gives twice who gives
quickly.' Let us buy bonds—and then buy more bonds!
"Every dollar loaned, every sacrifice made, every useful service per¬
formed will give to ourselves the rich consciousness of duty well done
and will tend to win for the colored American everywhere the fullest
measure of American opportunity."
This address was sent out by Mr. Frank E. Wilson, Director of
Publicity for the United States Treasury Department, to all
Directors of Publicity, as an appeal to be addressed to the colored
people of the United States.
Secretary W. G. McAdoo, of the United States Treasury, made
public acknowledgment of the whole-souled cooperation of the
colored people throughout the country in connection with the
Liberty Loan "drives."
War Savings Stamps Purchased by Negroes
Although it has not been possible to keep any accurate record of
the amount of War Savings Stamps purchased by colored people
throughout the country, the scattering reports and personal observa¬
tions of individuals everywhere indicate that the total is very large.
The stamps are purchased through so many and such widely-sep¬
arated agencies that no accurate compilation by race or creedal
groups can be attempted with any hope of success.
A typical instance of the aggressive work done by the War
Stamps committees of the colored people is found in the District of
Columbia, where during a drive of eight weeks among the children
of the public schools, a sale averaging $800 per week was reported—
this period covering the months of March and April, 1918. About
the same time, the Washington Citizens' Committee on W. S. S*
HOW COLORED CIVILIANS HELPED TO WIN
359
headed by Dr. W. A. Warfield and Dr. D. E. "Wiseman, collected
$52,000 through their own plan of campaign, in addition to the im¬
mense sums subscribed through the government departments and
commercial houses where colored people were largely employed. It
cannot be doubted that "the Washington example was repeated many
times over in the many communities all over the land where colored
people are found in appreciable numbers.
Subscribers to the "Victory" Loan
The "Victory" issue of Liberty bonds found colored Americans
ready to help the nation finish the job of winning the war, to help
furnish funds to bring the boys back home, and to pay the cost con¬
nected with the establishment of freedom and democracy for the
world.
Throughout the entire country colored organizations and colored
leaders set in motion forces which brought from the colored people
a response which again served to indicate the willingness of the
Negro people to help bring the war to a close with the last of the
"drives" for money to complete the financing of the cost of the war.
Mr. John W. Lewis, president of the Industrial Savings Bank,
Washington, estimates that the colored people of the District of
Columbia purchased $2,200,000 worth of the First, Second, Third
and Fourth issues of Liberty bonds. He arrived at this total by
checking up as far as was possible the amounts known to have been
subscribed by colored men and women through the banks, the Fed¬
eral departments, and business houses. The Fifth or "Victory
Loan" was taken quite largely by Negroes in the G-overnment serv¬
ice, and by persons in private employment as well. For the Fifth
Liberty Loan the total subscribed for through his Industrial Savings
Bank amounted to something more than $30,000, the investors being
exclusively colored.
Help for the American Red Cross
Notwithstanding certain lack of information at the outset rela¬
tive to the attitude of the authorities responsible for the management
of the American Red Cross Society, the masses of the Negro people
early came to realize the vast benefits accruing to them through the
universal operations of this great agent of mercy and humanity,
360
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
and in every community where the colored people constituted any
large per cent of the population, they rallied to the standard of the
Red Cross. They gave freely of their means, invariably at a large
personal sacrifice, and strove earnestly, early and late through exist¬
ing organizations or to perfect additional organizations for the fur¬
therance of this movement.
In the 1 idrive" of the American Bed Cross for a relief fund
of $100,000,000 in 1918, the colored citizens of the country contrib¬
uted their proportionate share. In the churches, schools, theaters,
and on the streets, colored speakers eloquently pointed out the duty
of the race to give liberally to the fund and women and children
daily took up collections in all kinds of public places, and with grati¬
fying results.
Negroes in Councils of Defense
The State Councils Section of the Council of National Defense
early recognized the importance of having the colored people organ¬
ize under Councils of Defense as was true of other citizens of the
republic. It was with this thought in mind that Mr. Arthur H.
Fleming, Chief of the State Council Section, addressed the letter
following to the Southern State Councils of Defense with refer¬
ence to this matter, since the great mass of the Negro population
is to be found in the Southern section of our country:
COUNCIL OF NATIONAL DEFENSE
washington
State Council Section February 23, 1918.
Subject: Organization of the Negroes.
To the Several Southern State Councils of Defense:
The Negro population can render valuable assistance in the present crisis.
Their support of the Government depends largely on their clear understand¬
ing of the events which involved the United States in the war, and the
purposes and principles which it is upholding. To this end we call to your
attention a plan for the organization of Negroes based upon the most success¬
ful work for reaching them already accomplished by State Councils of
Defense and State Divisions of the Woman's Committee in the South. "We
ask your opinion of this plan as to its wisdom both in general and in the
light of the local conditions in your own State.
HOW COLORED CIVILIANS HELPED TO WIN
361
We hope that this matter will receive your thoughtful consideration
and that you will advise us promptly as to your views.
Yours very truly,
Arthur H. Fleming,
Chief of Section.
The result of the plan referred to was the successful organiza¬
tion of Negroes under the State Councils of Defense.
The Negro Press
An outstanding force that helped to win the war was the Negro
press of the country. Aside from the effective work done by this
aggressive element of power through the conference of Editors at
Washington, which is referred to elsewhere, the press was an asset
of incalculable value in pushing the war work among colored people
by the regular publication of the bulletins of information the Special
Assistant caused to be sent out from the War Department week
after week, beginning shortly after the assumption of his duties.
His mailing list embraced more than two hundred Negro journals
and magazines, having a large circulation in practically every State
in the Union, and reaching every class of the Negro millions, North,
East, South and West, besides the Speakers' 1 'Committee of One
Hundred" and many newspaper correspondents, special writers,
heads of schools and colleges and men of influence and standing in
the strategic centers of the nation.
This service proved to be of the greatest possible assistance to
those charged with the conduct of the war, as it won and held the
confidence of the people, maintaining their morale and stimulating
their patriotism at the crucial hour, when the nation needed the loyal
and earnest cooperation of every element of its citizenship to assure
victory to its cause. Our editors were conservative on all current
questions, at no sacrifice of courage and absolute frankness in the
upholding of principles. The author has always held to the belief
that the only way to gain the united and cordial support of the people
is to take them entirely into one's confidence and to throw upon the
screen of action the full glare of publicity touching every plan, policy
or achievement, withholding nothing that might lead to a suspicion
that behind the veil of secrecy there might lurk something that could
not stand the light of day.
The superb and generous support given to the war aims of the
362
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Government by the colored press was one of the most gratifying
features of the trying conflict, and unstinted praise should be given
the colored editors and publishers for their timely services and count¬
less sacrifices, all cheerfully contributed in behalf of the nation's
eause.
Helping to Save Food
The Food Administration, of which Mr. Herbert Hoover was
Director, recognizing the importance of having the support of the
large colored civilian population, gave attention to organizing them.
Some work had been done among the Negroes through one of the
divisions of the Educational Department of the Food Administra¬
tion, and during the carrying out of the preliminary features of this
program, A. U. Craig, a teacher of the Paul Laurence Dunbar High
School, Washington, D. C., was for awhile in charge of the Negro
Press Section of the Educational Division. About September 30,
1918, he gave up his work as director of that section, which was
discontinued.
A colored Field Worker, Ernest T. Attwell, who for fifteen years
or more had served as Business Agent of the Tuskegee Normal and
Industrial Institute, Alabama, was made organizer, first for the
State of Alabama, and afterwards for the Southern States. In
September, 1918, his activities were enlarged and he was brought
to Washington where from September, 1918, to January 1, 1919,
he served as director of the activities of the colored people from
the headquarters of the Food Administration organization.
Mr. Hoover's Appeal to the Negro
The campaign of the Food Administration among the colored
people was opened by a strong appeal made by Director Herbert
Hoover, who circulated an open letter to the 12,000,000 Negroes of
the United States, asking for their cooperation as a unit everywhere
to help in general food conservation. The appeal indicated a deep
appreciation of the potential value of cooperation on the part of
this racial group, of which over 2,000,000 were engaged in agricul¬
tural pursuits, and, therefore, exerted a tremendous influence in
solving the problem of raising food crops. Thousands of the race
were also engaged in the domestic occupations, buying and dispens¬
ing provisions for the use of many families, serving as cooks, stew-
how colored civilians helped to win 563
ards, etc., for hotels, clubs, institutions and restaurants of every
conceivable size and grade. This kind of service placed them largely
in control of the food consumption in the homes, not only of their
own people, but of other races as well. The program of Mr. Hoover
contemplated the thorough organization of this important group by,
first, naming a national director, in the person of Mr. Attwell, and
jfor jfmtjnm
An Appeal to the Negroes of
the United States
Our Nation is engaged in a war for its very exist¬
ence. To win this war we must save food, grow
great crops of foodstuffs and substitute other foods
for those most easily shipped to our associates in
th-'swarand our own soldiers in France, thousands of
whom are men of your own race. The Food Adminis¬
tration realizes that the* Negro people of this Nation
can be of the utmost help in food conservation and
food production, Every Negro man, woman, and
child can render a definite service by responding to
the appeal and instructions of the Food Administra¬
tion and its representatives. The Negroes have shown
themselves loyal and responsive in every national cri¬
sis. Their greatest opportunity of the present day,
to exercise this loyalty, is to help save and grow
food. i am confident that they will respond to the
suggestions of the Food Administration and thus
prove again their patriotism for the winning of this
war.
Herbert Hoover
then the appointment of Negro State Directors, county deputies,
local food committees, and like agencies, taking in every class of
helpers, with a view of mobilizing all forces for the purpose of stimu¬
lating propaganda work along the line of increased food production
and the conservation of the supplies in hand. Mr. Hoover's appeal
is reproduced in facsimile above.
364
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
One year of food conservation found a colored organization in
each of the following named States, with Negro directors as indi¬
cated: Alabama, J. H. Phillips; Arkansas, Milton W. Guy; Florida,
Nathan B. Young; Georgia, J. P. Davis; Illinois, Alexander L. Jack¬
son; Indiana, F. B. Ransom; Iowa, Herbert R. Wright; Kentucky,
Phil H. Brown; Louisiana, J. Madison Vance; Maryland, C. C. Fitz¬
gerald; North Carolina, James B. Dudley; Oklahoma, T. H. Wise¬
man; South Carolina, R. W. Westberry; Missouri, J. B. Coleman;
Tennessee, William J. Hale; Texas, E. J. Howard; West Virginia,
C. E. Mitchell; New York, E. P. Roberts.
The publicity system adopted by the Colored Section served
to arouse the masses to the necessity for food conservation and
production, to supply home needs and to replace the enormous
amount of foodstuffs lost at sea on the way to the allied govern¬
ments. Besides numerous news releases to the colored press a
series of striking pamphlets were issued, notable among them
being one bearing the admonition, "Don't Cut the Rope!" Illus¬
trated lectures, moving pictures slides in the theaters, public cooking
demonstrations, etc., formed a part of the publicity campaign so
well carried out by Director Attwell.
The signing of the armistice did not cause the immediate
discontinuance of the Food Administration, and the organization
of food clubs went on as before. The Director of the Negro Sec¬
tion saw to it that every Negro home was reached with the propa¬
ganda of *4keeping on in the good work." During "Conservation
Week for World Relief," the first week in December, 1918, Mr.
Attwell addressed large meetings in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky,
at which he pointed out the necessity for continued conservation
of food, in view of the fact that contracts for the current year
called for not less than twenty million tons of food products for
European countries. In all respects the results flowing out of
the activities of the Negro Section of the National Food Adminis¬
tration amply justified its creation and the unstinted praise which
Director Hoover and other governmental agents so cheerfully
bestowed upon it.
CHAPTER XXVI
NEGRO LABOR IN WAR TIME
Organisation for War Work—The Division of Negro Economics—
Pioneer Work of Br. George E. Haynes—Negro Representation
in Council—Seeking to Improve Rave Relations—Good Work
by Negroes in the Shipyards—Attitude of Organized Labor—
The Opportunities of the War.
Because of unsettled conditions among the Negro people
migrating hither and thither during the World War, and still
more disturbed conditions obtaining among them after the inter¬
vention of the United States in the great struggle, it was deemed
necessary to make a scientific study of Negro labor and establish
an organization for its direction. After considering the available
material, the Secretary of Labor decided, in June, 1918, to call
as one of his assistants to take charge of this work, Dr. George
E. Haynes, founder of the Urban League and Professor of Social
Sciences at Fisk University. Br. Haynes's work was that of a
director of the Division of Negro Economics, around which the
organization to carry out these purposes would be organized and
from which it would receive its direction.
As no special effort had hitherto been made in this field, Dr.
Haynes came to his task largely as a pioneer. His first effort
was to arouse interest in his cause through personal interviews
and conferences with public-spirited citizens of both races, North
and South. He, therefore, approached school officials, State Coun¬
cils of National Defense, Chambers of Commerce, the United States
Employment Service, social welfare organizations, and educational
societies. #
Interest was soon manifested far and wide. The proposed
work of the Department of Labor with reference to the Negroes
was given careful consideration at a meeting of the Southern
365
366
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Sociological Congress held at Gulfport, Mississippi, Jnly 12, 1918.
Soon there followed a State conference of representative whit®
and Negro citizens at Jacksonville, Florida, called by Governor
Sydney J. Catts, who presided at a number of the sessions. On
August -5, 1918, a conference was called at Columbus, Ohio, by
the Department of Negro Economics with the cooperation of the
Federal Director of the United States Employment Service and
Governor James M. Cox.
In the meantime conferences of more satisfactory results
were being held. The first of these was that called by Governor
Bickett of North Carolina, on June 19, 1918. At this meeting the
Governor appointed a temporary committee, which drafted a
constitution providing for a State Negro Workers' Advisory Com¬
mittee and for the organization of local, county, and city com¬
mittees. This plan of organization, with slight modifications and
adjustments for other States, served as a model for the develop¬
ment of voluntary field organizations for the Southern States and
six Northern States.
An important conference was then held in Kentucky on
August 6, • 1918. There were both white and colored representa¬
tives in attendance. This conference was unique in that the plan
of organization adopted was that of a united war work com¬
mittee, with a special committee of white citizens appointed by
the State Council of Defense as cooperating members. This war
work committee included representatives from the Department
of Agriculture, the United States Food Administration, the Red
Cross, the Council of Defense, and the Department of Labor.
Governor A. 0. Stanley of Kentucky attended the morning session
and made an enthusiastic address to the delegates. Very soon
thereafter the influence of the State conferences so proved their
effectiveness and their usefulness as a means of forwarding the
State movement and creating good feeling and a favorable senti¬
ment that other conferences followed almost as a matter of course.
The most important of these were held in Georgia, Missouri, Illi¬
nois, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, and steps were
taken for conferences or central organization of the work either
in New York or South Carolina.
NEGRO LABOR IN WAR TIME
367
Improving Race Relations
The Division of Negro Economics also called upon the In¬
formation and Education Service to carry out the departmental
plan for publicity and educational campaigns to improve race
relations of workers and to increase the morale and efficiency of
Negro workers. The Division also assisted the Bureau of Indus¬
trial Housing and Transportation in carrying out its purposes.
It welcomed also the cooperation of the Public Health Service in
its educational campaign among Negro workers, and maintained a
similar cooperative relationship with the War Department through
the office of the Special Assistant to the Secretary of War.
Good Work in the Shipyards
It has often been reported that the Division of Negro Eco¬
nomics withheld from rather than conferred upon the Negro the
benefits resulting from the scarcity of labor during the World
War. For example, Negroes were employed in large numbers in
the shipyards, then undertaking to furnish the fleets adequate
to the task of transporting American soldiers to France. In the
early part of the war the Negroes as illustrated by the unusual
record of Charles Knight, at Sparrow's Point, Maryland, exhibited
the highest efficiency as riveters in the shipyards. But their
increase in efficiency did not lead to an increase in the number
employed in the various shipyards. The same condition of affairs,
for instance, obtained in the employment of Negroes at Hog
Island. After they had manifested the same evidences of efficiency,
they suffered from most invidious discriminations while endeavor¬
ing to contribute their part to the winning of the war. These unto¬
ward conditions tended to continue, and while the number of
Negroes employed 'by the United States Government increased,
the Government did little to facilitate their entering the higher
pursuits of labor.
It is unfair, however, to charge to the account of Dr. Haynes,
the Director of the Division of Negro Economics, the shortcomings
of the Department of Labor or of the United States Government.
It is decidedly unjust and ludicrous that in the midst of all of these
injustices to the Negro laborer there was no effort on the part
of the Department to do anything to relieve the situation. A
368
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORT
public official is not always in a position every time to divulge
exactly what his attitude in a certain situation may be, or whether
or not he has taken any steps leading to definite action in matters
coming before him for consideration. It may safely be assumed
that Br. Haynes, at all times and in every way possible, did what
he could to secure to the Negro laborer the recognition and the
remuneration belonging to every man, and in some of these cases
he succeeded. That he failed in materially changing the attitude
of the Department of Labor or of the country toward the Negro,
should not excite surprise. If reformers have had, according to
history, to labor for years to effect a change in public opinion it
is ludicrous to expect that one colored man could, by holding office
two years in a Department of the United States Government solve
the economic problems of the race.
Attitude of Organized Labor
During these same years other forces were at work to assist
in the solution of the same problems. Organized labor had become
somewhat excited and finally concluded that because of a scarcity
of labor it would soon need the support of the Negro. During
these, their trying hours, therefore, leading Negroes of the country
were approached with a view to obtaining their support toward the
end of organizing all Negro wage-earners.
This proposal did not generally appeal to the Negroes through¬
out the United States. Their attitude was rather, "Beware of the
Greeks bearing gifts." Negroes had for so many years been
barred by the trades unions and had suffered so much at their
hands that they saw in this change of attitude only some ad¬
vantage which the trades unions hoped to obtain thereby. Why
was it that no effort had ever been put forth by white unions in
all these years when the Negro was forced to work for starvation
wages? Why is it that Negro laborers have been driven away and
in some cases, as in East St. Louis, exterminated by the agents
of the trades unions—and could now be received with open arms!
"Believing that the need of Negro labor was absolute and im¬
perative in unionized territory and that efforts to exclude the
Negro from employment would be futile," said these Negroes,
"great solicitude was then expressed for the Negro, at the very
NEGRO LABOR IN WAR TIME
369
time that lie was so well treated and so well paid and his pros¬
pects for even better treatment so much brighter.'f Some Negroe#,
therefore, advised that nothing could be hoped for but base be¬
trayal, and that it would be a blunder to surrender their inde¬
pendence to accept work when they could get it, and on terms
suitable to their own peculiar needs. They openly declared that
trades unions were planning, not for the Negroes but for the
whites, and Negro leaders were cautioned not to be induced thereby
and advised the people not to accept these "gifts of the Greeks,"
who intended thereby merely to control the Negroes for their own
good, having seen that they could no longer keep them down.
These leaders, however, did not oppose the organization of
the laborers of their race in separate units primarily concerned
with their own welfare, but maintaining their independence of the
white unions. They were urged to unite among themselves, but
not to connect with any movement which convenienced, encouraged,
or incited lawlessness, or that sought to prevent men who desired
to work from working because they did not wear the badge of an
organization. Complying with such suggestions a number of
Negroes' organizations were formed. Chief among these was that
of the Associated Colored Employees of America, which aimed
to bring about a systematic distribution of laborers.
The Opportunities of the War
The majority of the Negroes of this country, however, were
not of this opinion. They felt that the time had come for the two
races to unite and this was its greatest opportunity. As a step in
this direction the American Federation of Labor at its meeting
in Buffalo in 1917 passed a resolution to this effect. On the 12th
of February in 1918, therefore, the Council of the American
Federation of Labor met according to appointment a number of
representative Negroes who were invited to discuss with that
body plans for carrying out these resolutions. Among the persons
invited were Dr. R. R. Moton, Principal of Tuskegee; Mr. Emmett
J. Scott, Special Assistant to the Secretary of War; Mr. George
W. Harris, Editor of the New York News; Mr. A. H. Grimke,
President of the Washington Branch, National Association for
the Advancement of Colored People; Mr. E. K. Jones, Ex-
370
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
ecutive Secretary of the League on Urban Conditions Among
Negroes; Mr. John Shillady, Secretary of the National Associa¬
tion for the Advancement of Colored People, and Mr. Fred R.
Moore, Editor of the New York Age.
These gentlemen, representing the colored people,. set forth
as a vital war measure the necessity for the removal of the
barriers preventing Negroes from entering the higher pursuits of
labor. They asked that the American Federation of Labor organ¬
ize the Negroes in the various trades to include skilled as well
as unskilled workmen, Northern as well as Southern; Government
as well as civilian employees; women as well as men workers.
They wanted Negro labor directed by the American Federation
of Labor in the same way as white labor, when workmen are
returning to work after a successful strike, when shops are declared
open or closed, and when union workers apply for jobs.
When the American Federation of Labor held its meeting in
Atlantic City, New Jersey, in June, 1919, it voted with only one dis¬
senting vote, and that the Railway Postal Clerks' Union, to give full
membership rights to Negro wage-earners. The discussion of the
question, and there were some seven hundred delegates in the con¬
vention, was very general, broad and fair, with few exceptions.
For some time past Negroes have enjoyed membership privileges in
the Federation, but in a restricted sense only. It now remains for
them to make their standing in the American Federation what it
should be. Several causes contributed toward this decision. The
"World War taught the American Federation and all others that Ne¬
groes were prepared, by the industrial and technical teaching and in¬
struction they have been subjected to for the past twenty-five years,
to do the highly necessary work required by the Government and the
essential industry corporations; while the migration movement indi¬
cated that there was plenty of labor to be had for the asking.
The Case of Mrs. Douglass
As soon as the Special Assistant to the Secretary of War en¬
tered upon his duties in the War Department he found that there was
need of building up a healthy morale among the colored people.
Aside from what seemed to be a regular epidemic of racial disturb¬
ances culminating in riots, lynching, mob violence, and the like, he
found many other conditions that were making for disquiet and
NEGRO LABOR IN WAR TIME
371
unrest. Although colored men were being drafted and called to fight
for their country on battlefields abroad, many of their relatives and
dependents at home, even those upon the Civil Service register as
eligible for appointment, were being denied employment and dis¬
criminated against in nearly every branch of the departmental service
in Washington. One of the first cases brought to his attention was
that of a cultured and refined young colored woman, a relative by
marriage of the late Frederick Douglass, the great Negro leader.
She had met the Civil Service requirements, had been duly certified
to serve the Government as "Index and Catalogue Clerk," but when
she reported for duty and was found to have an admixture of Negro
blood, she was told that a "MISTAKE HAD BEEN MADE/'
Manifestly the same racial discrimination was practiced in dozens
of similar cases, and led to the author's taking up the matter with a
number of the Government officials who were responsible for such
injustices. "While he always recognized the fact that his duties were
primarily to look after the interests of colored soldiers, yet as far
as was practicable, he endeavored to look after the interests of col¬
ored civilians as well, and the attached correspondence concerning
the young woman above referred to is typical of his efforts in this
direction, though he frankly admits that such cases of racial dis¬
crimination in the Government bureaus at Washington have been far
too numerous for him to give to each of them the personal attention
required:
December 13, 1917.
Memorandum—For Lieut. Ernest J. "Wesson,
Officer in Charge, Civilian Personnel Section,
Administration Division, U. S. Signal Corps:
' At the instance of Dean F. P. Keppel, Confidential Adviser, Office of the
Secretary of War, I am writing you in the following matter which has been
brought to my attention.
Mrs. Fannie H. Douglass, 910 T Street, N. W., Washington, D. C., has
brought to the Office of the Secretary of War, a telegram received by her,
dated December 7, 1917, which reads as follows:
"Mrs. Fannie H. Douglass, 329 You St., N. W. (which was her former
address), Washington, D. C.:
''Your name certified by Civil Service Commission for appointment
Chief Signal Officer, twelve hundred dollars per annum; if you accept, report
372
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
as soon as possible, Room 826, Mills Building Annex, this city, for duty. "Wire
reply, Government, collect.
(Signed) Squire, Chief Signal Officer."
Mrs. Douglass states that she telegraphed her acceptance of the offer, and
reported for duty as requested; that she was given certain blank forms to
fill out; that she filled out the forms given her, and that a detached portion,
headed: "The appointee will detach this portion of the sheet and retain it
for his information and guidance," was given her, which detached portion she
has brought to the Office of the Secretary of "War; and that, after these pro¬
ceedings, she was informed that "there had been a mistake."
Inquiry at the office of the Appointment Division elicits the information
that Mrs. Fannie H. Douglass was certified to the office of the Chief Signal
Officer on December 6, 1917, as Index and Catalogue Clerk, grade of clerk¬
ship for which she had been examined, and to which position she Has been
certified.
"Will you kindly let me have, for the Secretary of War, all the facts bear¬
ing on this matter?.
(Signed) Emmett J. Scott,
Special Assistant to Secretary of "War.
"War Department, "Washington, December 15,1917.
Memorandum—Mr. Emmett J. Scott,
Special Assistant,
Office of Secretary of "War.
In reply to yours of December 13, 1917, you are advised from the in¬
vestigation in this office it would appear that Mrs. Fannie H. Douglass has
been the innocent victim of a series of unfortunate errors. The facts sur¬
rounding this case are as follows:
On December 6th the Equipment Division of the Signal Corps applied
for certification of a large number of Index and Catalogue Clerks. This ap¬
plication was referred to the Appointment Division by telephone and this
office was informed that all certificates covering the eligibles for this position
were in the Ordnance Department, that these people probably being engaged
in that Department, this office was authorized to make temporary appoint¬
ments of that grade. The Equipment Division informed the undersigned
that they had the names of persons at various points in the United States to
fill these positions. Upon receipt of this authority to make temporary ap¬
pointments they were to telegraph these persons to come to "Washington, D. C.,
and did so. Shortly afterwards fourteen certificates covering eligibles for
the position of Index and Catalogue Clerks were received in this office from
NEGRO LABOR IN WAR TIME
373
the Appointment Division, they undoubtedly having received these from the
Civil Service Commission subsequent to our telephonic conversation.
In view of the fact that a large number of persons had been directed to
proceed to Washington at their own expense from various parts of the United
States to accept temporary appointments, the undersigned did not care to
take any action on these certificates, knowing that vacancies would shortly
occur in the Air Division in which the appointees covered by such certificates
could be placed. Nevertheless, through clerical error, all of these persons
were notified by telegram. However, Mrs. Douglass was the first person to
report, and as no transportation had been involved in her case, and further,
that upon questioning the clerk in this office, who handles these matters, it
was found that Mrs. Douglass had not given up her position and would not
suffer any pecuniary loss, the undersigned instructed this clerk to inform Mrs.
Douglass that she had been notified to appear through error, this due to the
fact that vacancies existing had been filled by temporary appointments and it
seemed hardly just to displace these persons who had come to Washington at
their own expense, and that the undersigned had full knowledge that further
openings were to occur in the near future when the services of all Index and
Catalogue clerks could be utilized.
At a later date, which cannot be recalled, Mrs. Douglass called at this
office and was voluntarily informed by the undersigned that vacancies were
now existing and she would receive telegram in due time to report to this
office for duty.
With reference to Mrs. Douglass filling out the blank forms, you are
advised that the first impression in this office was that, she had been certified
as a Departmental Clerk, certain statements on her papers that she had
taken the Departmental examination, being the cause of this error, and it
was not until after these forms had been completed, was it determined that
she had been erroneously summoned as Index and Catalogue Clerk.
Mrs. Douglass has been notified to appear for duty Monday morning
next, as Index and Catalogue Clerk.
By direction of the Chief Signal Officer,
(Signed) E. J. Wesson,
1st Lt., Signal Corps, U. S. R.
It is worth while remarking that this young woman proved so
capable and painstaking that she was afterward placed in charge of
the group of young women who did the file-indexing in her division.
CHAPTER XXVII
NEGRO WOMEN IN WAR WORK
Enthusiastic Service of Colored Women in the Wartime Emergency
—Overcoming the Problems of Race by Pure Patriotism—
Work for the Red Cross—The Young Women's Christian As¬
sociation—The Colored Hostess Houses and Rest Rooms for
Soldiers—War Problems of Living—The Circle for Negro
War Relief—Colored Women in the Loam Drives—Important
Work in War Industries.
By Alice Dunbar-Nelson
When the world war began, even before the United States
had entered the conflict, the women of this country were thrilled
as women have ever been since wars began, with the desire to
serve. As if in anticipation of the days soon to come when their
own men would be sent forth to battle, they began to sew and
knit and plan relief work for the men of other nations. It was
but an earnest of the days to come, when every nerve of the nation
would be strained to care for its own men.
"When, after that day in April, 1917, so filled with direful pos¬
sibilities for the nation, the women realized that they were indeed
to be called upon, to give up their all, there was but one desire
in the hearts of all the women of the country—to do their utmost
for the men who were about to go forth to battle for an ideal.
Overnight careless idlers were transformed into busy workers;
social butterflies into earnest grubs; thoughtless girls into poised
women; card clubs into knitting circles; aspirants to social honors
into workers whose sole ambition was to be a definite factor in
helpful service. Where there had been petty bickering, there was
now a realization that this was no time for the small things of
life. The one common sorrow of loss of the men dearest to them,
of seeing their sons, brothers, fathers and husbands in the great
conflict, welded together the women of the nation, and purged the
dross of littleness from their souls by the fire of service.
„ 374
NEGRO WOMEN IN WAR WORK
375
One thing which served to strengthen and intensify the
feeling of responsibility and seriousness of the women of the
country was the fact that for the first time in the history of the
world, a nation at war recognized its women as a definite asset in,
the conduct of the war. Hitherto, her place had been that of
those in the poem, "For men must work, and women must weep."
Hers was the task of sending her men forth to return with their
shields or upon them, while she remained at home to weep and
perhaps make bandages against the return of her wounded men.
As a factor in the war she was nil, save in those isolated and abor¬
tive cases in history where she became an Amazon or a Molly
Pitcher.
But in April, 1917, all this was changed! The nation called;
upon its women to do definite and constructive work, far-reaching
and real. It called them not only to nurse the wounded, but to
conserve the health of those at home; not only to give aid and,
comfort to the fighting men, but to preserve the health and morals
of the women whom they must meet, love, and marry; not only
to make bandages for the stricken soldiers, but to provide ambu¬
lances and even drive them; not only to give love and tears, but
money, which they raised from every legitimate source; not only
to cheer the men as they marched to the front, but to keep up the
morale of those left at home; and to fan into a flame the sparks
of patriotism in the breasts of those whom the country denied the
privilege of bearing arms. "With one stroke the Government
organized every woman of the nation into an inclusive body, and
mobilized the formerly overlooked greatest asset of the nation.
Into this maelstrom of war activity the women of the Negro
race hurled themselves joyously. They asked no odds, remembered
no grudges, solicited no favors, pleaded for no privileges. They
came by the thousands, hands opened wide to give of love and
service and patriotism. It was enough for them that their country
was at war; it was enough for them that there was work to do.
Centuries of labor had taught them the love of labor; a heritage
of service had taught them the beauty of giving of themselves, and
a race record of patriotism and loyalty had imbued them inherently
with the flaming desire to do their part in the struggle of their
native land.
376
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
The problem of the woman of the Negro race was a peculiar
one. Was she to do her work independently of the women of the
other race, or was she to merge herself into their organizations?
There were separate regiments for Negro soldiers; should there
be separate organizations for relief work among Negro women?
If she joined relief organizations, such as the Red Cross Society,
and worked with them, would she be assured that her handiwork
would reach black hands on the other side of the world, or should
she be great-hearted and give her service, simply for the sake
of giving, not caring who was to be benefited? Could she be sure
that when she offered her services she would be understood as
desiring to be a help, and not wishing to be an associate? As is
usually the case when any problem presents itself to the nation at
large, the Negro faces a double problem should he essay a solu¬
tion—the great issue and the lesser problem of racial adjustment to
that issue.
However, the women of the race cut the Gordian knot with
magnificent simplicity. They offered their services and gave them
freely, in whatsoever form was most pleasing to the local organiza¬
tions of white women. They accepted without a murmur the place
assigned them in the ranks. They placed the national need before
the local prejudice; they put great-heartedness and pure patriotism
above the ancient creed of racial antagonism. For pure, unalloyed
unselfishness of the highest order, the conduct of the Negro women
of the United States during the world war stands out in splendid
relief, a lesson to the entire world of what womanhood of the best
type really means.
Colored Women and the Red Cross
At the very beginning of the war, the first organization to
which the women of the country naturally turned was the Bed
Cross Society. It was to be expected that the colored woman, pre¬
eminently the best nurse in the world, would necessarily turn
to the Red Cross Society as a field in which to exercise her peculiar
gifts. Red Cross branches were organized in practically every
community in the country. Yet it is extremely difficult to tell just
what the contribution of the colored woman has been to this organi¬
zation. We are told that, "The American Red Cross during the
war enlisted workers without regard to creed or color and no
NEGRO WOMEN IN WAR WORK
377
separate records were maintained of the work of any particular
Auxiliary. We know that some eight million women worked for
the Eed Cross in one way or another during the war, but we have
no figures indicating how many of them were colored."
In the Northern cities the colored women merged their identity
in their Red Cross work with the white women, that is, in some
Northern cities. In others, and in the South, they formed inde¬
pendent units, auxiliaries to the local branches presided over by
the women of the other race. These auxiliaries sent hundreds of
thousands of knitted garments to the front, maintained restaurants,
did canteen service where they could; sent men from the local draft
boards to the camps with comfort kits; in short, did all that could
be done—all that they were allowed to do.
But the story of the colored woman and the Red Cross is not
altogether a pleasant one. Unfortunately, her activities in this
direction were considerably curtailed in many localities. There
were whole sections of the country in which she was denied the
privilege of doing canteen service. There were other sections in
which canteen service was so managed as to be canteen service in
name only. Local conditions, racial antipathies, ancient prejudices
militated sadly against her usefulness in this work. To the ever¬
lasting and eternal credit of the colored woman be it said that, in
spite of what might have been absolute deterrents, she persisted
in her service and was not downcast in the face of difficulties.
The best part of the whole situation lies in the fact that in
the local organizations of the Red Cross the Negro woman was the
beneficiary. The Home Nursing classes and the classes in Dietetics
not only served to strengthen the morale of the women engaged
therein, but raised the tone of every community in which they
were organized. This was shown during the influenza epidemic
of 1918, when a panic-stricken nation called upon its volunteer
nurses of every race and color, and the women of the Red Cross
were ready in response and in training.
Theodore Roosevelt has said, "All of us who give service and
stand ready for sacrifice, are the torch-bearers. We run with the
torches until we fall, content if we can then pass them to the hands
of other runners." If that be the case, the gray chapter of the
colored nurses in overseas service is a golden one. Early in 1918
378
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
the Government issued a call for nurses. The need was great over¬
seas; it was greater at home. Colored women since the inception
of the war had felt keenly their exclusion from overseas service.
The need for them was acute; their willingness to go was complete;
the only thing that was wanted was authoritative sanction. In June,
1918, it Was officially announced that the Secretary of "War had
authorized the calling of colored nurses in the national service.
It was an act that did more complete justice to our people, in
enfranchising our women for this noble service than any other of the
war. All colored nurses who had been registered by the American
Red Cross Society were thus given the right to render service to
their own race in the army. Colored nurses were assigned to the
base hospitals at Camp Funston, Kansas; Camp Grant, Rockford,
Illinois; Camp Dodge, Des Moines, Iowa; Camp Taylor, Louisville,
Kentucky; Camp Sherman, Chillicothe, Ohio, and Camp Dix,
Wrightstown, New Jersey. At these camps a total of about 38,000
colored troops were located.
The Service of Colored Nurses
Colored people throughout the country felt deep satisfaction
over this authorization of the enrollment of colored nurses at the
base hospitals and camps. Hundreds of competent colored nurses
had registered their names for many months with the Nursing
Division of the American Red Cross, in the hope of finally securing
positions where their skill and experience could be utilized to proper
advantage. These last were particularly gratified over the happy
turn of affairs. At the convention of the National Association of
Colored Graduate Nurses held at St. Louis, Missouri, a formal
message of appreciation was sent to the War Department, the
American Red Cross Society, and other agencies that had been
instrumental in pushing their claims.
Mrs. Adah B. Thomas, R. N., president of the National Asso¬
ciation of Graduate Nurses, attached to the staff of the Lincoln
Hospital and Home in New York City, gave a typical expression
of the sentiment of the colored nurses and the colored people gen¬
erally with reference to the admission of colored women to this
branch of service. She was the first to offer herself for overseas
service. Indianapolis, Indiana, sent a contingent for active service
at once. Elizabeth Miller of Meharry Medical College, Nashville,
NEGRO WOMEN IN WAR WORK
379
Tennessee, answered the Government call and was assigned to duty
at a nitrate plant in Alabama.
These were but sporadic instances indicating the instant re¬
sponse to the long-waited call to service. Unfortunately, before
any considerable change in existing circumstances surrounding this
branch of service could be made, the Armistice was signed and his¬
tory will never know what the colored woman might have done on
the battlefields of France as a Red Cross Nurse. Rumor, more or
less authentic, states that over 300 colored nurses were on the
battlefields, though their complexion disguised their racial identity.
Young Women's Christian Association
Of the remedial agencies at work for the relief of humanity,
and the shouldering of responsibility for the health, morals, and
happiness of those also working for the relief of humanity, the
Young Women's Christian Association in its operation among the
colored girls, women, and men stands out pre-eminently. The
reason for this is not hard to seek—the qualities of personality in
the leader of this work among colored women, Miss Eva D. Bowles.
At the time the country faced the possibility of war, the
National Board of the Young Women's Christian Association was
confronted with the great responsibility of helping to safeguard
the moral life of women and girls as affected by war conditions.
Request came from the United States War Department Commis¬
sion on Training Camp Activities and from the Young Men's
Christian Association, for women workers to undertake work
among girls in communities adjacent to army and navy training
camps. Hence the formation of the War Work Council. It
was organized in June, 1917, with a membership of 100, its func¬
tion to help meet the special needs of girls and young women in
all countries affected by the war. Allied with this was the Junior
War Work Council, and the Patriotic League. The extension of
these activities among colored girls and women was simultaneous,
and one of the brightest chapters in the story of women in the
war is the one which records how this work measured up to the
responsibilities laid upon it.
The War Work Council of the Young Women's Christian
Association, recognizing the loyalty and the need of the colored
380
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
women and girls of the country, devoted $400,000 of its 1918 budget*to.
the work among the colored girls. When it was organized there was
one colored National Secretary and sixteen associations or com¬
munities, with nine paid workers. The great demand for a better
morale among the girls of the country soon raised that number
to twelve National workers, three field supervisors, and forty-two
centers, with sixty-three paid workers.
There were opened up in the various camps fifteen hostess
houses with complete staffs of colored women. These houses served
a splendid purpose. When the War Department planned the great
training camps it may not have remembered the women of the
country in the stress of making up the army of men, or it may
have thought that if it said that there were to be no women in the
camps, there would be none. But every woman knows that as
long as there is a path to the camps, that path the women will
follow; be it on foot, by boat, in cars, trains, trolleys, motor cars,
or on horseback; and if there be no trail, the women will blaze
one. They must see if their men are ill, or living, and how they
are living. If they are ill, they must get to them; if homesick,
they must cheer them; if they are leaving for overseas, they must
say good-bye to them. And if there are none of their own, they
must be charitable enough to extend their good-will to the lonely
and heart-hungry of others.
Hence the birth of the Hostess House idea; a bit of home in
the camps, a place of rest and refreshment for the women folks
belonging to the soldiers; a sheltering chaperonage for the too-
enthusiastic girl; a dainty supplement to the stern face of the
camp-life of the soldiers; an information bureau for women and
soldiers alike; a clearing-house for the social activities which
included the men in camps and their women visitors.
As the colored troops came into the camps in large numbers,
there was an urgent appeal to meet the needs of their women.
The first house to be opened was at Camp Upton, when the "Buffa¬
loes" (367th) were being made into the crack regiment that it
afterward became; Mrs. Hannah C. Smith, the pioneer among the
Hostess House leaders, going there to take charge in the early
part of November, 1917. Only great enthusiasm and faith in the
value of the work to be done could have brought about the results
NEGRO WOMEN IN WAR WORK
381
which Mrs. Smith achieved at Camp Upton at this time. The
temporary headquarters for the hostess house were in a bar¬
racks with few conveniences and almost no possibilities. Mrs.
Smith, with her co-worker, Mrs. Norcomb, soon made the place
as homelike as possible. This was the beginning of the Hostess
House work for colored women.
In no very great while Hostess Houses in seven of the large
Camps were in operation and others soon followed. In some camps,
where there was a definite surety, work was begun in the barracks.
From many Southern camps came the request for the immediate
erection of houses on an insufficient plan, but these plans were
rejected. Finally, in the natural progress that came, the houses
were erected, and used the same as other Hostess Houses. The
relationship of the staff to the whole staff of the camp developed
into an ideal, and all groups working under the general tutelage
of the Young "Women's Christian Association understood each other
and had a better appreciation of mutual problems by working
together.
The Y. W. C. A. and War Industries
As the war progressed, our colored girls were taken into almost
every phase of the industrial field. It was then recognized early
in the work that the success of the movement depended largely
upon the correct interpretation of the colored girl to her employer
and her white co-worker, and of a fair, just attitude of the white
worker toward the colored girl. The war opened up many avenues
of employment and service to the colored girls that had not hitherto
been her privilege to accept, principally in the industrial field, and
with the opening up of these new lines of work, new piroblems were
developed; consequently there came a demand for women to go
into localities where factories were located, to make investigations
as to working conditions, housing and recreational facilities; to
create a better understanding between the employer and employee,
and to assist in the opening up of new opportunities for work.
As a result of this, an industrial worker was placed at such vital
points as Detroit, St. Louis, Louisville, East St. Louis, Nitro, West
Virginia ; Penniman, Virginia, and Philadelphia, with one appointed
for Baltimore, and an acute situation in Washington cared for.
Not only was there need for the care and protection of the
girl in the factory, but equally as much so for those in more social
382
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
communities. This led to the development of club and recreational
centers especially in cities near which camps were located. To-day,
these centers reach from New York to Los Angeles, California, and
from St. Paul, Minnesota, to San Antonio, Texas. These clubs and
recreational centers are also an important feature in industrial
communities.
Splendid Colored Women Workers
Not only in groups, but as individuals, the women felt the call
of this great and important work, and responded from every walk
of life. There were many offers of volunteer service, and Miss
Mary Cromwell, of Washington, D. C., was one of those to offer.
She spent the summer at Camp Dix as a volunteer information
and emergency hostess, and completed her two months of observa¬
tion and service, feeling that there was an imperative need for the
workers to be able to differentiate between types of people and
to deal with each type scientifically as well as sympathetically; to
know enough about such things as Home Service, War Bisk Insur¬
ance, Protective Agencies, and Allotments, to answer any ques¬
tion that might be asked.
Miss Cromwell was well fitted both by training and experience
for her work. As an undergraduate at Ann Arbor, she spent her
summers in New York doing special investigations for the Charity
Organization Society. After graduating, she became a teacher in
the Dunbar High School of Washington, and there she became
interested in the Washington alleys, and opened a settlement in one
of the most congested districts. Later, she received her "master's
degree" from the University of Pennsylvania for special research
work in psychology.
The arduous task of directing the work of the Industrial Sec¬
tion of the War Work Council was given over to Miss Mary E.
Jackson, as Special Industrial Worker among Colored Women for
the War Work Council. She was appointed in December, 1917.
Prior to that time, Miss Jackson did statistical work in the Labor
Department of the State of Rhode Island.
Associated with Miss Bowles in this War Work Council of col¬
ored women as heads of departments in addition to Miss Mary E.
Jackson, were Miss Crystal Bird, girls* worker; Mrs. Vivian W.
Stokes, who at one time was associated with the National Urban
NEGRO WOMEN IN WAR WORK
383
League and assisted in making a survey of New York City in con¬
nection with the Urban League of New York (Mrs. Stokes' work in
connection with the Room Registry work has already been men¬
tioned) ; Mrs. Lucy B. Richmond, special worker for town and coun¬
try; Miss Mabel S. Brady, recruiting secretary in the Personnel
Bureau; Miss Juliette Dericotte, special student worker; Mrs. Cor¬
delia A. Winn, formerly a teacher in the public schools of Columbus,
Ohio; Mrs. Ethel J. Kindle, special office worker. Miss Josephine
V. Piny on was appointed a special war worker in August, 1917. She
is a graduate of Cornell University, a former teacher, and a student
jY. W. C. A. secretary from 1912 to 1916.
The field workers were Mrs. Adele Ruffin, South Atlantic Field,
appointed in October, 1917. Mrs. Ruffin was a; teacher for some
years at Kittrell College, and then secretary of the Y. W. C. A.
branch at Richmond, Virginia. Miss May Belcher had charge of the
jSouth Central field and Miss Maria L. Wilder of the Southwestern
field. Miss Elizabeth Carter was loaned to the Association work
'by the Board of Education of New Bedford, Massachusetts, where
she is the only colored teacher in the city. She is chairman of the
Northeastern Federation of Colored Women's Clubs, and former
president of the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs.
She was placed in charge of the center in Washington, D. G.
Aside from these, there was a small army of club and recreation
workers, Hostess House workers, industrial workers, and super¬
visors. Throughout the trying ordeal of directing the work of these
assistants, and meeting the huge problems presented to the council,
Miss Bowles remained perhaps the most effective and achieving, and
at the same time, noiseless worker among the colored women in this
country.
Women's Division, Council of National Defease
The Council of National Defense made the best organized at¬
tempt at mobilizing the colored women of all the war organizations.
In most Northern States it was felt that separate organizations were
superfluous, yet, on the other hand, in many cases it was agreed that
the work could be best served by distinct units. There were many
ramifications to the work of the Council of Defense; registration of
women, the weighing and measuring of babies, the establishment of
milk stations, health and recreations centers, supervision of women
384
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
in industry, correlation with other war organizations. Different
States excelled in different phases of the work. In the establishment
of Child Welfare and the conservation of infancy Alabama seems to
be the banner state, the best work emanating from Tuskegee, where
the examination of infants was under the care of Mrs. J. W. Whit-
aker. At Birmingham, Alabama, Mrs. H. G. Davenport had charge
of the activities of the Council and was particularly successful in
the establishment of Community houses at two great industrial
centers, Acipco and Bessemer. In the first community, where the
managers of the plant had established a model village with com*
munity house and all forms of Community life, the entire program
of the Council of Defense was carried through, conservation of chil¬
dren, attention to health and recreation, with a very strong empha¬
sis on food conservation. In the latter instance, a Community house
established in the heart of the village of Bessemer concentrated on
child welfare, food conservation, and war gardens.
Service in Various States
Two women in Florida stand out as doing yeoman service
under the work of the Women's Committee of the Council of De¬
fense. Mrs. Mary McLeod Bethune, who at Daytona, where her
splendid school is situated, pushed forward the work of the Emer¬
gency Circle, Negro War Relief, and Miss Eartha White, the State
Chairman of the Colored Woman's Section of the Council of De¬
fense. Under her direction Florida was organized into excellent
working units, with a particular concentration on a Mutual Protec¬
tion League for Working Girls, who had taken up the unfamiliar
work of elevator girls, bell girls in hotels, and chauffeurs. From
this it was not far to a Union of Girls in Domestic Service, a by¬
product of war conditions that might well be continued in every
city and hamlet in the country.
In Colorado, the women formed themselves into a Negro
Women's Auxiliary War Council, a Negro Women's League for
Service, and a Bed Cross Auxiliary, all apparently working under
the general management of the Council of Defense. In Georgia,
the president of the Georgia State Federation of Colored Women's
Clubs, Mrs. Alice Dugged Carey of Atlanta, reported organizations
in Tallapoosa County, a community canning center in Bremen,
Coweta and Cobb counties, with other organizations in every im-
NEGRO WOMEN IN WAR WORK
385
portant city. The Illinois women, organized into a Committee on
Colored Women, worked in cooperation with the Urban League for
training of Negro Women.
Delaware did not have a separate organization of the Coun¬
cil of Defense, but the race was represented on the State Com¬
mittee, and through them work was carried on. Mrs. Blanche W.
Stubbs, president of the City Federation of Christian Workers, rep¬
resented the women, and through her efforts the usual classes in food
conservation were established at the Thomas Garrett Settlement,
while a baby-weighing station was established, and a public nurse
appointed.
The work in Indiana was carried on by a separate division,
largely directed by the State President of Colored Women's Clubs,
Mrs. Gertrude B. Hill. Kentucky, with no special woman's divi¬
sion, specialized on the protection of girls. The best work done in
Louisiana was in the conservation of children through the weighing
and measuring of babies, and in the effective registration of the
women and the conservation of food.
Maryland did some splendid and effective work under the direc¬
tion of Miss Ida Cummings, the State Chairman of the Colored
Women's Committee. Practically every phase of the inclusive pro¬
gram mapped out by the Council of Defense was carried through,
and a public-speaking class at the Bowie Summer School was most
successful. Mississippi was organized by Miss Sallie Green, of
Sardis, into eleven sections, corresponding with a similar organiza¬
tion among the white women, with good work done in child conserva¬
tion at Jackson. Mrs. Victoria Clay Haley saw to it that Missouri
did effective work. Colored women in North Carolina merged their
war activities into one, and were most successful in training camp
activities, the War Camp Community Service maintaining an inter¬
esting work at Charlotte. In Portland, Oregon, the Rosebud Study
Club, as was the case with so many clubs, turned its attention to
knitting and a practical study of food conservation. In Columbia,
South Carolina, the Phyllis Wheatley Club opened a community
center to be used as a clearing-house for war activities, welcoming
all war organizations to work within its walls—Y. W. C. A., Red
Cross, War Camp Community Service, and Council of Defense.
In Tennessee, Mrs. Cora Burke, of Knoxville had a successful
386
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
work; registration of nurses was particularly complete. The col¬
ored women of Nashville had a tag day to raise funds for their
Branch Council of National Defense. Virginia concentrated on
food conservation and the Children's Year, with most successful
war gardens. A Colored Woman's Volunteer League was organized
at Newark, New Jersey, as a branch of the Mayor's committee, of
the Woman's Committee of the Council of National Defense, Mrs.
Amorel Cook, president. This league established a canteen and
specialized on making soldiers feel at home.
War Problems of Living
The problems of living, made by the war, which were solved
sometimes in whole, sometimes in part by the Woman's Committee
of National Defense, were many and various. For instance there
was the shifting of the percentage of women in the rural population
particularly in the South, the same condition which was met in the
North in industrial plants. The employment of women in the cotton
fields was as great a problem in its way as the mass of girlhood in
the Northern mills. This employment of the women could not but
react upon the child, with a consequent lowering of child vitality
and raising of infant mortality. It was this condition which the
Council of Defense tried to meet, and to forestall the inevitable
problems of reconstruction. Hence the establishment of stations
where babies were weighed, measured, tested, and placed under
weekly -supervision with competent nurses in charge; Perhaps the
various units did not always accomplish this end, but it was an ideal
worth striving for.
"The Lure of the Khaki"
One of the fundamental problems of the War—no new one but
suddenly aggravated by the abnormal atmosphere and excitement
accompanying the presence of large numbers of soldiers—was that
of the relationship of the young girl and the soldier. What has been
called "the lure of the khaki" is but an expression on the part of the
girl of her admiration for the spirit of the men who are willing to
give their lives, if need be, in the defense of their country. How to
win this feeling into the right channels was one of the problems of
ttie women in the war. It was met by two organizations, the Young
Women's Christian Association, of which we have spoken, and the
War Camp Community Service. It was the duty of the latter organi-
NEGRO WOMEN IN WAR WORK
387
zation to recreate home ties for enlisted men in cities adjacent to
training camps.
It was in providing this home atmosphere that the War Camp
Community Service was most successful. Entertainment was devel¬
oped for the colored soldiers; concessions let for poolrooms, picture
shows, canteens and cafeterias in connection with the work. But
where the War Camp Community Service was most successful was
in the chaperoned dances, given at the clubrooms. Here "the lure
of the khaki" might find conventional self-expression. The largest
of the Negro Community Service Clubs were in Des Moines, Iowa;
Battle Creek, Michigan; Louisville, Kentucky; Chillicothe, Ohio;
Charlotte, North Carolina; Petersburg and Newport News, Virginia;
Washington, D. C.; Baltimore, Maryland; Atlanta, Georgia; Mont¬
gomery, Alabama; and Columbia, ftouth Carolina.
This working together for a common purpose is resulting in
building up a new community consciousness among our own people
and in turning our thoughts to community projects of a permanent
nature. Early in the war, work was started at Des Moines, Iowa.
From that time, with the next two centers at Chattanooga, Tennessee,
there were established in all sixty-six centers, located in Richmond,
Newport News, Lynchburg, Norfolk, Petersburg and Peniman, Vir¬
ginia; Nitro, West Virginia; Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Williamsport,
Germantown, Pennsylvania; San Antonio, Houston and Fort Worth,
Texas; St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri; Washington, D. C.;
Winston-Salem and Charlotte, North Carolina; Youngstown, Day¬
ton, Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio; St. Paul, Minnesota; Orange,
Jersey City, Burlington and Montclair, New Jersey; Atlanta and
Augusta, Georgia; Brooklyn and New York City; Charleston and
Columbia, South Carolina; Detroit, Michigan; Indianapolis, Indiana;
Little Rock, Arkansas; Louisville, Kentucky; Chicago, Illinois; with
a special industrial worker at Chester, Pennsylvania, in the person
of Mrs. Sarah Fernandis, of Baltimore, an experienced social worker.
The Circle for Negro War Relief
Time and time again it was borne in upon the inner conscious¬
ness of the women of the race that though the various organizations
for war relief were doing all that was humanly possible for the sol¬
diers of both races, they were inadequate for all the needs of the
Hegro soldier and his family. There were avenues open for more
388
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
extensive relief; there were places as yet untouched by any organi¬
zation; there were programs of direct War Relief and Constructive
Belief work which needed to be carried out and some separate or¬
ganization for this work was an imperative necessity. So the Circle
for Negro War Belief came into existence in November, 1917. The
leading spirit in this movement was Mrs. Emily Bigelow Hapgood,
the president, and associated around her were the best minds of the
country, white and colored. The Circle was incorporated, and dedi-
cateddtself to the purpose of promoting the* welfare of Negro soldiers
and their dependent families as they might be affected by the emer¬
gencies of war.
The success of this Circle was immediate and phenomenal.
Within a few months, sixty "units" were formed, extending from
New York to Utah, to the far South, throughout the East, and middle
West. Each unit dedicated itself in its particular locality to the
relief of some vital need either in the Community or in some nearby
camp. For instance Ambulance Unit of N. Y. gave a two-thousand
dollar ambulance to Camp Upton. Unit No. 29 in St. Helena, South
Carolina, not only did the usual war knitting and letter writing, but
during the influenza epidemic formed itself into a health committee
in cooperation with the Red Cross.
It would be difficult to give a complete report of the work of all
the units. It forms a voluminous mass of interesting and illuminat¬
ing statistics. The activities of the Circle ranged from the making
of comfort kits to the furnishing of chewing gum to the soldiers;
from the supplying of victrolas and records to the introduction of
Theodore Boosevelt, Irvin Cobb and Needham Boberts at Carnegie
Hall; from the giving of Christmas trees in Harlem to Southern
dinners for the home-sick boys in Augusta, Georgia; from contribu¬
tions of air-cushions from Altoona, Pennsylvania, to the issuing of
educational pamphlets on the subject of the Negro soldier.
The Circle of Negro War Belief and the Crispus Attucks Circle
organized in Philadelphia in March, 1918, constituted the nearest
approach to a Bed Cross or other organization of this character
through which the colored people cooperated during the war. The
Crispus Attucks Circle did for Philadelphia what the Circle of Negro
War Belief did for New York. Its name fitly commemorated the
first Negro who gave up his life to help make "the world safe for
democracy." The one great project to which it directed all its
NEGRO WOMEN IN WAR WORK
389
energies was the attempted establishment in Philadelphia of a base
hospital for Negro soldiers, in which Negro physicians and Negro
nurses should care for their own.
It may be objected and is frequently a source of controversy
that separate hospitals are non-essential. Idle and fallacious reason¬
ing I They are needed in some places as schools, churches and social
organizations are needed. A moot question, not to be thrashed out
here; merely a remark in passing that the Crispus Attuck Circle
saw a need, a vital need, and aimed to fill it. Certainly if every
individual in the world saw the vital need in his own particular home
circle or community and met that need with joyous service, there
would be no more wars. This is what the women of the race have
done since April, 1917.
As the Circle of Negro "War Relief radiated its influence from
New York City and the Crispus Attucks Circle concentrated its
efforts in Philadelphia, so all over the United States various inde¬
pendent and private organizations for the relief of the soldier eame
into being. The Soldiers' Comfort Unit of the War Service Center
opened headquarters on Massachusetts Avenue, Boston. It was one
of the hundreds of similar organizations made up of women who
instinctively got together to work for the great cause, and who, with
a small beginning, found themselves a part of a big work with possi¬
bilities only limited by the ability to meet them. In February, 1918,
Mrs. H. C. Lewis called together a small group of women who in a
week's time supplied an urgent need for knitted garments at New¬
port News. From this beginning, made with a dozen women, the
unit grew into an organization of a hundred and seventy-seven
women and eventually connected itself with the Circle of Negro War
Relief.
In the first days the work was almost exclusively for the com¬
fort of the soldiers, but before many months had passed the scope of
the organization had widened to a place of entertainment for the
soldiers, visits to hospitals, visits to the nearby camp—Devens, with
home-made pies and cakes; liberty sings on Sunday afternoons;
lectures on social hygiene and special educational lectures; coopera¬
tion with 4'Company L" auxiliary, and with the Red Cross.
The officers of the Soldiers' Comfort Unit were: President,
Miss M. L. Baldwin; first vice-president, Mrs. C. H. Garland; second
vice-president, Mrs. Mary E. Rollins; recording secretary, Mrs.
390
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Geo. W. Torbey; financial secretary, Mrs. Wm. L. Reed; treasurer,
Mrs. C. Henry Bobbins; executive secretary, Mrs. U. A. Ridley.
Executive Committee—Mrs. Lucy Lewis, Chairman; Mrs. Wm.
J. Williams, Mrs. Maud Cuney Hare, Mrs. Wm. Cromwell, Mrs.
Geo. B. Lewis, Mrs. Amos Mason, Mrs. Alice Casneau, Mrs. Jas
Hinton, Mrs. Agnes Adams. Chairman Red Cross, Mrs. A. M.
Gilbert; Chairman House Committee, Mrs. Geo. Drummond; Chair¬
man Hospitality Committee, Mrs. Nellie Brown Mitchell.
After a year of work the Soldiers* Comfort Unit found itself
facing a still larger field, the returning soldiers coming from scenes
of horror and devastation with problems and needs. Like all of the
war organizations of the women of the race, they found their work
had only just begun.
Woman's Auxiliary of the 15th Regiment
In the early days of the old Fifteenth New York Regiment, when
colored men were volunteering as members of the military organi¬
zation which was to become the first New York State Guard com¬
posed of colored men, it occurred to a thoughtful woman of the race,
a New Yorker by birth, that earnest colored women banded together
could be a potent factor in the life of the regiment.
The idea was carried out, and the Woman's Auxiliary, Fifteenth
Regiment, was organized May 2, 1917, with one hundred members.
It received its credentials from Colonel William Hayward, May 9.
The first definite work undertaken was the investigation of the cases
of men whose dependents claimed exemption for them. This was an
important factor in the perfect recruiting of the regiment and won
commendation from the commanding officer and his official staff.
It is the exclusive privilege of the colored people to adopt the
slogan, "No Color Line." It would seem a strange commentary on
the magnanimity of the American people to note that those who
are the first to adopt the policy of no discrimination are the ones
against whom that discrimination is most often practiced. We have
noted how in every instance where organizations of colored women
have been formed for War Relief there is a definite policy of "No
Color Line." Now and then the fact was proclaimed publicly in
sign or in motto, as in Boston and by the Josephine Gray Colored
NEGRO WOMEN IN WAR WORK
391
Lady Knitters of Detroit, Michigan, who "knitted for all American
soldiers regardless of race, color, or nationality."
Colored Women in the Loan Drives
But not only in the definite work of relief, in knitting, sewing,
care of dependents of soldiers or in the more spectacular forms of
war work were the women engaged. The raising of the sinews of
War was a problem which the United States faced. Every man,
woman, and child in the country needed to be taxed to the utmost.
How to make the giving a pleasing privilege rather than a doleful
duty devolved upon the women of the country. Five Liberty Loan
drives, six Bed Cross drives, the constant Thrift Stamp Drive, and
a tremendous United War Camp Drive, wherein uncountable billions
were spoken of airily, staggered the average mind both in prospect
and retrospect. But Americans learned to think in big figures.
Every one got the habit of saving; and the purse-strings of America
were permanently opened for the relief of the needs of the nation
and to aid needy peoples overseas.
This reaction on the national conscience is of inestimable value.
Charity will never again be the perfunctory thing that it was before
the Great War. Penury in giving will be frowned down upon as
immoral. And this quickening of the national conscience, this loos¬
ening of the national purse, is due in no small measure to the fervor
and zeal with which the women of the nation threw themselves into
the campaigns for filling the war coffers.
As was to be expected, the colored women were foremost in all
the financial campaigns. The National Association of Colored
Women organized at the very beginning of the war to cooperate in
every way with the Woman's Council of Defense. Mrs. Philip North
Moore, President of the National Council of Women, says, "No
women worked harder than the women of the National Association
of Colored Women.''
Mrs. Mary B. Talbert, President of the National Association
of Colored Women, which has a membership of a hundred thousand,
is authority for the statement that in the Third Liberty Loan the
colored women of the United States raised about five million dollars.
Savannah, Georgia, alone raised a quarter of a million dollars. Poor
colored women in a tobacco factory of Norfolk, Virginia, subscribed
392
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
ninety-one thousand dollars. Macon, Georgia, subscribed about
twenty thousand.
The National War Savings Committee appointed colored women
to conduct campaigns for the War Savings Committee. One of the
most notable of these appointments by the Secretary of the Treasury
was that of Mrs. Laura Brown, of Pittsburgh. She maintained an
office from which whirlwind campaigns emanated, and set a standard
of efficiency of organization not easily equaled.
War Work Among Negro Children
One of the most effective ways of reaching the people of any
community is through the children. Hence the work of the colored
teachers in reaching the race through the children under their care,
has been in the highest degree effectual. Throughout the South, in
the middle Atlantic states in which there is a separate school system,
in the Middle West, and in the Southwest; in public schools, in
endowed institutions, in colleges—in short wherever colored teachers
are employed to teach colored children, there was a constant and
beneficial influence being exerted in the entire race through its chil¬
dren. This influence made for loyalty, patriotism unquestioning and
devoted; and particularly did this influence raise the quota of the
race's contribution to the National war chest. Colored schools
taught by colored teachers sent in every community a pro rata to
the Thrift Stamp, Red Cross, United War Campaign, and Liberty
Loans in considerable excess of the natural percentage. It would
have been easy to have failed just here with the children; it was
difficult in many communities to overcome the natural obstacles. But
they were overcome. The amounts raised in all National drives
through the colored women teachers working with their children, are
a monumental credit to the women of the race.
Tfas Kegro Sxodus of 1917-18
Such a move as this was more important than appears on the
face of the bald statement of the fact. In the Northern cities directly
affected by the exodus of Southern Negroes in 1917 and 1918, a by¬
product of the war, there was suffering, intense and widespread,
among the Negroes suddenly thrust into a climate and conditions
for which their life in the South had given them no preparation.
Some cities, notably Detroit, met the situation with a whole-hearted
NEGRO WOMEN IN WAR WORK
393
desire on the part of the civic authorities to cope with the condition
correctly and humanely. Other cities lamented the influx into their
borders, and let the new population shift for itself as best it could,
resulting in a pitiful increase of the death rate in pneumonia. The
unprecedentedly hard winter of 1917-1918 was trying even to those
inured to the rigors of a Northern winter. Some cities drove out
the invaders, or made conditions so uncomfortable that they drifted
away, or suffered in silence. In other cases, notably Chester, Penn¬
sylvania, the colored women of the city took the matter in their own
hands, and saved as best they could the pitiful stragglers in their
search for homes and work.
The tide of migration swept northward, and broke in a huge
wave, beginning at Chester, Pennsylvania, in the East, St. Louis and
East St. Louis in the Middle West, and Los Angeles in the West, the
orest of the wave breaking in Philadelphia, Detroit and Chicago. It
was a situation which the war had inevitably brought about—the
increase in munition plants and shipyards, with their need for more
help, and consequent high wages; it was helped by nature—the boll-
weevil devastating the little which the Southern laborers owned in
cotton-field and home; it was fostered by the growing unrest and
bitterness due to lack of economic and educational opportunities and
to injustice dealt at home. When the true history of the great
Negro Exodus of 1917-1918 shall be written, it will prove as fasci¬
nating and as peculiar in its psychological ramifications as the story
of the Exodus from Egypt.
Not the least interesting and splendid is the part played by the
colored women in those cities where the crest of the wave broke.
Hunger and privation, even in the face of the big wages paid by the
huge war plants, stared the newcomers in the face, for there was not
always work enough, and illness laid off many of those who had
made pla-ces for themselves in the industrial elysium. The housing
conditions, or rather the lack of them, constitute one of the blackest
chapters in the history of the movement. Here is where the Chris¬
tian fortitude and love of the colored women who lived in those cities
shine forth resplendently. They gave up their own homes to the
newcomers; they endured discomforts and inconveniences to help
the women thus pitifully thrust into these adverse conditions; they
taught the women from the South the art of coping with the northern
394
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTOKY
climate; they nursed them when the inevitable sickness broke out;
they gave them warm clothing and taught them how to spend money
to the best advantage in purchasing suitable clothes and proper
food; they took women and children into their homes, and helped
them in ways that only women understand how to help each other.
Maintaining the Negro Morale
Rumors, many and various, of the disaffection of the Negro, of
his lack of patriotism, of the influence upon him of so-called German
propaganda, of the need of stimulating his patriotic fervor, swept
through the country in the spring and summer of 1918. Just how
much of this so-called propaganda was German, and how much
American, and how much of it rumors which had their rise in hys¬
terical fear, it is not given us to know. Why there was a loss of
patriotic interest in certain -localities was not hard to discover.
Here and there studied indifference on the part of certain organiza¬
tions toward the well-meant efforts of the colored women in attempt¬
ing to help in war relief; labor conditions; the old, old stories of
prejudice and growing bitterness in the labor situation; rumors of
increased lynching activities—from all these a lukewarmness towards
the conduct of the war had grown up in various cities. And it was
here again that the women met a difficult problem and helped to
solve it.
Again we look to the army of women teachers, and their
subtle and pervasive influence over the youth of the race, and
through children over their parents. It would be difficult to measure
the service of these women in this particular direction.
Here and there, however, there was a more spectacular ap¬
peal made to the patriotic emotions of the race through pageants,
demonstrations, or mass meetings. In some, cases, the schools
through school pageants and plays appealed directly to the patriotic
emotions; plays written by Negro authors were staged, commence¬
ment exercises became rallying grounds of calls to the warmth
of the race in its love for the nation.
Colored Women in War Industries
War has a way of forcing expedients. From 1914 until No¬
vember, 1918, the economic balance of the nation was sadly upset,
first by the stopping of the tide of immigration from Europe,
second by the exodus of the Negro to the North, third by the
NEGRO WOMEN IN WAR WORK
305
drastic sweep of the draft law. The first opened the door of
opportunity to the Negro laborer, the second depleted the fields
of the South, the third plunged the colored woman pell-mell into
the industrial world—an entirely new place for her.
"For generations colored women have been working in the
fields of the South. They have been the domestic servants of
both the South and the North, accepting the positions of personal
service open to them. Hard work and unpleasant work has been
their lot, but they have been almost entirely excluded from our
shops and factories. Tradition and race prejudice have played
the largest part in their exclusion. The tardy development of the
South and the failure of the colored woman to demand industrial
opportunities have added further values. Clearly, also, two hun¬
dred years of slavery and fifty years of industrial boycott in both
the North and the South, following the Civil War, have done little
to encourage or to develop industrial aptitudes. For these reasons,
the colored women have not entered the ranks of the industrial
army in the past."
But war expediency, for a time at least, partially opened the
door of industry to them.- It was an experiment and like all ex¬
periments, it fell against problems, and those problems were met
by the earnest consideration of several agencies. We have already
spoken of the splendid work of this department of the Young
Women's Christian Association, under the direction of Miss Mary
E. Jackson of Providence, Rhode Island. In June, 1918, a joint
committee was formed in New York to study the employment of
colored women in that city and its environs. Serving on that
committee were representatives from practically all the philan¬
thropic organizations in the city, and the. result of its labors through
two investigators, Mrs. Gertrude McDougald (colored) and Miss
Jesse Clarke (white), were given publicity in an interesting pam¬
phlet, from which the above paragraph was quoted. It is a
significant fact that the colored woman in industry in a short
time had reached the point where she merited trained investiga¬
tion.
"Come out of the kitchen, Mary," was the slogan of the
colored woman in war time. She doffed her cap and apron and
donned her overalls. Some States, such as Maryland and Florida,
specialized in courses in motor mechanics and automobile driving.
396
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
The munition factories took the girls in gladly. Grim statistics
prove that their scale of wages was definitely lower than a man's
doing the same work, and sad to say a considerable fraction below
that of white girls in the same service, although Delaware, reports
some very high-priced, skilled ammunition testers, averaging seven
to twelve dollars a day. The colored girls blossomed out as switch¬
board operators, stock takers, wrappers, elevator operators, sub¬
way porters, ticket choppers, track-walkers, trained signallers,
yard-walkers. They went into every possible kind of factory de¬
voted to the production of war materials, from the most dangerous
posts in munition plants to the delicate sewing in aeroplane fac¬
tories. Colored girls and colored women drove motor trucks, un¬
loaded freight cars, dug ditches, handled, hardware around ship-
ways and hardware houses, packed boxes. They struggled with
the discomforts of ice and fertilizing plants. They learned the
delicate intricacies of all kinds of machines, and the colored
woman running the elevator or speeding a railroad on its way by
signals was a common sight.
Just what the effect of this marvelous influx of colored women
into the industrial world would have upon the race was a problem
viewed with considerable interest. Pessimists predicted a socio¬
logical and psychological upheaval in the ranks of the women
of the race. A strange thing about it was that there was no
perceptible racial disintegration and the colored women bore
their changed status and higher economic independence with much
more equanimity than white women on a corresponding scale of
living. The reason for this may perhaps be found in the fact
that the colored woman had a heritage of 300 years of work back
of her. Her children were used to being left to shift for them¬
selves ; her home was used to being cared for after sundown. The
careful supervision of the "War Work Council and the Council of
Defense over the health and hours of the woman in industry
averted the cataclysm of lowered vitality and eventual unfitness for
maternity.
The possible economic effect of this entrance into the unknown
fields of industry on the part of the colored woman will be that
when pre-war conditions return and she is displaced by men and
is forced to make her way back into domestic service, the latter
will be placed on a strictly business basis and the vocation of
NEGRO WOMEN IN WAR WORK
397
is forced to make her way back into domestic service, the latter
will be placed on a strictly business basis and the vocation of
housekeeping and home-making will be raised to the dignity of a
profession.
We have touched lightly the Negro woman in the world* war.
Lightly perforce, because of her innate modesty and reticent care¬
lessness in proclaiming her own good deeds. She emerges from
the war more serious-minded, more responsible, with a higher
opinion of her own economic importance; with a distinct and
definite aim and ambition to devote her life to the furthering of
the cause for which her men died on Flanders fields. She has
served the Red Cross at home and begged to serve it abroad; she
has probed to the depths the real meaning of the word Christianity;
she has formed a second line of defense at home; she has learned
the real value of community service, and what it means to give of
her time, means, and smiles to the weary soldiers passing through
her town; she has organized special circles of war relief on her
own initiative, and given all that she could afford, from the homely
apple and sandwich and cigarette to an ambulance for service
overseas.
She has given regally, munificently of her little to help fill
the national war chest, and when there was no more in her slender
purse she has given her time and persuasiveness to induce others
to follow her example. She has endowed and maintained Hostess
Houses and helped support the wives and children of the men in
service. When disaffection threatened, she fostered patriotism
and overcame propaganda with simple splendid loyalty. She gave
up ease and clear skies for the dangers and hardships of death-
dealing labor. She shut her eyes to past wrongs and present
discomforts and future uncertainties. She stood large-hearted,
strong-handed, clear-minded, splendidly capable, and did, not her
bit, but her best, and the world is better for her work and her
worth.
CHAPTER XXVIII
SOCIAL WELFARE AGENCIES
Important Welfare Work of the Young Men's Christian Associa¬
tion and Other Organized Bodies—Negro Secretaries of the
Y. M. C. A.—The Problem of Illiteracy in the Camps—The
Social Secretaries—Results of Education—The Y. W. C. A.
Hostess Houses—The Knights of Columbus—Caring for Re¬
turned Soldiers.
Prior to the outbreak of the war it was a well-established fact
that the Young Men's Christian Association, the Young Women's
Christian Association, the Red Cross, and other organized bodies
primarily concerned with the welfare of people in general, had
figured so largely in the life of the young men prior to their call
to arms that something should be done to enable these agencies to
throw around them the same influences under which they came
when at home. One of the first efforts, therefore, to provide for
the social betterment of the men under arms was to connect these
movements officially with the Government, that they might func¬
tion efficiently in caring for the soldiers at the front. It was
observed that the social welfare organizations could adapt them¬
selves as successfully to the needs of men in times of war as in.
times of peace. At the beginning of the war the War Work Coun¬
cil declared that the same thing done for white men would be done
for colored men when in the various cantonments, and while it
has been difficult to carry out this letter of the law, for many
reasons too tedious to be mentioned, Dr. J. E. Moorland, the
Senior Secretary of the Young Men's Christian Association in
charge of colored men's work, believes that the Negro has come
more nearly to receiving a square deal in this instance than in
anything else in the history of the country.
When the unusual appeal was made to the American people,
adequate funds were raised to finance the work of the welfare
organizations. Nearer to the end of hostilities, however, when a
398
SOCIAL WELFARE AGENCIES
399
more systematic effort for financing all of these social organizations
had to be made, the Government provided that all such agencies
should be absorbed by the seven recognized groups, and a national
drive for $170,000,000 was made by these organizations, resulting
in raising the desired amount. They were therefore at an early
period in a position to construct successful machinery for the
training of social workers to supply these needs throughout the
camps in this country and among the soldiers overseas. While it
must be admitted that it was impossible to choose upon such short
notice persons who met in every way the requirements for this
unusual task, the personnel of the Young Men's Christian Associa¬
tion staff so far as the colored workers were concerned were of a
high class.
At the head of this staff, to select and equip for this unusual
service the numerous secretaries needed in the camps and canton¬
ments, was Dr. J. E. Moorland, Senior Secretary of the Young
Men's Christian Association. Associated with him was Mr. Robert
B. DeFrantz, visiting secretary of the Des Moines camp, and
formerly engaged in the work at Kansas City, Missouri. There
were also the placement secretaries, Mr. William j. Faulkner
and Mr. Max Yergan, who after his return from Africa, assisted
in recruiting men; Professor Charles H. Wesley of Howard Uni¬
versity doing similar work. J. Francis Gregory and George L.
Johnson, two specialists in religious work, were later added.
The former directed his efforts toward the religious life of the
men in the camps, while the latter, a noted tenor, rendered valuable
service with his singing.
Negro Secretaries of the Y. M. 0. A,
At the beginning of the War Work Council it was decided to
send Negro secretaries to care for troops of their own race. There
were fifty-five centers or groups in Army camps with Association
privileges, served by two hundred and sixty-eight secretaries in
the home camps and forty-nine secretaries serving overseas. The
grand total of all colored secretaries was three hundred and thirty-
one. The buildings in which these secretaries worked were twenty-
five "E" type and National Guard buildings. The other centers
were housed in barracks, mess halls, and tents.
400
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
"This work, too," according to Dr. J. E. Moorland, its moving
spirit, "was not a' haphazard one. It had a definite purpose,
promoted by carefully selected specialists. To be more explicit,
it is well to describe a staff organization which is responsible for
the work in a building. It is composed of a building secretary,
who is the executive; a religious work secretary, who has charge of
the religious activities, including personal work among the soldiers,
Bible class and religious meetings; an educational secretary,
who promotes lectures and educational classes, and uses whatever
means he may have at hand to encourage intellectual develop¬
ment; a physical secretary, who has charge of athletics and various
activities for the physical welfare of the soldiers, works in the
closest relationship with the military officers and is often made
responsible for all of the physical activities in the camp; a social
secretary, who promotes the social activities, including entertain¬
ments, "stunts" and moving pictures; a business secretary, who
keeps close tab on the sale of stamps, postcards, and such supplies
as may be handled by the Association, and is held responsible for
the proper accounting of finances. In every case these secretaries
were thoroughly investigated before being appointed and were
required to be members of evangelical churches in good standing,
and men capable of commanding the respect of the soldiers with
whom they work.
The Problem of Illiteracy
* The large number of illiterates who were brought into the
various camps of the country brought with them a tremendous
problem. Many of them could not sign the payroll. Some of
them did not know the right from the left hand, and not a few
were not sure about their names. The Association was able to
solve this problem by teaching thousands of men to read and write
their names. Some men after having learned to write their
names," says Dr. Moorland, "have actually shouted for joy over
the new-found power which at last had released them from the
shackles of an oppressive ignorance. Speakers of both races
have inspired the men and enlarged their vision. Many men with
a better educational equipment have increased their talent? by
sober thinking along with purposeful programs of reading.
Above—Colored men War Workers of the Young Women's Christian Association at
Ho>stet j, Camp Upton, .Long Island.
Below—Col „a American Red Cross Canteen War Workers who canteened all Colored
soldier troop trains passing through Chicago to and from the front.
First Row Left to Right—Mrs. Eva Jenifer, Captain Dr. Mary Fitzbutler Waring, Mrs.
DeWitt Smith.
Second Row Left to Right—Lieut. Hattie Oldham, Mrs. Sadie Anderson, Mrs. Helen Thorne,
Mrs. Juanita Hawkins, Mrs. Mary Wickliffe, Mrs; Lillian Gully, Lieut. Mayme Haddox.
Dr. Mary Fitzbutler Waring is also Chairman of the Col. Denison Red Cross Auxiliary, and
Chairman of Red Cross Work of the Colored Women's Clubs of the U. S.
Above—Negro American Red Cross Workers of the Byhalia Colored Auxiliary of northern
Mississippi where Negroes outnumber the whites live to one.
Below—Colored boys on troop train passing through New Orleans to training camps
being served with chocolates and cigarettes by Colored Auxiliary of American Red
Cross.
Top, Left to Right—1st Lt. Ewell W. Clarke, Asst. Personnel Adjutant Hdn. Staff, 92nd
Div. 1st Lit. Almando Henderson, 367th Inf. 1st Lt. P. S. Upshur, 350th P. A.
Center, Left to Right—2nd Lt. R. D. Hardeway, 367th Inf. Capt. Aaron Day, Jr., 317th
Am. Tr. 2nd Lt. A. M. Watson, 350th Mchn. Gun Bat.
Below, Left to Right—2nd Lt. Scott A. Moyer, 349th P. A.; 2nd Lt. Wm. F. Grady. 368th
Inf., and 2nd Lt. Walter W. Scott, 368th Inf., who was gassed at the Argonne Forest
in an attack on Binarville.
Above—Colored messengers of Motorcycle Corps, 372 Headquarters, who kept communica¬
tion lines alive at all hours during the big- drive in Champagne, Argx>nne and at
Verdun.
Below—American White and Negro soldiers being- served to chocolate and sandwich rolls
in canteen established in basement of American Red Cross Bureau of Refugees at
Toulose.
! 11
* > t
Above■—Burial place of the 92nd Division near a roadside leading out of Pont a Maisson
to Metz. Here are laid to rest those who fell in the operations against Metz and
those who died of sickness during- that period.
Below—A wayside church near the front lines in a French sector occupied by American
Negro Soldiers.
OVERSEAS SECRETARIES OF THE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.
Left Top—E. L. Snyder. Left Center—J. A. Croon. Below—Moses A. Davis.
Center Top—Group of "Y" Secretaries ready to sail for France.
Below—B. F. Seidon behind the lines in France just emerging: from the trip through the
trenches.
Right at top—Thos. M. Clayton. Right Center—Gary Ward Moore. Beloiv—G. W. Jackson.
All the above overseas Y. M. C. A. Secretaries are well known to the American Negro
Soldiers who served overseas.
Above—"Big Niras" of the 3rd Battalion. 366th Tnfantry, who found great amusement in
contemplating- the grotesque appearance of his comrade with a gas mask adjusted
over his face and head. Many hours of gloom was dispelled by the good humor of
Nims which together- with his unquestionable courage at many times served to cheer
the flagging spirits of his comrades.
Below—Group of Negro Soldiers behind the lines being; instructed in approved methods
of using gas masks before going forward to the trenches.
NEGRO OFFICERS OF THE FAMOUS 8th ILLINOIS (fought in France as the 370th Infantry) decorated by French Govern¬
ment for gallantry in action. Front Row, left to right—Capt. G. M. Allen, Lt. O. A. Browning', Capt. D. J. Warner,
Lt. Roy B. Tisdell. Back, left to rierht—Lt. P. Hurd, Col. Otis B. Duncan, Major J. R. White, Capt. William W.
Crawford, Lt. W. J. Warfield, Capt. M. Jackson. Lieutenant Warfield also received Distinguished Service Cross of
United States by order of General Pershing (shown in the picture), likewise badge as expert rifleman.
SOCIAL WELFARE AGENCIES
401
"The religion of the soldiers was not neglected. Hundreds
of Bible classes were conducted and religious meetings with pur¬
pose were largely attended. The best of both races have been able
to give encouragement and helpful messages to the men, many of
whom have had their faith strengthened; many others for the
first time in their lives accepted the Christian faith. The effort
was to give a religious program adapted to the lives of the men
and enable them to go overseas and come back fit to look mother,
wife, sister, and sweetheart in the face and not be-ashamed.
"The emphasis, however, was placed upon life, and speakers
were requested to avoid emphasizing death. Although the training
in the army camps is physical development to a very marked de¬
gree, it was soon learned that there must be a recreational side.
The physical director had to meet this need to prevent men from
becoming sullen and morose. Baseball teams, football teams, box¬
ing and all sorts of recreational games were staged. These proved
to be as essential in the matter of self-defense as lectures and
private talks on health and the protection of the body against
the ravages of every form of vice."
Work of the Social Secretaries
The social secretaries rendered no less a service than the
other workers. In providing programs for the entertainment
of the men, in presenting interesting moving pictures, in utilizing
the talent of various communities near the camps for the needs
of the men in camps, they accomplished a task which in the past
had seemed impossible. The social secretary, moreover, enabled
these men to entertain themselves. The Selective Draft brought
together men of all grades, from the most illiterate to the highly
trained university graduate, messing together side by side daily.
Men who had lived in the atmosphere of vice and those who had
been trained in the best Christian homes were thrown together in
a common cause, wearing the same uniform, obeying the same
orders. In this great mass the social secretary discovered remark¬
able talent, which was able to provide entertainment for the
soldiers in the camps and at certain times for the people outside
the camps.
402
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
< —
According to Dr. Moorland, the letters of appreciation re¬
ceived from many of the soldiers for the service rendered by these
faithful secretaries sound like a new edition of the Acts of the
Apostles. "Not only in France are our men serving. We also
have secretaries in East Africa, working with natives and British
troops, and their story is that of pioneers laying foundations as
Christian statesmen for the building of future manhood in that
great continent; for they are serving men representing tribes from
all parts of the continent of Africa, and these men are learning
what unselfish service means as well as, in many cases, learning to
read and write in the little evening schools provided for them."
There were thirty-nine official directors, giving their entire
attention to directing recreational activities arid thirty secretaries
who served as song leaders. There were six or more secretaries,
physical and social directors, however, to do recreational work and
direct singing. It has been estimated that two million men attended
these various centers for Negro soldiers every month; that there
were two hundred lectures with an attendance of eighty a month;
ten thousand Scriptures circulated every month; nine thousand
personal interviews; seven thousand Christian decisions; eleven
thousand war roll singers; one hundred and twenty-five thousand
taking part in physical activities; five hundred motion picture
exhibitions with an attendance of three hundred thousand; 1,250,000
letters written, and $110,000 worth of money orders sold.
Important Results of Education
Out of such unusual efforts to educate, in fact to remake, the
enlisted man, came important results. The Negro soldier was
brought, so to speak, from a sequestered vale into the broad light
of modern times, where various agencies which have constituted a
leverage in the elevation of men gave him during these few months
more opportunity for mental improvement than he had experienced
during the other part of his life. Thousands of men were not only
taught to read and write, but also formed the habit of reading good
books, which in a short time showed results in the appreciation of
higher ideals and in giving them a more intelligent attitude
toward life. These agencies, too, operating among the whites
and the blacks equally deficient in education during their early
SOCIAL WELFARE AGENCIES
403
careers, tended to promote better relationship between the races
and as a result to produce a higher class of men.
The record of these secretaries was highly commendable. First
among those to attain recognition was Dr. Geo. W. Cabaniss, of
Washington, D. C., known for a long time as the dean of the
colored secretaries, a man who had much to do with making pos¬
sible the camp for the training of the colored officers at Fort
Des Moines; and who after the camp had been provided went into
the service with tliem to serve these young men as a Y. M. C. A.
secretary. Returning home after they were commissioned, Dr.
Cabaniss abandoned his lucrative practice in the city of Washing¬
ton and went to Camp Meade to serve as a secretary at one of the
Y. M. C. A. huts. Being a Christian gentleman, Dr. Cabaniss
was especially anxious to look after the morals of the young men,
and in the end he was glad to report that the habits in general of
the men who came under his supervision were of a very high
order, and that they exhibited evidences of being men who would
make good at the front. Among those who won distinction in
reaching men may also be mentioned Matthew W. Bullock, William
Stevenson, and J. C. Wright.
Distinguished Service of Supervisors
Some mention should be made also of those men of color who
although Y. M. C. A. workers went to France for supervision, to
render a larger service than that of the average social worker.
Among them were Mr. Max Yergan, President John Hope of
Morehouse College, and Dr. H. H. Proctor of the First Congrega¬
tional Church, Atlanta, Georgia. Mr. Max Yergan had already
rendered distinguished service as an earnest worker among the
British troops of color in Africa. His work in France, like that
of President Hope, was largely that of a field secretary to consider
cases of friction, discipline, and general difficulty and to administer
affairs which could not be attended to by the staff on this side of
the Atlantic. It was only late in the war that Dr. Proctor answered
the call to engage in this same work. These gentlemen, in mani¬
festing a spirit of sacrifice and interest in the welfare of the
men at the front, not only exhibited examples worthy of emulation,
but rendered the race and the country a distinguished service.
404
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
The Y. W. C. A. Hostess Houses
The work had not gone forward very far when the peculiar
need for a plan by which the wives and daughters of the enlisted
men might visit them at camp necessitated the bringing in of
women as Y. W. C. A. workers. It was accordingly provided that
each of these camps, wherever practicable, should have hostess
houses, to be placed in charge of a woman of honor. The hostess
house was a means of communication between the enlisted men
and their relatives. Here the sweetheart came to say goodbye to
her loved one, the wife to see her husband for the last time, and
the mother to bid her son farewell. The Y. W. C. A. maintained a
colored hostess house in every camp where there were colored
soldiers, the plan being the same as that for the white soldiers.
The official report states that these houses "are not only hospi¬
tality centers, but also demonstrations to visitors of the best ways
of entertaining and of serving food. Many men and women are
here first brought in contact with high yet simple standards of
social intercourse. Each house is a training center for new colored
social workers."
The heads of these houses are among the best known women of
the race, many of whom have been doing social work of a high
type among their people for years. The need for such women, of
course, was experienced abroad, but there was much objection to
the sending of women of color to the front, just as there had been
in the case of barring them from the Red Cross units. In the
course of time, however, this prejudice was overcome and it was
possible to send a number of women of color to serve in the
hostess houses in France. The first of these to sail was Mrs.
Helen Noble Curtis of New York, the widow of the late James L.
Curtis, Minister Resident of the United States to Liberia. For a
number of years she had been a member of the committee of
management of the colored women's branch of the Y. W. C. A.
As she had been in France and had learned to speak the language
thoroughly, she was much desired for this work.
The appointment of Mrs. Curtis proved to be such a success
that another colored secretary was sent over in the following
month. This was Mrs. Addie W. Hunton of Brooklyn, New York,
widow of the late William A. Hunton, the first International
SOCIAL WELFARE AGENCIES
405
Secretary of the Y. M. C. A. for colored men in America. She is
an educated woman of excellent standing and had for a number
of years been a moving spirit in Y. W. C. A. work. She had also
traveled in Europe, studied at the University of Strasburg, and
formed certain connections which enabled her to render the race
invaluable service abroad. Mrs. Hunton was soon followed by
Miss Kathryn M. Johnson, and later by twelve or more women of
the same high character.
Tributes to Y. M. 0. A. Workers
"The colored Y. M. C. A. workers here in France," said Ralph
W. Tyler, "working under handicaps, and limited, as to numbers, in
proportion to the number of white Y. M. C. A. workers, and consider¬
ing the proportionate number of colored soldiers in France, have been
paid a high tribute by Colonel (now General) W. F. Creary. Writing
to Wm. Stevenson, colored Y. M. C. A. secretary of Hut No. 2,
General Creary said:
" 'I have seen the workings of your huts along the line, from the front
line trenches to the base ports, and have been a personal recipient of the
comforts afforded by them on many occasions.
" 'I have always been impressed by the zeal with which the secretaries,
and others, have prosecuted their work, with untiring energy,- and with their
valor and bravery, for the work at the front cannot be done except by real
red-blooded men.
" 'I have been particularly interested in the activities of your huts,
devoted exclusively to the interests of colored soldiers since my assumption of
the command of this camp, and I congratulate you on the progress you have
made, and are making now.
" 'Besides the splendid athletic, social, and canteen service offered by
yourself and your assistants, I have been much impressed by your activities
in the educational departments, and have been much pleased to see many of
OUR Colored soldiers, who have had but few advantages of early education,
availing themselves of the advantages offered by you for the acquirement of
knowledge of the elementary branches of education.
" 'Your thrift department is the means of many of OUR men saving
their money and purchasing money orders to send back home, thereby placing
their money where it should be.'
"In Mr. Stevenson's hut, Mrs. James L. Curtis looks after
the canteen, and most laudably aids in the work of comforting the
406
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTOKY
thousands of colored boys who are contributing their might in
the interest of world democracy. Mr. Stevenson, to whom General
Creary wrote this commendatory letter, is a Cincinnati, Ohio, boy,
and he fairly bubbles in his enthusiasm in his work for colored
soldiers.
"While visiting this particular point, I came in contact with the
work of colored Y. M. C. A. people, who are seconding and cooperating
with the work of the Army in a most effective way. Here I met Mrs.
James L. Curtis, widow of our late Minister to Liberia, who is idol¬
ized by the men in the camp in which is located the particular
Y. M. C. A. hut in which she labors. I also came in contact with and
investigated the splendid work of Miss Kathryn Johnson, of
Chicago, and Mrs. A. W. Hunton, the other two colored women
Y. M. C. A. workers over here, and, unfortunately, the only three
(with Mrs. Curtis) colored women assigned over here for war work
by the Y. M. C. A. The effect of the work these three splendid
colored women have done, and will continue to do, will be in evidence
long after this war has been fought to a glorious peace. Here I
also met the following colored Y. M. C. A. secretaries: Franklin
Nichols, of Philadelphia, who has been here for more than a year;
Prof. Moses A. Davis, of Evansville, Ind.; Rev. D. Leroy Ferguson,
erstwhile rector of the Colored Episcopal church at Louisville, Ky.;
Leon James, J. Green, and Wm. Stevenson. When I considered that
all these Y. M. C. A. people, and most especially the women, forsook
comfortable homes and zones of culture and refinement to come over
here and, far from immediate relatives and friends, bury themselves
among these colored soldiers in order that the greatest possible
amount of sunshine might be shoved into the lives of these men
helping to establish world democracy, I could not help but feel that
those of the race, back in the states, who are at an absolutely safe
distance from Gepnan bullets, shrapnel and gas, should consecrate
themselves, also, so far as within their power, to the rendering of aid
and comfort to these soldiers of ours.
"When I visited the hospital at this point and noted the many
eolored boys who were bearing their illness with a cheerfulness that
was amazing, I could not help but feel much of the criticism one hears
back in the states could well be held in abeyance and instead the
efforts put forth in criticism expended in sympathy and efforts fo£
SOCIAL WELFARE AGENCIES
407
'our own' boys who are here so many thousand miles from home,
enduring.cheerfully for their country's sake.
'1 The work being performed by the stevedores, and by these
colored Y. M. C. A. workers in the camps I have just visited, and the
amicable relations existing between them and superior army officers,
I feel certain, would be as disillusioning to the race back home as it
has been, in many respects, to me.
i'Here one finds these colored men performing nearly every
kind of work, skilled and unskilled. Their camp is a model of clean¬
liness—a cleanliness that would put to shame most of our cities back
in the States, and a cleanliness in which the colored boys take a
commendable pride. A fine brass band here, composed exclusively
of stevedores, frequent moving picture showings, educational work,
etc., conspire to make the 'after work* hours of these thousands of
colored service men pass quickly and profitably. Recently General
Pershing visited this camp and gave the boys an interesting talk,
which has since been regarded by them as epochal.
"Thus far, my only regret is that there were not more colored
Y. M. C. A. workers over here to enlarge and spread the splendid
work being done by Mrs. Curtis, Mrs. Hunton and Miss Johnson.
The right sort of women, fine, big-hearted, devoted colored women,
have such a refining influence in camps such as this, and the colored
Y. M. C. A. secretaries themselves are anxious for them, and feel that
colored women, to a number proportionate with the number of white
women sent over by the Y. M. C. A., would further tend to make
camp life for these soldiers ideal, and render easier the disciplinary
work of the army.''
Early in April, 1919, some ten or twelve additional well-
educated, solid, substantial women were selected and sent to France
to work among colored soldiers and to supply the need mentioned
by Mr. Tyler.
The Knights of Columbus
Another organization was of much service in making Negro
soldiers comfortable at the front. This was the Knights of Colum¬
bus, a Catholic society, which has to its credit that, unlike the other
social welfare organizations operating in the war, it never drew the
color line. It provided separate huts for Negroes at some of the
408
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
camps when special requests to this effect were received. These were
recreational buildings, provided with home surroundings for the
preparation of which no pains were spared. Such arrangements
were made at Camp Meade, Camp Dodge, Camp Funston, Fort
Riley, and Camp Taylor. As an evidence of the general liberality
of the management of the war work conducted by the Knights of
Columbus, no better testimony can be given than that by Joseph
J. Canavan in a report to the Kansas Plain-Dealer.
"Under the system as it now has been working out," says he,
"the Negro soldier needs no other countersign than his khaki uni¬
form to gain for him every advantage offered by the Knights'
service. True there are places both in this country and abroad
where the Knights of Columbus have erected special huts for the
us© of the Negro soldiers, but where that has been done it has
been at the express request of the Negro soldiers themselves, who
in numerous instances have expressed a preference for a building
of their own where they may enjoy their own pleasure in their
own way and be assured of meeting their own friends when and
where and under circumstances they desired. Similarly the other
day," says he, "when there were six Negro soldiers in training at
Port Jervis, New York, on their way to Goshen, New York, whence
they were to start upon their journey to a training camp, it was
a group of Knights of Columbus' secretaries who met them and
supplied them with cigarettes and tobacco.'' It happened,. how¬
ever, that the six Negroes did not take a train for Port Jervis.
Instead the Knights loaded them into automobiles and drove them
across the pretty hilly country to their point of departure for the
camps. There were only six men in that draft consignment, but
the Knights would have been as hearty and as generous if there
had been 600. There have been innumerable instances where a
larger number of men have been cared for and had their wants
provided for by the Knights, as the men themselves have testified.
Caring1 for Returned Soldiers
Upon the signing of the Armistice and the return of soldiers
from France, severing their connections with the social welfare
organizations which had once cared for them, a serious problem
presented itself to the American people. Many cities Were stunned
SOCIAL WELFARE AGENCIES
409
by the sudden influx of so many soldiers. In some cases small
towns did not have facilities adequate to the task of accommodat¬
ing the number which came even if it had been expecting them.
Vice conditions in the communities became unspeakably bad, sol¬
diers were mingling with lewd women, and when their funds
became exhausted, they became dissatisfied and even rebellious.
The situation was in every sense an acute one, but no one could
be blamed and no one was willing to accept the responsibility for
improving the situation.
Realizing the seriousness of this problem the whites and blacks
endeavored to find some solution of the peculiar problem. This,
however, was no problem peculiar to the Negro soldiers, for the
whites were similarly situated. There were, however, a few narrow
and prejudiced whites believing that anything was good enough
for Negroes. There were also a good many men of color, and
especially ministers and the like, who maintained an attitude of
apathy towards these men returning from the war. Then there
was, worst of all, a strained feeling between the whites and blacks
in the various communities—a feeling apparently of long standing
and intensified by war conditions. Upon the appearance, there¬
fore, of a few unusual types of soldiers of both races, with the
misdemeanors which usually characterize persons lacking self-
control, the situation was decidedly aggravated.
The War Camp Community Service
To find a way out of this difficulty it was planned to extend
the War Camp Community Service. To various cities, and espe¬
cially to Philadelphia, Baltimore, Richmond, Newport News, Nor¬
folk, Portsmouth, Augusta, Chattanooga, Indianapolis, Kansas
City, and San Antonio, Texas, were sent directors to enlighten the
communities as to the inevitable results of the war, the reason
for the appearance of the returned soldiers in the towns, and their
responsibility to these veterans. Their first problem was to reach
the churches and the schools. They addressed mass meetings,
spoke before social groups, and had personal conferences with men
of influence, to find their way into the hearts of the people. The
next step was to convince the community that such an effort was
worth while. A club house, too often some abandoned dilapidated
410
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTOKY
building, was secured and remodeled to suit the peculiar needs of
the time. Adequate furniture and equipment for dormitories and
cafeteria service were supplied and a desirable club with a file of
newspapers, branch circulating library, a hall for entertainments,
in fact a social center, was provided for service in the community.
Men generally stood aloof, but it was soon found that while in
some cases the support of the schools and the churches could not
be obtained, some business men and professional men of intelli¬
gence, character, and vision came to the support of these War
Camp Community Service workers, and it was not long before the
entertainment and the atmosphere maintained by the center con¬
vinced a majority of the people of their importance and value.
It was soon possible thereafter to enlist the support of a larger
number of influential people in the various communities. One
organization after another engaged in the service and appeared at
various times to entertain the soldiers assembled at these centers.
Out of such beginnings came the support of the churches and other
religious organizations. It was necessary to add other men and
even women to the staff, so rapid was the progress and so exten¬
sive was the work. Club activities increased; soldiers were visited
in the various camps and hospitals, friendly relations were estab¬
lished and business men were brought together, so as to cause a
contact helpful to them in other ways. It then became possible to
organize clubs in school buildings and Sunday schools, and women
in clubs worked together in a practical way whenever the oppor¬
tunity came. Various ways in which they contributed may be
summarized as follows: The community became reconciled and
active in the service; it was then an easy matter to welcome the
returning soldiers. Provision was made for their entertainment
in the theaters; community centers and concerts were arranged for
them; large numbers of citizens attended the recreation rallies
and entertainments, dinners, and dances multiplied throughout
the period of demobilization.
CHAPTER XXIX
NEGRO LOYALTY AND MORALE
Eager Response of Colored Draftees—Notable Tributes to the
Patriotism of the Negro Race by the White Press—Also by
President Wilson, Secretary Baker, Secretary Daniels, and
Others—Negro Loyalty Never Doubted—Patriotic Negro De¬
monstrations and Other Instances of Loyalty.
When the United States declared war against Germany and
the Teutonic allies, there were internal conditions existing in
America that were by no means ideal so far as the Negro was con¬
cerned, nor were they altogether conducive to loyalty and a healthy
morale among this particular group of American citizens. Beset
by a vicious and persistent propaganda on the one side, and by
continued instances of lynching and mob violence of which he was
the chief victim on the other, the Negro in America faced a real
crisis at the beginning of the war. Temptation after temptation
was presented to him to render lukewarm and half-hearted sup¬
port to the Government in the prosecution of the war, without
making himself criminally liable, but Negro leaders in all parts
of the country recognized at once that the national crisis demanded,
and the plain duty and best interests of the Negro racial group
required that, without bargaining, there must be a pledge on the
part of the Negro of his undiluted and unfaltering loyalty.
History records no parallel where, under similar conditions, any
racial group has been more loyal to the Government or has main¬
tained a higher morale than was true of colored Americans dur¬
ing the trying period of the recent war. The Negro pledged his
loyalty and was depended upon in all sections of our country. He
entered fully and bravely into the work of defending the "Stars
and Stripes." All propaganda efforts to weaken his morale abso¬
lutely failed. A black skin during the war was a badge of patriotism.
The Negro was not unmindful of certain wrongs, injustices,
and discriminations which were heaped upon his race in many
sections of the country, but in the face of it all he remained ada-
411
412
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
mant against all attempts to lower his morale, and realized that his
first duty was loyalty to his country. America is indeed the Negro's
country, for he has been here three hundred years, which is about
two hundred years longer than many of the white racial groups;
he realized that he was formally declared a citizen of this country
by the Constitution of the United States, and that although many
of the rights and privileges of citizenship were still denied him,
yet the plain course before him was to perform all of the duties
of citizenship and at the same time continue to press his demands
for all of the rights and privileges which the Constitution has
vouchsafed to him. He realized that he would not be in a position
to demand his rights unless he fully performed his duties as an
American citizen, and in thus lending his loyal allegiance he ex¬
emplified his belief in the doctrine expounded by Colonel Theodore
Koosevelt to the effect that 11 rights and privileges" are contingent
upon the faithful discharge of the "duties and responsibilities" of
citizenship in any country. And so it was that although the lynch¬
ing evil and other wrongs against the Negro proceeded with un¬
abated fury, unrestrained even by the President's proclamation,
the Negro remained steadfast in his loyalty to the Government.
His last ounce of devotion was pledged without question to the
principles of freedom and democracy for which America stood, and
the thought uppermost in the minds of twelve million colored
Americans was that the Teutonic allies should be brought to their
knees, and that the war would result in the downfall of all kinds
of tyranny and oppression.
Eager Response to the Draft
If there was ever any question as to the Negro's loyalty, it
was soon dispelled by the readiness with which he answered the
draft call, by his eagerness to volunteer, even though in many
instances denied this privilege; by the splendid spirit in which
thousands of Negroes, educated and uneducated, accepted tasks
assigned to them in non-combatant and Service of Supply regi¬
ments; and by the whole-hearted way in which Negro civilians,
men, women, and children, representing every section of the
country and every walk of life, responded to every call of the
Nation. The valiant, varied, and effective services rendered by
NEGRO LOYALTY AND MORALE
413
four hundred thousand Negro soldiers who were called to the
colors, both in camps and cantonments at home as well as upon
the battlefields of Europe, canceled every possible doubt and
furnished proof positive of the Negro's unfaltering loyalty.
Many agencies sought to lower the morale of the Negro. Not
only did German propagandists labor diligently i n certain sec¬
tions of the country, particularly among the unlettered element of
the Negro population, in the effort to impress upon their minds
the two fallacies that (1) America had no right or cause to engage
in a foreign war, and (2) that the Negro was foolish in fighting
for a country which did not fully protect him in his rights as a
citizen. Propagandists sought to advertise every instance of
lynching, mob violence, or other wrong visited upon a member of
the Negro race," with a view of turning him against his own
country, and found additional fuel for their seditious flames in the
anti-Negro attitude manifested by a number of white newspapers,
governors of states, mayors of cities, legislators, race-prejudice-
breeding moving picture shows, etc., that were allowed to propa¬
gate a dangerous hate doctrine and to exert a disquieting influence
even in the critical period of war.
Propagandists emphasized racial discriminations of one kind
or another and unfortunately were able to refer to the facts that
the black American, supposedly a citizen, was in many states denied
the ballot; that he was "Jim Crowed" on many of the railroads
and public carriers, although charged first-class fare for transporta¬
tion; that he was denied admission to most public places of amuse¬
ment, hotels and the like. Using such arguments as a basis, the
question was raised as to why the Negro was willing to jeopardize
his life, his liberty, and his pursuit of happiness in coming to the
rescue of America in her extremity and thus helping to defeat
Germany—a country where, it was said, such racial discriminations
did not exist.
None of these questions, however, disturbed the thoughtful
leaders of the Negro people. They knew the designing motive
back of such propaganda. They recognized, without question, that
the moment the American Negro failed to perform all of the duties
of citizenship, he immediately abdicated the right of claiming the
full privileges of citizenship. The Negro leaders knew that the
414
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
central thought in the German mind and the traditional policy of
the Central Powers was "might," and that "compelling force99
was intended to be used, as a part of a world-wide conquest, to
reduce to German domination the weaker and other peace-loving
peoples of the earth. They remembered something of the history
of Germany's African colonies. They recognized that the great
masses of the Negro race in America belong to a submerged group
—seeking education, industrial opportunity, wealth—and, more than
all, liberty, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness, and as a means
of obtaining possession and permanent enjoyment of those price¬
less privileges (along with white Americans who were fighting
for the same cause), they declared in the public press, in pulpits,
upon the public rostrum, in lodge-rooms, in schools and everywhere
—that no discouraging or untoward conditions existing among the
Negro people must interfere with their whole-hearted support of
their country's war program.
Promoting the Negro Morale
As a part of the Government's program of promoting a
healthy morale among colored soldiers and colored Americans
generally, the author was delegated by the Secretary of War to
visit various camps and cantonments where colored soldiers were
stationed, also leading centers of Negro population; first, for the
purpose of learning as to conditions existing likely to affect their
patriotism; and, second, for the purpose of delivering addresses
such as would be calculated to promote the continued loyalty and
a healthy morale among the members of this racial group.
Preliminary to his tour of the Middle-West he made a care¬
ful investigation of conditions existing in Camps Meade, Dix,
Lee, Upton, and others, and had sought to ameliorate conditions
existing among colored soldiers stationed at those camps. This
middle-western itinerary served to give the colored people full
opportunity of hearing directly from a representative of the War
Department with respect to its policy concerning Negro troops.
The 92nd Division (colored) was trained at seven different
cantonments. Early in May, 1918, it became evident that orders
would shortly be issued for the entire division to go overseas, and
it was therefore arranged that the author should "swing around the
NEGRO LOYALTY AND MORALE
415
circle," visiting all camps not already visited, where any units of
the 92nd Division were stationed, and speaking at such strategic
centers en route through the West Where his itinerary would per¬
mit. As a part of this program he spoke at various times in all
parts of the country, including Boston, Massachusetts; Chicago,
Illinois; Kansas City, Missouri; New York City; St. Louis, Mis¬
souri; Indianapolis, Indiana; Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus,
Ohio; Atlanta, Georgia; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Baltimore,
Maryland.
His return to Washington about the middle of May brought the
itinerary to a close. Though the gait at which he traveled was a
strenuous one, he was immeasurably strengthened for his work by
this intimate contact with the people of the country of both races,
soldiers and civilians. Wise counsel and friendly encouragement
were met with at every turn and he was convinced that the extended
tour had not been made in vain. He had spoken thirty-two times,
to thousands of his fellow-citizens, all of whom were impelled by
a common impulse of patriotism.
A high note of patriotism was sounded by thoughtful leaders
of the Negro people in all walks of life. Negro editors, with but
few exceptions, rallied to the Nation's call and wrote in a martial
spirit; the Negro clergy put on the whole armor of patriotism and
awakened the Negro laity to a sense of its duty, opportunity, and
responsibility; Negro educators in all sections taught loyalty.as
a cardinal virtue and representative Negro public speakers sought
diligently to maintain a healthy morale among the rank and file
of colored Americans.
It was also recognized on the part of the white people of the
South and elsewhere that the Negro's loyalty was not to be ques¬
tioned, and representative white Americans, both North and South,
testified in the public press that they regarded the Negro's un¬
divided loyalty as a valuable asset to the Nation. White news¬
papers all over the country devoted column after column of space
to the whole-souled loyalty of colored Americans.
Notable Newspaper Tribute
"The Negro population of the United States," said the St.
Louis Globe Democrat,'' is loyal to the core, and of all the fantasies
416
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
of Germany diplomacy toward the alienation of elements of our
composite population, after it was recognized that our declaration
of war was coming—none was more fantastic than the well-accred¬
ited plot to turn our native colored citizens against the country with
which all their fortunes are bound up and identified.
"It has been possible for Prussianism to find among us some
weak and credulous people and some even who, coming here as
aliens, have prospered greatly under our institutions, to be deluded
with the notion that they could reap advantage out of the nation's
humiliation and defeat. The colored citizen of the United States
has a shrewd understanding of the fact that we must 'all stand or
fall together, and he doesn't want to fall.
"Aside from all such practical considerations," continued the
editor, "there is a Negro loyalty which is one of the finest traits
of the race. It has been sung in song and story. The older gen¬
erations were loyal even to those who were fighting to hold them
in slavery, out of ties of love and affection which nothing could
break. Men of the South, intelligent and high-charactered men,
some of whom had personal and family knowledge of this fine
fidelity and devotion, have permitted grosser elements to persecute
the race, purely out of political considerations: We trust, and now
believe, that that disci^ditable era is drawing-to a close. It has
been the one blot on an escutcheon never marred by want of valor
or chivalry in fighting for a lost cause.
"The colored people are justifying all of our faith. Not only
are they, at home, responding to every patriotic need, but their men
in the field, in France, are proving themselves worthy comrades of
those who so signally earned laurels at San Juan, and those who,
on the Mexican border, under Pershing, proved themselves at
Carrizal to be of the stuff American soldiers are made of."
In Jackson, Mississippi, in the heart of the South, Rev. George
Luther Cady, pastor of the First Congregational Church, preached
a special sermon pleading for a deeper consideration of the black
man and a fairer judgment of him in view of his demonstrated
patriotism and dependability, especially in time of war. He em¬
phasized the fact that the crimes with which the Negro is charged
are few in number and in proportion to those of the white popula¬
tion, and that, through the narrow viewpoint of the whites, his*'
Left—Dr. George Edmund Haynes, Director of Negro Economics, Department of Labor, Washington, D. C.
Center—Dr. Robert R. Moton, Principal, Tuskeg-ee Normal and Industrial Institute, who went to France during- the war on
a special mission.
Right—Lester A. Walton, member Military Entertainment Service, War Department Commission on Training- Camp Activities.
Left—Sergeant F. Blue, Drum Major of "The Black Devil's" Band (so-called by the Germans) of the 370th Reg-. (The old
8th Illinois).
Center—Lieut. Thomas A. Painter of the 369th Infantry, who received the Croix de Guerre for gallantry in action.
Right—Captain Napoleon Bonaparte Marshall of the 369th Inf., one of Harvard's most famous athletes, severely wounded in
spine, during fighting south of Metz, must wear a steel brace during the remainder of his life.
Left—Group of Colored Red Cross Nurses on duty at the base hospital at Camp Grant, Illinois.
Right—Some of the Negro Officers who were helping- to hold the lines with the 366th Infantry, when the Armistice was
sig-ned. Front, left to right— Captain A. L. Simpson, 1st Lieutenants, Morris, Booker and Ellis. Back Row, left to
right—2nd Lieutenants Taylor, Wright and McEwen.
American Negro troops returning- from their gallant service in France. The above photograph was taken at meal¬
time aboard a United States Transport just entering New York Harbor. The demonstration would signify tlia+
the men were ready for the mess call.
Above—Colored American Soldiers being- decorated with Distinguished Service Cross by
Major-General Eli Helmick of the United States Army in presence of Admiral Moreau
of the French Navy. Below—Group of Negro Officers, 366th Infantry, U. S. A.
Left to Right—Capt. L. H. Godman, Lt. and Adj. Chas. S. Parker, Capt. Chas. G.
Kelley, Capt. Wm. Hill, Capt. C. W. Owens, Capt. Geo. A. Holland, Capt. W. T.
Thompson, 2nd Lt. Wm. D. Nabors.
Above—The Curtis brothers, three sons of Dr. and Mrs. A. M. Curtis, Washing-ton, D. C.
commissioned as Officers in United States Army. Left to Right—A. Maurice Curtis'
Medical Reserve Corps; Arthur L. Curtis, 368th Medical Corps; Merrill H. Curtis'
349th Field Artillery, all First Lieutenants.
Below—'The Gould family of fighters. Seated in front is Wm. B. Gould of East Dedham
Mass., a veteran of the Civil War. Standing' are his six sons who have also served
their country. Left to Right—Lawrence W. Gould, 1st Lt. James E. Gould, Major Wm
B. Gould, Jr., Lt. Herbert R. Gould, 1st Lt. Ernest M. Gould, and Frederick C. Gould
Top, Left to Right—2nd Lt. Jas. L. Horace, Intel. Officer, 365th Inf.: 2nd Lt. Stephen F.
Moses, Jr., 351st F. A.; 1st Lt. Marion C. Rhoten, Hdqrs. Troop, 92nd Div.; Lt. Frank
L. Frances, M. G. Co. 366th Inf.
Left, Center—1st Lt. Edward C. Knox, 349th Mchn. Gun Bat. Right, Center—Capt. Spahr
H. Dickey, 351st Mchn. Gun Bat.
Bottom, Left—Capt. Beverley L. Dorsey, 317th Am. Tr. Bottom, Right—Capt. Robert B.
Chubb, 367th Inf.
Center Panel—Sergt. Wm. Butler of Salisbury, Md„ who received the Croix de Guerre
from the French Government and Distinguished Service Cross and Sharpshooter's
Medal from the United States Government. The story of Sergt. Butler and his hand
to hand encounters with the Boches is related in full in this volume.
Dr. Emmett J. Scott and his faithful office corps, who co-operated in the performance of his duties as Special Assistant to
the Secretary of War, at Washington.
Left to Right—William H. Davis, Ernestine B. English, Dr. Scott, Madeline P. Childs, Richard W. Thompson, Joseph H.
Nelson, J. Bernard Smith, Charles L. Webb.
NEGRO LOYALTY AND MORALE
417
crimes have been magnified without keeping in mind the short¬
comings of his white brothers.
Mr. Bolton Smith, a representative white Southern gentleman
of Memphis, Tennessee, impressed by Negro loyalty and possessed
with a high sense of justice, wrote Governor Tom C. Rye, of
Tennessee, as follows: "The Government of the United States
is controlled by Southern men. It has called the Negro to the
defense of the colors, and the American people will demand that
a race thus honored shall be granted the justice of a fair trial
when accused of crime. We all know that when guilty there is no
doubt of full punishment. As Secretary of the Tennessee Law
and Order League, organized to stop lynching, I urge you toy issue
a proclamation to our people pointing out the treasonable effect
of such lynchings.,,
A white newspaper of Texas published an article that was
reprinted in the Houston Observer and other Negro journals,
headed "The Black Man Stood Pat and Fought the Good Fight."
In the course of the article it was stated: '' The war did more for
the American Negro than had been accomplished in several decades
of peace. He demonstrated that he could fight—that his willing¬
ness and capacity for work were unlimited; that he could easily
adapt himself to strange surroundings and that he understood the
purpose of Liberty Bonds, which he almost invariably bought until
it actually and positively 'hurtOne of the most glorious things
that happened to the Negro, however, was the revelation of his
absolute, unshakable loyalty to the Stars and Stripes.' Evidence
adduced before a Senate Committee shows that German propa¬
gandists failed miserably in their efforts among the blacks. That
they operated principally among the plantation Negroes of the
South and there made no headway whatever, is significant. It is
a splendid tribute to the Americanism of the Negro. It might
be supposed that among men and women who are not regular
readers of the newspapers, who trust to the 1 grapevine,' which
makes a wireless station of every cabin, for most of their informa¬
tion, the fairy tales of the paid German agents would find fertile
ground. But the Negro stood pat. 'You have no country,' was
an insidious remark that was dinned into his ears night and day.
'You'll never get your Liberty Bond money back,' was another.
418
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
'You'll get forty acres of land if the Germans win,' they were
told. And they were assured that victory for the 'humane' Ger¬
mans meant an end of all hangings and instant leveling of all
social lines in the United States. Many white * intellectuals' m
the North succumbed to sophistries and liest but those black mil¬
lions did not. Their hearts proved pure gold and they stood by
Uncle Sam. The Secret Service needed no special trains for Negro
excursions to internment camps. It is that same inborn spirit of
loyalty to the Government that has prevented the I. W. W. from
gaining converts among the blacks of the South, no matter how
poor they are or how unjust their position economically
Tributes by Wilson, Baker and Daniels
President Woodrow Wilson, in a special memorandum which
accompanied his commutation of the sentences of a group of
Negro soldiers who were charged with being implicated in the
Houston (Texas) riot, paid tribute to the loyalty and fidelity of
colored Americans. Similar tributes were frequently paid by Hon.
Newton D. Baker, Secretary of War. In a special message of
encouragement and confidence which he addressed to the Chicago
Branch of the National Security League, which held a patriotic
mass meeting at the Coliseum in Chicago, February 12, 1918, the
Secretary of War wrote: "As stated to you in the telegraphic
reply which Mr. Emmett J. Scott, my Special Assistant, forwarded
to you at my instance and request, I sincerely wish it were possible
for me to be present on the occasion referred to, for 1 would then
have a splendid opportunity to tell of the fine spirit with which the
great test of the quality of America is being met by the colored
people of our country. * * * J wish, however, in view of my
enforced absence, to send, especially to the colored Americans of
your community and elsewhere, just a few words of encourage-
rACOnSnf' # * * In a most encouraging degree, it
Driviletre arfd^Q ^ ecrt°red citizens throughout the country as a
time, of their Jentsfof till* °0fs^tance' of Jj*
every way possible, to contribute toUrd tho ^
of our fighting units and those of our allies SUC?
colored men, who were subject to draft, are"to" be^ommenS
NEGRO LOYALTY AND MORALE
419
upon their promptness and eagerness in registering their names
for service in the National Army, and likewise mention is made
of the relatively low percentage of exemption claims filed by
them. Those in the service of their country, I am sure, will prove
faithful and efficient, and will uphold the traditions of their race."
In addition to the splendid tributes paid to Negro loyalty,
time after time, by Colonel Theodore Roosevelt and William H.
Taft, both former Presidents of the United States, Hon. Josephus
Daniels, Secretary of the Navy, at a banquet given in his honor by
the citizens of Albany, N. Y., on Flag Day, June 14, 1918, warmly
commended the colored people for their never-failing devotion to
the American flag. In introducing Secretary Daniels at the
afternoon gathering, following a monster parade, former Governor
Martin H. Glynn referred to the fact that Henry Johnson, an
Albany colored soldier who was cited by General Pershing for
extreme valor on the battlefield, was born in North Carolina, near
Secretary Daniel's home. The Secretary, in mentioning Private
Johnson in his speech, paid a high tribute to the colored people
of the South; he said that while "there has been occasion to question
the patriotism of some of the people in this country, the loyalty
of the colored citizens had never been in doubt."
Upon the floor of the House of Representatives of the United
States, a Southern Congressman—Hon. R. W. Austin, of Tennes¬
see, paid glowing tribute to Negro soldiers and warmly commended
the loyal part that the Negro citizenship of the country was play¬
ing in helping to win the war. He read' into the Congressional
Record the wonderful tribute which General Pershing, Command¬
ing Officer of the American Expeditionary Forces, paid to the
colored soldiers, and stated that not only in the military ranks
were Negro patriots to be found, but likewise they were serving
in munition plants, in mines, in factories, foundries, and upon the
farm, doing their utmost to support their Government in the time
of stress and storm. He bore cheerful testimony to the loyalty of
this racial group and stated that in his section of the country, the
South, the Negro people had not only furnished their full quota
for the Army but had liberally subscribed to Liberty Loans, the
Red Cross, and the Army Y. M. C. A. funds. He closed his ad¬
dress by saying: "It gives me pleasure to place upon the endur-
420
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
ing records of the Government this "brief but true and deserved
tribute to the loyalty, fidelity, and patriotism of the colored citizens
of America."
Negro Loyalty Never Doubted
Even though white men who held positions high in the public
life of the country were, in some cases, under suspicion as to
their loyalty and several members of the United States Congress
were charged with entertaining anti-American ideas—one of the
latter being convicted in a court of law on the charge of disloyalty,
be it said to the everlasting credit of the American Negro, it
was never necessary to question his loyalty. This racial group
placed itself squarely on the side of a wider democracy for all
peoples, as expressed by the President in his public utterances,
and gave cordial sanction to that sentiment contained in the Presi¬
dent's address delivered July 4, 1918, at "Washington's Tomb,
when he said: "What we seek is the reign of law based upon the
consent of the governed and sustained by the organized opinion
of mankind."
Notable among the patriotic meetings and parades conducted
in all sections of the country to sustain the morale of the colored
people were those which occurred (1) at Wilmington, Delaware,
under the direction of Mrs. Alice Dunbar-Nelson, whose splendid
efforts in mobilizing the colored women of the country for war
work is referred to elsewhere in this volume; and (2) at St. Louis,
Missouri, where a "Negro Loyalty Day" was observed, June 13,
1918, featured by a "Loyalty Day Parade and Patriotic Benefit"
under the auspices of the Colored Women's Unit of the Council of
National Defense, with Mrs. Victoria Clay Haley, as Chairman.
Colored men and women from every walk of life, including thou¬
sands of school children enthusiastically took a part in these
patriotic demonstrations; some of the special sections of the St.
Louis parade included representatives of the Colored Waiters'
Alliance, Wayman A. M. E. Church, Summer High School, Banne-
ker School, Simmons School, Cottage School, Dessalines School,
Lincoln School, Delany School, colored employees of the Post Office
St. Louis Medical Forum, Boosters' Club, Young Ladies' Reading
Club, colored Patrons from Kinlock and Ferguson, Missouri, First
NEGRO LOYALTY AND MORALE
421
Baptist Church, Church of God, A. M. E. Church, Olive Street
Terrace Bealty Company, Negro business and professional men of
St. Louis, and others. The two parades mentioned above, and
many others, reached the high-water mark of Negro patriotism.
In New Orleans, La., a monster parade was held by colored
citizens, each marcher carrying an American flag. Some of the
strikingly worded banners were: "Stand by Our President";
"What It Takes To Lick the Kaiser, "We've Got It"; "Victory
Calls Us"; "The Colored Man Is No Slacker." A squad of steve^-
dores who had served under General Pershing in France and
sailors from the Algiers Naval Training Station headed the parade;
they were some of the troops who built the great docks in France.
In point of numbers, enthusiasm and fidelity to the cause the
parade held in Atlanta, Georgia, was also a tremendously signifi¬
cant demonstration. Negro laborers, factory hands, porters, and
workers in stores and office buildings, chauffeurs, gardeners, and
other colored employees were granted by their employers a special
half-holiday in order that they might participate in the Loyalty
Parade; and along with them marched hundreds of other men,
women, and children, representing practically every phase of Negro
life. Along the route of the parade the marchers were liberally
applauded by their white fellow-citizens, who were much impressed
with the spirit of the occasion and who gladly contributed to its
success.
Other Instances of Loyalty
The enthusiastic farewells that were given to departing Negro
draftees and soldiers by their mothers, wives, and other relatives
and friends furnished by no means the least valuable evidence of
the self-sacrificing loyalty of this entire racial group. In numerous
cities could be witnessed scenes where Negro enlisted men marched
through the streets, on their way to camp, accompanied by cheer¬
ing throngs of colored women, men, and children carrying flags and
filling the air with shoutings of patriotism. Nor was their loyalty
merely vocal, for it found additional concrete expression in the
purchase of Liberty Bonds, War Savings Stamps, and the like.
Miss Kate M. Herring, Director of Publicity for the North Caro¬
lina War Savings Committee, has published in Northern and South-
422
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
era magazines some interesting facts in regard to the thrift cam¬
paigns among Negroes in lier State. In the "Black Belt/' where
in fourteen counties the Negroes average 56 per cent of the popular
tion, she wrote, the average subscription was 80 per cent of the
allotment, 4 per cent more than in the State at large. In the
county which subscribed 128 per cent of its allotment, the Negroes
constitute 47 per cent of the population. They furnished 42 to
61 per cent of the thirteen of the nineteen counties which subscribed
100 per cent or over. Subscriptions ranged from that of a Negro
who took the limit of one thousand dollars for each member of his
family to those whose subscriptions were paid for in 25-cent stamps,
including a washerwoman with a blind husband who subscribed for
$50 worth for herself and him.
Another extraordinary case indicating the sublime patriotism
and loyalty of the Negro was that of David H. Haynes, a colored
fanner of Thibodeaux, Louisiana, who subscribed for $100,000
worth of the Fourth issue of Liberty Bonds while fighting was at
its height, making note of his confidence in the Government and
his determination to risk his all in defense of the lofty purpose and
high ideals that caused America's entrance into the arena of war.
This is said to be the largest individual subscription made by any
citizen in the state of Louisiana and was certainly the largest pur¬
chase of its kind made in the country by a colored man.
That the Negro was a willing factor in the war has been so
convincingly demonstrated on so many occasions that additional
evidence is scarcely necessary; a striking case in point, however,
may be noted in the journeying at his own expense from Birming¬
ham, Alabama, to Washington, D. C., of Archie Neely, a stalwart
young colored American, to enlist in the Army. It was stated that
he had been refused by the Local Boards at his home, denied the
privilege of voluntary enlistment, but was so determined to battle
for Uncle Sam that he scraped together the necessary funds and
came to Washington to see the officials of the War Department in
person and tender his services; his personality was so inviting and
his plea so effective that he left the War Department with a paper
authorizing him to proceed at once to Camp Meade.
Another striking individual case is that of John Ward, colored
of Goldsboro, North Carolina, who, according to the sheriff of the'
NEGRO LOYALTY AND MORALE
423
county, had thirteen (13) of his eighteen (18) sons in the United
States Army, while his daughters were busy with war work.
Aside from the immensely valuable part performed by the Negro
press during the war, representative colored men and women in
every section of the country appeared upon the public platform and
delivered patriotic addresses before countless audiences composed
of members of their racial group with a view of stimulating their
patriotism^ and to prevent any possibility of their yielding to sinis¬
ter influences which tended to weaken their morale. All of them
seemed to realize the fact that no matter how well equipped a nation
may be in a material way, it cannot win any worth-while victory
unless it is able to maintain among all groups of citizens that indefin¬
able, spiritual something which is called "MORALE." In its gen¬
eral application it is a "moral condition" or a "mental state" which
renders a man capable of endurance and of exhibiting courage in the
presence of danger, but in time of war it becomes a spiritual force
which keeps men constant in their devotion to their country's flag.
Whether the Stars and Stripes was carried into battle by Negro
soldiers or held in the hands of patriotic Negro citizens—during the
recent war as in all other wars, "the old flag never touched the
ground
A Negro's Idea of Loyalty
Henry Watterson, editor of the Louisville Courier-Journal, a
Democratic newspaper, published an editorial expression regard¬
ing the address of a colored man which was quite generally repub¬
lished throughout the country. The address was also published in
the Congressional Record. Mr. Watterson wrote:
With all his genius and culture, Roseoe Conkling Simmons is a Negro.
His college degrees and personal refinement cannot change his blood or color
or make him one bit less a member of a race regarded as socially, econom¬
ically and mentally inferior to the white.
That Louisville is proud of him as a citizen; that the Negro people of
the country look to him for leadership much as. they did to his illustrious
uncle, Booker T. Washington; that men of prominence in the nation accord
him fellowship and a place in high councils, does not change his status.
For these very' reasons, his words, spoken the other day before a gather¬
ing of his own race, should spread a blush of shame on the Caucasian skins
of some who are conspicuous in the eyes of the nation just now. When men
4Z4
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
of superior learning and vaunted super-race connections, intrusted with, the
solemn duty of serving and protecting their country's destiny, join with
foreign tyrant cut-throats to heap contumely upon the nation's head and tie
the hands stretched out to protect the lives and rights of Americans; when
sniveling white pacifists join with all the traitor-slacker crew to invite
national disgrace and ruin, well may this member of an "inferior race" boast:
"We have a record to defend, but no treason, thank God, to atone or
explain. While in chains we fought to free white men—from Lexington to
Carrizal—and returned again to our chains. No Negro has ever insulted the
flag. No Negro ever struck down a President of these United States. No
Negro ever sold a military map or secret to a foreign government. No Negro
ever ran under fire or lost an opportunity to serve, to fight, to bleed and to
die in the republic's cause. Accuse us of what you will—justly and wrongly—
no man can point to a single instance of our disloyalty.
"We have but one country and one flag, the flag that set us free. Its
language is our only tongue^ and no hyphen bridges or qualifies our loyalty.
Today the nation faces danger from a foreign foe, treason stalks and skulks
up and down our land. In dark councils intrigue is being hatched. I am a
Republican, but a Wilson Republican. Woodrow Wilson is my leader. What
he commands me to do I shall do. Where he commands me to go I shall go.
If he calls me to the colors, I shall not ask whether my colonel is black or
white. I shall be there to pick out no color except the white of the enemy's
eye. Grievances I have against this people, against this Government. Injus¬
tice to me there is, bad laws there are upon the statute books, but in this
hour of peril I forget—and you must forget—all thoughts of self or race or
creed or politics or color. Thai, toys, is loyalty
That this address was a notable piece of diction and oratory means little,
save as a tribute to the talent and erudition of its author and an augury of
what may come from others of his race when given his opportunities. As a
rebuke to the traitors and Americans not worthy of the name it deserves the
widest reading, while such white men as La Follette, Stone, 0 'Gorman, Var-
daman, Works, Bryaii and all their ilk, instead, perhaps, of being tarred and
feathered black, should be forced to read these words of a black man.
Negro Love for the United States
In one of his interesting letters from France, Ralph "W. Tyler,
the accredited representative of the Committee on Public Informa¬
tion, wrote as follows:
"For some time, prior to sailing for France, I was cognizant
of a very general belief that many of the colored soldiers here in
France, because of the unrestricted freedom and absolute equality
NEGRO LOYALTY AND MORALE
425
doled out cheerfully to all people of the Allies, without respect to
color, would locate here after the war. I have interviewed hundreds
of the boys, and I have not found one who expressed a desire to
remain here. This reluctance to remain in France longer than the
close of the war is no reflection upon La Belle France, but rather a
high testimony to the loyalty of the colored man to his own and
native land. I have talked with colored men who came from Dr.
Vernon's '1 Everglades of Florida"; with many who came from the
State of Texas, made famous so far as colored men are concerned,
by Emmett J. Scott, the achieving Special Assistant to the Secretary
of War; with those from Alabama, known principally because of the
fact that the late Dr. Booker T. Washington laid the foundation
for his fame there. I have talked with many from Mississippi,
Georgia, and other Southern States, and, without exception, all, while
willing to remain here until German militarism is crushed, want to
get back 'home' to the States as soon as peace is declared. The
burden of their song is: ' My country! Bight or wrong, my coun¬
try!' 'With all thy faults, I love thee still.'
"To me this eagerness* on the part of colored soldiers, in the
face of the absolutely unrestricted freedom offered them by France,
and while willing cheerfully to remain here, and die here if neces¬
sary, to secure world democracy, is the finest possible testimony to
the loyalty to their country—the United States—of the 175,000 col¬
ored soldiers who are now in the service of their coumtry on French
soil. To a man they will return to the States as gladly as they em¬
barked for France.
"Those of the race back in the States who complain because of
a restricted sugar and flour allowance, etc., but who, nevertheless,
enjoy Sundays and holidays for themselves as days bereft of work,
perhaps would not complain were they over here at the front where
there is neither rest nor Sundays for the boys who must fight and
work seven days in the week, rain or shine, hot or cold. But these
boys over here accept most cheerfully the inclusion of Sundays
and holidays as duty days, and rain and cold as no excuse for relief
from work and fight—a necessity, now, to achieve world democracy.
The colored men of this Division, commissioned officers and men in
the ranks, I find, are anxious to contribute their mite and their
MIGHT to maintain the best traditions of the American Army."
CHAPTER XXX
DID THE NEGRO SOLDIER CST A SQUARE DEAL?
Reports of Widespread Discrimination and Harsh Treatment in
Camp—Many Manifestations of Prejudice by White Officers—
The Question of White or Negro Officers for Negro Regi¬
ments—Higher Officers of the Army Usually Fair—Disinclina¬
tion to Utilize Colored Nurses and. Colored Medical Men—Sec¬
retary Baker's Efforts to Prevent Race Discrimination—
Reports of Negro Observers on Conditions Overseas.
In discussing the question, "Did the Negro soldier get a square
deal?" it is pertinent, first, to show the occasion for the inquiry, and,
incidentally, such worthy purpose as will be served by the treatment
of that question in this volume. It is a question that has been re¬
peatedly suggested by articles and editorials, reports of war corre¬
spondents, and the like, which have appeared in the Negro press and
other publications of the country, based upon information received
from various sources, including letters of criticism written by Negro
soldiers and officers, chaplains, Y. M. C. A. secretaries, special in¬
vestigators, and others, concerning conditions among Negro soldiers
in camps at home as well as overseas, and, in some cases, based upon
official orders that have been issued with reference to Negro soldiers
in the Army of the United States.
It is a question necessarily affecting the morale of colored Amer¬
icans which must be frankly met and impartially considered. To
dodge it would be unworthy of an honest historian whose duty it is
to chronicle facts, and might deny to the Negro race and also the
Government the opportunity of learning some valuable lessons from
the war, of mutual profit not only in the present but possibly in the
future. Therefore its discussion in this volume has a three-fold
purpose: (1) To enable colored Americans to know the truth about
conditions which existed among soldiers of their race during the
war; (2) to correct certain false impressions which have been made
upon the minds and hearts of colored Americans based, in some in-
426
DID THE-NEGRO SOLDIER GET A SQUARE DEAL? 42?
stances at least, upon certain exaggerated, erroneous, and incomplete
statements they may have read or heard with reference to such con¬
ditions and which impressions, unless corrected, are capable of
working serious harm; (3) to disclose what opportunities were ac¬
corded, and what measure of justice was meted out to Negro soldiers,
officers, and war workers by the War Department and by others in
authority.
A grave mistake can be made by any one who looks only on one
side of a question 1 "While it has been the consistent policy of the
Special Assistant never to condone nor minimize wrong or injustice
in any form or wherever found, yet it is no less important that we
should never be so completely absorbed and overwhelmed with our
grievances that we cannot find time and have vision to "look on the
other side of the shield,'*—thereby gaining encouragement and
strength to fight for improved conditions. Therefore, it is hoped
that the frank discussion contained in this chapter will make for a
better understanding between the Negro and the Government he has
served so well. May it also tend toward the adoption of %a better
attitude and policy on the part of the Government toward the Negro
soldier and citizen and, at the same time, enable colored Americans
generally to properly appreciate the difficulties which were con¬
fronted, as well as the measure of justice which was attempted and
meted out by the Government during the recent war, which involved
the handling of millions of men.
Instances of Unfair Treatment
In view of the fact that the majority of Negro soldiers were
commanded largely by white men and the records which they will
finally make will most likely defend their own side of the case, it will
be difficult to bring a majority of the white people of the country
around to the position of thinking that the treatment of Negro sol¬
diers in the Army was other than honorable. With all those who are
fair-minded, however, due weight will be given to the complainants
in the case, namely the thousands of Negro soldiers who complained
and protested. It must also be remembered in this connection that
Army rules and regulations rigidly require all complaints to be made
by a soldier through regular military channels,—that is through his
immediate commanding officer, and, in the very nature of the case,
428
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
it becomes at times extremely difficult for a soldier, even though
unjustly treated, to publish his grievances or to obtain proper and
prompt redress.
In the beginning of the draft, when men were being first called
to the colors, there was much apprehension among Negroes as to
whether they would be treated as other soldiers in the camps. The
manifest discrimination practiced by various Local Draft Boards
against Negro men in many sections under the Selective Service
Law, tQgether with the almost certain knowledge that they would,
in many instances, be placed under the command of white officers,
some of whom at least, it was feared, would not entertain a friendly
and sympathetic attitude toward them, increased their apprehension.
The fact that three Local Draft Boards were peremptorily ordered
removed by the Secretary of "War because of their flagrant injustice
to Negro draftees is in itself a 4'straw" which shows that the wind
was blowing in the wrong direction. Instances upon instances can
be cited to show that the Negro did not get a "square deal" in the
draft; in many sections he contributed many more than his quota; and
in defiance of both the spirit and letter of the draft law, Negro
married men with large families to support were impressed into
military service regardless of their protests and appeals, and their
wives, children, and dependents suffered uncalled-for hardships.
Local Draft Boards, in almost every instance composed exclusively
of white men, were in a position, if so inclined, to show favoritism to
men of their own race; the official figures of the draft reveal the
.fact that in many sections of the country exemptions were granted
white men who were single with practically no dependents, while
Negroes were conscripted into service regardless of their urgent need
in Agriculture or the essential industries, and without considering
their family relations or obligations.
Would it not have been eminently just and fair, and more in
line with the spirit of the American Constitution, to have granted
the Negro his rightful quota of representation on Local Draft Boards
and District Boards of Appeal which passed upon matters of such
vital consequence to him? This is a question which should be an¬
swered in the affirmative.
The Negro was willing to do his full share of the fighting, but
the official record shows that he was called upon to do more than his
DID THE NEGRO SOLDIER GET A SQUARE DEAL?
429
share under the Draft Law, for, although constituting 10.7 per cent
of the total population of the United States, he contributed 13.08
per cent of the total colored and white inductions from June 5, 1917,
to November 11, 1918. He had practically no representation upon
the Draft Boards which passed upon his appeals—an arrangement
which was wholly at variance with the theory of American institu¬
tions.
To catalogue or specify all of the complaints that have come to
the War Department, that have been published in the Negro press,
and that have been contained in letters written to the relatives of
Negro soldiers with reference to unfair treatment accorded them
would be an almost endless task, and would consume far more space
than can possibly be allotted in this volume, but a few typical ones
are given herein. They include charges of harsh and even brutal
treatment by some of their commanding officers and especially by
white "non-coms" who were placed over them.
Colored Americans have deeply resented the '1 table of organi¬
zation" which denied colored soldiers the privilege of serving as
non-commissioned officers over men of their own race. It was fur¬
ther alleged in numerous cases that white officers and white "non-
coms" required of them unusually hard tasks under the most trying
circumstances and frequently cursed them, beat them, domineered
over them as if they were 1' slaves'' instead of fellows in a common
cause, and applied to them all manner of epithets and opprobrious
terms such as "nigger," "darkey," "coon," and other more objec¬
tionable terms. . A lack of medical care and proper nursing, inferior
food, clothing, and sleeping accommodations were also alleged. In
one camp in Virginia it was actually found that no adequate facilities
whatsoever had been provided for Negro soldiers who were sickj
they were huddled together, fourteen, sixteen and eighteen in one
tent, without any wooden floors in the tents, although it was in the
midst of the cold winter of 1917, and with practically no hospital
accommodations. The official record of conditions then obtaining at
Camp Hill, Virginia, conclusively proves that the Negro soldier
did not get a square deal at that particular camp, at that particular
time, for white soldiers had ample hospital accommodations, suitable
barracks or floors in their tents, and were not huddled together as
were the Negro soldiers, whose abnormally high death rate, due to
430
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
pneumonia, was directly traceable to the unfair conditions they were
forced to endure.
Similar disparities between accommodations provided for white
and colored soldiers occurred at other camps and occasioned con¬
siderable complaint. Perhaps, however, nothing contributed so much
to friction in the Army as did the assignment of, a/tid the wrongful
attitude manifested by white "non-coms" who served in connection
with Negro troops.
Comments by the White Press
Not only did the Negro press notice, and protest against various
indignities visited upon Negro soldiers, but many of the white news¬
papers made comments thereupon. An editorial in the New York
World read in part as follows:
1 'It is our claim that we are fighting this war to make the world
safe for DEMOCRACY. Democracy implies equality of privilege
and equal obligation of service. If we fight for this for the world in
general we ought to be prepared to practice it among ourselves. At
present we mingle democracy with discriminations. All the elements
of our citizenship do not stand on the same level. But there is no way
of evading the fact that under a modern military regime—one of uni¬
versal service—all elements of our citizenship must stand on the same
level. No distinction can be drawn in applying the military code
betiveen white soldiers and black soldiers, between white officers and
black officers. They are all fighting for the same cause and deserve
the same credit for doing so. Yet, only the other day a Negro officer
revisiting his home in Vicksburg, Mississippi, was counseled by
friends to put on civilian clothes, for fear that he might be mobbed
if he appeared on the streets in the uniform of a United States Army
officer. * * * The Government is telling all Americans that they
have an equal stake in the war. All are invited to put their energies
and resources into a common pool. But if the enterprise is common
and the burdens are common, the glory must also be common."
It has been reliably reported that Lieutenant Joseph B. Saun¬
ders, the Negro army officer evidently referred to in the article just
quoted, was abused, knocked off the sidewalk, and set upon by certain
residents or citizens of Vicksburg, Mississippi, where he had gone to
DID THE NEGRO SOLDIER GET A SQUARE DEAL?
431
visit his parents; and compelled to remove his uniform and escape
from that city in disguise to avoid mob violence.
The effort to humiliate Negro officers and to either prevent or
limit their utilization in the Army assumed what appeared to be a
decidedly organized form. In the first place the West Point officers*
group seemed to look with resentment upon all army officers who,
after a few months' intensive training in camp were awarded the
same commissions for which they had had to sudy four years at the
West Point Military Academy, and they seemed especially disinclined
to regard favorably colored officers so easily elevated to their rank.
The colored people had cause to feel that there seemed to be a
common understanding in many quarters that, wherever possible,
the Negro officer should be discredited and that the Negro soldier
should be praised only for what he did when led by white officers.
To get rid of the Negro officers serving overseas, the plan was
usually that set forth in the following document:
FROM: The Commanding Officer, 372nd Infantry.
TO: The Commanding General, American Expeditionary Forces.
SUBJECT: Replacement of colored officers by white officers.
1. Request that colored officers of this regiment be replaced by white
officers for the following reasons:
First: The racial distinctions which are recognized in civilian life nat¬
urally continue to be recognized in the military life and present a formidable
barrier to the existence of that feeling of comradeship which is essential to
mutual confidence and esprit de corps.
Second: With a few exceptions there is a characteristic tendency
among colored officers to neglect the welfare of their men and to perform
their duties in a perfunctory manner. They are lacking in initiative.
These defects entail a constant supervision and attention to petty details by
battalion commanders and other senior officers which distract their atten¬
tion from their wider duties; with harmful results.
2. To facilitate the desired readjustment of official personnel it is
recommended):
(A) That no colored officers be forwarded to this regiment, replace¬
ments or otherwise.
(B) That officers removed upon recommendation of efficiency boards
be promptly replaced by white officers of like grade. But, if white officers
are not available as replacements, white officers of lower gradefs he for¬
warded instead.
432
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
(C) That the opportunity be afforded to transfer the remaining col¬
ored combat officer personnel to labor organizations or to replacement units
for other colored combat organizations according to their suitability.
3. Reference letter No. 616-3s written by Commanding General 157th
D. I. on the subject August 21, 1918, and forwarded to your office through
military channels.
(Signed) Herschel Tupes,
Colonel, 372nd Infantry.
Received A. G. 0.
26th Aug., 1918.
G. H. Q., A. E. F.
1st Ind. {Endorsement.)
G. H. Q., A. E. F., France, August 28, 1918.
To Commanding Officer, 372nd Infantry, A. E. F.
1. Returned.
2. Paragraph two is approved.
3. You will submit by special courier requisition for white officers to
replace officers relieved upon the recommendation of efficiency board.
4. You will submit list of names of officers that you recommend to be
transferred to labor organization or to replacement units for other colored
combat organizations; stating in each case the qualifications of the officers
recommended.
By Command of General Pershing:
(Signed) "W. P. Bennett, Adjutant General.
2nd Ind. (Endorsement.)
Hq. 372nd Infantry, S. P., 179, France, September 4, 1918.
To Commanding General, A. E. F., France.
1. Requisition in compliance with par. 3,1st Ind., is enclosed herewith.
Special attention is invited to the filling of two original vacancies by
appointment.
In the carrying out of these apparently well-matured plans,
various Negro officers were cited to appear before Efficiency Boards,
and in practically every case the decision seemed to go against
them. Those pronounced " inefficient'' were easily disposed of
and when the question arose as to how their positions might be
filled there was not in France every time a sufficiency of Negro
officers in reserve for this purpose. The military staff then availed'
themselves of the opportunity to make the claim that inasmuch
as additional Negro officers were not available, and white officers
would not serve in the same regiment with Negro officers, it was
DID THE NEGRO SOLDIER GET A SQUARE DEAL?
433
necessary to turn over the command entirely to. white officers.
Only in rarely exceptional cases were any of the colored officers
promoted while overseas.
In keeping with the prevailing custom at that time of dis¬
crediting Negro officers, desperate efforts were made, it seemed,
to show the unusual efficiency of Negro soldiers when led by white
officers, and their inefficiency when led by officers of their own
race. Negro officers were often charged with "cowardice" in
spite of demonstrated valor of Negro troops in all the wars of the
Republic. Such a complaint was brought against four Negro
officers of the 368th Infantry, who uniformly stated that they re¬
treated only when they found themselves surrounded by barbed-
wire entanglements with the enemy using machine guns with deadly
effect, and when they themselves had no wire cutters and other
implements necessary to extricate them from such a dangerous
position. They were without maps, without hand grenades, and
lacked sufficient ammunition. Their Major, a white officer supposed
to be leading them, was nowhere to be found during the engage¬
ment. Two of the colored Captains, according to Ralph W. Tyler,
special war correspondent—after they had gone over the top and.
had run into a nest of machine guns—turned back and asked for
support and got the Third battalion. But they could not get in
touch with their Major, who had gone to the rear " somewhere''
immediately after the engagement got hot, thus preventing com¬
pany commanders from connecting with him to secure orders. The
Major, however, because of the failure of the engagement, under
such circumstances, charged the colored officers with cowardice
and inefficiency. Seemingly as a reward for his shifting the blame
so successfully, he was a few days thereafter raised to the rank
of Lieutenant Colonel and given command of a colored regiment.
Too many Negro officers and soldiers won the Croix de Guerre,
Distinguished Service Medals or Crosses, etc., to lend any color to
the charge that Negro officers were inefficient or cowards.
The Case of the 92nd Division
In connection with the organization of the 92nd Division,
made up entirely of colored units, a certain measure of injustice
434
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
was involved in that the official order creating that Division rec¬
ognized the color line as. such, and specifically provided that colored
men, however capable, were not to be permitted, to hold certain
positions as officers of said Division. It practically announced
to them, so far as their military opportunity was concerned: Thus
far shalt thou go, and no fartherThe order was as follows:
WAR DEPARTMENT TELEGRAM.
Washington, October 26, 1917.
Commanding General,
Camp Funston, Kansas:
The Ninety-Second Division (colored), with headquarters at Camp
Funston, Kansas, will be organized at that place, and Brigadier-General
C. C. Ballon has been directed to proceed with his authorized aides to that
place and organize following troops from white officers, who will be directed
to report to him and from colored officers and men who will be designated
by you to report to him; Division Headquarters, including Headquarters
Troops, Three Hundred Forty-Ninth Machine Gun Battalion, four com¬
panies, Division Trains to include: Three Hundred Seventeenth Head¬
quarters and Military Police, Ammunition Train, Supply Motor Train,
Engineer Train and Sanitary Train. Following officers of Division will be
white: All officers of general and Field rank, such medical officers and
veterinarians as the Surgeon-General may designate, all officers attached
to Division Headquarters, except the Lieutenants of the Headquarters
Troop, all Regimental Adjutants, Supply Officers, commanding officers of
Headquarters Companies an-d of Engineer Train, Adjutants of Train Head¬
quarters, and Ammunition Trains and Supply Officers of Sanitary Train,
all captains of the Field Artillery Brigade and Engineer Regiment and aides
to Brigade Commanders. You will transfer to the Ninety-Second Division
the necessary colored officers and men to organize the units indicated above.
(Signed) McCain,
(Adjutant-General.)
First Lieutenant T. T. Thompson, of Houston, Texas, went
up against this rule in his efforts to be appointed a Captain in
the Adjutant General's Department, and to be assigned as Division
Personnel Officer of the 92nd Division; although admittedly com¬
petent and strongly recommended by Major General 0. 0. Ballou,
Commander of that Division—simply because he was a colored man
whose promotion was specifically prohibited by the War Department
fele'gram which prescribed that & "white" mm aktfuRi occupy the
DID THE NEGRO SOLDIER GET A SQUARE DEAL? 435
position to which he rightfully aspired, and. which position he had
filled as Acting Personnel Officer practically from the time of the
organization of the 92nd Division. The following communications
explain themselves:
(Exhibit "A")
Headquarters Ninety-Second Division.
Camp Funston, Kansas.
April 30, 1918.
FROM: Commanding General, 92nd Division.
TO: The Adjutant General of the Army, Washington, D. C.
SUBJECT: Appointment of Division Personnel Officer.
1. It is recommended that First LieutenamA T. T. Thompson, Inf., N. A.,
be appointed a Captain in the Adjutant General's Department and assigned
to this Division as Assistant-Adjutant to be in charge of the Personnel Section
as authorized by the Tables of Organization.
2. This officer has been in charge of the Personnel work of this Division
practically from the time of its organization and his work has been found to
be thoroughly satisfactory, and his promotion is therefore recommended so
that he may continue on his present duty with adequate rank.
(Signed) C. C. Ballou,
Major-General.
(Exhibit "B")
(A competent Negro officer, officially prohibited from promotion in the
Army, becomes discouraged and asks for an Honorable Discharge.)
Headquarters Ninety-Second Division
American Expeditionary Forces
A. P. 0. 766
October 21,1918.
FROM: T. T. Thompson, 1st Lt. Inf. U. S. A.
TO: Commanding General, 92nd Division, A. E. F.
SUBJECT: Discharge.
1. Application is respectfully made her em for discharge from the Mili¬
tary Service of the United States. Reasons for this application may be sum¬
marized by the following notations:
(a) By S. 0. 82 Hqs. 92d Division, April 25, 1918, I was detailed as
Acting Division Personnel Officer.
(b) By announcement of Division Adjutant, the work of the Personnel
Department was merged into and placed under the head of Statisti¬
cal Officer on arrival of the Division overseas and I was designated
as assistant to the Statistical Officer
436
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
(c) Under this arrangement other officers were placed in charge of the
work which I had begun, SYSTEMATIZED, AND BUILT UPf
and I was given a subordinate place. Since that time other officers
have been assigned and detailed to the department and each addi¬
tion lowers me, but has not lessened my work or responsibilities.
(d) Paragraph 4, G. O. 100, G. H. Q., A. E. F., June 20, 1918, specifies
that Personnel officers will also perform the duties laid down as
functions of Statistical Officers. From which it appears that where
a Division brings over its Personnel Officer, lie is eligible to become
Statistical Officer (not an assistant to Statistical Officer).
(e) G. 0. 60. W. D., June 24, 1918, also contemplates that the Per¬
sonnel Officer under the change of name, becomes the Personnel
Adjutant. When this order was issued, another officer was desig¬
nated as Personnel Adjutant and I was designated as an assistant.
2. "Without questioning any of the actions above mentioned as to fair¬
ness or wisdom, I have felt that each change has advanced others
and lowered me and it has discouraged and disheartened me to
the extent that I cannot work with the same spirit as an officer who
feels that he is getting a square deal.
3. No one has ever charged me with inefficiency. As assistant to the
first Personnel Officer, my work was satisfactory in every respect,
and when I afterward relieved him, my work continued to be
satisfactory and was commended by the commanding general of
the division.
The only conclusion I have been able to reach is that others are
placed in charge of the work because I am a Negro, and under the
plan of organization as promulgated in Memo, dated September
11, 1918, Headquarters 92nd Division, ineligible to be attached to
division headquarters.
4. Under these circumstances, and without having had any experience
in any other divisional branch of duty, I respectfully ask to be
discharged.
(Signed) T. T. Thompson,
1st Lt. Inf. U. 8. A., Assistant Personnel Adjutant.
(Exhibit "C")
(Official Evidence showing how the "color line" in tho
Army decreases the Negro's efficiency.)
HEADQUARTERS NINETY-SECOND DIVISION
(Oopy) Camp Funston, Kansas.
Forwarded recommending approval.
DID THE NEGRO SOLDIER GET A SQUARE DEAL? 437
This officer (Lieutenant T. T. Thompson) was originally assigned to
duty as Acting Personnel Officer, in which capacity he did good work, and
was recommended to be promoted Captain with a view to being assigned toj
duty as permanent Personnel Officer. This was disapproved by the War De~
partm&nt on the ground that the Personnel Officer should be "white."
Lieutenant Thompson was continued as an assistant, there being no
other line of work to which he was so well adapted.
The ruling of the War Department made his advancement impossible
and others passed him as stated in his letter.
The result has been the discouragement and lessened efficiency of an
officer of considerable promise, who has much justice on his side in alleging
race discrimination.
(Signed) C. C. Ballou,
Commanding General.
When Lieutenant Thompson brought his case to the attention
of the Special Assistant he took up the matter with the War De¬
partment, and received the following reply from the Adjutant
General's office:
MEMORANDUM for Mr. Emmett J. Scott, Special Assistant to the Secretary
of War.
In compliance with your memorandum request of March 10th, I have
had the record in the case of Lieutenant T oliver T. Thompson carefully ex¬
amined and can find no evidence of the fact that he has been discriminated
against in any way.
The instructions of the Secretary of War dated October 20, 1917, which
referred to the organization of the 92d Division require,
(tThat the following officers of the division be WHITE:
(a) All officers of General and Field Rank.
(b) Such Medical officers and Veterinarians as the Surgeon General
may decide.
(c) All officers attached to Division Headquarters except the Lieuten¬
ants of the Headquarters Troop.
(d) All Regimental Adjutants, Supply Officers, Commanding Officers
of Headquarters Companies and of Engineer Train, Adjutants of
Train Headquarters and Ammunition Train, and Supply Officers
of Sanitary Train.
(e) All Captains of the Field Artillery Brigade and Engineer Regi¬
ments.
(f) Aides to Brigade Commanders."
438
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
In view of the above instructions of the Secretary of War dated October
20, 1917, you will see that the recommendation made on April 30, 1918, for
the appointment of Lieutenant Thompson as Division Personnel Officer was
in direct violation of the above quoted orders. For this reason the recom¬
mendation was filed without action.
(Signed) P. C. Harris,
The Adjutant General.
March 12, 1919.
To further the project of eliminating Negro officers from.the
Army forever, it was reported to the Special Assistant, in a letter
sent from France by Ralph W. Tyler, the accredited Negro War
Correspondent of the Committee on Public Information, that
Colonel Allen J. Greer of the United States Army, 92nd Division,
had addressed a letter to this effect to Senator Kenneth D. Mo
Kellar, in violation of a law which would subject him to court-
martial. Among other things Colonel Greer was reported as
writing:
"Now that a reorganization of the Army is in prospect, and as all officers
of the temporary forces have been asked if they desire to remain in the
Regular Army, I think I ought to bring a matter to your attention that is of
vital importance not only from a military point of view, but from that which
all Southerners have. I refer to the question of Negro officers and Negro
troops. The records of the Division will probably never be given full pub¬
licity, hut the bare facts are facts about as follows. "We came to France in
June, were given seven weeks in training area instead of four weeks in train¬
ing area usually allotted, then went to a quiet sector of the front. From there
we went to the Argonne and, in the offensive starting there on September 26
(1918) had one regiment in the line, attached to the 38th French Corps.
They failed there in all their missions, lay down and sneaked to the rear, until
they were withdrawn. Thirty of the officers of this regiment alone were
reported either for cowardice or failure to prevent their men from retreating
—and this against very little opposition. The French and our white field
officers did all that could possibly have been done; but the troops were im¬
possible. One of our Majors commanding a battalion said: "The men are
rank cowards; there is no other word for it. During the entire time we have
been operating, there has never been a single operation conducted by a colored
officer, where his report did not have to be investigated by some field officer
to find out what the real facts were. Accuracy and ability to describe facts
is lacking in all, and most of them are just plain liars in addition."
DID THE NEGRO SOLDIER GET A SQUARE DEAL? 439
This manifestly prejudiced statement by Colonel Allen J.
Greer has been disproved in toto. by men who know of the un¬
questioned valor of Negro troops and the high percentage of
efficiency obtaining among Negro officers, many of whom have
been awarded the Croix de Guerre and Distinguished Service
Medals; it constitutes one of the basest misrepresentations (born
of race prejudice, which he openly confesses) that were ever made
concerning the efficiency and fearlessness of Negro men in the
United States Army, and is in striking contrast to numerous
views expressed by other American and by French officers. Colonel
Greer entirely overlooked numerous citations to Negro men and
officers of the 92nd Division that he had personally signed as
Chief of Staff of the 92nd Division.
The Negro press, as a unit, vigorously resented Colonel Greer's
insinuation that Negro officers and Negro troops were cowards
and incompetents, and, in the interest of national unity and
national security, hammered away at injustice and racial dis¬
crimination wherever it was shown. Typical of the attitude of
the Negro press, is the following editorial comment from the
facile pen of that veteran Negro journalist, John Mitchell, editor
of The Richmond (Va.) Planet:
11 Complaint is not made of the hardships to which our colored
troops were subjected, but on account of discriminations made on
account of race and color. They went over there to take a soldier's
fare but they did not go over there to feel the pangs of American
race prejudice in the midst of a people who made no discrimination
on account of race or color."
The following statement of the Negro officers' case comes from
Colonel Charles Young, a graduate of West Point, who reached
the highest rank ever held by a Negro in the United States Army.
Colonel Young's Statement
"The black officer feels that there was a prejudgment against
him at the outset, and that nearly every move that has been made
was for the purpose of bolstering up his prejudgment and dis¬
crediting him in the eyes of the world and the men whom he was
to lead and will lead in the future.
440 SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
"Unpatriotic and unwarranted statements da no good and
lull the country to sleep, and throw it off its guard while the
effects of these statements are causing just rankling in the breasts
of the Negro people who have had a new vision.
"The Negro officers know the psychology of their own race
and also of the white race; but it is to be feared the latter will
never know the mind and motive forces of the Negro if he imagines
that this group has not had a new birth in America, whose language
it speaks, whose thought it thinks for its own betterment, and
whose ideals, both social, political and economic, it emulates.*'
Under such circumstances, therefore, with the Hun as an
enemy in front and certain American army officials utilizing race
prejudice as a destructive agency against him in the rear, the
Negro officer seriously suffered during the World War, and upon
the return from overseas of the regiments formerly commanded
by Negroes, it was most disappointing to the colored people in
the various cities of this country where parades were held, to see
black men led by white officers, their colored officers in many cases
having been removed.
Race Discrimination Overseas
In keeping with this policy, there were many instances of
color discrimination in France. On one occasion, after an order
had been issued to the effect that certain Negro troops should be
carried on the battleship "Virginia," the executive officer requested
the Admiral to have these troops removed on the ground that no
colored troops had ever traveled on board a United States battle¬
ship. The Negroes were accordingly removed to a tug and sub¬
jected to unusual hardships in being brought back to port. In
certain places where it was sometimes necessary for officers of
both races belonging to the American Expeditionary Forces to
eat together, peculiar provisions were made so as to have Negro
officers report to certain quarters, or sections of the same mess-
room, inasmuch as white officers refused to sit at mess with them.
There is ample evidence to show that in most cases the Negro
officers had inferior accommodations. On one occasion, in pro¬
viding for the reception of General John Pershing, the Command¬
ing Officer of the American Expeditionary Forces, at one of the
DID THE NEGRO SOLDIER GET A SQUARE DEAL?
441
forwarding camps in France, the order was given that "all troops
possible (except colored) should be under arms;" colored troops,
who were not at work, were to be in their quarters or in their tents,
according to the command of Brigadier General Longan.
This order, however, was later revoked, after a firm protest
by Negro officers and men, and, as a result, colored troops did
appear "under arms" in General Pershing's review.
With reference to conditions existing among Negro soldiers
overseas and to certain discriminations which were attempted and
practiced against them, Lieutenant Charles S. Parker, of Spokane,
Washington, connected with the 366th Infantry, and who was the
only Negro who, served as a Regimental Adjutant in the 92nd
Division, made the following statement:
"At Brest, France, a Memorandum was issued by the Com¬
mander of Zone Five, prescribing mess hours for colored officers
(a) one hour earlier than the usual hour for breakfast; (b) one
hour later for the mid-day meal, and (c) one hour later for the
supper meal—thus requiring colored soldiers to get up one hour
earlier in the morning for their breakfast and to wait until after
the white officers had eaten at the other tivo meals. Before pub¬
lishing the order, I took up the matter with my Colonel, stated
the injustice of the proposed arrangement, and he approved of
my taking the matter up with the Company Headquarters, at
which point I had the order revoked. Thus it was that the order
indicating separate hours for Negro officers and white officers to
eat, was never published to our command, though a number of
the colored officers had positive knowledge of its existence. Like¬
wise, in the case of the Order directing all troops, except colored
troops, to appear in General Pershing's review 'under arms'—
that order, like other attempted discriminations, was only revoked
after an earnest protest had been made by colored officers. Also
at Brest, France, an order was issued, directing that all Negro
orderlies from colored units, who were stationed at Headquarters,
should use the open latrines which were unsheltered and which
made it very disagreeable during rainy weather, while orderlies
from white units, also stationed at Headquarters, were permitted
to use the sheltered latrines. When this matter was taken up and
442
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
properly protested against, the order was revoked as being a
'mistake.'
"The revocation of these orders did much toward keeping
down friction between the races in the American army overseas,
and I attribute their cancellation not to any particular ability on
my part as a Negro Regimental Adjutant, but to the fact that my
position put me in close contact with the white officers commanding
troops and I was familiar with and could clearly represent to
them the feelings and requirements of colored officers and colored
men. This only emphasizes m my mind the wisdom and justice of
appointing Negro Regimental Adjutants cmd Negro officers for all
Negro troops, for they and they alone, can properly interpret the
sentiments and needs of Negro soldiers and help maintam the
highest possible morale among them."
The humiliation of the Negro in France, however, was not
restricted to army circles. Military staff officers seemed to be
firm in the conviction that it was necessary to prejudice the minds
of the French people against the Negroes in order that they might
be held down to the same status they had in the United States.
General Ervin, who succeeded General Ballou in the command of
the 92nd Division—complying with the wishes of his co-workers—
issued among other regulations, Order No. 40—a proclamation that
Negroes should not speak with or to French women. Carrying
out this order the Military Police overseas undertook to arrest
Negroes found talking to French women while the white privates
and officers were not molested. This led to a serious misunder¬
standing between the French and the Americans and to a number
of brawls in which the white and black soldiers participated. In
addition to orders issued designed to prevent Negro soldiers over¬
seas from coming into social contact with French civilians, French
officers were also advised not to present any semblance of mixing
socially with Negro officers, especially not to eat with them, and
also not to praise the Negro in the presence of white Americans
for any military action in which he participated.
For instance,—in order to make such a program as that of
General Ervin's more successful, biased Americans succeeded in
having issued, on August 7, 1918, from General Pershing's head¬
quarters, through the military mission stationed with the Amer-
DID THE NEGRO SOLDIER GET A SQUARE DEAL? 443
ican army, certain secret information concerning black American
troops. This document began with, the observation that "it is
important for French officers in command of black American troops
to have an idea as to the positions-occupied by the race in the United
States." The Negroes were referred to as a "menace of degen¬
eracy which had to be prevented by the gulf established between
the two races," and especially so 1'because of the fact that they
were given to the loathsome vice of criminally assaulting women,
as evidenced by the record," they said, ''they had already made in
France." The French were, therefore, called upon "not to treat
the Negroes with familiarity and indulgence which are matters of
grievous concern to Americans and cm affront to their national
policy." The Americans, it continued, are afraid that the blacks
might thereby be inspired with undesirable aspirations. It was
carefully explained that although the black man as a citizen of the
United States is regarded by the whites as inferior, with whom
relations of business and service only are possible, that the black
is noted for his want of intelligence, lack of discretion, and lack
of civic and professional conscience. The French army then was
advised to prevent the rise of any pronounced degree of intimacy
between French officers and black officers, not to eat with them, not
to shake hands or seek to talk or meet with them outside of the
requirements of military service. They were asked also not to
commend too highly the black American troops in the presence of
white Americans. Although it is all right to recognize the good
qualities and services of black Americans, it must be done in
moderate terms, strictly in keeping with the truth.
French officers and French civilians, as a rule, could not under¬
stand why the black soldiers should not be treated identically as
white American soldiers; when French officers were alone with
Negro officers, the latter were treated with the utmost friendliness
and consideration, and it was only when in the presence of Amer¬
ican officers that they reluctantly observed the official order, inspired
by race prejudice, which positively forbade them from fraternizing
with Negro soldiers and officers. Thus it was that race prejudice
in the Army was carried, overseas—to a land where discriminations
on account of race or color are neither practiced nor encouraged—
to a land where freedom, liberty, and equality are truly exemplified,
444
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
When reports began to come back from France, in divers and
sundry ways—alleging unfair treatment of colored soldiers, the
Special Assistant immediately assembled these complaints and
brought them to the attention of the proper officials in the War
Department, including the Military Intelligence Bureau. The Mili¬
tary Intelligence officers ferreted out a, number of these complaints,
although some of them were contained in anonymous communica¬
tions. While some of them were found to be justifiable and worthy
of corrections, others were found to represent only the exaggerated
statement of some individual soldier whose awn indiscretion or
violation of military law and regulations had brought upon him
the punishment or hardships concerning which he complained.
Determined to do his utmost to find out the real facts regarding
conditions among Negro soldiers in France, and realizing the
serious effect that a continuance of such complaints would have
upon the morale of colored, soldiers and colored Americans gener¬
ally, the author made the following recommendation to the Com¬
mittee on Public Information:
WAR DEPARTMENT,
Washington.
August 10, 1918.
Mr. George Creel, Chairman,
Committee on Public Information,
No. 10 Jackson Place, N. W.,
Washington, D. C.
Dear Mr. Creel:
Recently in a conference with the Military Intelligence Bureau, the mat¬
ter was discussed of having two or three representative colored men go to
France for the purpose of making an investigation of the facts with respect
to several important matters indicated herein.
(1) A. military man who is qualified to make & free and full investigation
of the general treatment being accorded colored troops on the French and
other fronts. There Jict'S been, and still continues, considerable propaganda
and rumor to the effect that colored soldiers are being mistreated and dis¬
criminated against. Letters have come to the office of the Secretary of War
. and to me, the same being forwarded by United States Senators in some
instances to the War Department, conveying these complaints. The in¬
formation which would be secured first-hand by the military man suggested
would be (under such direction as you might approve) conveyed to the Negro
DID THE NEGRO SOLDIER GET A SQUARE DEAL?
445
people of the United States through the Negro newspapers, public meetings,
public speakers, committee of one hundred of the Public Speaking Division,
etc.
(2) The other representatives, not necessarily military men, but of
sound judgment, capable of studying the facts and co-operating with the
military representative, above referred to, in making a full report of existing
conditions abroad with respect to colored men at the front, as well as those
behind the lines (referring to service battalions, stevedore regiments, etc.).
The joint testimony of these men would satisfactorily establish the facts
and enable us to do a good piece of work in disposing of these damaging
rumors which are being continually circulated. * * *
There is more depressed morale among the colored people than is gen¬
erally supposed, due to stories of unfair treatment of colored men in various
camps in America as well as abroad. Under the circumstances, I am quite
seriously of the opinion that such a commission as herein suggested would
accomplish very great good.
An interview with you, at your convenience, would be very much appre¬
ciated. Will you kindly let me hear from you directly or through Mr. Byoir.
Sincerely yours,
(Signed) Emmett J. Scott,
WHD Office of the Secretary of War.
Conditions in the Labor Battalions
In the Labor Battalions sent abroad were impressed many
Negroes who went to the front with the hope of bearing arms,
but, in conformity with the idea prevailing in some sections of
making the Negro a laborer only—thousands of Negro soldiers
who had been drilled for service at the front were, for various
excuses, reduced and placed in these Labor Battalions. Speaking
of the conditions at one camp a Negro officer reported: "The
conditions are simply awful; mud everywhere, leaky tents and
barracks and lack of sufficient food and proper toilets. The men
are worked hard, some at night and others in the day, rain or
shine. As a consequence there are quite a number of sick men
in our organization." The Fifteenth Regiment of New York, for
example, was made to render such service for a time, but was
finally placed in a somewhat quiet sector where it was supposed
they would not have to engage in hard military fighting. It turned
out, however, that the Germans, in their advance, attacked this
point, making it necessary for the Old Fifteenth to defend the
446
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
line, and history shows that these blach men designed to play
the inconspicuous role of laborers in the war, won for themselves
the greatest honor of the war in that they were the first regiment
summoned as a whole for citation by the French Government be¬
cause of the valor they displayed upon the battlefield. Thus, in
military as well as in civil life—out of trials and hardships there
often flow counterbalancing benefits and unexpected opportunities
for advancement.
After the signing of the Armistice, it was repeatedly stated
in the Negro press and in numerous letters from soldiers and others
received at Washington, that Eeserve Labor Battalions and similar
military units composed of colored men were being kept in the
Army out of proportion to the number of white troops that were
discharged in various camps through the country. Using Newport
News as a typical case, and as related by a Director of Colored
Work in close touch with the situation, this officer stated; "The
causes of unrest as heard from the men themselves are: First:
The unfair type of white officers. The commanding officer is very
popular with the men, but I have heard no soldier speak a good
word for the majority of officers on his staff. Second: They resent
being kept in the Army for the purpose of doing all kinds of menial
work every day of the week for the good of this section of the
country, which they hate with a holy hate. They say that the war
is over and why should they be kept at work on something that
does not pertain to war; that they enlisted in the Army to defeat
Germany and now that Germany is defeated, their job is done and
they are anxious to get back to their families and their normal
activities. They are the two fundamental causes of unrest. The
low morale is something appalling; the men hang around in groups
brooding and grumbling. They are beginning to look upon the
uniforms as emblems of slavery. You can readily see where this
condition of mind is leading to. It strikes me that seeds of anarchy
are being planted. * * * There is but one remedy and that is
to demobilize them. To keep these men here in their present state
of mind means two things—it is preparing the way for serious dis¬
turbances at this particular point; and second, it is implanting a
bitterness in the souls of these men that will stay with them as
long as life lasts. They will leave here with their patriotism
DID THE NEGRO SOLDIER GET A SQUARE DEAL? 447
destroyed, with a stronger prejudice against the white race, and
contempt for the flag itself. For the sake of these men's futures,
if for nothing else, they ought to be sent away. The greatest in¬
justice that can be done them is to continue to hold them and later
send them back to their homes with an embittered spirit.''
Attitude Toward Colored Medical Officers
Much dissatisfaction arose and was voiced in the Negro press
and elsewhere concerning the seeming disinclination on the part of
the Surgeon General's office to commission and utilize an adequate
number of colored medical officers to minister to the physical needs
of the 400,000 Negroes who served in the Army. Still more resent¬
ment was felt and expressed by reason of the fact that a large
number of Negro physicians, surgeons and dentists were not per¬
mitted to serve the Government in their professional capacities,
but were drafted into service as privates, while many white
physicians, surgeons, and dentists served, in many instances, in
connection with Negro troops. This was considered not only a
denial of their right to serve as medical officers at least in con¬
nection with men of their own race, but was also regarded as an
unwarranted reflection upon their professional ability. Colored
Medical Societies all over the country protested against the mani¬
fest policy of the Government not to commission an adequate num¬
ber of colored medical officers as well as against the idea of per¬
mitting white physicians to serve in connection with colored units,
and compelling many Negro physicians to serve as "privates."
Repeated efforts were made by the author to bring about the in¬
creased utilization of colored medical officers, but the effort was
persistently blocked by the Surgeon General's office, and in response
to numerous Memoranda sent to that office in behalf of Negro
physicians and surgeons, the Special Assistant almost invariably
received the following reply: "At the present time there are no
vacancies in the Medical Corps to which colored medical officers
can be assigned, and until such vacancies occur, or additional
divisions of colored troops are organized, it is not the intention of
the Department to recommend the appointment of additional colored
medical officers." At the same time these replies were received,
white medical officers were serving in connection with a number
448
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
of stevedore regiments, labor battalions and other non-combatant
units composed of colored men, while competent colored physicians
were serving as privates in the Army—some of them in work
battalions. Was this a '1 square deal" in the matter of colored
medical officers? A rightfiif quota of them was, by no means,
commissioned and utilized.
Attitude Toward Colored Nurses
The situation with regard to colored nurses was even more
difficult of adjustment and far less satisfactorily handled. In the
whole matter of trying to have colored nurses accepted in the Army
for the .purpose of nursing sick and wounded soldiers—especially
those of their own race who uniformly preferred colored nurses—
the whole situation (as will be noted in the correspondence which
follows) resolved itself into a matter of "passing the buck" from
the Surgeon General's office to the American Bed Gross, and from
the Red Cross Society to the Surgeon General's office. There was a
manifest disinclination to utilize colored nurses, and not because
they were not competent. Thus racial discrimination triumphed
again, and although a few colored nurses were assigned to half
a dozen or more camps, practically none of them were sent over¬
seas to nurse and minister to the fighting men of their own race.
Was this a "square deal" either for the Negro soldier or for the
scores of competent nurses all over the country who tendered their
services to the Government? The appended correspondence re¬
veals the "battledore and shuttlecock" policy which was used in
shifting the blUme for the non-assignment of colored nurses.
February 14, 1918.
Referring to your memorandum of February 12th, relative to the appoint¬
ment and training of colored nurses for colored soldiers, at. the present time
colored nurses are not being accepted for service in the Army Nurse Corps,
as there are tw separate quarters available for them, and it is not deemed
advisable to assign white and colored nurses to the same posts.
Colored nurses who have applied for admission to the Corps are advised
to apply to the American Bed Cross, as should they be used later in the Army
hospital of this country, they will, in all probability, be selected from the
Bed Cross list.
(Signed) "W. C. Gorgas,
Surgeon General, U. S. Army,
DID THE NEGRO SOLDIER GET A SQUARE DEAL?
449
It will be noted in the above communication that colored
nurses were directed to "apply to the American Red Cross," and
in the following communication it is stated, by the Director of the
Red Cross Department of Nursing, that the utilization or assign¬
ment of colored nurses "after all is a matter for the Surgeon
General to decide rather than our office."
THE AMERICAN RED CROSS
National Headquarters,
Washington, D. C.
January 9th, 1918.
Mr. John M. Glenn, General Director,
Russell Sage Foundation,
New York City.
My Dear Sir:
The RED CROSS is entirely willing to enroll colored nurses whenever
there is an opportunity for their service in military hospitals. We com¬
municated with the superintendents of training schools admitting colored
pupils, asking them to submit the names of graduates whom they would
recommend for Red Cross nurses.
Several attempts have been made to organize a Base Hospital Unit com¬
posed of colored nurses only, and we hope to do this in connection with the
Lincoln Hospital in New York and with the Freedmen's Hospital, in Wash¬
ington. A cantonment for colored troops was originally planned at Des
Moines, and we hoped to utilize such a base hospital unit in connection with
this cantonment. The colored soldiers were later distributed throughout the
cantonments, and there were practical difficulties in the way of assigning the
colored nurses to duty with the white nurses.
The Surgeon General's office has been informed that we have such lists
available, and that these nurses can be quickly enrolled, whenever there is a
possibility of their assignment to duty.
There has never been any question in regard to our willingness to enroll
^colored nurses and the only question is how best to assign them to duty,
which, after all is a matter for the Surgeon General to decide, rather than our
office.
This matter was fully discussed by the National Committee on Red Cross
Nursing Service in the very beginning of the war, and they unanimously
agreed that whenever colored nurses could be used, they should be enrolled on
exactly the same status as white nurses. It does not seem desirable, however,
to enroll them without reference to their color.
450
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
I am glad of the opportunity to send you this explanation.
Yours very truly,
(Signed) Jane A. Delano^
Director, Department of Nursing.
In view of the conflicting circumstances set forth above with
reference to colored nurses in the Army, the Special Assistant
made an earnest effort to cure the situation, as the following
Memorandum will show:
February 28, 1918.
MEMORANDUM FOR DEAN F. P. KEPPEL,
Office of the Secretary of War.
My Dear Dean Keppel:
I confess my inability to altogether understand the situation with refer¬
ence to the utilization of colored nurses during the present war.
attitude op the red cross organization".
Let me put it before you in this way: The Bed Cross organization has
been industriously writing letters to the effect that they are perfectly willing
to enroll colored nurses, as will be noted in the following extract taken from
a letter written by the Director of the Department of Nursing under date of
January 9, 1918:
'' There has never been any question in regard to our willingness to
enroll colored nurses and the only question is how best to assign them to
duty, which, after all is a matter for the Surgeon General to decide rather
than our office.
1 'This matter was fully discussed by the National Committee on
Red Cross Nursing Service in the very beginning of the war, and they
unanimously agreed that whenever colored nurses could be used, they
should be enrolled on exactly the same status as white nurses. It does
not seem desirable, however, to enroll them without reference to their
color.''
This seems to pass the matter, as you will note, to the Surgeon General.
attitude op the surgeon general.
The Surgeon General's attitude is reflected in his letter of February 14,
1918, and is stated as follows:
"Referring to your memorandum of February 12th relative to the
appointment and training of colored nurses for colored soldiers, at theI
present time colored nurses are not being accepted for service in the
Army Nurse Corps as there are no separate quarters available for them,
and it is not deemed advisable to assign white and colored nurses to the
same posts."
DID THE NEGRO SOLDIER GET A SQUARE DEAL? 451
"Colored nurses who have applied for admission to the Corps are
advised to apply to the American Red Cross for enrollment, as should
they be used later in the army hospitals of this country, they will, in all
probability, be selected from the Red Cross list/'
From the above, it will be seen that the whole matter of utilizing colored
nurses is still very much "up in the air/'
The upshot of the whole matter is that, while there are thousands of
colored men who have been called to the colors as soldiers, no colored nurses
have been admitted to the service although quite a number have enrolled
with the Red Cross organization as suggested, and they, together with
many more well-trained, competent, and registered nurses are ready and
willing to look after sick and wounded soldiers who are now and soon will
be facing shot and shell upon battlefields abroad.
I would most earnestly recommend that some satisfactory way be found
{that will offer to colored nurses in the Army Nurse Corps and in the Red
Cross organization the same opportunity for serving sick and wounded
soldiers as has been so wisely and timely provided for white nurses.
"Waiving all discussion as to the matter of assigning white and colored
nurses to the same posts or quarters, it is difficult for me to understand
!why some colored nurses have not been given an opportunity to serve.
This vexing question is being put to me almost daily by colored news¬
paper editors, colored physicians, surgeons, etc., who are constantly bom¬
barding my sector of the War Department, inquiring what has been done,
and urging that something should be done in the direction of utilizing pro¬
fessionally trained and efficient colored nurses.
I recognize the "problems," but can't they be solved?
(Signed) Emmett J. Scott,
WHD Special Assistant.
Discriminations in the Government Service
While Negro soldiers were fighting overseas in defense of
their country, race prejudice was denying to many members of
their families and dependents at home the chance of earning a
livelihood in the Government service in Washington and else¬
where. Hundreds of instances can be cited where Negroes, even
after qualifying as eligibles by successfully passing civil service
examinations for various positions in the Government service,
were absolutely "turned down" and denied appointment—in many
cases after they had been definitely certified for appointment by
the U. S. Civil Service Commission and had journeyed long dis-
452
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
tances from their home cities to Washington in response to notices
by mail or telegrams announcing their appointment. This was
not only a source of disappointment and chagrin, as well as finan¬
cial loss, to the individual Negro applicant, but the widespread
prevalence of such an unjust policy constituted a serious menace
to the morale of colored Americans generally, who felt and knew
that in this very vital respect, namely, the opportunity to earn a
living after proving one's self fully qualified, THEIR RACE WAS
NOT GETTING A "SQUARE DEAL." It placed the Government
in the attitude of "draiving the color line" in the matter of em¬
ployment, which was never contemplated by the enactment of the
Civil Service law. The following letter received by the author
from Mr. Archibald H. Grimke, a member of the Executive Com¬
mittee of the Washington Branch of the National Association for
the Advancement of Colored People, indicates the state of feeling
existing among colored Americans in this respect:
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF
COLORED PEOPLE
Washington, D. C., September 17, 1918.
Dr. Emmett J. Seott,
Special Assistant to the Secretary of War,
War Department.
My dear Mr. Scott:
I find in almost all Departments of the Government discriminations
against colored applicants for clerkships. I will name the following where
this discrimination seems to flourish, viz: The Quartermaster's Bureau, the
Ordnance Bureau, the Adjutant General's Office, the War Risk Bureau,
the U. S. Shipping Board, the Civilian Personnel Division of the War De¬
partment, the Food and Animal Industry Bureau, the U. S. Employment
Bureau.
I name these merely because I have had more to do with these in behalf
of colored applicants for clerkships, but these unfortunate American citi¬
zens are up against it hard all along the line of Government where they
come into competition with white applicants for the same jobs. I hope that
you with others may find some cure for this evil.
Gratefully yours,
(Signed) Archibald H. Grimke,
President, Local Branch.
DID THE NEGRO SOLDIER GET A SQUARE DEAL?
453
In a number of instances the Special Assistant was successful
in having the rights of Negro applicants upheld, but in th6 large
majority of cases devious ways were found to sidestep the civil
service law. True it was that Negroes in considerable number were
employed in various offices and branches of the government service,
but even then, in most instances, they were segregated or "Jim
Crow-ed" and unnecessary indignities were visited upon them.
While full credit is given to the number of Negroes who were
appointed to and who rightfully held Government positions during
the war, the fact still remains, AND A LESSON WHICH SHOULD
BE LEARNED FEOM, AND APPLIED AFTER THE WAR, that
it is un-American, inconsistent, unjust, and destructive of a healthy
morale for the Government, especially, to discriminate against any
group of citizens simply and solely on account of their race or color.
False Impressions and Evidences of Fair Play
It is wrong to assume, because the Negro soldier suffered many
hardships during the war, and was the victim of various forms
of racial discrimination, that he was the only one who suffered
and it is manifestly unfair to make a wholesale condemnation of
Army and Government officials, many of whom sympathized with
his position and were actively working for his welfare. White
soldiers and white officers suffered many of the hardships of war
the same as Negroes did, and many were the complaints and
grievances that were registered by them at the War Department.
While they were exempted from many of the racial discriminations
hereinabove recited, nevertheless the kind of treatment they re¬
ceived was largely dependent upon the character and temperament
of the superior officer under whom they served.
It would be wholly unfair to the Secretary of War, to his
Assistants, to many members of his Staff, to certain officials of the
War Department and to a number of white officers in command
of Negro troops, if it were not specifically stated that, on numerous
occasions, impelled by a high sense of justice, they actively indi¬
cated their earnest desire to give the Negro soldier "a square
deal,"' and it was their consistent policy to rectify, as far as pos¬
sible, all complaints that were in their power to remedy. It is
easy to substantiate the fact that, as a rule, the "men higher up"
454
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
in Army circles were disposed to be fair and just in their attitude
toward the Negro soldier.
The Secretary of War is to be especially commended upon
his willingness at all times to listen to the pleas of the Special
Assistant on behalf of Negro soldiers and to any other matter
calculated to affect the morale of colored Americans generally.
Not only did he sympathetically listen, but he actively sought in
many ways to remedy the conditions concerning which complaints
were made. Unfortunately, however, in a number of instances the
Secretary of War could not give his personal attention to every
complaint and had to deal with "human instrumentalities'' in
bringing things to pass, and ofttimes those "human instrumen¬
talities,'' that were expected to, and relied upon to carry out the
letter and spirit of his purposes, did not synchronize with his own
high ideals of justice and fair play, and, therefore, in some in¬
stances the desired result was not obtained.
No set of men, in my opinion, could have been fairer in their
general attitude toward the Negro people than were those connected
with the Office of the Secretary of War. Aside from the splendid
spirit of fair play shown by Secretary Baker and the Assistant
Secretaries of War, his private secretaries, Mr. Ralph A. Hayes,
and Mr. Stanley King, aided in many ways in securing prompt
consideration and correction of numerous complaints and griev¬
ances. The office of Dr. F. P. Keppel, Third Assistant Secretary
of War, was especially charged with the duty of looking after
many complaints and matters of vital concern to colored soldiers
and colored Americans generally, and not only did he manifest a
keen interest in their welfare but, in many cases, was successful
in translating that interest into remedial action.
In all dealings with the Provost Marshal General's Office,
looking, after the interests of Negro men who were drafted into the
Army, the Special Assistant found in every case a disposition to
thoroughly investigate such grievances and to carefully consider
such appeals as were presented. The Provost Marshal General's
Office carefully investigated and furnished to him, as Special
Assistant to the Secretary of War, full and complete reports in
each and every complaint or case referred to it for attention, in¬
volving discriminations, race prejudice, erroneous classification of
DID THE NEGRO SOLDIER GET A SQUARE DEAL? 455
"draftees, etc., and rectified such complaints wherever it was found,
upon investigation, that there was just ground for the same.
Especially in the matter of applying and carrying out the Selective
Service Begulations, the Provost Marshal General's office kept a
watchful eye upon certain local exemption boards which seemed
disinclined to treat Negro draftees on the same basis as other
Americans subject to the draft law. It is an actual fact that in a
number of instances where flagrant violations occurred in the
application of the Draft Law to Negro men in certain sections of
the country, local exemption boards were removed bodily and new
boards were appoint to supplant them. In several instances these
new boards so appointed were ordered by the Provost Marshal
General to reclassify all colored men who had been unlawfully con¬
scripted into the Army or who had been wrongly classified; as a
result of this action, hundreds of colored men had their complaints
remedied and were properly classified. Of course, there were a
number of such worthy cases that were neither presented to my
office, nor to the office of the Provost Marshal General.
Numbers of white Commanding Officers displayed a most
friendly and sympathetic attitude toward Negro soldiers and
Negro officers and gave them opportunities to demonstrate their
efficiency and to earn promotions.
With regard to overseas complaints, as well as complaints
emanating from camps at home, it seems not to have been gen¬
erally known that in the recent war, where millions of men were
called to serve in the American Army, it was not possible for the
Secretary of War or any other one official to read all of the
complaints and grievances even if they had been presented. The
fact that no one person could administer all of the affairs of such
an immense Army was the reason why all of the camps, both home
and abroad, were 1' decentralized,' * that is to say, the Camp Com¬
manders at home, and General Pershing abroad were practically
supreme in their own military bailiwick, and exercised full charge
over the handling and settling of all such complaints. In previous
wars, involving only a few hundred thousand men, complaints
were usually appealable to, and handled by one central authority,
namely the War Department at Washington. It can, therefore, be
readily understood that the settlement of complaints made by
456
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
soldiers, whether black or white, depended almost wholly upon
the character of officers under whom they served.
Not only were about 1,200 Negroes commissioned as Army
officers, and thousands of Negro soldiers furnished educational
opportunities in connection with Vocational Detachments and
Students' Army Training Corps located at 18 or 20 of the leading
colored institutions of the country, thus showing some regard to
their mental qualifications and special adaptabilities, but a number
of other signal honors were conferred upon Negro soldiers and
Negro officers. For instance, it is not generally known that Camp
Alexander, at Newport News, Virginia, ivas so named in honor of a
Negro officer who has served in the Army of the. United States.
Following is a copy of the Official Order conferring that honor:
HEADQUARTERS, PORT OF EIMBARKATION
Newport News, Virginia
General Orders No. 294
August 15, 1918.
The Stevedore Cantonment and the Labor Encampments in the vicin¬
ity of North Newport News will hereafter be known collectively as CAMP
ALEXANDER, Newport News, Virginia.
The above designation is in honor of the late Lieutenant John H. Alex¬
ander, 9th TJ. 8. Cavalry, a colored graduate of the United States military
academy, who served from the time of his graduation until his death as an
officer of the army. A man of ability, attainments and energy, who was a
credit to himself, to his race and to the service.
By command of Brigadier-General Grote Hutcheson.
(Signed) Daniel Van Voorhis,
Official: Colonel, General Staff,
C. W. Bell, Chief of Staff.
Colonel, Adjutant General,
Adjutant.
The Chief of Staff, General Peyton C. March, the Military
Intelligence Bureau, of which General Marlborough Churchill was
the directing head, and the morale section of the office of the Chief
of Staff, of which General E. L. Munson was in charge; all deserve
much credit for the effective manner in which they handled the
numerous complaints of Negro soldiers, Negro officers and
civilians, that were referred to them for attention by my office and
DID THE NEGRO SOLDIER GET A SQUARE DEAL?
457
which reached them from various other sources. Scores of such
complaints were ferreted out by them and, while the methods
employed to cure the evils complained of were necessarily secret
and confidential, they were vitally helpful in remedying a number
of conditions tending to depress the morale of colored soldiers and
colored Americans generally. After taking definite steps to im¬
prove conditions among Negro soldiers at Camp Alexander, Va.,
the Office of the Chief of Staff, Military Intelligence Branch, wrote:
February 7, 1919.
Dear Mr. Scott:
Information has come to this office that the situation at Camp Alex¬
ander has greatly improved during the past few weeks.
An improvement both in discipline and morale has been noted. The
instituting of military drill seems to have had a good effect in the labor
battalions, where the men had previously received no military training.
The men seem, to feel that they are being treated as soldiers, and they
begin to exhibit soldierly qualities in their deportment and appearance.
Also in a Memorandum, under date of February 18, 1919,
addressed to the Special Assistant by E. L. Munson, Chief of the
Morale Branch, the following observation was made:
"One change which proved very helpful to the morale, was the
transfer of a large number of unsatisfactory non-commissioned
officers who were replaced by colored non-commissioned officers
selected in their own organizations
Major J. E. Spingarn, Captain J. E. Cutler, and others con¬
nected with the Military Intelligence branches of the Government
made diligent effort to find out the facts in every case where com¬
plaint was made. They, together with many officials of the War
Department, seemed to realise the fact that, like the white man,
the black man is intensely human; that he thrives when his good
works and worth are recognized and appreciated, and droops and
wilts when they are disparaged and condemned.
Thus it appears that while the Negro was, in many instances,
the victim of racial discrimination and injustice in time of war,
yet—by his demonstrated loyalty, valor, and efficiency in practically
every branch of military service (to some of which he was reluc¬
tantly admitted), he has proved his right to be granted a fuller
measure of justice, respect, opportunity, and fair play in time of
peace!
CHAPTEK XXXI
WHAT THE NEGRO GOT OUT OF THE WAR
A Keener Sense of His Rights and Privileges as a Citizen of the
United States—The Attitude of the South—Returning Negro
Soldiers and Conditions in the North—The Attitude of Organized
Labor—Instances of Discrimination—The Black Man and His
Claims to Equal Treatment.
What the Negro should get out of the war ought to be deter¬
mined largely by what he put into it. Practically all colored leaders
of consequence felt that in spite of the wrongs the race had from
time immemorial suffered every member of the race should be loyal.
To secure cooperation to this end special appeals were made to the
colored people of the country for their unstinted support. A spe¬
cially selected Committee of One Hundred colored speakers to whom
reference has been made, acting with local groups everywhere, was
appointed and materially assisted in the work of maintaining the
morale of the Negro race throughout the war, the demobilization
of the army and the reconstruction of the nation on a peace basis.
Briefly stated, the Negroes did their full share in the great
struggle to make the world safe for democracy. Four hundred
thousand Negro soldiers were drafted or enlisted and 200,000 served
in France under white officers and 1,200 officers of color. Negroes
served in all branches of the military establishment—the cavalry,
infantry, artillery, signal corps, medical corps, aviation corps, hos¬
pital corps, ammunition trains, stevedore regiments, labor battalions,
depot brigades, engineer regiments, as regimental clerks, surveyors
and draftsmen. Negro soldiers acquitted themselves with honor in
the battles of the Argonne Forest, at Chateau Thierry, Belleau
Wood, at St. Mihiel, in Champagne, in the Vosges, and at Metz,
and when the Armistice was signed Negro troops as has been pointed
out were nearest the Rhine. Entire regiments of colored troops,
including the 369th, 370th, 371st, and 372nd, were cited for excep¬
tional valor and decorated with the French Croix de Guerre. Groups
458
WHAT THE NEGRO GOT OUT OF THE WAR
459
of officers and men of the 92nd Division were likewise decorated.
The first battalion of the 367th also received the Croix de Guerre.
Many individuals like Harry Johnson, Needham Boberts, and
William Butler were awarded the Croix de Guerre and scores of
officers by devotion to duty earned, even if they did not receive^
promotion in their military units.
What has the American Negro got out of the war? Time alone
can bring the full answer to this sweeping question. To some of
the manifold implications which the query itself involves, however,
some answers can already be made. For one thing, the war has
brought to the American Negro a keener and more sharply defined
consciousness, not only of his duties as a citizen, but of his rights
and privileges as a citizen of the United States. The colored people
of America performed to the utmost of their ability the duties which
the war imposed upon all citizens, black and white alike.
A summary of what the Negro wants may be stated: He wants
justice in the courts substituted for lynching, the privilege of serv¬
ing on juries, the right to vote, and the right to hold office like other
citizens. He wants, moreover, universal suffrage, better educa¬
tional facilities, the abolition of the "Jim Crow" car, discontinuance
of unjust discriminatory regulations and segregation in the various
departments of the Government, the same military training for
Negro youths as for white, the removal of "dead lines" in the recog¬
nition of fitness for promotion in the army and navy, the destruction
of the peonage system, an economic wage scale to be applied to
whites and blacks alike, better housing conditions for Negro em¬
ployees in industrial centers, better sanitary conditions in the Negro
sections of cities, and reforms in the Southern penal institutions.
If, after having fulfilled the obligations of citizenship Negroes do
not get these things, then indeed, they feel, will the war have been
fought in vain.
Racial Attitude of the South
Judging from the favorable comments in Southern newspapers
as to the desire for more amicable relations between the races and
the tendency of Southern whites to labor for a new day of brother¬
hood, many have thought that this enviable situation would result as
a sequel of the World War. In fact there have been a few instances
460
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
ofcFistinguished white men who have interfered in behalf of the
Negro soldiers subjected to indignities on their return from the war.
A number of white people on a train refused to permit a conductor
to eject from the passenger car reserved for whites a Negro soldier
who returned from France with his Croix de Guerre and Distin¬
guished Service Medal. A Southern officer on one occasion boldly
upbraided his people for their failure to accord to Negro soldiers
the treatment due those who have offered their lives to defend the
honor of this country.
Most of the professed friendship for the Negro in the South,
however, is largely an economic one, peculiar to the whites who have
materially suffered by the migration of the Negroes and who are
now very much disturbed by social unrest among the thousands of
returned Negro soldiers who find in the South conditions too in¬
tolerable to be longer endured. The South as a whole is much dis¬
turbed by the question as to whether these soldiers who got a glimpse
of real democracy in France will patiently submit to the treatment
they received in the South before the World War. A larger number
of Southerners have tried to bring about a recrudescence of the
Ku Klux Klan to instill fear into the hearts of these Negroes, that
they may keep the social status assigned them. There are many
signs of opposition and discontent. Segregation and much ostra¬
cism still face the Negro and lynching is about as rampant as ever.
So far as the South is concerned, therefore, it is not yet "known
whether or not the Negro will benefit by the sacrifices he has made
for democracy.
Conditions in the North
The North too has not been found a paradise for the returning
Negro soldiers. One hundred thousand of them have on account of
conditions obtaining in the South declared that they will not again
live in that section. In the North they must crowd into cities already
grappling with the problems of an increasing Negro population re¬
sulting from the migration during the World War. One finds in the
North, therefore, some of the same conditions obtaining in the South.
In Pittsburg the whites posted threatening signs on the doors of the
colored people declaring that the war is over and Negroes must stay
in their place. Recently Chicago became the scene of a race riot
WHAT THE NEGRO GOT OUT OF THE WAR 461
between Negroes and whites who bore it grievously that their com¬
munity is beiug invaded by an increasing number of blacks. The
chances for employment, moreover, have not increased. Unusual
efforts have been made to find employment for the demobilized white
soldiers but the Negro soldiers experience much difficulty in finding
a free opportunity to live in this country for which they so nobly
fought.
In the North, however, there is a growing healthy sentiment in
the interest of fair play. Many of the best citizens contend that
the largest task of democracy is that of keeping her own house in
order. The mere talking about ideals and theories is not so difficult
as to practice them. These gentlemen deplore the fact that race
prejudice seems inbred in the spirit of men and that the claims of
aristocracy make a difference in one's feelings toward those who
seem to be less fortunately situated. Democracy, they contend, must
be made a reality. It must be considered an ideal toward which we
struggle and we must not grow impatient and discouraged when we
fail to realize it. Democracy must not find it difficult to provide a
place for the Negro. He must be treated with justice, his interests
must be protected, his life must be held precious, his children must
be educated, his health must be preserved, and his rights as an
American must be defended. These things they claim for the Negro
because of his unusual loyalty, because he is not inoculated with any
social theories, because he does not contribute to industrial dis¬
content, because, above all, his patriotism is without alloy. Since
he has made a good soldier, borne wounds, privations and death in
the nation's battles to make the world safe for democracy, he de¬
serves to find a place for himself beneath the flag for which he has
fought and within the borders of the country for which he was
willing to die.
In view of the fact that the Negro faithfully supported the
government he expected to get a much larger portion of the benefits
of democracy than was given him. The Negro expected above all
that as a fundamental concession in the adjustment of affairs neces¬
sary for the reconstruction to herald a new day for the man farthest
down, that colored men would at least be given full opportunity to
earn a living. Much was expected from the Department of Labor
when Dr. George E. Haynes was appointed as a Director of Negro
462
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Economics to mobilize colored labor to help win the war and secure
for it a higher position when industrial reconstruction should follow
a victorious peace. When, however, the Department of Labor itself
drew the color line, refusing to employ Negroes for certain purposes
altogether on account of their color and regardless of their efficiency,
this proposed good to come to the Negro caused many Negroes to
call upon Dr. Haynes to emulate the example of the traditional Arab
by folding his tent and quietly stealing away back to the schoolroom
to teach the untutored of his race the real meaning of democracy,
rather than permit himself to be a party to the camouflage of mobiliz¬
ing Negro labor of the country.
Attitude of Organized Labor
The Negroes expected too that the hard and fast rules of labor
organizations which have for years barred men of color from the
higher pursuits of labor, would be abrogated. It was believed that
there would be new avenues for the employment of Negroes and that
the so-called friends of Negro labor would be able to effect more
than to secure from trade unions mere expressions of interest in
behalf Of the Negro laborers. It is unfortunate, however, that the
Negro still finds himself refused admission to labor unions and then
told that he cannot work because he is not a union man. He is denied
the chance to care for his family properly and then censured because
of his failure to do so. In Northern States where these restrictions
have been very rigid it has been difficult to maintain order. Almost
any day we hear of reports that some "gang" is hunting Negroes
with the intention to do them violence and disturbances and race
riots growing out of these conditions are now becoming common.
The Negro, moreover, was disappointed in his expectation to
get fair play in the Civil Service of the Government. In the midst of
the war, when at an unusually heavy expense to the Government,
thousands of agencies had to be quickly established to expedite
military preparations as much as possible, the United States Gov-"
ernment found itself seriously suffering from a dearth of civil em¬
ployees in its offices. As the demand was so great that it was neces¬
sary to waive the regulations that each should pass the civil service
examination, the colored people instead of having a larger oppor¬
tunity seemed to be less considered than formerly. The Civil Service
WHAT THE NEGRO GOT OUT OF THE WAR
463
Commission has inaugurated the scheme of requiring every appli¬
cant in a civil service examination to present his photograph so as
to eliminate, it is quite generally felt, the Negro; and when the exam¬
inations were waived altogether their problem of restricting the
service entirely to white people was easily solved.
Instances of Discrimination
Some of these instances are interesting. Mrs. Sitka D. Thomas
of Washington, D. C., and hundreds of others were certified to
Departments for clerical appointments but were rejected. One Miss
Taylor, a graduate of Howard University, was certified numerous
times to various bureaus in the service, rejected 16 times and finally
on personal appeal from her father was given a clerical position at
$720 per annum when $1,000 appointments were literally going
begging. One Miss Roberts, a graduate of the Boston Latin
School, was certified five times as a clerk to different bureaus and
rejected every time. A Mr. Thompson, now employed in the Depart¬
ment of Justice, was certified to the Ordnance Bureau, where he was
told that colored clerks were not wanted. Miss Aurelia Ferguson,
formerly a teacher in the public schools of New Hampshire, was
certified to the War Department, but rejected on the grounds that
she was already employed in the civil service and could not be ap¬
pointed to a position paying a higher salary. She was again certified
to the War Trade Board and when she presented her telegram was
told that "some mistake had been made" as her card could not be
found. In April, 1918, she was again notified by telegram that she
had been appointed in the Bureau of War Bisk at a salary of $1000
and that her services were urgently needed. Upon reporting, she
was again informed that her card could not be found. She took up
the matter with one of the Senators from New Hampshire, but he
was compelled in the end to report that nothing could be done as it
seemed to be the policy of that Bureau not to appoint colored clerks,
—only a few out of the 14,000, or more, clerks are colored.
The Negro race and especially the Negro soldier expected that
in consideration of what the race as a whole did for the winning of
the war, it would receive more consideration in the army when,
upon a revelation as to the truth about the slander upon Negro
464
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
officers the fairminded people of this country would be convinced as
to the worth of the Negroes .who led their fellow men at the front
and would see to it that hereafter Negro troops be commanded by-
Negro officers. On the contrary, however, coming out here and there
in the army wherever the Negro officer has endeavored permanently
to attach himself to the service, have been what appear to be definite
efforts to eliminate the Negro officer entirely. As a means to this
end certain officers in charge of such recommendations have turned
down several colored officers who were awarded medals of honor for
distinguished service in France. In the case of Thomas M. Dent,
who attained distinction in France, the prejudiced officers in charge
undertook to brand him as disqualified " because of qualities inherent
in the Negro race which make Negroes incapable of being leaders
and officers." Upon appeal to the War Department, however, this
decision was set aside.
Not only has there been an effort to get rid of the Negro officer
but in many cases also the Negro private. "When, after demobiliza¬
tion of most of the army, it became necessary to call for 50,000
volunteers for special duty it was specifically stated that these volun¬
teers were to be white, not Negroes. Here was an opportunity to
show one's patriotism and the Negroes nobly volunteered to manifest
theirs, but considering the opportunity a much more desirable one
than the ordinary enlistment of soldiers, it was reserved to white
men. The Negroes then, it would seem, must be patriotic, must
make personal sacrifices for the country, and even give their lives to
defend it, but they must not expect to get out of it the same returns
which will come to white men.
Upon the return to the United States, the Negro soldiers ex¬
pected that "Jim Crowism', and segregation would receive a check
if not eliminated altogether. The Negro soldier returning from the
front bore it grievously that on arriving home he had to ride in
"Jim Crow'' cars, and be excluded from the use of public places.
Their contention is that these places are licensed by the Government,
established and often wholly maintained by it and, therefore, should
be accessible to all. They contended, moreover, that exclusion from
these public places often means no such facilities for Negroes or,
if at all, decidedly inferior accommodations.
WHAT THE NEGRO GOT OUT OF THE WAR
465
Better Treatment Demanded
The Negro expected, too, a change in the attitude of the white
man toward the right of the blacks to exercise the highest functions
of citizenship. It has required little argument to convince the
Negroes that they are powerless in the hands of the militant whites
when the former can neither vote nor hold office. Relying then upon
principles long since set forth by the fathers of the Republic that the
men who fight for the country ought to share the control of its gov¬
ernment, the Negroes have boldly presented their case to the world.
This petition has, in most places, fallen upon deaf ears. Instead of a
tendency to extend the right of franchise there has been something
like a recrudescence, as already stated, of the Ku Klux Klan so as
to intimidate the Negroes of the South that they may not seek to
reach this end.
Intelligent Negroes, therefore, who got some idea of the real
liberty in France although they were not permitted to enjoy it over¬
much, are united in demanding better treatment from the American
people and to this end have organized a League of Democracy to
further their interest. They will not accept excuses, they say; they
will not keep silence, they must be heard. They want to enjoy
the same rights and privileges vouchsafed to all other citizens
regardless of race, creed, or condition. Americans, therefore,
they hope, will oppose those enemies to democracy at home that the
Junkers were to democracy in Europe. There must come a new
day, Negroes feel, for the United States when the country will
square itself with its own conscience and with the world in regard
to its attitude toward the Negroes in America.
It will be interesting, therefore, to understand exactly what
some of the colored leaders are thinking. A very advanced posi¬
tion has been taken by Dr. A. A. Graham, of Phoebus, Virginia,
whose words may be quoted here:
"It is necessary now as never before that the black man press
his claims as an American citizen. He should demand every right
which this government owes to those who maintain its life and
defend its honor. He should be willing to make no compromise of
any kind, nor be satisfied with anything' less than full justice. He
lias paid the price which all men have had to pay for liberty
466
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
within the law. He has made the supreme sacrifice which entitled
men to every just consideration of the government to which they
pay allegiance. His shortcomings as a man and a human being
did not excuse him from any of the duties and sacred responsibili¬
ties which the government imposed upon those whom it recgonized
as worthy of its claim upon them. He was called to volunteer when
the country was in danger, as other men were called. He was
conscripted. He was subjected to all the hard disciplines and ex¬
posures to death to which other men of the nation were exposed,
and as an unquestioned American citizen, was asked to support all
the war program from the purchase of savings stamps to the suf¬
fering and death in the trenches and on the battle field.
"No allowance was made for his so-called inferiority, and none
was spoken of. The Government laid claim to him, both body and
soul, and used him as freely as if he were the equal of any other
man behind the guns or who had curly hair and blue eyes. The
path he had to walk was just as rough, the load he had to carry
was just as heavy, and the life he gave just as sweet, as that of
any other man who laid his all upon the altar. He should con¬
tend, therefore, for every privilege, every comfort, every right
which other men enjoy. He should fight wrong and injustice for
himself and his children with the very same valor that he fought
the Hun for the nation, and he should fight with the same good
judgment and wisdom."
The Negro as a Citizen
And in the Southivestem Christian Advocate, of New Orleans,
Louisiana, the Reverend Dr. Robert E. Jones, an outstanding leader
of the Negro race, voices the sense of this new recognition of the
Negro's position as a citizen. He says:
"The statement of Lincoln, that this country could not exist
half slave and half free, has been thoroughly vindicated by sub¬
sequent history. Just as that statement was a true interpretation
of the life of the American Republic, at the time it was uttered, so
is a modern application of that statement equally true. -This
country cannot exist half democratic and half autocratic. This
country cannot exist with a part of its citizenship enjoying the
full privileges guaranteed by the Constitution, while a large seg-
WHAT THE NEGRO GOT OUT OF THE WAR
467
ment of our citizenship is oppressed, discriminated against and
hindered in many ways.
"The London Guardian in referring to a statement of the
boundary question between Holland and Belgium said that in
ordinary times such questions would be the making of serious
trouble and then the Guardian pertinently adds, 'The times, how¬
ever, are not ordinary.* And these are not ordinary times. They
are very unusual. The pot of civilization is boiling. Things are
to be settled, but they will not be settled unless they are settled
right. And the Negro wants his status changed from that of
practical peonage to that of free, independent manhood with an
upward look and an unhindered pathway. He wants this, first
of all, on the basis of his place in the human brotherhood of
divine right. He wants this on the basi& of the marvelous progress
that he has made in freedom.
"It has often been said that no race in all history matches
the progress in the same length of time of the Negro race during
the past 50 years. He wants it by the revelation of his soul
life as shown forth in slavery as well as in freedom. That superb
fidelity of the Negro slave to the trusts of those who left him
behind should bring a blush of shame to the South when it permits
now such frequent lynchings without redress and in many cases with¬
out investigation. But the Negro wants also his status fixed on
the basis of what he has earned by the force of arms. With our
allies we won a mighty victory over Germany. It was a triumph
of democracy over autocracy. The Negro had a hand directly in
this victory, but did he not also indirectly win for himself by
every rule of the game, larger privileges than he had heretofore
enjoyed?
"The New York World in a recent editorial says: 'War has
sinister markings of its own, won in all sufficiency. There is no
room for the color line across its horrid front. Such is the
thought that suggests itself afresh, for there have been other events
calling to mind the gallantry of our colored troops.' And then
the New York World refers to the fact that the Negro soldiers
were decorated by the French authorities, 'For extraordinary
heroism under fire.' The World continues: 'The words sweep
468
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
aside every consideration other than that of soldierly merit. The
man who dares and does, he is a man for all this and all that.'
"The Negro has WON his decorations in France on 'soldierly
merit.' He has WON at the same time by the manifestation of his
courage, and his devotion and his loyalty, a more even chance in
American life. And the victory should be made sure. And let
us not mince words. We do not intend now that we have served
the Nation in every war of the Republic and that we have borne
our full share, according to our capacity, in every phase of the
World War, to further accept the indignities heaped upon us as
a race without a solemn protest to every sense of conscience and
right in America and without appeal to the sense of conscience of
civilization the world over.
"There is one thing this World War has done. It has lifted
the Negro problem out of the provincialism of America into the
circumspection of the civilized world. We purpose to carry our
cause into the open forum of the world. We purpose to let the
world know that the soldiers that brought glory to the Aanerican
flag on the fields of France are denied the common courtesies in
too many cases when they return home. And surely our appeal
to the world will not fall altogether on deaf ears. There will be
an awakening, you may rest assured, a sense of right and of
justice that will react upon American life. We make this appeal
to the world in no sense of disloyalty to our Nation. We do it
because we are loyal. ~We will be heard. We will not be lynched
and robbed and hedged aboiit without a solemn protest. We do
not plead for pity or sympathy. We want what we have earned
by every rule of the game.
The Negro's Wonderful Patience
"A white man said the other day, in discussing relations be¬
tween the races, ' No other race under the sun would endure what
the Negro does except the Negro.' White men would not stand
for a moment, if they had our status of intelligence and of wealth
and of numbers, or submit to the disfranchisement, the uneven
opportunities, the oppression and discriminations that we meet
on every hand. Someone has said much about race consciousness.
Whatever that means, we know this, that much the Negro
YVHAT THE NEGRO GOT OUT OF THE WAR
469
suffers white men would not endure for twenty-four hours, nor
will we in the future without a protest. And we expect to find in
the heart of the Nation, North and South, East and West, among
those who are supposedly opposed to us, as well as among our
friends, men and women who will lend themselves to a readjust¬
ment of our life in the Nation, so that we shall have a measure of
peace and) the pursuit of happiness. "We will make our appeal
with the certainty that we do not stand alone. If we did, the
appeal would be worthless. But there will stand with us a power¬
ful minority, a minority even in the South that is prophetic of a
better day. But it must not be thought that this minority, North
or South, will champion our cause unless we have a personal
appreciation of our own condition and an intense desire for real
freedom. He who would be free must strike the first blow. Stat¬
utes and proclamations by the score will not help the Negro unless
the Negro first is in a position to be helped. Our friends must
know our desires. We are making them known in as plain a way
as we know how. We do this in love out of a desire for peace
and good-will, believing that a more equitable readjustment of the
relations of the races in this country will strengthen our National
bonds, increase our National wealth, add to our National content¬
ment and hasten the coming of the Kingdom of God on earth as it
is in heaven."
With a broad vision, too, the Negroes of this country have
looked forward to a better day for the Negro race throughout the
world. From the League of Nations the race has expected an
amicable adjustment of relations in Africa so as to secure to the
natives the opportunities for social, economic and political develop¬
ment. The author urged in an address delivered in Carnegie Hall,
New York, November 2, 1918, that with a view to granting larger
liberties for African allies the Peace Conference would establish
an International Commission, one member of which would be
an American Negro. Because of the revolting cruelties perpetrated
upon the natives in the African dependencies, American Negroes
have protested against any contemplation of restoring to Germany
her African colonies. Is it too much to say that to restore these
helpless black men to their former oppressors would be a terrible
betrayal? Has not the hour come when men even in darkest
470
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Africa may cry out for the right to elect or ordain tHeir own
destinies under an acceptable tutelage, and the guidance of en¬
lightened men rather than under oppressive and cruel masters?
If the Senegalese, Algerian and Sudanese troops stayed the Hun
and saved civilization to the world, the nations of the world should
see to it that these people be removed from the iron heel of
malignant oppressors.
With a similar plan in view, Dr. W. E. B. DuBois was en-
enabled to go to France as a newspaper correspondent during the
session of the Peace Conference and there, with a permit from
Premier Clemenceau and his co-workers, succeeded in bringing
together a sufficiently large number of intelligent Negroes and
sympathetic whites to hold what he called a Pan-African Congress
of which he was made secretary. There was much discussion as
to the rights of the Negroes throughout the world and plans for
establishing the same. The Congress was not of one accord in
expressing an attitude of censure toward those nations in control
of the blacks in various parts of the world, for the reason that all
of these nations are not equally culpable. The Congress did make
some impression in Paris and passed the following significant
resolutions:
"Wherever persons of African descent are civilized and able
to meet the tests of surrounding culture, they shall be accorded
the same rights as their fellow citizens; they shall not be denied
on account of race or color a voice in their own government,
justice before the courts and economic and social equality accord¬
ing to ability and desert.
"Whenever it is proven that African natives are not receiving
just treatment at the hands of any State or that any State de¬
liberately excludes its civilized citizens from its body politic and
cultural, it shall be the duty of the League of Nations to bring the
matter to the attention of the civilized world.''
APPENDIX
(A)
COMMISSIONED AT FT. DES MOINES
Colored Officers of the Seventeenth Provisional Training Regiment
Who Won Commissions October 15, 1917—Their Home Ad¬
dresses, and National Army Camps to which They Were
Assigned.
Cleve L. Abbott, First Lieut., 0. R. C., Watertown, South. Dakota, to Camp Meade.
Joseph L. Abernethy, First Lieut., 0. R. C., Prairie View, Texas, to Camp Funston.
Ewart G. Abner, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Conroe, Texas, to Camp Funston.
Charles J. Adams, First Lieutenant, National Army, Selma, Alabama, to Camp Dodge.
Aurelious P. Alberga, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., San Francisco, Cal., to Camp Grant.
Ira L. Alridge, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., New York, to Camp Dodge.
Edward I. Alexander, First Lieut., National Army, Jacksonville, Florida, to Camp Dix.
Fritz W. Alexander, Second Lieut., O. R. C., Donaldsville, Georgia, to Camp Meade.
Lucien V. Alexis, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Cambridge, Mass., to Camp Upton.
John H. Allen, Captain, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Grant.
Levi Alexander, Jr., First Lieutenant, National Army, Ocala, Florida, to Camp Dix.
Clarence W. Allen, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Mobile, Alabama to Camp Dodge.
Richard S. Allen, Second Lieut., National Army, Atlantic City, N. J., to Camp Dix.
James W. Alston, First Lt., National Army, Raleigh, North Carolina, to Camp Grant.
Benjamin E. Ammons, First Lieut., O. R. C., Kansas City, Mo., to Camp Funston.
Leon M. Anderson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D C., to Camp Meade.
Levi Anderson, First Lieutenant, National Army, Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Robert Anderson, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Sherman.
David W. Anthony, Jr., First Lieutenant, O. R. C., St. Louis, Mo., to Camp Funston.
James C. Arnold, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Atlanta, Georgia, to Camp Dodge.
Russell C. Atkins, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Winston-Salem, N. C., to Camp Grant.
Henry O. Atwood, Captain, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Charles H. Austin, Second Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Upton.
George J. Austin, First Lieutenant, National Army, New York, N. Y., to Camp Upton.
Herbert Avery, Captain, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Meade.
Robert S. Bampfield, Second Lieut., O. R. C., Wilmington, N. C., to Camp Grant.
Julian C. Banks, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Kansas City, Mo., to Camp Funston.
Charles H. Barbour, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to. Camp Funston.
Walter B. Barnes, First Lieut., National Army, United States Army, to Camp Funston.
William I. Barnes, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Stephen B. Barrows, Second Lieut., National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Sherman.
Thomas J. Batey, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Oakland, California, to Camp Grant.
Wilfrid Bazil, Second Lieutenant, National Army, Brooklyn, N. Y., to Camp Upton.
James E. Beard, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army to Camp Funston.
Ether Beattie, Second Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Meade.
William H. Benson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Atlanta, Georgia, to Camp Dodge.
Albert P. Bentley, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Memphis, Tenn., to Camp Grant.
Benjamin Bettis, Second Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Meade,
Harrison W. Black, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Lexington, Ky., to Camp Grant.
Charles J. Blackwood, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Trinidad, Colorado, to Camp Grant.
471
472
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
William Blaney, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Upton.
Isaiah S. Blocker, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Atlanta, Georgia, to Camp Dodge.
William D. Bly, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Leavenworth, Kansas, to Camp Funston.
Henry H. Boger, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Aurora, Illinois, to Camp Grant.
Elbert L. Booker, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Wymer, Washington, to Camp Dodge.
James F. Booker, Captain, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Upton.
William R. Bowie, Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Dix.
Virgil M. Boutte, Captain, O. R. C., Nashville, Tenn., to Camp Grant.
Clyde R. Brannon, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Fremont, Nebraska, to Camp Dodge.
Lewis Broadus, Captain, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Funston.
Deton J. Brooks, First Lieut., National Army, Chicago, Illinois, to Camp Grant.
William M. Brooks, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Des Moines, Iowa, to Camp Dodge.
Carter N. Brown, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Atlanta, Georgia, to Camp Dodge.
Emmet Brown, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., St. Louis, Missouri, to Camp Funston.
George E. Brown, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., New York City, N. W., to Camp Upton.
Oscar C. Brown, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Edwards, Miss, to Camp Upton.
Rosen T. Brown, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Dix.
Samuel C. Brown, Second Lieut., National Army, Delaware, Ohio, to Camp Sherman.
William H. Brown, Jr., First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Upton.
Arthur A. Browne, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Xenia, Ohio, to Camp Grant.
Howard R..M. Browne, First Lieut., O. R. C., Kansas City, Kansas, to Camp Funston.
Sylvanus Brown, First Lieut., National Army, San Antonio, Texas, to Camp Funston.
Charles C. Bruen, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Mayslick, Kentucky, to Camp Grant.
William T. Burns, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Dodge.
James A. Bryant, First Lieut., N. Army, Indianapolis, Indiana, to Camp Sherman.
William L. Bryson, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Dix.
John E. Buford, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Langston, Oklahoma, to Camp Dix.
Thomas J. Bullock, Second Lieut., N. Army, New York City, N. W., to Camp Upton.
John W. Bundrant, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Omaha, Nebraska, to Camp Dodge.
John P. Burgess, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Mullens, S. C., to Camp Grant.
Dace H. Burns, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Chicago, 111., to Camp Grant.
William H. Burrel, Second Lieut., National Army, Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
John M. Burrell, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., East Orange, N. J., to Camp Dix.
Herman L. Butler, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Dodge.
Homer C. Butler, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., New York, N. Y., to Camp Upton.
Felix Buggs, Second Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Grant.
Napoleon L. Byrd, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Madison, Wisconsin, to Camp Grant.
John B. Cade, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Ellerton, Georgia, to Camp Dodge.
Walter W. Cagle, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Grant.
Charles W. Caldwell, Second Lieut., National Army, Orangeburg, S. C., to Camp Meade.
Andrew B. Callahan, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Montgomery, Ala., to Camp Dodge.
Alvin H. Cameron, First Lieutenant, National Army, Nashville, Tenn. to Camp Grant.
Alonzo Campbell, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Upton.
Lafayette Campbell, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Union, W. Va., to Camp Dix.
Robert L. Campbell, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Greensboro, N. C., to Camp Grant.
William B. Campbell, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Austin, Texas, to Camp Funston.
Guy W. Canady, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Atlanta, Georgia, to Camp Dodge.
Lovelace B. Capehart, Jr., Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Raleigh, N. C., to Camp Grant.
Adolphus F. Capps, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Philadelphia, Pa., to Camp Dix.
Curtis W. Carpenter, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Baltimore, Md., to Camp Meade.
Early Carson, Captain, National Army, United States Army, to Camp Grant.
John C. Carter, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Wilson Cary, Second Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Funston.
Robert W. Cheers, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Baltimore, Md., to Camp Meade.
David K. Cherry, Captain, O. R. C., Greensboro, N. C., to Camp Dix.
Frank R. Chisholm, First Lieut., National Army, Brooklyn, N. W., to Camp Upton
Robert B. Chubb, Captain, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Dix.
Ewell W. Clark, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Giddings, Texas, to Camp Funston
Frank C. Clark, Second Lt., O. R. C., N. Guard, Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade
William H. Clarke, First Lieut., National Army, Birmingham, Ala., to Camp Dodge
William H. Clarke, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Helena, Arkansas, to Camp Dodge!
Roscoe Clayton, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Funston.
COMMISSIONED AT FORT DES MOINES
473
Lane Gv Cleaves, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Memphis, Tennessee, to Camp Meade.
Joshua W. Clifford, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade,
feprigg B. Coates, Captain, National Army, United States Army, to Camp Meade.
Frank Coleman, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Dix.
William Collier, Second Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Dix.
William N. Colson, Second Lieut., O. R. C., Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Camp Upton.
Leonard O. Colston, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Funston.
Jones A. Coltrane, First Lieutenant, National Army, Spokane, Wash., to Camp Dodge.
John Combs, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Funston.
Barton W. Conrad, First Lieut., National Army, Cambridge, Mass., to Camp Upton.
Lloyd F. Cook, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Funston.
Charles C. Cooper, Capt., National Army, National Guard, D. C. to Camp Meade.
George P. Cooper, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Upton.
Joseph H. Cooper, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Dix.
Chesley E. Corbett, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Wewoka, Oklahoma, to Camp Grant.
Harry W. Cox, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Sedalia, Missouri, to Camp Funston.
James W. Cranson, Captain, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Grant.
Horace R. Crawford, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Judge Cross, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Meade.
Clarence B. Curley, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Merrill H. Curtis, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Dix.
Edward L. Dabney, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Hampton, Va., to Camp Upton.
Joe Dabney, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Meade.
Victor R. Daly, First Lieutenant, O. R, C., Corona, Long Island, N. Y., to Camp Upton.
Eugene A. Dandridge, First Lieut., O. R. C., National Guard, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Eugene L. C. Davidson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Cambridge, Mass., to Camp Upton.
Henry G. Davis, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Atlanta, Georgia, to Camp Grant.
Irby D. Davis, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Sumter, S. C., to Camp Grant.
William E. Davis, Captain, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Upton
Charles C Dawson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Chicago, Illinois, to Camp Grant.
William S. Dawson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Chicago, Illinois, to Camp Grant.
Aaron Day! Jr., Captain, O. R. C., Prairie View, Texas, to Camp Funston.
Milton T. Dean, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Funston.
Francis M. Dent, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Washington, D. C.t to Camp Meade.
Thomas M. Dent, Jr., First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
James B. Dickson, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Asheville, N. C., to Camp Grant.
Spahr H. Dickey, Captain, O. R. C., San Francisco, Cal., to Camp Funston.
Elder W. Diggs, First Lieut., National Army, Indianapolis, Ind., to Camp Sherman.
William H. Dinkins, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Selma, Ala., to Camp Dodge.
Beverly L. Dorsey, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Upton.
Edward C. Dorsey, Captain, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Dodge.
Harris N. Dorsey, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Upton.
Seaborn Douglas, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Hartford, Conn., to Camp Upton.
Vest Douglas, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Upton.
Frank L. Drye, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Little Rock, Arkansas, to Camp Grant.
Edward Dugger, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Roxbury, Mass., to Camp Upton.
Henry E. Dunn, Second Lieutenant, National Army, Kinston, N. C., to Camp Grant.
Jackson E. Dunn, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Upton.
Benjamin F. Dunning, Second Lieutenant, O. R. CM Norfolk, Virginia, to Camp Dix.
Charles J. Echols, Jr., Captain, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Dodge.
Charles Ecton, Captain, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Funston.
George E. Edwards, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Funston.
Leonard Edwards, Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Augusta, Georgia, to Camp Grant.
James L. Elliott, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Atlanta, Georgia, to Camp Dodge.
Charles J. Ellis, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Springfield, 111. to Camp Dodge.
Harry C. Ellis, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Patrick, Louisiana, to Camp Dodge.
Roscoe Ellis, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Dix.
Leslie H. Engrain, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Nontezuma, Ga., to Camp Grant.
Alexander E. Evans, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Columbia, S. C., to Camp Grant.
Wil H Evans, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Montgomery, Texas, to Camp Funston.
Norwood C. Fairfax, Second Lieut., O. R. C., Eagle Rock, Virginia, to Camp Meade.
John R Fairley, First Lieut., National Army, Kansas City, Mo., to Camp Funston.
474
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Clifford L. Farrer, First Lieut., O. R. C., El Paso, Texas, to Camp Funston.
Leonard J. Faulkner, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Columbus, Ohio, to Camp Sherman.
William H. Fearence, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Texarkana, Texas, to Camp Funston.
Charles H. Fearing, First Lieutenant, National Army, St. Louis, Mo., to Camp Grant.
Robert W. Fearing, Second Lieut., National Army, Brooklyn, N. Y., to Camp Upton.
Alonzo, G. Ferguson, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Washington, D. C. to Camp Meade.
Gurnett E. Ferguson, Captain, 0. R. C., Dunbar, W. Va. to Camp Grant.
Thomas A. Firmes, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Grant.
Dillard J. Firse, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Cleveland, Ohio, to Camp Sherman.
Octavius Fisher, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Detroit, Michigan, to Camp Sherman.
James E. Fladger, Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Kansas City, Mo., to Camp Upton.
Benjamin F. Ford, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Grant.
Edward W. Ford, Second Lieutenant, National Army, Philadelphia, Pa., to Camp Dix.
Frank L. Francis, Second Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Dodge.
Henry O. Franklin, Second Lt., National Army, San Francisco, Cal., to Camp Funston.
Ernest C. Frazier, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Dix.
Arthur Freeman, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Upton.
Sewell C. Freeman, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Aragon, Georgia, to Camp Meade.
Edward S. Gaillard, First Lieut., National Army, Indianapolis, Ind., to Camp Grant.
Tacitus E. Gaillard, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., aKnsas City, Mo., to Camp Funston.
James H. L. Gaines, Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Little Rock, Ark., to Camp Dodge.
Ellsworth Gamblee, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Cincinnati, Ohio, to Camp Sherman.
Lucian P. Garrett, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Louisville, Ky., to Camp Sherman.
William L. Lee, First Lieutenant, National Army, Gallipolis, Ohio, to Camp Grant.
Clayborne George, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Warmith T. Gibbs, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Cambridge, Mass., to Camp Upton.
Howard C. Gilbert, First Lieutenant, National Army, Columbus, Ohio, to Camp Grant.
Walter A. Giles, First Lieutenant, National Army, St. Louis, Mo., to Camp Dix.
Archie H. Gillespie, Captain, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Upton.
William Gillum, Captain, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Grant.
Floyd Gilmer, First Lieutenant, National Army, United States Army, to Camp Grant.
William Glass, Captain, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Sherman.
Jesse J. Gleeden, Second Lieutenant O. R. C., Little Rock, Ark., to Camp Grant.
Leroy H. Godman, Captain, O. R. C., Columbus, Ohio, to Camp Sherman.
Edward L. Goodlett, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Atlanta, Georgia, to Camp Dodge.
Nathan O. Goodloe, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Frank M. Goodner, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Dix.
Elijah H. Goodwin, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Dix.
'James A. Gordon, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., St. Joseph, Mo., to Camp Dix.
Herbert R. Gould, First Lieutenant, National Army, Dedham, Mass., to Camp Upton.
James E. Gould, First Lieutenant, National Army, Dedham, Mass., to Camp Upton.
Francis H. Gow, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Charleston, W. Va., to Camp Grant.
William T. Grady, Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Dudley, N. C., to Camp Grant.
Jesse M. H. Graham Second Lieut., Nat. Army, Clarksville, Tenn., to Camp Sherman.
William H. Graham, Captain, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Upton.
Towson S. Grasty, First Lieutenant, National Army, Pittsburgh, Pa., to Camp Dix.
Thornton H. Gray, First Lieut., Nat. Army, Fairmount Heights, Md., to Camp Upton.
Miles M. Green, Captain, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Upton.
Thomas E. Green, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Sherman.
Walter Green, Captain, 0. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Meade.
Jesse J. Green, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Georgetown, Ky., to Camp Grant.
Thomas M. Gregory, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Newark, N. J., to Camp Dix.
Jefferson E. Grigsby, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Chappelle, S. C., to Camp Dix.
Thomas Grundy, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Dix.
William W. Green, Captain, 0. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Grant.
George B. Greenlee, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Marion, N. C., to Camp Grant.
Nello B. Greenlee, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., New York, N. Y., to Camp Upton.
Herbert H. Guppy, Second Lieutenant, .0. R. C., Boston, Mass., to Camp Upton.
George C. Hall, Captain, 0. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Dodge.
Leonidas H. Hall, Jr., Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Philadelphia, Pa., to Camp Dix.
George W. Hamilton, Jr., First Lieut., 0. R. C., Topeka, Kansas, to Camp Funston.
Rodney D. Hardeway, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Houston, Texas, to Camp Funston.
COMMISSIONED AT FORT DES MOINES 475
Clarence W. Harding, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Dodge.
Clifton S. Hardy, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Champaign, 111., to Camp Dodge.
Clay Harper, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Funston.
Ted O. Harper, Second Lieut., National Army, Columbus, Ohio, to Camp Sherman.
Tillman H. Harpole, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Kansas City Mo., to Camp Funston.
Bravid W. Harris, Jr., First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Warrenton, N. C., to Camp Grant.
Edward H. Harris, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Meade.
Eugene Harris, Captain, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Funston.
AVilliam Harris, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Meade.
Byrd McD. Hart, Captain, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Dodge.
Albert L. Hatchett, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., San Antonio, Texas, to Camp Funston.
Lawrence Hawkins, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Bowie, Md., to Camp Meade.
Charles M. Hayes, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Hopkinsville, Ky., to Camp Sherman.
Merriam C. Hayson, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Kenilworth, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Alonzo Heard, Captain, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Dodge.
Almando Henderson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Upton.
Douglas J. Henderson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Robert M. Hendrick, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Tallahassee. Fla., to Camp Dix.
Thomas J. Henry, Jr., First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Atlanta, Georgia, to Camp Dodge.
Vodrey Henry, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp "Funston.
Jesse S. Heslip, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Toledo, Ohio, to Camp Grant.
Lee J. Hicks, Captain, O. R. C., Ottawa, Kansas, to Camp Funston.
Victor LaNaire Hicks, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Columbia, Mo., to Camp Funston.
Arthur A. Hill, First Lieutenant, National Army, Lawrence Kansas, to Camp Funston.
Daniel G. Hill, Jr., Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Cantonsville, Md., to Camp Meade.
Walter Hill, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Dodge.
William Hill, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Dodge.
Clarence O. Hilton, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Farmville, Virginia, to Camp Dix.
Lowell B. Hodges, First Xieutenant, O. R. C., Houston, Texas, to Camp Funston.
Horatio B. Holder, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Cairo, Ga., to Camp Dodge.
George A. Holland, Captain, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Dodge.
James G. Hollingsworth, Captain, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Grant.
George C. Hollomand, Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Dix.
Wayne L. Hopkins, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Columbus, Ohio, to Camp Sherman.
James L. Horace, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Little Rock, Arkansas, to Camp Grant.
Reuben Horner, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Dix.
Charles S. Hough, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Jamestown, Ohio, to Camp Sherman.
Charles H. Houston, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Henry C. Houston, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Meade.
Cecil A. Howard, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Dix.
Clarence K. Howard, Second Lieut., O. R. C., Montgomery, Alabama, to Camp Dodge.
Charles P. Howard, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Des Moines, Iowa, to Camp Dodge.
Arthur Hubbard, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Funston.
Jerome L. Hubert, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Houston, Texas, to Camp Funston.
William H. Hubert, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Mayfleld, Georgia, to Camp Meade.
Jefferson E. Hudging, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Grant
Samuel Ml Huffman, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Columbus, Ohio, to Camp Sherman.
Samuel A- Hull, First Lieutenant, National Army, Jacksonville, Florida, to Camp Dix.
John R. Hunt, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Bush A. Hunter, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Lexington, Ky., to Camp Sherman.
Benjamin H. Hunton, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Newport News, Va», to Camp Upton.
Frederick A. Hurt, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Dix.
Walter L. Hutcherson, First Lieut., O. R. C., Amherst (post office) Va., to Camp Upton.
Samuel B« Hutchinson, Jr., Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Boston, Mass., to Camp Upton.
James E. Ivey, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Atlanta, Georgia, to Camp Dodge.
Beecher A, Jackson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Texarkana, Texas, to Camp Funston.
George W. Jackson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Ardmore, Mo., to Camp Grant.
Joseph T. Jackson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Charleston, W. Va., to Camp Grant.
Landen Jackson, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Grant.
Matthew Jackson, Captain, O. R. C.f U. S. Army, to Camp Grant.
Maxey A. Jackson, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Marian, Ky., to Camp Sherman.
Joyce G. Jacobs, Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Chicago, 111., to Camp Grant.
476
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Wesley H. Jamison, Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Topeka, Kansas, to Camp Funston.
Charles Jefferson, Second Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Sherman.
Benjamin R. Johnson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., New York, N. Y., to Camp Upton.
Campbell C. Johnson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Dix.
Ernest C. Johnson, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Dix.
Everett W. Johnson, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Philadelphia, Pa., to Camp Dix.
Hanson Johnson, Captain, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Funston.
Hillery W. Johnson, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Philadelphia, Pa., to Camp Dix.
Joseph L. Johnson, Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Philadelphia, Pa., to Camp Dix.
Merle O. Johnson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Grant.
Robert E. Johnson, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Thomas Johnson, Captain, National Army, United States Army, to Camp Dix.
Virginius D. Johnson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Richmond, Va., to Camp Upton.
William N. Johnson, Second Lieut., National Army, Omaha, Nebraska, to Camp Dodge.
William T. Johnson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Dodge.
Willie Johnson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Dodge.
Charles A. Jones, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., San Antonio, Texas, to Camp Funston.
Clifford W. Jones, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Dodge.
Dee Jones, Captain, 0. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Dodge.
Edward D. Jones, Second Lieutenant, O. R. CM Hartford, Conn., to Camp Upton.
James W. Jones, Captain, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
James O. Jones, Second Lieut., National Army, Paulding, Ohio, to Camp Sherman.
Paul W. Jones, First Lieutenant, National Army, Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Percy L. Jones, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Upton.
Vivian L. Jones, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Des Moines, Iowa, to Camp Dodge.
Warren F. Jones, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Funston.
William Jones, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Dodge.
Charles G. Kelly, Captain, National Army, Tuskegee, Alabama, to Camp Dodge.
Elliott H. Kelly, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Camden, S. C., to Camp Upton.
John B. Kemp, Captain, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Grant.
John M. Kenney, Captain, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Upton.
Will Kernts, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Dix.
Otho E. Kerr, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Hampton, Virginia, to Camp Upton.
Orestus J. Kincaid, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army,, to Camp Meade.
Jesse L. Kimbrough, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Los Angeles, Cal., to Camp Funston.
Moses King, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Grant.
Lawrence E. Knight, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Sherman.
Edward C. Knox, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Funston.
John W. Knox, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Dix.
Azzie B. Koger, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Reidsville, N C., to Camp Grant
Linwood G. Koger, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Charles E. Lane, Jr., First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
David A. Lane, Jr., First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Washington, D. C. to Camp Dix.
Frank L. Lane, Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Houston, Texas, to Camp Funston.
Benton R. Latimer, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Warrenton, Georgia, to Camp Dodge.
Ernest W. Latson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Jacksonville, Fla., to Camp Dix.
Paige I. Lancaster, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Hampton, Va., to Camp Upton.
Oscar G. Lawless, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., New Orleans, La., to Camp Grant.
Samuel Lawson, Second Lieutenant, National Army, Philadelphia, Pa., to Camp Dix.
Wilfred W. Lawson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C,, to Camp Grant.
George E. Lee, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
George W. Lee, Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Memphis, Tenn., to Camp Meade.
Lawrence A. Lee, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Hampton, Virginia, to Camp Upton.
John E. Leonard, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Meade.
Garrett M. Lewis, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., San Antonio, Texas, to Camp Funston.
Henry O. Lewis, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Boston, Mass., to Camp Upton.
Everett B. Liggins, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Austin, Texas, to Camp Funston.
Victor C. Lightfoot, Second Lieut., 0. R. C., South Pittsburg, Tenn., to Camp Grant.
John Q. Lindsey, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Dodge.
Redden L. Linton, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Boston, Georgia, to Camp Grant.
Glenda W. Locust, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Sealy, Tenn., to Camp Funston.'
Aldon L. Logan, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Lawrence, Kansas, to Camp Funston.
COMMISSIONED AT FORT DES MOINES
477
James B. Lomack, First Lieutenant, O. R. C.t National Guard, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Howard H. Long, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
James B. Lomack, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., National Guard, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Victor Long, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Dodge.
Lonnie W. Lott, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Austin, Texas, to Camp Funston.
Charles H. Love, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Atlanta, Georgia, to Camp Grant.
Edgar A. Love, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Baltimore, Md., to Camp Meade.
Frank W. Love, Captain, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Dodge.
George B. Love, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Greensboro, N. C., to Camp Grant.
John W. Love, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Baltimore, Md., to Camp Dix.
Joseph Lowe, Captain, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Sherman.
Walter Lowe, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., St. Louis, Mo., to Camp Dix.
Charles C. Luck, Jr., Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., San Marcus, Texas, to Camp Funston.
Walter Lyons, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Grant.
Harry J. Mack, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Cheney, Pa., to Camp Dix.
Amos B. Madison, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Omaha, Nebr., to Camp Dodge.
Edgar F. Malone, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Dix.
Edgar 0. Malone, Captain, O. R. C., U. S., Army, to Camp Sherman.
Earl W. Mann, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Champaign, 111., to Camp Dodge.
Vance H. Marchbanks, Captain, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Meade.
Leon F. Marsh, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Berkeley, Cal., to Camp Grant.
Alfred E. Marshall, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Greenwood, S. C., to Camp Dix.
Cyrus W. Marshall, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Baltimore, Md., to Camp Meade.
Cuby Martin, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Dodge.
Joseph H. Martin, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Eric P. Mason, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Giddings, Texas, to Camp Funston.
Denis McG. Matthews, First Lieut., National Army, Los Angeles, Cal., to Camp Grant.
Joseph E. Matthews, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Cleburne, Texas, to Camp Funston.
Anderson N. May, Captain, O. R. C., Atlanta, Georgia, to Camp Dodge.
Walter H. Mazyck, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Peter McCall, Captain, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Dodge.
Milton A. McCrimmon, Captain, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Meade.
Robert A. McEwen, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., East St. Louis, 111., to Camp Dodge.
Osceola E. McKaine, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Upton.
James E. McKey, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Meade.
Carey McLane, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Grant.
Archie McLee, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., New York, N. Y., to Camp Upton.
Leonard W. McLeod, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Hampton, Virginia, to Camp Upton.
Albert McReynolds, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Meade.
Marshall Meadows, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Dodge.
Louis R. Mehlinger, Captain, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Louis R. Middleton, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Upton.
Benjamin H. Mills, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Dix.
Harry W. Mills, Captain, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Grant.
Warren N. Mins, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Dix.
J. Wardlaw Mitchell, Second Lieut., O. R. C., Milledgeville, Ga., to Camp Dodge.
Pinkney L. Mitchell, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Austin, Texas, to Camp Funston.
John H. Mitcherson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Dix.
Ralph E. Mizell, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Champaign, Illinois, to Camp Grant.
Hubert M. Moman, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Tougalo, Miss., to Camp Funston.
John M. Moore, First Lieuten&nt, O. R. C., Meridan, Miss., to Camp Funston.
Loring B. Moore, Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Brunswick, Ga., to Camp Meade.
Elias A. Morris, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Helena, Ark., to Camp Dodge.
Thomas E. Morris, Captain, 0. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Upton.
James B. Morris, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Des Moines, Iowa, to Camp Dodge.
Cleveland Morrow, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Dxx.
Henrv Morrow, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Dix.
Abraham Morse, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Upton.
Thiamin H Mosbv, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., St. Louis, Mo., to Camp Funston.
Rpnedict Moslev, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Grant.
£rntt A Mover, Second Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Armyr to Camp Dix.
Albert C. Murdaugh, Second Lieutenant, O. R. CM Columbia, S. C., to Camp Dix.
478
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Alonzo Myers, Captain, O. R. C., Philadelphia, Pa., to Camp Dix.
Thomas J. Narcisse, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Jeanerette, Louisiana, to Camp Grant
Earl H. Nash, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Atlanta, Ga., to Camp Dodge.
Homer G. Neely, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Palestine, Texas, to Camp Funston.
Gurney E. Nelson, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Greensboro, N. C., to Camp Grant.
William F. Nelson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Atlanta, Ga., to Camp Dodge.
William S. Nelson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
James P. Nobles, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Upton.
Grafton S. Norman, First Lieut., National Army, Atlanta, Georgia, to Camp Dodge.
Richard M. Norris, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Funston.
Ambrose B. Nutt, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Cambridge, Mass., to Camp Upton.
Benjamin L. Ousley, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Tougaloo, Miss., to Camp Funston.
Charles W. Owens, Captain, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Dodge.
Charles G. Owings, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Norfolk, Va., to Camp Upton.
William W. Oxley, First Lieut., National Army, Cambridge, Mass., to Camp Upton.
Wilbur E. Pannell, Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Stanton, Va., to Camp Upton.
Charles S. Parker, Second Lieut., National Army, Spokane, Wash., to Camp Dodge.
Walter E. Parker, Second Lieutenant, National Army, Little Rock, Ark., to Camp Dix.
Clemmie C. Parks, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Ft. Scott, Kans., to Camp Funston.
Adam E. Patterson, Captain, National Army, Chicago, Illinois, to Camp Dodge.
Himphrey C. Patton, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Dix.
Clarence H. Payne, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Chicago, 111., to Camp Grant.
William D. Peeks, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Dix.
Robert R. Penn., First Lieutenant, O. R. C., New York, N. Y., to Camp Upton.
Marion R. Perry, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Pine Bluff, Ark., to Camp Funston.
Hanson A. Person, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Wynne, Ark., to Camp Sherman.
Harry B. Peters, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Atlanta, Georgia, to Camp Grant.
James H. Peyton, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Montgomery, Alabama, to Camp Dodge.
Joseph Phillips, Captain, O. R. C., Columbus, Ohio, to Camp Sherman.
David A. Pierce, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Clarksville, Texas, to Camp Funston.
Harrison J. Pinkett, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Omaha, Nebr., to Camp Dodge.
James C. Pinkston, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Funston.
Percival R. Piper, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Dix.
Anderson F. Pitts, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Chicago, 111., to Camp Grant.
Fisher Pride, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Dix.
Herman W. Porter, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Cambridge, Mass., to Camp Upton.
James C. Powell, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Wade H. Powell, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Atlanta, Georgia, to Camp Dodge.
William J. Powell, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Chicago, 111., to Camp Grant.
Gloucester A. Price, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Ft. Meyer, Fla., to Camp Upton.
John F. Pritchard, First Lieutenant, 0. R, C., U. S. Army, to Camp Grant.
Henry H. Proctor, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Atlanta, Georgia, to Camp Dodge.
John H. Purnell, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Trappe, Md., to Camp Dix.
Washington H. Racks, Second Lieut., National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Grant.
Howard D. Queen, Captain, 0. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Funston.
Richard R. Queen, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Harold L. Quivers, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
John E. Raiford, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Atlanta, Ga., to Camp Meade.
Hazel L. Raine, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Sherman.
Fred D. Ramsey, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Wedgefield, S. C., to Camp Upton.
James 0. Redmon, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Newton, Iowa, to Camp Dodge.
Charles G. Reed, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Charleston, S. C., to "Camp Sherman.
Rufus Reed, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Funston.
Lightfoot H. Reese, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Newman, Ga., to Camp Grant.
William L. Reese, Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Bennetsville, S. C., to Camp Meade.
Robert S. Reid, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Newman, Ga., to Camp Grant.
Samuel Reid, Captain, National Army, United States Army, to Camp Funston.
Adolph Reyes, Second Lieutenant, National Army, Philadelphia, Pa., to Camp Dix.
Elijah Reynolds, Captain, National Army, United States Army, to Camp Meade.
John F. Rice, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Chicago, Illinois, to Camp Dodge.
Douglas C. Richardson, Second Lieut., O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Harry D. Richardson, First Lieut., National Army, Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade
COMMISSIONED AT FOET DES MOINES
479
Leonard H. Richardson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Oakland Cal., to Camp Funston.
Maceo A. Richmond, Second Lieutenant, . R. C., Des Moines, Iowa, to Camp Dodge.
Francis E. Rivers, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., New Haven, Conn., to Camp Upton.
Marion C. Rhoten, First Lieut., National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Meade.
Charles E. Roberts, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Atlantic City, N. J., to Camp Dix.
Clyde Roberts, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Grant
Edward Robertson, Second Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Meade!
Charles W. Robinson, Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Cleveland, Ohio, to Camp Sherman.
George C. Robinson First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Atlanta, Ga., to Camp Dodge.
Peter L. Robinson, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
William W. Robinson, First Lieut., National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Sherman.
Julian P. Rodgers, First Lieut., National Army, Montgomery, Ala., to Camp Dodge.
John W. Rowe, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Danville, Ky., to Camp Grant.
Thomas Rucker, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Dix.
Edward P. Rudd, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., New York City, to Camp Upton.
Mallalieu W. Rush, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Atlanta, Ga., to Camp Dodge.
John Russell, Captain, National Army, United States Army, to Camp Upton.
Louis H. Russell, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., New York, N. Y., to Camp Upton.
Earl Ryder, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Springfield, 111., to Camp Grant.
Chester Sanders, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Meade.
Joseph B. Sanders, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Dodge.
Walter R. Sanders, Captain, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Sherman.
Clifford A. Sandridge, Captain, National Army, United States Army, to Camp Dix.
Lorin O. Sanford, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Upton.
Elliott D. Saunders, Second Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Dodge.
Walker L. Savoy, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Elmer P. Sawyer, Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Providence, R. I., to Camp Upton.
George S. Schuyler, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Dix.
James E. Scott, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
James E. Scott, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Hampton, Va., to Camp Upton.
Joseph H. Scott, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Darlington, S. C., to Camp Dix.
Walter W. Scott, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Brooksville, Miss., to Camp Funston.
William F. Scott, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Upton.
Fletcher Sewell, Captain, National Army, United States Army, to Camp Meade.
Shermont R. Sewell, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Charles A. Shaw, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Atlanta, Ga., to Camp Dodge.
Warren B. Shelton, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Hot Springs, Ark., to Camp Sherman.
Robert T. Shobe, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Funston.
Hal Short, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Iowa City, Iowa, to Camp Dodge.
Harry W. Short, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Iowa City, Iowa, to Camp Dodge.
Ogbon N. Simmons, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Waldo, Fla., to Camp Dix.
Richard Simmons, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Dix.
William E. Simmons, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Burlington, Vt., to Camp Upton.
Austin Simms, Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Dearien, Ga., to Camp Dodge.
John H. Simms, Jr., First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Jacksonville, Fla., to Camp Dix.
Abraham L. Simpson, Captain, 0. R. C., Louisville, Ky., to Camp Funston.
Lawrence Simpson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Chicago, 111., to Camp Grant.
William R. Smalls, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Manassas, Va., to Camp Dix.
Daniel Smith, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Dix.
Enos B. Smith, Second Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Meade.
Ernest Smith, Second Lieutenant, National Army, Philadelphia, Pa., to Camp Dix.
Fairel N. Smith, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Orangeburg, S. C., to Camp Upton.
Joseph W. Smith, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Concord, S. C., to Camp Meade.
Oscar H. Smith, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Meade.
Pitman E. Smith, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Columbus, Ohio, to Camp Sherman.
Russell Smith, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Dix.
Walter H. Smith, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Chattanooga, Tenn., to Camp Grant.
Levi E. Southe, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Chicago, 111., to Camp Grant.
Carlos Sowards, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Upton.
Edward W. Spearman, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Upton.
Walter R St. Clair, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Philadelphia, Pa., to Camp Dix.
Lloyd A. Stafford, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Dix.
480
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
Moodv Staten, Captain, 0. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Upton.
Percy H. Steele, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Waddell C. Steele, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Grant.
Grant Stewart, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Dix.
Robert K. Stephens, Captain, 0. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Sherman.
Leon Stewart, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Grant.
Thomas R. Stewart, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Fort Wayne, Ind., to Camp Grant.
William A. Stith, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Meade.
James M. Stockett, Jr., First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Providence, R. I., to Camp Upton.
Wilbur F. Stonestreet, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Topeka, Kansas, to Camp Funston.
Daniel T. Taylor, Second Lieut., National Army, United States Army, to Camp Grant.
Hannibal B. Taylor, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C.f Guthrie, Okla., to Camp Funston.
Pearl E. Taylor, First Lieutenant, National Army, St. Louis, Mo., to Camp Dix.
Benjamin F. Thomas, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Grant.
Bob Thomas, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Meade.
Vincent B. Thomas, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Charles M. Thompson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Columbia, S. C., to Camp Dix.
Joseph Thompson, Captain, 0. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Grant.
Pierce McN. Thompson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Albany, Ga., to Camp Dodge.
Richard C. Thompson, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Harrisburg, Pa., to Camp Dix.
Roliver T. Thompson, First Lieut., National Army, Houston, Texas, to Camp Funston.
William H. Thompson, First Lieut., National Army, Jacksonville, Fla., to Camp Dix.
William H. Thompson, Captain, O. R. C., United States *A.rmy, to Camp Sherman.
James W. Thorton, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., West Raleigh, N. C., to Camp Grant.
Leslie J. Thurman, Captain, 0. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Upton.
Samuel J. Tipton, Captain, National Army, United States Army, to Camp Dodge.
Frederick H. Townsend, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Newport, R. I., to Camp Upton.
Anderson Trapp, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Dodge.
Charles A. Tribbett, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., New Haven, Conn., to Camp Upton.
Joseph E. Trigg, Captain, O. R. C., Syracuse, N. Y., to Camp Dix.
Archibald R. Tuck, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Oberlin, Ohio, to Camp Sherman.
"Victor J. Tulane, First Lieutenant, Montgomery, Ala., to Camp Dodge.
William J. Trunbow, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Upton.
Allen Turner, First Lieutenant, National Army, United States Army, to Camp Dix.
Edward Turner, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Omaha, Nebr., to Camp Dodge.
Samuel Turner, Second Lieut., National Army, United States Army, to Camp Upton.
Shadrach W. Upshaw, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Austin, Texas, to Camp Funston.
Ferdinand S. Upshur, Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Philadelphia, Pa., to Camp Dix.
George L. Vaughn, First Lieutenant, National Army, St. Louis, Mo., to Camp Dix.
Austin T. Walden, Captain, 0. R. C., Macon, Ga., to Camp Dix.
John P. Walker, First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Dodge.
Lewis W. Wallace, Captain, 0. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Funston.
Thomas H. Walters, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., New York, N. Y., to Camp Upton.
Robert L. Ward, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Detroit, Mich., to Camp Sherman.
James H. N. Waring, Jr., First Lieut., 0. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
Genoa S. Washington, Captain, 0. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Upton.
George G. Washington, Second Lieut., National Army, U. S. Army to Camp Funston.
Bolivar E. Watkins, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., St. Louis, Mo., to Camp Funston.
Alstyne M. Watson, Second Lieut., O. R. C., Tallapoosa, Ga., to Camp Grant.
Baxter W. Watson, Second Lt., National Army, United States Army, to Camp Funston.
Louis L. Watson, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Dix.
William H.^Weare, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Funston.
Walter T. Webb, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Baltimore, Md., to Camp Meade.
Carter W. Wesley, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Houston, Tex., to Camp Funston.
Harry Wheeler, First Lieut., National Army, United States Army, to Camp Meade.
Chauncey D. White, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Mathews, Va., to Camp Upton.
Emmett White, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Grant.
Journee W. White, Second Lieut., National Army, Los Angeles, Cal., to Camp Dix.
Lorenzo C. White, Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Hampton, Va., to Camp Upton.
Johnson C. Whittaker, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Lawrence, Kans., to Camp Funston.
Horace G. Wilder Second Lieutenant, National Army, United States, to Camp Dix.
Arthur R. Williams, Second Lieut., O. R. C., Edwards, Miss., to Camp Funston.
COMMISSIONED AT FORT DES MOINES
481
Everett B. Williams, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Syracuse, N. Y., to Camp Dix.
Gus Williams, First Lieutenant, National Army, United States Army, to Camp Upton.
James B. Williams, First Lieut., National Army, Baltimore, Md., to Camp Meade.
John Williams, Second Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Grant.
Oscar H. Williams, Second Lieut., National Army, New York, N. Y., to Camp Upton.
Richard A. Williams, Captain, O. R. C., Lawnside, N. J., to Camp Dix.
Robert G. Williams, First Lieutenant, O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Sherman.
Seymour E. Williams, Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Muskogee, Okla., to Camp Funston.
Major Williams, Second Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Dodge.
Walter B. Williams, Captain, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Upton.
William H. Williams, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Grant.
Elmore S. Willie, First Lieut., O. R. C., U. S. Army, to Camp Sherman.
Harry E. Wilson, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Des Moines, Iowa, to Camp Dodge.
John E. Wilson, First Lieut., National Army, Leavenworth, Kans., to Camp Funston.
William H. Wilson, Second Lieut., 0. R. C., Greensboro, N. C., to Camp Grant.
Meredith B. Wily, First Lieut., 0. R. C., El Paso, Texas, to Camp Funston.
Christopher C. Wimbish, First Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Atlanta, Ga. to Camp Dodge.
Hugh EL Wimbish, Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Atlanta, Ga., to Camp Meade.
Rolland T. Winstead, Second Lieut., 0. R. C., Rocky Mount, N. C., to Camp Gfrant.
George W. Winston, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Dodge.
Ernest M. Wood, Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Mebane, N. C., to Camp Grant.
Benjamin F. Wright, Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., New York, N. Y., to Camp Upton.
Elbert S. Wright, Second Lieutenant, 0. R. C., Baldwin, Kansas, to Camp Funston.
John Wynn, Second Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Funston.
Edward York, Captain, O. R. C., United States Army, to Camp Upton.
Charles Young First Lieutenant, National Army, U. S. Army, to Camp Dodge.
William A. Young, Second Lieutenant, O. R. C., Sumter, S. C., to Camp Dix.
Charles G. Young First Lieutenant, O. R. C., Washington, D. C., to Camp Meade.
The above officers do not represent the full number of Colored men who were
commissioned in the United States Army, however. In the series of Officers' Training
Camps which were conducted after the draftees -were called to service, 107 were
commissioned in Infantry from various camps, and 33 in Artillery from Camp Zach-
ary Taylor, Louisville, Kentucky.
482
SCOTT'S OFFICIAL HISTORY
(B)
Colored Chaplains in the United States Army When the Armistice was Signed,
November 11, 1918
Name.
Denomination.
Assigned tr—
Louis A. Carter,
O. J. W. Scott,
Alexander W. Thomas,
George W. Prioleau,
William S. Braddon,
John S. Hawkins,
Arlington S. Helm,
Charles R. Winthrop,
Uriah J. Robinson,
Allen O. Newman,
George S. Stark,
Edgar A. Love
A. E. Rankin,
Cornelius G. Parks,
B. O. Woolfolk,
George A. Singleton,
Henry M. Collins,
Lincoln C. Jenkins,
Julian L. Brown,
Hugh A. Rogers,
Elbert S. M. Dinsmore,
E. M. M. Wright,
Clifford L. Miller,
John T. Clemons,
Matthew M. Jefferson,
John W. Oveltrea,
Benjamin C. Robeson,
James T. Simpson,
Thomas W. Wallace,
Charles T. Isom,
Monroe S. Caver,
George A- Thomas,
Richard A. Greene,
William T. Amiger,
Alfred G. Casper,
John A. Hill,
Blair T. Hunt,
Noah W. Williams,
Prank C. Shirley,
George A. Rosedom,
Thomas E. Davis,
Matthew W. Clair, Jr.,
Lewis A. McGee,
John W. E. Bowen, Jr.,
Prank W. Brown,
Ellis A. Christian,
Eugene H. Hamilton,
Frederick D. L. McDonald,
A- Huntington Hatwoood,
Max Yergan,
Charles Y. TMgg,8
Needham M. Means,
James B. Adams,
Robert G. Morris,
Robert W. Jefferson,
George C. Parker,
Isaac C. Snowden,
Prank R. Arnold,
William Y. Bell,
Borryman H. Johnson,
Baptist,
Methodist,
Methodist,
Methodist,
Baptist,
Baptist,
Presbyterian,
Baptist,
Baptist,
Presbyterian,
Methodist,
Presbyterian,
Methodist,
Methodist,
Methodist,
Methodist,
Baptist,
Baptist,.
Baptist,
Methodist,
Episcopal,
Congregational,
Congregational,
Methodist,
Methodist,
Methodist,
Methodist,
Zion Methodist,
Methodist,
Baptist,
Methodist,
Methodist,
Baptist,
Methodist,
Methodist,
Baptist,
Methodist,
Presbyterian,
Baptist,
Methodist,
Methodist,
Methodist,
Methodist,
Baptist,
Episcopal,
Congregational,
Methodist,
Methodist,
Congregational,
Methodist,
Methodist,
Baptist,
Methodist,
Baptist,
Methodist,
Methodist,
Methodist,
Methodist,
Baptist,
9th U. S. Cavalry.
10th U. S. Cavalry.
24th Infantry.
25th Infantry.
(Former Natl Guard) 370th Inf., A. E. F.
(Former Nat'l Guard) 151st Inf., A. E. F.
(Former Natl Guard) Camp Upton, N. Y.
(Former Nat'l Guard) 372nd Inf., A. E. F.
365 Infantry, A. E. F.
366th Infantry, A. E. F.
367th Infantry, A. E. F.
367th Infantry, A. E. F.
349th Field Artillery, A E. F.
350th Field Artillery.
317th Engineers, A. E. F.
309th Labor Battalion.
310th Labor Battalion.
302nd Stevedore Regiment
314th Labor Battalion.
Engineer Service Battalion, A. E. F.
500th Service Battalion, Engr?., A.1F.
370th Infantry, A. E. F.
American Expeditionary Forces.
American Expeditionary Forces.
American Expeditionary Forces.
American Expeditionary Forces,
American Expeditionary Forces. f
157th Depot Brigade, Camp Gordon, Ga.
Camp Taylor, Kentucky.
Camp Hill, Newport News, Virginia.
Camp Taylor, Kentucky.
Camp Hill, Virginia.
Camp Stuart, Virginia.
Camp Stuart, Virginia.
Camp Stuart," Virginia.
Camp Meade, Maryland, 11th Division.
Camp Meade, Maryland.
American Expeditionary Forces.
Camp Lee, Virginia.
Camp Travis, Texas.
Camp Taylor, Kentucky.
Camp Lee, Virginia.
Camp Alexander, Virginia.
Camp Travis, Texas.
Camp Lee, Virginia.
Camp Meade, Maryland.
Camp Sevier, South Carolina.
Camp Jackson, South Carolina.
25th Infantry, Nog-ales, Arizona.
Camp Sherman, Ohio.
Port Newark, New Jersey.
Camp Lee, Virginia.
THE TREATY OP PEACE
Official Summary of the Covenant of the League of Nations and Terms
Imposed Upon Germany as Decided by the Peace Conference
The official summary of the treaty of peace, given to the public on May
7,1919, at the time the text of the treaty was handed to the German peace
delegates, was as follows:
The preamble names as parties of the one part the United StateB, the British
empire, France, Italy, and Japan, described as the five allied and associated powers, and
Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Cuba, Ecuador, Greece, Guatemala, Haiti, the Hedjaz,
Honduras, Liberia, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Roumania, Serbia, Siam,
Czecho-Slovakia, and Uruguay, who with the five above are described as the allied and
associated powers, and on the other part Germany.
It states that: Bearing in mind that on the request of the then imperial German
government an armistice was granted on November 11, 1918, by the five allied and
associated powers in order that a treaty of peace might be concluded with her, and
whereas the allied and associated, powers being equally desirous that the war in which
they were successfully involved, directly or indirectly, and which originated in the
declaration of war by Austria-Hungary on July 28, 1914, against Serbia, the declara¬
tion of war by Germany against Russia on August 1, 1914, and against Prance on
August 3, 1914, and in the invasion of Belgium, should be replaced by a firm, just, and
durable peace, the plenipotentiaries having communicated their full powers found in
good and due form have agreed as follows:
From the coming into force of the present treaty, the state of war will terminate.
From the moment and subject to the provisions of this treaty, official relations with
Germany, and with each of the German states, will be resumed by the allied and
associated powers.
The League of Nations
SECTION I
The covenant of the league of nations constitutes section 1 of the peace treaty,
which places upon the league many specific duties in addition-to its general duties.
It may question Germany at any time for a violation of the neutralized zone east
of the Rhine as a threat against the world's peace.
It will appoint three of the five members of the Saar commission, oversee ita
regime, and carry out the plebiscite.
It will appoint the high commissioner of Danzig, guarantee the independence of
the free city, and arrange for treaties betwen Danzig and Germany and Poland.
It will work out the mandatory system to be applied to the former German
colonies, and act as a final court in part of the plebiscites of the Belgian-German
frontier and in disputes as to the Kiel canal, and decide certain of the eeonomie and
financial problems.
An international conference on labor is to be held in October under its direction,
and another on the international control of ports, waterways, and railways is fore¬
shadowed.
The members of the league will be the signatories of the covenant and other statea
invited to accede, who must lodge a declaration of accession without reservation within
two months.
A new state, dominion, or colony may be admitted provided its admission is agreed
to by two-thirds of the assembly.
A state may withdraw upon giving two years' notice, if it has fulfilled all ita
international obligations.
483
THE TREATY OF PEACE
SECTION II
A permanent secretariat will be established at the seat of the league, which will be
at Geneva.
Assembly—The assembly will eonsist of representatives of the members of the
league, and will meet at stated intervals. "Voting will be by states. Each member will
have one vote and not more than three representatives.
Council—.The council will consist of representatives of the five great allied powers,
together with representatives of four members selected by the assembly from time to
time; it may co-operate with additional Btates and will meet at least once a year.
Members not represented will be invited to send a representative when questions
affecting their interests are discussed. Voting will be by states. Each state will have
one vote and not more than one representative. Decisions taken by the assembly and
council must be unanimous, except in regard to procedure and in certain cases specified
in the covenant and in the treaty, where decisions will be by a majority.
Armaments—The council will formulate plans for a reduction of armaments for
consideration and adoption. These plans will be revised every ten years. Once they
are adopted, no member must exceed the armaments text without the concurrence of
the council. All members will exchange full information as to armaments and programs,
and a permanent commission will advise the council on military and naval questions.
Preventing of war—Upon any war or threat of war the council will meet to consider
what eommon action shall be taken. Members are pledged to submit matters of dispute
to arbitration or inquiry and not to resort to war until three months after the award.
Members agree to carry out an arbitral award and not to go to war with any
party to the dispute which complies with it; if a member fails to carry out the award
the council will propose the necessary measures.
The council will formulate plans for the establishment of a permanent court of
international justice to determine international disputes or to give advisory opinions.
Members who do not submit their cases to arbitration must accept the jurisdiction
of the assembly. If the council, less the parties to the dispute, is unanimously agreed
upon the rights of it, the members agree that they will not go to war with any
party to the dispute which complies with its recommendations. In this case a recom¬
mendation by the assembly, concurred in by all its members represented, less the
parties to the dispute will have the force of a unanimous recommendation by the council.
In either case if the necessary agreement cannot be secured the members reserve
the right to take such action as may be necessary for the maintenance of right and
justice.
Members resorting to war in disregard of the covenant will immediately be debarred
from all intercourse with other members. The council will in such cases consider what
military or naval action can be taken by the league collectively for the protection of
the covenants and will afford facilities to members co-operating in this enterprise.
Validity of Treaties—All treaties or international engagements concluded after the
institution of the league will be registered with the secretariat and published.
The assembly may from time to time advise members to reconsider treaties which
have become inapplicable or involve danger of peace.
The covenant abrogates all obligations between members inconsistent with its
terms, but nothing in it shall affect the validity of international engagements, such as
treaties of arbitration or regional understandings, like the Monroe doctrine, for securing
the maintenance of peace.
The Mandatory System—The tutelage of nations not yet able to stand by themselves
will be intrusted to advanced nations who are best fitted to undertake it.
The covenant recognizes three different stages of development, requiring different
kinds of mandatories:
Communities like those belonging to the Turkish empire, which can be provisionally
recognized as independent, subject to advice and assistance from a mandatory in whose
teleation they would be allowed a voice.
484
THE TREATY OF PEACE
Communities like those of Central Africa, to be administered by the mandatory,
under conditions generally approved by the members of the league, where equal oppor¬
tunities for trade "will be allowed to all members; certain abuses, such as trade in
slaves, arms, and liquor, will be prohibited, and the construction of military and naval
bases and the introduction of compulsory military training will be disallowed.
Other communities, such as Southwest Africa and the south Pacific islands, but
administered under the laws of the mandatory as integral portions of its territory. In
every case the mandatory will render an annual report, and the degree of its authority
will be defined.
Conditions of World Labor
Subject to and in accordance with the provisions of international conventions
existing, or hereafter to be agreed upon, the members of the league will, in general,
endeavor through the international organization established by the labor convention to
seeure and maintain fair conditions of labor for men, women, and children in their
own countries, and other countries, and undertake to secure just treatment of the
native inhabitants of territories under their control; they will intrust the league with
the general supervision over the execution of agreements for the suppression of traffic
in women and children, etc.; and the control of the trade in arms and ammunition with
countries in which control is necessary; they will make provision for freedom of com¬
munications and transit and equitable treatment for commerce of all members of the
league, with special reference to the necessities of regions devastated during the war;
and they will endeavor to take steps for international prevention and control of disease.
International bureaus and commissions already established will be plaoed under
the league, as well as those to be established in the future.
Amendments to the covenant will take effect when ratified by the council and by
a majority of the assembly.
New Limits for Germany
Boundaries of Germany—Germany cedes to Prance Alsace-Lorraine, 5,600 square
miles, it to be southwest, and to Belgium two small districts between Luxemburg and
Holland totaling 382 square miles.
She also cedes to Poland the southeastern tip of Silesia, beyond and including
Oppeln, most of Posen, and West Prussii, 27,686 Bquare miles, East Prussia being
isolated from the main body by a part of Poland.
She loses sovereignty over the northeasternmost tip of East Prussia, forty square
miles north of the river Memel, and the internationalized areas about Danzig, 729
square miles, and the basin of the Saar, 738 square miles, between the western border
of the Rhenish Palatinate of Bavaria and the southeast corner of Luxemburg.
The Danzig area consists of the V between the Nogat and Vistula rivers made
a W by the addition of a similar V on the west, including the city of Danzig.
The southeastern third of East Prussia and the area between East Prussia and the
Vistula north of latitude 53 degrees 3 minutes is to have its nationality determined by
popular vote, 5,785 square miles, as is to be the case in part of Schleswig, 2,787 square
miles.
Eecovered Lands
SECTION III
Belgium—Germany is to consent to the abrogation of the treaties of 1839, by
which Belgium was established as a neutral state, and to agree in advance to any
convention with which the allied and associated powers may determine to replace
them.
Germany is to recognize the full sovereignty of Belgium over the contested territory
of Morenet and over part of Prussian Morenet, and to renounce in favor of Belgium all
rights of the circles of Eupen and Malmedy, the inhabitants of which ark to be entitled,
within six months, to protest against this change of sovereignty, either in whole or in
part, the final decision to be reserved to the league of nations.
A commission is to settle the details of the frontier, and various regulations for
change of nationality are laid down.
481
THE TREATY OF PEACE
Luxemburg—Germany renounces her various treaties and conventions with the
Duchy of Luxemburg, recognizee that it ceased to be a part of the German Zo v
from January 1, last, renounces all right of exploitation of the railroads, aanere o
the abrogation of its neutrality, and accepts in advance any international agreement
as to it, reached by the allied and associated powers.
Left Bank of the Rhine—As provided in the military (armistice) clauses, Germany
will not maintain any fortifications or armed forces less than fifty kilometers to the
east of the Rhine, hold any maneuvers, nor maintain any works to facilitate mobilization.
In case of violation, 1' she shall be regarded as committing a hostile act against the
powers who sign the present treaty and as intending to disturb the peace of the
world.''
By virtue of the present treaty, Germany shall be bound to respond to any request
for an explanation which the council of the league of nations may think it necessary
to address to her.
Alsace-Lorraine—After recognition of the moral obligation to repair the wrong
done in 1871 by Germany to Prance and the people of Alsace-Lorraine, the territories
ceded to Germany by the treaty of Frankfort are restored to France with their frontiers
as before 1871, to date from the signing of the armistice, and to be free of all public
debts.
Citizenship is regulated by detailed provisions distinguishing those who are imme¬
diately restored to full French citizenship, those who have to make formal applications
therefor, and those for whom naturalization is open after three years.
The last named class includes German residents in Alsace-Lorraine, as distinguished
from those who acquire the position of Alsace-Lorrainers as defined in the treaty.
All public property and all private property of German ex-sovereigns passes to
France without payment or credit, France is substituted for Germany as regards owner¬
ship of the railroads and rights over concessions of tramways.
The Rhine bridges pass to France with the obligation for their upkeep.
For five years manufactured products of Alsace-Lorraine will be admitted to
Germany free of duty to a total amount not exceeding in any year the average of the
three years preceding the war, and textile materials may be imported from Germany
to Alsace-Lorraine and re-exported free of duty. Contracts for electric power from the
right bank must be continued for ten years.
For seven years, with possible extension to ten, the ports of Kehae and Strasbourg
ehall be administered as a single unit by a French administrator appointed and supervised
by the Central Rhine commission.
Property rights will be safeguarded in both ports and equality of treatment as
respects traffic assured the nationals, vessels, and goods of every country.
Contracts between Alsace-LoYrainers and Germans are maintained, except for
France's right to annul on grounds of public interest judgments of courts held in
certain classes of cases, while in others a judicial exequatur is first required.
Political condemnations during the war are null and void and the obligation to repay
war fines is established as in other parts of allied territory.
Various clauses adjust the general provisions of the treaty to the special conditions
of Alsace-Xorraine, certain matters of execution being left to conventions to be made
between France and Germany.
The Saar Valley Question
The Saar—In compensation for the destruction of coal mines for northern France
and as payment on account of reparation, Germany cedes to France full ownership of
the coal mines of the Saar basin with their subsidiaries, accessories, and facilities.
Their value will be estimated by the reparation commission and credited against that
account. The French rightB will be governed by German law in force at the armistice
excepting war legislation, France replacing the present owners whom Germany under¬
takes to indemnify. France will eontinne to furnish the present proportion ef coal
for local needs and contribute in just proportion to loeal taxes.
486
THE TREATY OF PEACE
The basin extends from the frontier of Lorraine as reannexed to France north as far
as St. Wendel, including on the west the valley of the Saar as far as Saarkolzbach
and on the east the town of Homburg.
In order to secure the rights and welfare of the population and to guarantee to
France entire freedom in working the mines, the territory will be governed by a
commission appointed by the league of nations and consisting of five members, one
French, one a native inhabitant of the Saar and three representing three different coun¬
tries other than France and Germany.
The league will appoint a member of the commission as chairman to act as
executive of the commission. The commission will have all powers of government
formerly belonging to the German empire.
Prussia and Bavaria will administer the railroads and other public services and
have full power to interpret the treaty clauses.
The local courts will continue, but subject to the commission. Existing German
legislation will remain the basis of the law, but the commission may make modification
after consulting a local representative assembly which it will organize. It will have
the taxing power, but for local purposes only. New taxes must be approved by thia
assembly.
I^abor legislation will consider the wishes of the local labor organizations and the
labor program of the league. French and other labor may be freely utilized, the
former being free to belong to French unions. All rights acquired as to pensions
and social insurance will be maintained by Germany and the Saar commission.
There will be no military service, but only a local gendarmerie to preserve order.
The people will preserve their local assemblies, religious liberties, schools, and
language, but may vote onl^ for local assemblies. They will keep their present
nationality except so far as individuals may change it. Those wishing to leave will
have every facility with respect to their property.
The temfbry will form part of the French customs system, with no export tax
oa eoal and metallurgical products going to Germany nor on German products enter'
ing the basin, and for five years no import duties on products of the basin going to
Germany or German products coming into the basin for local consumption.
French money may circulate without restriction. After fifteen years a plebiscite
will be held by communes to ascertain the desires of the population as to continuance
of the existing regime under the league of nations, union with France, or union with
Germany. The right to vote will belong to all inhabitants over 20 resident therein
at the signature.
Taking into aeeount the opinions thus expressed, the league will decide the ultimate
sovereignty. In any portion restored to Germany the German government must buy
out the French mines at an appraised valuation.
If the price is not paid within six months thereafter this portion passes finally
to France. If Germany buys back the mines, the league will determine how much
of the coal shall be annually sold to France.
New Nations Recognized
SECTION IV
German Austria.—Germany recognizes the total independence of German-Austria
in the boundaries traced.
Czecho-Slovakia.—Germany recognizes the entire independence of the Czecho¬
slovak state, including the autonomous territory of the Euthenians south of the
Carpathians and accepts the frontiers of this state as to be determined, which in the case
of the German frontier shall follow the frontier of Bohemia in 1914. The usual stipu¬
lations as to acquisition and change of nationality follow.
Poland.*—Germany cedes to Poland the greater part of upper Silesia, Posen and the
province of West Prussia on the left bank of the Vistula. A field boundary commission
of seven five representing the allied and associated powers and one each representing
Poland and Germany—shall be eonstituted within fifteen days of the peace to delimit
this boundary. Su*h «pe«ial provisions as ara ne«eseary to protect racial, linguistic,
487
THE TREATY OF PEACE
or religious minority and to protect freedom of transit and equitable treatment of
commerce of other nations shall be laid down in a subsequent treaty between the
five allied and associated powers and Poland.
East Prussia.—The southern and eastern frontier of East Prussia aa sucing (word
obscure) Poland is to be fixed by plebiscite, the first in the regency of Allenstein between
the southern frontier of East Prussia and the northern frontier of Regierungsbesirk
Allenstein, from where it meets the boundary between East and West Prussia to its
junction with the boundary between the circles of Oletsko and Augersburg, thence
the northern boundary of Oletsko to its junction with the present frontier, and the
second in the area comprising the circles of Stuhm and Rosenburg -and the parts of the
circles of Marienburg and Marienwerder east of the Vistula.
In each case German troops and authorities will move out within fifteen days
of the peace and the territories be placed under an international commission of
five members appointed by the five allied and associated powers, with the particular
duty of arranging for a free, fair, and secret vote. The commission will report
the results of the plebiscites to the five powers with a recommendation for the boundary,
and will terminate its work as soon as the boundary has been laid down and new
authorities set up.
The five allied and associated powers will draw up regulations assuring East
Prussia full and equitable access to and use of the Vistula. A subsequent convention,
of which the terms will be fixed by the five allied and associated powers, will be entered*
into between Poland, Germany and Danzig, to assure suitable railroad communica¬
tion across German territory on the right bank of the Vistula between Poland and
Danzig while Poland shall grant free passage from East Prussia to Germany.
The northeastern corner of East Prussia, about Memel, is to be ceded by Ger¬
many to the associated powers, the former agreeing to accept the settlement made,
especially as regards the nationality of the inhabitants.
Danzig a Pre© City
Danzig.—Danzig and the District immediately about it is to be constituted into
the "free city of Danzig," under the guarantee of the league of nations. A high
commissioner, appointed by the league and president at Danzig shall draw up A con¬
stitution in agreement with the duly appointed representatives of the city, and shall
deal in the first instance with all differences arising between the city and Poland.
The actual boundaries of the city shall be delimited by a commission appointed
within six months from the peace and to include three representatives chosen by the
allied and associated powers and on© each by Germany and Poland.
A convention, the terms of which shajl be fixed by the five Allied and associated
powers, shall be concluded between Poland and panzig, which shall include J)anzig
within the Polish custom frontiers, though a free area in the port; insure to Poland
the free use of all the city's waterways, docks, apd other port facilities, the control
and administration of the Vistula and the whole through railway systems within
the city and postal, telegraphic, and telephonic communication between Poland and
Danzig; provide against discrimination against Poles within the city and place its
foreign relations and the diplomatic protection of its citizens abroad in charge of
Poland.
Denmark.—The frontier betweep. Germany and Denmark will be fixed by the
self-determination of the population. Ten days from the peace German troops and
authorities shall evacuate the region north of the line running from the mouth of
the Schlei south of Kappel, Schleswig, and Friedrichstadt, along the Eider to the
North sea, south of Tonning; the workmen and soldiers' councils shall be dissolved;
and the territory administered by an international commission of five, of whom Norway
and Sweden shall be invited to name two.
The commission shall insure a free and secret vote in three gones. That between
the German-Danish frontier and line running south of the Island of Aleea, north of
Flensburg and south of Tondern to the North sea, north of the Island of Sylt, will vote as
488
TEE TREATY OF PEACE
a unit within three weeks after the evacuation. Within five weeks after this vote the
second zone, whose southern boundary runs from the North sea south of the Island of
Fehr to the Baltiti, south of Sygum, will vote by communes.
Two weeks after that vote the third zone, running to the limit of evacuation,
also will vote by communes. The international commission will then draw a new
frontier on the basis of these plebiscites and with due regard for geographical and
economic conditions. Germany will renounce all sovereignty over the territories
north of thiB line in favor of the associate governments, who will hand them over
to Denmark.
Helgoland—The fortifications, military establishments, and harbors of the islands
of Helgoland and Dune are to be destroyed under the supervision of the allies by
German labor and at Germany's expense. They may not be reconstructed or any
similar fortification built in the future.
Russia—Germany agrees to respect as permanent and inalienable the indepen¬
dency of all territories which were part of the former Russian empire, to accept
the abrogation of the Brest-Litovsk and other treaties entered into with the Maximalist
government of Russia, to recognize the full force of all treaties entered into by
the allied and associated powers with states which were a part of the former Russian
empire, and to recognize the frontiers as determined thereon.
The allied and associated powers formally reserve the right of Russia to obtain
restitution and reparation on the principles of the present treaty.
Colonies and Overseas Possessions
SECTION Y
Outside Europe, Germany renounces all rights, titles, and privileges as to her
own or her allies' territories to all the allied and associated powers and undertakes
to accept whatever measures are taken by the five allied powers in relation thereto.
Colonies and overseas possessions—Germany renounces in favor of the allied and
associated powers her overseas possessions, with all rights and titles therein. All
movable and immovable property belonging to the German empire or to any German
state Shall pass to the government exercising authority therein.
These governments may make whatever provisions seem suitable for the repatria¬
tion of German nationals and as to the conditions on which German subjects of
European origin shall reside, hold property^ or carry on business.
Germany undertakes to pay reparation for daniage Suffered by French nationals
in the Cameroons or its frontier zone through the acts of German civil and military
authorities and of individual Germans from Jan. 1, 1900, to Aug. 1, 1914.
Germany renounces all rights under the convention of Nov. 4, 1911, and Sept.
29, 1912, and undertakes to pay to France in accordance with an estimate presented
and approved by the repatriation commission all deposits, credits, advances, etc.,
thereby secured.
Germany undertakes to accept and observe any provisions by the allied and
associated powers as to the trade in arms and spirits in Africa, as well as to the
general act of Berlin of 1885 and the general aet of Brussels of 1890. Diplomatic
protection to inhabitants of former German colonies is to be given by the govern¬
ments exercising authority.
China—Germany renounces in favor of China all privileges and indemnities result¬
ing from the Boxer protocol of 1901, and all buildings, wharves, barracks, forts,
munitions of warships, wireless plantB, and other public property except diplomatic
or consular establishments in the German concessions of Tientsin and Hankow and in
other Chinese territory except Kiau-Chau, and agrees to return to China, at its own
expense, all the astronomical instruments seized in 1901.
China will, however, take no measures for disposal of German property in the
legation quarter at Peking without the consent of the powers signatory to the Boxer
protocol.
489
THE TREATY OF PEACE
Germany accepts all abrogation of the concessions at Hankow and Tientsin, China
agreeing to open them to international use.
Germany renounces all claims against China or any allied and associated govern-
ment for the internment or repatriation of her citizens in China and for th« seizure
w liquidation of German interests there since Aug. 1917.
She renounces in favor of Great Britain her state property in the British eon-
cession at Canton and of France and China jointly of the property of the German
school in the French concession at Shanghai.
ffln.ni—Germany recognizes that all agreements, between herself and Siam, includ¬
ing the right of extra-territoriality ceased July 22, 1917. All German public property
•except consular and diplomatic premises passes without compensation to Siam, Ger¬
man private property to be dealt with in accordance with the economic clauses. Ger¬
many waives all claims against Siam for the seizure and condemnation of her ships,
liquidation of her property, or internment of her nationals.
Liberia—Germany renounces all rights under the international arrangements of
1911 and 1912 regarding Liberia, more particularly the right to nominate a receiver
of the customs, and disinterests herself in any further negotiations for the rehabilita¬
tion of Liberia.
She regards as abrogated all commercial treaties and agreements between her¬
self and Liberia, and recognizes Liberia's right to determine the status and condi¬
tion of the re-establishment of Germans in Liberia.
Morocco—Germany renounces all her rights, titles and privileges under the act
of Algeciras and the Franco-German agreements of 1909 and 1911, and under all treaties
and arrangements with the Sherifian empire.
She undertakes not to intervene in any negotiations as to Morocco between France
and other powers, accepts all the consequences of the French, protectorate and renounces
the capitulations. The Sherifian government shall have complete liberty of action
in regard to German nationals, and all German protected persons shall be subject
to the eommon law.
All movable and immovable German property, including mining rights may be
sold at public auction, the proceeds to be paid to the Sherifian government and
deducted from the reparation account. Germany is also required to reliquish her interests
in the state bank of Morocco. All Moroccan goods entering Germany shall have the
same privilege as French goods.
Egypt—Germany recognizes the British protectorate over Egypt declared on Dec. 18,
1914, and renounces as from Aug. 4, 1914, the capitulation and all the treaties, agree¬
ments, etc., concluded by her with Egypt. She undertakes not to intervene in any
negotiations^ about Egypt between Oreat Britain and other powers. There are pro¬
visions for jurisdiction over German nationals and property, and for German consent
to any changes which may be made in relation to the commission of public debt.
®erman7 COn9ents transfer to Great Britain of the powers given to
the late sultan of Turkey for securing the free navigation of the Suez canal.
t Arrangements for property belonging to German nationals in Egypt are made
similar to those in the case of Morocco and other countries. Anglo-Egyptian goods
entering Germany shall enjoy the same treatment as British goods.
Turkey and Bulgarian—Germany accepts all arrangements which the allied and
associated^ powers make with Turkey and Bulgaria with reference to any right, privi¬
leges, or interests claimed in those countries by Germany or her nationals ana not
dealt with elsewhere.
Shantung—Germany cedes to Japan all rights, titles and privileges, notably as
to Kiau-Chau and the railroads, mines and cables acquired by her treaty with China
of March 6, 1897, and other agreements as to Shantung.
All German rights to the railroad from Tsingtao to Tsinaufu, including all facili¬
ties and mining rights and rights of exploitation, pass equally to Japan and the
cables from Tsingtao to Shanghai and Chefoo, the cables free of all charges.
All German state property, movable or immovable, in Kiau-Chau is acquired by
Japan free of all charges.
490
THE TREATY OF PEACE
Military and Naval Forces
SECTION VI
In order to render possible the initiation of a general limitation of the arma¬
ments of all nations Germany undertakes directly to observe the military, naval,
and air clauses which follow:
Military forces—The demobilization of the German army must take place within
two months of the peace. Its strength may not exceed 100,000, including 4,000 officers,
with not over seven divisions of infantry, and three of cavalry, to be devoted exclusively
to maintenance of internal order and control of frontiers. Divisions may not be
grouped under more than two army corps headquarters staffs.
The great German general staff is abolished. The army administrative service,
consisting of civilian personnel not included in the number of effectives, is reduced
to one-tenth the total in the 1913 budget.
Employes of the German states such as customs officers, first guards and coast
guards may not exceed the number in 1913. Gendarmes and local police may be increased
only in accordance with the growth of population. None of these may be assembled
for military training.
Armaments—All establishments for the manufacturing, preparation, storage, or
design of arms and munitions of war, except those specifically excepted, must be
closed within three months of the peace and their personnel dismissed.
The exact amount of armament and munitions allowed Germany is laid down in
detail tables, all in excess to be surrendered or rendered useless.
The manufacture or importation of asphyxiating, poisonous, or other gases and all
analogous liquids is forbidden as well as the importation of arms, munitions, and war
materials. Germany may not manufacture Buch materials for foreign governments.
Conscription Conscription is abolished in Germany. The enlisted personnel must
be maintained by voluntary enlistments for terms of twelve # consecutive years, the
number of discharges before the expiration of that term not in any years to exceed
5 per eent of the total effectives.
Officers remaining in the service must agree to serve to the age of 45 years and
*«wly appointed officers must agree to serve actively for twenty-five years.
No military schools, except those absolutely indispensable for the units allowed,
shall exist in Germany two months after the peace. No associations, such as societies
of discharged soldiers, Bhooting or touring clubs, educational establishments or uni¬
versities, may occupy themselves with military matters. All measures of mobiliza¬
tion are forbidden.
Fortresses—All fortified works, fortresses, and field works situated in German
territory within a zone fifty kilometers east of the Ehine will be dismantled within
three months. The construction of any new fortifications there is forbidden. The
fortified works on the southern and eastern frontiers, however, may remain.
Control—Interallied commissions of control will see to the execution of the
provisions for which a time limit is set, the maximum named being three months. They
may establish headquarters at the German seat of government and go to any part
of Germany desired.
Germany must give them complete facilities, pay their expenses, and also the
expenses of execution of the treaty, including the labor and material necessary in
demolition, destruction,- or surrender of war equipment.
Naval—:The German navy must be demobilized within a period of two months
after the peace. She will be allowed six small battleships, six light cruisers, twelve
destroyers, twelve torpedo boats, and no submarines, either military or commercial, with
a personnel of 15,000 men, including officers, and no reserve force of any character.
Conscription is abolished, only voluntary service being permitted, with a mini¬
mum period of twenty-five years' service for officers and twelve for.men. No member
of the German mercantile marine will be permitted any naval training.
491
TIIE TREATY OF PEACE
All German vessels of war in foreign ports and the German high sea fleet interned
at Seapa Flow, will be surrendered, the final disposition of these ships to be decided
upon by the allied and associated powers. Germany must surrender forty-two modern
destroyers, fifty -modern torpedo boats and all submarines-, with their salvage vessels
and all war vessels under construction, including submarines, must be broken up.
War vessels not otherwise provided for are to be placed in reserve or used for
commercial purposes. Replacement of ships, except those lost, can take place only
at the end of twenty years for battleships and fifteen years for destroyers. The
largest armored Bhip Germany will be permitted will be 10,000 tons.
Germany is required to sweep up the mines in the North sea and the Baltic
sea, as decided upon by the allies. All German fortifications in the Baltic defending
the passages through the Delts must be demolished. Other coast defenses are per¬
mitted, but the number and caliber of the guns muBt not be increased.
During a period of three months after the peace, German high power wireless
stations at Nauen, Hanover, and Berlin will not be permitted to send any messages
except for commercial purposes and under supervision of the allied and associated
governments, nor may any more be constructed.
Germany will be allowed to repair German submarine cables which have been
cut but are not being utilized by the allied powers, and also portions of cables which
after having been cut have been removed or at any rate not being utilized by any
one of the allied and associated powers. In such cases the cables or portions of cables
removed or utilized remain the property of allied and associated powers, and accord¬
ingly fourteen cables or parts of cables are specified, which will not be restored to
Germany.
Air—Tie armed forces of Germany must not include any military or naval air
forees except for not over 100 unarmed seaplanes to be retained till Oct. 1 to search
for submarine mines. No dirigible shall be kept.
The entire air personnel is to be demobilized within two months, except for
1,000 officers and men retained till October.
No aviation grounds or dirigible sheds are to be allowed within 150 kilometers
of the Rhine or the eastern or southern frontiers, existing installations within these
limits to be destroyed.
The manufacture of aircraft and parts of aireraft is forbidden for six months.
All military and naval aeronautical material under a most exhaustive definition must
be surrendered within three months, except for the 100 seaplanes already specified.
Prisoners of War—The repatriation of German prisoners and interned civilians
is to be carried out without delay and at Germany's expense by a commission com¬
posed of representatives of the allies in Germany. Those under sentence for offenses
against discipline are to b« repatriated without regard to the completion of their
sentence.
Until Germany has surrendered persons guilty of offenses against the laws and
customs of war, the allies have the right to retain selected German officers.
The allies may deal at their own discretion with German nationals who do not
desire to be repatriated, all repatriation being conditional on the immediate release
of any allied subjects still in Germany.
Germany is to accord facilities to commission of inquiry in collecting information
in regard to missing prisoners of war and of imposing penalties on. German officials
who have concealed^allied nationals.
Germany is to restore all property belonging to allied prisoners. There is to ba
a reciprocal exchange of information as to dead prisoners and their graves.
Graves—Both parties will respect and maintain the graves of soldiers and sailors
buried on their territories, agree to recognize and assist any commission charged by any
allied or associate government with identifying, registering, maintaining, or erecting
suitable monuments over the graves, and to afford to each other all facilities for the
repatriation of the remains of their soldiers.
492
THE TREATY OF PEACE
Trial of Wilhelm
Responsibilities—The allied and associated powers publicly arraign William Sec¬
ond of Hohenzollern, formerly German emporer, not for an offense against criminal
law, but for a supreme offense against international morality and the sanctity of
treaties.
The ex-emperor's surrender is to be requested of Holland and a special tribunal
set up composed of one judge from each of the five great powers. With full guarantees
of the right of defense, it is to be guided by the highest of international policy with
a view of vindicating the solemn obligations of international undertakings and the
validity of international morality, and will fix the punishment it feels should be
imposed.
Persons accused, of having committed acts in violation of the laws and euBtoms
of war are to be tried and punished by military tribunals under military law. If the
charges affect nationals of only one state they will be tried before the tribunal of
that Btate; if they affect nationals of several states, they will be tried before joint
tribunals of the states concerned.
Germany shall hand over to the associated governments, either jointly or severally,
all persons so accused and all documents and information necessary to insure full
knowledge of the incriminating acts, the discovery of the offenders, and the just
appreciation of the responsibility.
The judge (probably error for accused) will be entitled to name his own counsel.
Separations
SECTION vn
Separations—The allied and associated goverments affirm, and Germany accepts,
the responsibility of herself and her allies for causing all the loss and damage to
which the allied and associated governments and their nationals have been subjected
as a consequence of the war imposed upon them by the aggression of Germany and
her allies.
While the allied and associated government^ recognize that the resources of
Germany are not adequate after taking into account permanent diminutions of sueh
resources which will Tesult from other treaty claims, to make complete reparation
for all such loss and damage, they require her to make compensation for all damages
caused to civilians under seven main categories:
A—Damages by personal injury to civilians caused by acta of war, directly or indi¬
rectly, including bombardments from the air.
B-—Damages caused to civilians, including exposure at sea, resulting from acts of
crnelty ordered by the enemy and to civilians in the occupied territories.
C—Damages caused by maltreatment of prisoners.
D Damages to the allied peoples represented by pensions and separation allowances,
capitalized at the signature* of this treaty.
E—Damages to property other than naval or military materials.
T—Damages to civilians by being forced to labor.
G—Damages in the form of levies or fines imposed by the enemy.
Germany further binds herself to repay all sums borrowed by Belgium from her
allies as a result of Germany's violation of the treaty of 1839 up to Nov. 11, 1918, and
for this purpose will issue at once and hand over to the reparation commission 5 per
cent gold bonds falling due in 1926.
The total obligation of Germany to pay as defined in the category of damages
is to be determined and notified to her after a fair hearing and not later than May 1,
1921, by an interallied reparation commission.
At the same time a schedule of payments to discharge the obligation within thirty
years shall be presented. These payments are subject to postponement in certain con¬
tingencies.
Germany irrevocably recognizes the full authority of this commission, agrees to
supply it with all the necessary information and to pass legislation to effectuate its
findings. She further agrees to restore to the allies cash and certain articles which
ean be identified.
493
THE TREATY OF PEACE
As an immediate step toward restoration Germany shall pay within two years
one thousand million pounds sterling ($5,000,000,000), in either gold, goods, ships, or
other specific forms of payment, this sum being included in and not additional to first
thousand million bond issue referred to below, with the understanding that certain
expenses, such as those of the armies of occupation and payments for food and raw
materials, may be deducted at the discretion of the allies.
In periodically estimating Germany's capacity to pay, the reparation commission
shall examine the German system of taxation, to the end that the sums for reparation
which Germany is required to pay- shall become a charge upon all her revenues, prior
to that for the service or discharge of any domestic loan, and secondly, so as to satisfy
itself that, in general, the German seheme of taxation is fully as heavy proportionately
as that of. any of the powers represented on the commission.
The measures which the allied and associated powers shall have the right to take,
in case of voluntary default by Germany and which Germany agrees not to regard as
aets of war, may include economic and financial prohibitions and reprisals and in
general such other measures as the respective governments may determine to be neces¬
sary in the circumstances.
The commission shall consist of one representative eaeh of the United States, Great
Britain, France, Italy and Belgium, a representative of Serbia or Japan taking the
place of the Belgian representative when the interests of either country are particularly
affected, with all other allied powers entitled when their claims are under considera¬
tion to the right of representation without voting power. It shall permit Germany
to give evidence regarding her capacity to pay and shall assure a just opportunity
to be heard.
It shall make its headquarters at Paris, establish its own procedure and personnel,
have general control of the whole reparation problem, and become the exclusive agency of
the allies for receiving, holding, selling, and distributing.reparation payments.
Majority vote shall prevail except that unanimity, is required on questions involv¬
ing the sovereignty of any of the allies, the cancellation of all or part of Germany's
obligations, the time and manner of selling, distributing, and negotiating bonds issued
by Germany, any postponement between 1921 and 1926 of annual payments beyond
1930, and any postponment after 1926 for a period of more than three years of the
application of a different method of measuring damage than in a similar form or case
and the interpretation of provisions.
Withdrawal from representation on the commission is permitted upon twelve months'
notice. The commission may require Germany to give from time to time, by way of
guarantee, issues of bonds or other obligations to cover such claims as are not other¬
wise satisfied.
In this connection and on account of the total amount of claims, bond issues are
presently to be required of Germany in acknowledgment of its debt as follows:
One thousand million pounds sterling ($5,000,000,000) payable not later than May 1,
1921, without interest; $10,000,000,000, bearing 2%. per cent interest between 1921 and
1926, and thereafter 5 per cent, with a 1 per cent sinking fund payment beginning
in 1926, and an undertaking to deliver bonds to an additional amount of $10,000,000,000,
bearing interest at 5 per cent.
Under terms to be fixed by the commission, interest on Germany's debt will be
5 per cent, unless otherwise determined by the commission in the future, and pay¬
ments that are not made in gold may be accepted by the commission in the form of
properties, commodities, businesses, rights, concessions, etc.
Certificates of beneficial interest, representing either bonds or goods delivered by
Germany may be issued by the commission to the interested powers. As bonds are
distributed and pass from the control of the commission an amount of Germany's debt
equivalent to their par value is to be considered as« liquidated.
494
THE TREATY OF PEACE
Shipping—The German government recognizes the right of the allies to the replace¬
ment, ton for ton and class for class, of all merchant ships and fishing boats lost
or damaged owing to the war, and agrees to cede to the allies all German merchant
ships of 1,600 tons gross and upwards, one-half of her ships between 1,000 and 1,600
tons gross, and one-quarter of her steam trawlers and other fishing boats- These ships
are to be delivered within two months to the reparation commission, together with
documents of title evidencing the transfer of the ships free from incumbrance.
"As an additional part of reparation" the German government further agrees
to build merchant ships for the account of the allies to the amount of not exceeding
200,000 tons gross annually during the next five years.
All ships used for inland navigation taken by Germany from the allies are to be
restored within two months, the amount of loss not covered by such restitution to be
made, up by the eesaion of the German river fleet up to 20 per cent thereof.
Devastated Areas
SECTION Yin
Devastated areas—Germany undertakes to devote her economic resources directly
to the physical restoration of the invaded areas. The reparation commission is authorized
to require Germany to replace the destroyed articles by the delivery of animals,
machinery, etc., existing in Germany and to manufacture materials required for recon¬
struction purposes, with due consideration for Germany's essential domestic require¬
ments.
Coal, etc.—Germany is to deliver annually for ten years to France coal equivalent
to the difference between annual pre-war output of Nord and Pas de Calais mines and
annual production during above ten years. Germany, further, gives options over ten
years for delivery of 7,000,000 tons coal per year to France, in addition to the above;
of 8,000,000 tons to Belgium, and of an amount rising from 4,500,000 tons in 1919
to 1920 to 8,500,000 tons in 1923 to 1924 to Italy at prices to be fixed as prescribed in
the treaty. Coke may be taken in place of coal in ratio of three tons to four. Pro¬
vision is also made for delivery to France over three years of benzol, coal tar, and
sulphate of ammonia. The commission has powers to postpone or annul the above
deliveries should they interfere unduly with industrial requirements of Germany.
Dyestufls—Germany accords option to the commission on dyestuffs and chemical
drugs, including quinine, up to 50 per cent of total stock in Germany at the time
the treaty comes in foree and similar options during each six months to end of 1924 up
to 25 per cent of previous six months' output.
Cables—Germany renounces all title to specified cables, value of such as were
privately owned being credited to her against reparation indebtedness.
Special provisions—As reparation for the destruction of the library of Lou vain,
Germany is to hand over manuscripts, early printed books, prints, etc., to be equivalent
to those destroyed.
In addition to the above, Germany is to hand over to Belgium wings now at Berlin
belonging to the altar piece of the "Adoration of the Lamb," by Hubert and Jan Van
Eyck, the center of which is now in the church of St. Bavo at Ghent, and the wings
now at Berlin and Munich, of the altar piece of "Last Supper," by Dirk Bouts, the
center of which belongs to the church of St. Peter at Louvain.
Germany is to restore within six months the koran of the Caliph Ottman, formerly
at Medina to the king of the Hedjaz, and the skull of the Sultan Mkwawa, formerly
in German East Africa, to His Britannic Majesty's government/
Pre-War Debts
SECTION IX
Finance—Powers to which German territory is ceded will assume a certain por¬
tion of the German pre-war debt, the amount to be fixed by the reparations commission
on the basis of the ratio between the revenue of the ceded territory and Germany's
total revenues for the three years preceding the war.
495
THE TREATY OF PEACE
In view, however, of the special circumstances under which Alsace-Lorraine was
separated from France in 1871, when Germany refused to accept any part of the French
public debt, France will not assume any part of Germany's pre-war debt there, ner will
Poland share in certain German debts incurred for the oppression of Poland.
If the value of the German public property in ceded territory exceeds the amount
of debt assumed, the states to which property is eeded give credit on reparation for
the excess, with the exception of Alsace-Lorraine.
Mandatory powers will not assume any German debts or give any credit for Ger¬
man government property.
Germany renounces all right of representation on, or control of, state banks, com¬
missions, or other similar international financial and eeonomie organizations.
Must Pay For Occupation
Germany is required to pay for the total cost of the armies of occupation from the
date of the armistice as long as they are maintained in German territory, this cost
to be the first charge on her resources. The cost of reparation is the next charge,
after making such provisions for payments for imports as the allies may deem neces¬
sary.
Germany is to deliver to the allied and associated powers all sums deposited in
Germany by Turkey and Austria-Hungary in connection with the financial support
extended by her to them during the war, and to transfer to the allies all clairpa against
Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria or Turkey in connection with agreements made during the
war.
Germany confirms the renunciation of the treaties of Bucharest and Brest-Litovsk.
On the request of the reparations commission, Germany will expropriate any
right, rights or interests of her nationals in public utilities in ceded territories or those
administered by mandatories, and in Turkey, China, Russia, Austria-Hungary, and Bul¬
garia, and transfer thpm to the reparations commission, which will credit her with
their value.
Germany guarantees to repay to Brazil the fund arising from tlje sal© of Sao Paulo
coffee which she refused to allow Brazil to withdraw from Germany.
JJconomic Clauses
SECTION X
Customs—For a period qf six months Germany shall impose no tariff duties
higher than the lowest in force in 1914, and for certain agricultural products, wines,
vegetables, oils, artificial silk, and washed or scoured wool this restriction obtains for
two aad a half years, or for five years unless further extended by the league of nations.
Germany must give most favored nation treatment to the allied and associated
powers. She shall impose no customs tariff for five years on goods originating in
Al"sace-Lorraine and for three years on goods originating in former German territory
ceded to Poland with the right of observation of a similar exception for Luxemburg.
Shipping—Ships of the allied and associated powers shall for five years, and
thereafter under condition of reciprocity, unless the league of nations otherwise
decides, eujoy the same rights in Gerpian ports as German vessels and haye most favored
nation treatment in fishing, coasting trade, and towage even in territorial waters.
Ships of a country having no pea coast may be registered at some onq place within
its territory.
Unfair competition—Germany undertakes to give the trade of the allied and
associated powers adeguate safeguards against unfair competition and in particular
to suppress the use of false wrappings and markings and on condition of reciprocity to
respect the laws and judicial decisions of allied and associated states, in respect of
regional appellations of wines and spirits.
Treatment of Nationals—Germany shall impose no exceptional taxes or restric¬
tion upon the nationals of the al)ied and associated states for a period of five years
and unless the league of nations acts for an additional five years, German nationalitv
shall not continue to attach to a person who has become a national of an allied or
associated state.
496
THE TREATY OF PEACE
Conventions—Some forty multilateral conventions are renewed between Germany
and the allied and associated powers, but special conditions are attached to Ger¬
many's readmission to several.
^ As to postal and telegraphic conventions Germany must not refuse to make
reciprocal agreements with the new states. She must agree as respects the radio-
telegraphic convention to provisional rules to be communicated to it and adheres to
the new convention when formulated.
In the North sea fisheries and North sea liquor traffic convention, rights of
inspection and police over associated fishing boats shall be exercised for at least
live years only by vessels of these powers. As to the international railway union Ger¬
many shall adhere to the new convention when formulated.
As to th© Chinese customs tariff arrangement, the arrangements of 1905 regard¬
ing Whangpoo and the Boxer indemnity of 1901; France, Portugal, and Roumania,
as to the Hague convention of 1903 relating to civil procedure; and Great Britain and
the United States, as to article 3 of the Samoan treaty of 1899, are relieved of all
obligation toward Germany.
Each allied and associated state may renew any treaty with Germany insofar
as consistent with the peace treaty by giving notice within six months. Treaties
entered into by Germany since Aug. 1, 1914, with other enemy states and before or
pince that date with Roumania, Russia, and governments representing parts of Russia
are abrogated and any concession granted under pressure by Russia to German sub¬
jects annulled.
The allied and associated states are to enjoy most favored nation treatment under
treaties entered into by Germany and other enemy states before Aug. 1, 1914, and
under treaties entered inta by Germany and neutral states during the war.
Pre-War Debts—A system of clearing houses is to be created within three months,
one in Germany and one in each allied and associated state which adopts the plan for
the payment of pre-war debts, including those arising from contracts suspended
by the war, for the adjustment of the proceeds of the liquidation of enemy property and
the settlement of other obligations.
Each participating state assumes responsibility for the payment of all debts owing
by its nationals to nationals of the enemy states except in cases of pre-war insolvency
of the debtor.
The proceeds of the sale of private enemy property in each participating state
may be used to pay the debts owed to the nationals of that state, direct payment
from debtor to creditor and all communications relating thereto being prohibited.
Disputes may be settled by arbitration by the courts of the debtor country or
by the mixed arbitral tribunal. Any ally or associated power may, however, decline
to participate in this system by giving Germany six months' notice.
Enemjr Property—Germany shall restore or pay for all private enemy property
seized or damaged by her, the amount of damages to be fixed by the mixed arbitral
tribunal. The qllied and associated states may liquidate German private property
within their territories as compensation for property of their nationals not restored or
paid for by Germany, for debts owed to their nationals by German nationals, and for
other claims against Germany.
Germany is to compensate its nationals for such losses and to deliver within
six months all documents relating to property held by its nationals in allied and
associated states.
All war legislation as to enemy property rights and interests is confirmed and
all claims by Germany against the allied or associated governments for acts under
exceptional war measures abandoned.
Contracts—Pre-war contracts between allied and associated nationals, excepting
the United States, Japan, and Brazil, and German nationals are cancelled, except for
debts for accounts already performed, agreements for the transfer of property where
the property had already passed, leases of land and houses, contracts^ of mortgage,
pledge of lien, mining concessions, contracts with governments, and insurance eon-
tracts.
497
THE TREATY OF PEACE
Mixed arbitral tribunals shall be established, of three members, one choosen by
Germany, one by the associated states, and the third by agreement, or, failing "which,
by the president of Switzerland. They shall have jurisdiction over all disputes as to
contracts concluded before the present peace treaty.
Fire insurance contracts are not considered dissolved by the "war, even if pre¬
miums have not been paid, but lapse at the date of the first annual premium, falling
due three months after the peaee.
Life insurance contracts may be restored by payments of accumulated premiums
with the interest, sums falling due on such contracts during the war to be recoverable
with interest. Marine insurance contracts are dissolved by the outbreak of war, except
where the risk insured against had already been incurred.
Where the risk had not attached, premiums paid are recoverable; otherwise, premiums
due and sums due on losses are recoverable. Keinsurance treaties are abrogated unless
invasion had made it impossible for the reinsured to find another reinsurer.
Any allied or associated power, however, may cancel all the contracts running
between its nations and a German life insurance company, the latter being obligated,
to hand over the proportion of its assets attributable to such policies.
Industrial Property—Eights as to industrial, literary and artistic property are
re-established, the special war measures of the allied and associated powers are
ratified and the right reserved to impose conditions on the use of German patents
and copyrights when in the public interest. Except as between the United States
and Germany, pre-war licenses and rights to sue for infringements committed during
the war are cancelled.
Opium—The contracting powers agree, whether or not they have signed and
ratified the opium convention of. Jan. 23, 1912, or signed the special protocol opened
at the Hague in accordance with resolutions adopted by the third opium conference
in 1914, to bring the said convention into force by enacting within twelve months of
the peace the necessary legislation.
Religious Missions—The allied and associated powers agree that the properties
of religious missions in territories belonging or ceded to them shall continue in their
work under the control of the powers, Germany renouncing all claims in their behalf.
Air Control
SECTION XI
Aerial Navigation—Aircraft of the allied and associated powers shall have full
liberty of passage and landing over and in German territory, equal treatment with Ger¬
man planes as to use of German airdromes, and with most favored nation planes
as to internal commercial traffic in Germany.
Germany agrees to accept allied certificates of, nationality, airworthiness or com¬
petency or licenses and to apply the convention relative to aerial navigation concluded
between the allied and associated powers to her own aircraft over her own territory.
These rules apply until 1923 unless Germany has since been'admitted to the league
of nations or to the above convention.
Freedom of transit—Germany must grant freedom of transit through her territories
by rail or water to persons, goods, ships,, carriages, and mails from or to any of the
allied or associated powers, without customs or transit duties, undue delays, restric¬
tions, or discriminations based on nationality, means of transport, or place of entry or
departure*
^Goods in transit shall be assured all possible speed of journey, especially perishable
Germany may^not^ divert traffic from its normal course in favor of her own trans¬
port routes or maintain '' control stations "in connection with trans-migration traffic.
She may not establish any tax discrimination against the ports of allied or associated
powers; must grant the latter's seaports all factors and reduced tariffs granted her
own or other nationals, and afford the allied and associated powers equal rights with
408
THE TREATY OF PEACE
thoBe of her own nationals in her ports and waterways, save that she is free to open
or close her maritime coasting trade.
Free zones In ports—Free zones existing1 in German ports on Aug. 1, 1914, must
be maintained with due facilities as to warehouses and packing, without discrimina¬
tion and without charges except for expenses of administration and use. Goods leaving
the free zones for consumption in Germany and goods brought into the free zones
from Germany shall be subject to the ordinary import and export taxes.
German Rivers Open To All
SECTION XII
International Rivers—The Elbe from the junction of the Vltava, the Vltava from
Prague, the Oder from Oppa, the Niemen from Grodno, and the Danube from Ulm are
declared international together with their connections. The riparian states must ensure
good conditions ef navigation within their territories unless a special organization exists
therefor. Otherwise appeal may be had to a special tribunal of the league of nations,
which also may arrange for a general international waterways convention.
The Elbe and the Oder are to be placed under international commissions to meet
within three months, that for the Elbe composed of four representatives of Germany,
two from Czecho-Slovakia, and one each from Great Britain, France, Italy, and Bel¬
gium, and that for the Oder composed of one each from Poland, Russia, Czecho-Slovakia,
Great Britain, France, Denmark and Sweden.
If any riparian state on the Niemen should so request of the league of nations
a similar commission shall be established there. These commissions shall, upon request
of any riparian state, meet within three months to revise existing international agree¬
ment.
The Danube—The European Danube commission reassumes its pre-war powers, for
the time being, with representatives of only Great Britain, Italy and Roumania. The
upper Danube is to be administered by a new international commission until a definitive
state be drawn up at a conference of the powers nominated by the allied and associated
governments within one year after the peace.
The enemy governments shall make full reparations for all war damages caused
to the European commission; shall cede their river facilities in surrendered territory,
and give Czecho-Slovakia, Serbia and Roumania any rights necessary on their shores
for carrying out improvements in navigation.
Rhine and Moselle—The Rhine is placed under the central commission to meet
at Strasbourg within six months after the peace and to be composed of four repre¬
sentatives of France, which shall in addition select the president; four of Germany,
and two each of Great Britain, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
Germany must give France on the course of the Rhine included between the
two extreme points of her frontiers all rights to take water to feed canals, while her¬
self agreeing not to make canals on the right bank opposite France. She must also
hand over to France all her drafts and designs for this part of the river.
Belgium is be permitted to build a deep draft Rhine-Meuse canal if she so desires
within twenty-five years, in which case Germany must construct the part within her
territory on plans drawn by Belgium; similarly, the interested allied governments may
construct a Rhine-Meuse canal, both, if constructed, to come under the competent inter¬
national commission.
Germany may not object i£ the central Rhine commission desires to extend its
jurisdiction over the lower Moselle, the upper Rhine, or lateral canals.
Germany must cede to the allied and associated governments certain tugs, vessels,
and facilities for navigation on all these rivers, the specific details to be established
by an arbiter named by the United States. Decision will be based on the legitimate
needs of the parties concerned and on the shipping traffic during the five years before
the war. The value will be included in the regular reparation account. In the case,
of the Rhine shares in the German navigation companies and property sueh as wharves
499
THE TREATY OF PEACE
and warehouses held by Germany in Rotterdam at the outbreak of war must be handed
over.
Bailways Germany, in addition to most favored nation treatment on her railways,
agrees to co-operate in the establishment of through ticket services for passengers and
baggage; to' ensure communication by rail between the allied, associated and other
states; to allow the construction or improvement withiil twenty-five years of such
lines as necessary, and to conform her rolling stock to enable its incorporation in
trains of the allied or associated powers.
She also agrees to accept the denunciation of the St. Gothard convention if Switzer-.
land and Italy so requeBt, and temporarily to execute instructions as to the transport
of troops and supplies and the establishment of postal and telegraphic service, as
provided.
Czecho-Slovakia—To assure Czecho-Slovakia access to the sea, special rights are
given her both north and south. Towards the Adriatic, she is permitted to run her
own through trains to Fiume and Trieste. To the north, Germany is to lease her for
ninety-nine years spaces in Hamburg and Stettin, the details to be worked out by a
commission of three representing Czecho-Slovakia, Germany, and Great Britain.
The Kiel canal—The Kiel canal is to remain free and open to war and merchant
ships of all nations at peace with Germany. Goods and ships of all states are to be
treated on terms of absolute equality, and no taxes to be imposed beyond those neees-
sary for upkeep and improvement for which Germany is responsible.
In case of violation of or disagreement as to these provisions, any state may
appeal to the league of nations, and may demand the appointment of an international
commission. For preliminary hearing of complaints Germany shall establish a local
authority at Kiel.
Aid for Labor
SECTION XIII
Members of the league of nations agree to establish a permanent organization to
promote international adjustment of labor conditions, to consist of an annual interna¬
tional labor conference and an international labor office.
The former is composed of four representatives of each state, two from the
government and one each from the employers and the employed; each of them may
vote individually. It will be a deliberative, legislative body, its measures taking the
form of draft conventions or recommendations for legislation, which, if passed by
two-thirds vote, must be submitted to the law-making authority in every state
participating.
Each government may either enact the terms into law; approve the principle, but
modify them to local needs; leave the actual legislation, in case of a federal state, to
local legislatures, or reject the convention altogether, without further obligation.
The international labor office is established at the seat of the league of nations, as
part of its organization. It is to collect and distribute information on labor throughout
the world and prepare agenda for the conference. It will publish a periodical in
French and English, and possibly other languages.
Each state agrees to make to it, for presentation to the conference, an annual report
of measures taken to execute accepted conventions; the governing body is its executive.
It consists of twenty-four members, twelve representing the governments, six the
employers, and six the employes, to serve for three years.
On complaint that any government 'has failed to carry out a convention to which it
is a party, the governing body may make inquiries directly to that government, and, in
case the reply is unsatisfactory, may publish the complaint with comment.
A complaint by one government against another may be referred by the governing
body to a commission of inquiry nominated by the secretary general of the league.
If the commission report fails to bring satisfactory action, the matter may be
taken to a permanent court of international justice for final decision. The chief
reliance for securing enforcement of the law will be publicity, with a possibility of
economic action in the background.
500
TEE TREATY OF PEACE
®rst meeting of the conference will take place in October, 1919, at Washington,
to discuss the eight hour day, or forty-eight hour week; prevention of unemployment;
extension and- application of the international conventions adopted at Berne in 1906,
prohibiting night work for women and the use of white phosphorus in the manufacture
ef matches; and employment of women and children at night or in unhealthy work,
ef women before and after childbirth, including maternity benefit, and of children as
regards minimum age.
Nine principles of labor conditions we recognize on the ground that "the well
being, physical and moral, of the industrial wage earners is of supreme international
importance." With exceptions necessitated by differences of climate, habits, and
economic development, they include: The guiding principle that labor should not be
regarded merely as a commodity or article of commerce; right of association of
employers and employes; a wage adequate to maintain a reasonable standard of life;
the eight hour day, or forty-eight hour week; a weekly rest of at least twenty-feur
hours, which should include Sunday wherever practicable; abolition of child labor and
assurance of the continuation of the education and proper physical development of
children; equal pay for equal work as between men and women; equitable treatment of
all workers lawfully resident therein, including foreigners, and a system of inspection
in which women should take part.
Safeguards and Guarantees
SECTION XIV
Guarantee—Western Europe. As. a guarantee for the execution of the treaty, German
territory to the west of the Bhine, together with the bridgeheads, will be occupied
by allied and associated troops for fifteen years.
If the conditions are faithfully carried out by Germany certain districts, including
the bridgehead of Cologne, will be evacuated at the expiration of five years; certain
other districts, including the bridgehead of Coblenz, and the territories nearest the
Belgian frontier, will be evacuated after ten years, and the remainder, including the
bridgehead of Mainz, will be evacuated after fifteen years.
In case the interallied reparation commission finds that Germany has failed to
observe the whole or part of her obligation, either during the occupation or after the
fifteen years have expired, the whole or part of the areas specified will be reoccupied
immediately. If before the expiration of the fifteen years Germany complies with
all the treaty undertakings, the occupying forces will be withdrawn immediately.
Eastern Europe—All German troops at present in territories to the east of the
new frontier shall return as soon as the allied and associated governments deem wise.
They are to abstain from all requisitions and are in no way to interfere with measures
for national defense taken by the government concerned.
All questions regarding occupation not provided for by the treaty will be regulated
by a subsequent convention or convention which will have similar force and effect.
No Counter-Claims Allowed
SECTION XV
Miscellaneous—Germany agrees to recognize the full validity of the treaties of
peace and additional conventions to be concluded by the allied and associated powers
with the powers allied with Germany; to agree to the decisions to be taken as to the
territories of Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria, and Turkey, and to recognize the new states
in the frontiers to be fixed for them. _
Germany agrees not to put forward any pecuniary claims against any allied or
associated power signing the present treaty based on events previous to the coming
into force of the treaty.
Germany accepts all decrees as to German ships and goods made by any allied or
associated prize court. The allies reserve the right to examine all decisions of Ger¬
man prize courts. The present treaty, of which the French and British texts are both
authentic, shall be ratified and the depositions of ratifications made in Paris as soon
as possible. The treaty is to become effective in all respects for each power on the
date of deposition of its ratification.
Map of Central Europe, Showing the Territorial Effects of tKe Peace
See Key on Opposite Page.
CHANGES IN MAP OF EUROPE
Key to Map on Opposite Page
^ okmaet made in the map of Central Europe 6y the term of the Treaty of Peace handed to tin
&7flJ^i4%aateL?Jraoiae' °* 7' 191*> «? •>*«» on ** opposite paZ i»sS£
*» a territorial or geographic sense, are fSee corresponding figures and .letters in the map):
| Alsac^Lorraine, the territories which were -j q Posen must be ceded to Poland.
- • wrenched from France m 1871, are restored
to the republic. The French in the lost prov- « A The mentor n**t nt nt^Ai. an0„?<>
incea now regained are repatriated, ancf the 14. ^topSSl ^
Germans there may become French citizens, if _-w m, . .• ^ ,
- ^ f'JS The prewmt border between Germany iad
Bohemia is to remain unchanged.
"I Germany mtist recognize the independence
' of the Hew nation of Czecho-SlovaMd.-
Access to the sea must be provided by railroads
to the Adriatic at Flume and Triesrt, and in the
north Germany must lease spaces in Hamburg
and. Stettin.
n Germany must recognize tjhe independence
• of German Austria.
they so desire, by naturalization after three
years. The public debt is cancelled.
o The Saar valley will pass into the hands of .
the French, together with the output of the
mines. After fifteen years the people of the .
district will vote whether they shall retiaaiji '
under French control, under the guidance of
the league of nations, or return to Germany. ;
This voting will be open to all inhabitants over »
20 years of age. , f.
3 • Germany must renounce all treaties with m
19.
The Ruthenians in Hungary are to be
recognized as independent.
The entire Russian boundary {must be
restored ta the lines of the old Russian
empire. The treaties of Brest-Litovsk and other
treaties with tile Russian soviet government are-
abrogated.
oa Germany must accept- any arrangement
the allies make with Bulgaria,
o-j The Germans must accept any arrange-
. * * • merit the allies make with Turkey.
Luxembourg and must give up the German
control of the railways and other facilities in
the grand duchy. The duchy is considered to
have ceased to have been part of the German
Zollverein from Jan. 1,1919.
A Germany must* recognize the sovereignty of
Belgium over the contested territory of
Morenet, and must cede all rights to the districts
of Halmedy and Eupen. The people in six
months may protest, if they wish to, this change.
The districts affected comprise 882 square miles.
e Germany must create a neutral zone thirty ' 1
,in ^ The rivers running through the old Germany
bridgeheads will be occupied fifteen Tears. - and Aastria.Hangai® are ^ internationalized
6 Helgoland, the island fortress, is to be dis- an(j largely controlled by representatives of the
• mantled at German expense and by German* aUies:
labor. .
7 The frontier between Germany Mid Den- - J\,
• mark will be decided by a plebiscite. The
people of Schleswig-Holstein will decide under ,
the right of self-determination.
8 Danzig and the immediate vicinity will be a '
• free port, giving Poland an outlet to the
The Rhine will be internationalized on the
whole of its navigable course.
The Kiel canal, base of the German fleet,
is to be opened to the ships of the world.
The Elbe river from the juncture of the
Vltava to its mouth is to be alternation-
> W J/Wl V| + V*M1*1U "*** »v • I j
•ea. It will be protected by the league of , -alized.
nations. , T~\ The Vltava as far up as Prague is to be
h The territory around Memel must be given * XJ' internationalized, giving the city an outlet
*?• tit> t>in alliA9 who will decide on its to the sea.
up to the allies, who will decide on its
destination.
•f a The boundaries of southern and eastern
Prussia will be decided by a vote of the
people. The German troops must move out
within fifteen days after peace is signed.
n Germany must recognize the independence
* of the new Poland.
■j « The portion of West Prussia on the left
bank of. the Vistula must be ceded to
Poland.
E.
The internationalization of the Oder will
be between Oppa and the. mouth of the
stream.
P The Niemen river must be opened to the
vessels of the world as far up as Grodno.
The entire course of the Danube from
to the Black sea is internationalized.
G. The entire course of the Danube from Ulm
HThe Moselle river is placed under the
• same international river Control commis¬
sion as the Rhine.
CHANGES IN THE PEACE TREATY
The changes in the treaty of peace agreed upon by the Allies
and promulgated June 16, 1919, when the revised treaty was handed
to the Germans, included the following1:
1. A plebiscite for Upper Silesia, with guarantees of coal from that territory.
2. Frontier rectifications in West Prussia.
3. Omission of the third zone in the Schleswig plebiscite.
4. Temporary increase of the German army from 100,000 to 200,000 men.
5. Declaration of the intention to submit within a month of signature & list
of those accused of violation of the laws and customs of war.
6. Offer to co-operate with a German, commission on reparations, and to
receive suggestions for discharging the obligation.
7. Certain detailed modifications in the finance, economic, ahd ports and
waterways clauses, including abolition of the proposed Kiel canal commission.
8. Assurance of membership in the League of Nations in the early future, if
Germany fulfills her obligations.
After the German national assembly at Weimar had voted in
favor of signing the treaty of peace, Sunday, June 22, 1919, and
the Scheidemann government had been replaced by a cabinet headed
by Herr Bauer, a new set of plenipotentiaries was named to sign
on behalf of Germany, and the treaty Was finally signed by the
representatives of the Allied powers and Germany, at Versailles,
Saturday, June 28, 1919.
The Germans delegated by the Bauer government to sign the
treaty were: Dr. Herman Mueller, foreign minister; Dr. Bell, min¬
ister of colonies; Herr Leinert, and Herr Giesberts. With their sig¬
natures came the conclusion of peace—the official end of the great
World War.
504
CHRONOLOGY OP THE WORLD WAR
Dates of Important Battles, Naval Engagements, and Principal
Events of the War from 1914 to the Signing of the Peace Treaty
•n June, 1919. *
1914
June 28—-Archduke Ferdinand and wife assassinated in Sarajevo, Bosnia.
July 28—Austria-Hungary declares war on Serbia.
August 1—Germany declares -war on Bussia and general mobilization is
imder way in France and Austria-Hungary. Aug. 2—German troops enter
France at Cirey; Bussian troops enter Germany at Schwidden; German army
enters Luxemburg over protest, and Germany asks Belgium for free passage of
her troops. Aug. 3—British fleet mobilizes; Belgium appeals to Great Britain
for diplomatic aid and German ambassador quits Paris.
Aug. 4—France declares war on Germany; Germany declares war on Bel¬
gium; Great Britain sends Belgium neutrality ultimatum to Germany; British
army mobilized and state of war between Great Britain and Germany is declared.
President Wilson issues neutrality proclamation. Aug. 5—Germans begin
fighting on Belgium frontier; Germany asks for Italy's help. Aug. 6—Austria
declares war on Bussia. Aug. 7—Germans defeated by French at Altkirch.
Aug. 0—Germans capture Liege. Portugal announces it will support Great
Britain; British land troops in France. Aug. 10—France declares war on
Austria-Hungary.
Aug. 12—Great Britain declares war on Austria-Hungary; Montenegro
declares war on Germany. Aug. 15—Japan Bends ultimatum to Germany to
withdraw from Japanese and Chinese waters and evacuate Kiao-chow; Bussia
offers autonomy to Poland. Aug. 20—German army enters Brussels. Aug. 23—
Japan declares war on Germany; Bussia victorious in battles in East Prussia.
Aug. 24-—Japanese warships bombard Tsingtao. Aug. 25—Japan and Austria
break off diplomatic relations. Aug. 28—English win naval battle over German
fleet near Helgoland. Aug. 29—Germans defeat Bussians at Allenstein; occupy
Amiens; advance to La Fere, sixty-five miles from Paris.
September 1—Germans cross Marne; bombs dropped on Paris; Turkish
army mobilized; Zeppelins drop bombs on Antwerp. Sept. 2—Government of
Franee transferred to Bordeaux; Bussians capture Lemberj*. Sept. 4—Germans
cross the Marne. Sept. 5—England, France, and Bussia sign pact to make no
separate peace. Sept. 6—French win battle of Marne; British cruiser Path¬
finder sunk in North sea by a German submarine. Sept. 7—Germans retreat
from the Marne. Sept. 14—Battle of Aisne starts; German retreat halted.
Sept. 16—First battle of Soissons fought. Sept. 20—Bussians capture Jaroslau
and begin siege of PrzemysL
October 9-10—Germans capture Antwerp, Oct. 12—Germans take Ghent.
Oct. 20—Fighting along Yser river begins. Oct. 29—Turkey begins war on
Bussia.
November 7-^-Tsingtro falls before Japanese troops. Nov. 9—German
cruiser Emden destroyed.
December 11—German advance on Warsaw checked. Dec. 14—Belgrade
recaptured by Serbiaus. Pgc« 16""—German cruisers bombard Scarborough,
Hartlepool, and Whitby, on English coast, killing fifty or more persons; Aus-
trians said to have lost upwards of 100,000 men in Serbian defeat. Dec. 25
—Italy occupies Arlona, Albania.
909
CHRONOLOGY OF THE WORLD WAR
1916
January 1—British battleship Formidable sunk. Jan. 8—Boumania mobi¬
lizes 750,000 men; violent fighting in the Argonne. Jan. 11—Germans croe»
the Eawka, thirty miles from Warsaw. Jan. 24—British win naval battle in
North sea. Jan. 29—Russian army invades Hungary; German efforts to cross
Aisne repulsed.
February 1—British repel strong German attack near La Bassee. Feb. 2
—Turks are defeated in attack on Suez canal. Feb. 4— Eussians capture
Tarnow in Galicia. Feb. 8—Turks along Suez canal in full retreat; Turkish
land defenses at the Dardanelles shelled by British torpedo boats. Feb. 11—
Germans evacuate Lodz. Feb. 12—Germans drive Eussians from positions in
East Prussia, taking 26,000 prisoners. Feb. 14—Eussians report capture of
fortifications at Smolnik. Feb. 18—Germans capture Plock and Bielsk in
Poland; French capture two miles of German trenches in Champagne district.
February 17—Germans report they have taken 50,000 Eussian prisoners in
Mazurian lake district. Feb. 18—German blockade of English and French
coasts put into effect; Feb. 19-20—British and French fleets bombard Dar¬
danelles forts. Feb. 21—American steamer Evelyn sunk by mine in North sea.
Feb. 22—German war office announces capture of 100,000 Eussian prisoners
in engagements in Mazurian lake region; American steamer Carib sunk
by mine in North sea. Feb. 28—Dardanelles entrance forts capitulate to
English and French.
Maxell 4—Landing of allied troops on both sides of Dardanelles straits
reported; German U-4 sunk by French destroyers. March. 10—Battle-of Neuve
Chapelle begins. March 14—^German cruiser Dresden sunk in Pacific by English.
March 18—British battleships Irresistible and Ocean and French battleship
Bouvet sunk in Dardanelles strait. March 22—Fort of Przemysl surrenders
to Eussians. March 23—Allies land troops on Gallipoli peninsula. March 25—
Eussians victorious over Austrians in Carpathians.
April 8—German auxiliary cruiser, Prinz Eitel Friedrich, interned at
Newport News, Ya. April 16—Italy has 1,200,000 men mobilized under arms;
Austrians report complete defeat of Eussians in Carpathian campaign. April
23—^Germans force way across Ypres canal and take 1,600 prisoners. April 25
—Allies stop German drive on Ypres line in Belgium. April 29—British report
regaining of two-thirds of lost ground in Ypres battle.
May 7—Liner Lusitania torpedoed and sunk by German submarine off
the coast of Ireland with the. loss of more than 1,000 lives, 102 Americans.
May 9—French advance two and one-half iniles against German forces north
of Arras, taking 2,000 prisoners. May 23—Italy declares war on Austria.
June 3—Germans recapture Przemysl with Austrian help. June 18—
British suffer defeat north of La Bassee canal. June 28—Italians enter Aus¬
trian territory south of Eiva on western shore of Lake Garda.
July 3—Tolmino falls into Italian hands. July 9—British make gains
north of Ypres and French retake trenches in the Yosges. July 13—Germans
defeated in the Argonne. July 29—Warsaw evacuated; Lublin captured by
Austrians.
August 4—Germans occupy Warsaw. Aug. 14—Austrians and Germans
concentrate 400,000 soldiers on Serbian frontier. Aug. 21—Italy declares
war on Turkey.
September 1—Ambassador Bernstorff announces Germans will ninTr no more
liners without warning. Sept. 4—German submarine torpedoes liner Hes¬
perian. Sept. 9—Germans make air raid on London, killing twenty persons
and wounding 100 others; United States asks Austria to recall Ambassador
508
CHRONOLOGY OF TEE WORLD WAR
Se!Irt• 20—Germans begin drive on Serbia to open route to Turkey,
wept. 22—Russian army retreating from Vilna, escapes German encircling move¬
ment. Sept. 25-30 Battle of Champagne, resulting in great advance for allied
armies and causing Kaiser Wilhelm to rush to the west front: German counter
attacks repulsed.
October 5—Eussia and Bulgaria sever diplomatic relations; Russian,
JTrench, British, Italian, and Serbian diplomatic representatives ask for pass¬
ports in Sofia. Oct. 10—Gen. Mackensen's forces take Belgrade. Oct. 12—
Udith Cavell executed by Germans. Oct. 13—Bulgaria declares war on Serbia.
Oct. 15—Great Britain declares^ -war on Bulgaria. Oct. 16—France declare*
trar on Bulgaria. Oct. 19—Eussia and Italy declare war on Bulgaria. Oct. 27
—Germans • join Bulgarians in northeastern Serbia and open, way to Con¬
stantinople. Oct. SO—Germans defeated at Mitau.
November 9—Italian liner Ancona torpedoed.
December 1—British retreat from near Bagdad. Dec. 4—Ford "peaca
party" sails for Europe. Dec. 8-9—Allies defeated in Macedonia. Doc. 15—:
Sir John Douglas Haig succeeds Sir John French as chief of English *rmiea
cn west front.
1916
January 8—British troops at Kut-el-Amara surrounded. Jan. 0—British
evacuate Gallipoli peninsula. Jan. 13—Austrians capture Cetinje, capital of
Montenegro. Jan. 23—Scutari, capital of Albania, captured by Austrians.
February 22—Crown prince's army begins attack on Verdun.
March 8—Germany declares war on Portugal. March. 15—Austria-Hungary
declares war on Portugal. March 24—Steamer Sussex torpedoed and sunk.
April 18—President Wilson sends note to Germany. April 19—President
"Wilson speaks to congress, explaining diplomatic situation. April 24—Insur¬
rection in Dublin. April 29—British troops at Kut-el-Amara surrender t«
Turks. April 30—Irish revolution suppressed.
May S—Irish leaders of insurrection executed. May 4—Germany makes'
promise to change methods of submarine warfare. May 13—Austrians begin
•rreat offensive against Italians in. Trentino. May 31—Great naval battle off
Danish coast.
June 5—Lord Kitchener lost with cruiser Hampshire. Juno 11—Russians
eapture Dubno. June 29—Sir Roger Casement sentenced to be hanged for
treason
July 1—British and French begin great offensive on the Somme. July
C—David Lloyd George appointed secretary of war. July 9—German
anerchant submarine Deutschland arrives at Baltimore. July 23—Gen. Kuro-
patkin's army wins battle- near Eiga. July 27—English take Delville wood;
Serbian forces begin attack on Bulgars in Macedonia.
August 2—French take Fleury. Aug. 3—Sir Eoger Casement executed for
treason Aug. 4r—-French recapture Thiaumont for fourth time; British repulsa
Turkish attack on Suez canal. Aug.- 7—Italians on Isonzo front capture Monte
Babotino and Monte San Michele. Aug. 8—Turks force Russian evacuation
of Bitlis and Mush. Aug. 9—Italians cross Isonzo river and occupy Austrian
city of Goeritz. Aug. 10—Austrians evacuate Stanislau; allies take Doiran,
near Saloniki, from Bulgarians. ^ ,
August 19—German submarines sink British light c^^ers Nottingham and
Falmouth. Aug. 24—French occupy Maurepas, north of the Somme; Russians
recapture Mush in Armenia. Aug. 27—Italy d®0^sea,,waf ,on
jjoumania enters war on side of allies. Aug. 2?—Field Marshal von Hindea-
507
CHRONOLOGY OF TEE WORLD WAR
burg made chief of staff of German armies, succeeding Gen. von Falkenhayn.
August 30—Russian armies seize all five passes in Carpathians into Hungary.
September 3—Allies renew offensive north of Somme; Bulgarian and Ger¬
man troops invade Dobrudja, in Roumania. Sept. 7—Germans and Bulgarians
capture Roumanian fortress of Tutrakan; Roumanians take Orsova, Bulgarian
city. Sept. 19—German-Bulgarian army captures Roumanian fortress of
Silistria. Sept. 14—British for first time use "tanks." Sept. 15—Italian*
begin new offensive on Carso.
October 2—Roumanian army of invasion in Bulgaria defeated by Germans
and Bulgarians under Von Mackensen. Oct. 4—German submarines sink French
cruiser Gallia and Cunard liner Franconia. Oct. 8—German submarines sink
six merchant steamships off Nantucket, Mass. Oct. 11—Greek seaeoast forts
dismantled and turned over to allies on demand of England and France.
Oct. 23—German-Bulgar armies capture Constanza, Roumania Oct. 24y-French
win back Douaumont, Thiaumont field work, Haudromont quarries, and
Caillette wood near Verdun, in smash of two miles.
November 1—Italians, in new offensive on the Carso plateau, capture
5,000 Austrians. Nov. 2—Germans evacuate Fort Yaux at Verdun. Nov. 5—■
Germans and Austrians proclaim new kingdom of Poland, of territory captured
from Russia. Nov. 6—Submarine sinks British passenger steamer Arabia.
Nov. 7—Cardinal Mercier protests against German deportation of Belgians;
submarine sinks American steamer Columbian. Nov. 8—Russian army invades
Transylvania, Hungary. Nov. 9—Austro-German armies defeat Russians in
Volhyina and take 4,000 prisoners.
November 13—British launch new offensive in Somm© region on both
sides of Ancre. Nov. 14—British capture fortified village of Beacourt, near
the Ancre. Nov. 19—Serbian, French, and Russian troops recapture Moriastir;
Germans cross Transylvania Alps and enter western Roumania. Nov. 21—
British hospital ship Britannic sunk by mine in Aegean sea. Nov. 23—Rou¬
manian army retreats ninety miles from Bucharest. Nov. 24-—German-
Bulgarian armies take Orsova and Turnu-Severin from Roumanians. Nov. 23
—Greek provisional government declares war on Germany and. Bulgaria.
Nov. 28—Roumanian government abandons Bucharest and move# capital to
Jassy.
December 5—Premier Herbert Asquith of England resigns. Dec. 7—
David Lloyd George accepts British premiership. Dec. 8—Gen. von Macken¬
sen captures big Roumanian army in Prohova valley. Dec. 12—Chancellor von
Bethman-Hollweg announces in reichstag that Germany will propose peace;
new cabinet in France under Aristide Briand as premier, and Gen. Robert
Georges Nivelle given chief of command of French army. Dec. 15—French at
Verdun win two miles of front and capture 11,000.
December 19^—Llloyd George declines German peace proposals. Dec. 23—
Baron Burian succeeded as minister of foreign affairs in Austria by Count
Czernin. Dec. 26—Germany proposes to President Wilson "an immediate
meeting of delegates of the belligerents." Dec 27-—Russians defeated in
five-day battle in eastern WaUachia, Roumania.
1917
January 1—Submarine sinks British transport Ivernia. Jan. 9—Russian
premier, Trepoff, resigns. Golitzin succeeds him. JaJO. 31—Germany announ¬
ces unrestricted submarine warfare.
February 3—President Wilson reviews submarine controversy before con¬
gress; United States severs diplomatic relations with Germany; American
steamer Housatonic sunk "without warning. Feb, 7—Senate indorses President's
608
CHRONOLOGY OF THE WORLD WAR
act of breaking off diplomatic relations. Feb. 12—-United States refuses Ger¬
man request to discuss matters of difference unless Germany withdraws unra-
•trieted submarine warfare order.
February 14—Yon Bernstorff sails for Germany. Feb. 25—British tinder
tren. Maude capture Kut-el-Amara; submarine sinks liner Laconia without
warning; many lost including two Americans. Feb. 26—President Wilson
asks congress for authority to arm American imerchantships. Feb. 28—Secre¬
tary Lansing makes public Zimmerman note to Mexico, proposing Mexican-
Japanese-German alliance.
March, 9—President 'Wilson calls extra session of congress for April 16.
March 11—British under Gen. Maude capture Bagdad; revolution starts in
PetrogTad. March 15—Czar Nicholas of Eussia abdicates. March. 17—French
And British capture Bapaume. March 18—New French ministry formed by
Alexander Eibot.
March 21—Russian forces cross Persian border into Turkish territory;
American oil steamer Healdtoii torpedoed without warning. March 22—
United States^ recognizes new government of Russia. March 27—Gen. Murray's
British expedition into the Holy Land defeats Turkish army near Gaza.
April 2—President Wilson asks congress to declare that acts of Germany
constitute a state of war; submarine sinks American steamer Aztec without
•warning. April 4r—United States senate passes resolution declaring a state of
war exists with Germany. April 6—House passes war resolution and President
Wilson signs joint resolution of Congress. April 8—Austria declares severance
of diplomatic relations with United States.
April 9—British defeat Germans at Yimy Eidge and take 6,000 prisoners;
United States seizes fourteen Austrian interned ships. April 2(>—Turkey
severs diplomatic relations with the U. S. April 28—Congress passes selective
seryice act for raising of army of 500,000; Guatemala severs diplomatic rela¬
tions with Germany.
May 7—War department orders raising of nine volunteer regiments of
engineers to go to France. May 14:—Espionage act becomes law by passing
senate. May 18—President Wilson signs selective service act. Also directs
expeditionary force of regulars under Gen. Pershing to go to France. May 19
—Congress passes war appropriation bill of $3,000,000,000.
June 5—Nearly 10,000,000 men in U. S. register for military service.
June 12-—King Constantino of Greece abdicates. June 13—Gen. Pershing and
staff arrive in Paris. June 15—First Liberty loan closes with large over¬
subscription. June 26—First contingent American troops under Gen. Siberfe
arrives in France. June 29—Greece severs diplomatic relations with Teutonia
allies.
July 9—President Wilson drafts state militia into federal service. Also
places food and fuel under federal control. July 13—War department order
drafts 678,000 men into military service. July 14r—Aircraft appropriation bill
of $640,000,000 passes house; Chancellor von Bethmann-Hollweg's resignation
forced by German political crisis.
July is United States government orders censorship of telegrams and
cablegrams crossing frontiers. July 19—New German Chancellor Michaehs
declares Germany will not war for conquest; radicals and Catholic party ask
peace without forced acquisitions of territory. July 22-Siam declares war on
rwrnanv July 23—Premier Kerensky given unlimited powers in Eussia.
jSly 28—United States war industries board created to supervise expenditures.
August 25—Italian Second army breaks through Austrian line on Isonzo
front. Aug. 28-r—President Wilson rejects Pope Benedict's peace plea.
609
CHRONOLOGY OF TEE WORLD WAR
September 10—Gen. Korniloff demands control of Russian government.
Sept. 11—Russian deputies vote to support Kerensky. Korniloff's generals
ordered arrested. Sept. 16—Russia proclaims new republic by order of Pre¬
mier Kerensky. Sept. 20—Gen. Haig advances mile through German lines at
Ypres. Sept. 21—Gen. Tasker H. Bliss named chief of staff, U. S. army.
October 16—Germans occupy islands of Runo and Adro in the Gulf of
Riga. Oct. 25—French under Gen. Petain advance and take 12,000 prisoners
on Aisne front. Oct. 27—Formal announcement made that American troops
in France had fired their first shots in the war. Oct. 29—Italian Isonzo front
collapses and Austro-German army reaches outposts of Udine.
November 1—Secretary Lansing makes public the Luxburg "spurloa
versenkt" note. Nov. 7—Austro-German troops capture? Nov. 9—Permanent
interallied military commission created. Nov. 24—Navy department announces
capture of first German submarine by American destroyer. Nov. 28—Bolsheviki
get absolute control of Russian assembly in Russian elections.
December 6—Submarine sinks the Jacob Jones, first regular warship of
American navy destroyed. Dec. 7—Congress declares war on Austria-Hungary.
Dec. 8—Jerusalem, surrenders to Gen. Allenby's forces.
1918
January 6—President Wilson delivers speech to congress giving 1'fourteen
points" necessary to peace. Jan. 20—British monitors win seafight with
cruisers Goeben and Breslau, sinking latter. Jan. 28—Russia and Roumania
sever diplomatic relations.
February 2—United States troops take over their first sector, near Toul.
Feb. 6—United States troopship Tuscania sunk by submarine, 126 lost. Feb.
11— President Wilson, in address to congress, gives four additional peace
principles, including self-determination of nations; Bolsheviki declare war with
Germany over, but refuse to sign peace treaty. Feb. 13—Bolo Pasha sentenced
to death in France for treason. Feb. 25—Germans take Reval, Russian naval
base, and Pskov; Chancellor von Hertling agrees "in principle'' with President
Wilson's peace principles, in address to reichstag.
March] 1—Americans repulse German attack on Toul sector. March 2—
Treaty of peace with Germany signed by Bolsheviki at Brest-Litovsk. March.
4—Germany and Roumania sign armistice on German terms. Ma.wl| 13—Ger¬
man troops occupy Odessa. March 14—All-Russian congress of Soviets ratifies
peace treaty. March 21—German spring offensive starts on fifty mile front.
March 22—Germans take 16,000 British prisoners and 200 guns.
March 23—German drive gains nine miles. "Mystery gun" shells Paris.
March 24—Germans reach the Somme, gaining fifteen miles. American engi¬
neers rushed to aid British. March 25—Germans take Bapaume. March 27—
Germans take Albert. March 28—British' counter attack and gain; French taka
three towns; Germans advance toward Amiens. March 29—"Mystery gun"
kills seventy-five churchgoers in Paris on Good Friday.
April 4—Germans start second phase of their spring drive on the Somme.
April 10—Germans take 10,000 British prisoners in Flanders. April 16—Ger¬
mans capture Messines ridge, near Ypres; Bolo Pasha executed. April 23—
British and French navies "bottle up" Zeebrugge. April 26—Germans capture
Mount Kemmel, taking 6,500 prisoners.
May 5—Austria starts drive on Italy. May 10—British navy bottles up
Ostend. May 24—British ship Moldavia, carrying American troops, torpedoed;
56 lost. May 27—Germans begin third phase of drive on west front; gain five
miles. May 28—Germans take 15,000 prisoners in drive. May 29—Germans
take Soissons and menace Reims. American troops capture Cantigny. May
510
CHRONOLOGY OF THE WORLD WAR
T.6a®k t*16 Marne, fifty-five miles from Paris. May 31—Germans
Iaj£® 45,000 prisoners in drive.
jrmi<5^^vi^I^rinan8 ad7anc? n"ie miles; are forty-six miles from Paris.
Jiuia t tt o German submarines attack U. S. coaet and sink eleven ships.
f}ftr™oT.Q Y; marines fight on the Marne near Chateau Thierry. June 9—
10 flrrniMn rr!*- i phase of their drive by advancing toward Noyon. June
wood. marines capture south end of Belleau
Jtme 12—French and Americans start counter attack. June 15—Austrian*
Begin another drive on Italy and take 16,000 prisoners. Jund 17—Italians
eheck Austnans on Piave river. June 19—Austrians cross the Piave. June
22r Italians defeat Austrians on the Piave. June 23—Austrians begin great
retreat across the Piave.
July 1&—Gen. Foch launches allied offensive, with French, American,
British, Italian and. Belgian troops. July 21—Americans and French capture
Chateau. Thierry. July 30—German crown prince flees from the Marne and
withdraws army.
August 2—Soissons recaptured by Foch. Aug. 4—Americans take Fismes.
Allg. 6—American troops landed at Archangel. Aug. 7—Americans cross the
Vesle. Aug. 16—Bapaume recaptured. Aug. 28—French recross the Somme.
September 1—Foch retakes Peronne. Sept. 12—Americans launch success¬
ful attack in St. Mihiel salient. Sept. 28—Allies win on 250 mile line, from
North eea to Verdun. Sept. 29—Allies cross Hindenburg line. Sept. 30—
Bulgaria surrenders, after successful allied campaign in Balkans. October 1—
French take St. Quentin. Oct. 4—Austria asks Holland to mediate with allies
for peace. Oct. 5—Germans start abandonment of Lille and burn Douai. Oct.
6—Germany asks President Wilson for armistice. Oct. 7—Americans capture
hills around Argonne. Oct. 8—President Wilson refuses armistiee. Oct. 9—
Allies capture Cambrai. Oct. 10—Allies capture Le Cateau. Oct. 11—American
transport Otranto torpedoed and sunkj 500 lost. Oct. 13—Foch's troops take
Laon and La Fere.
October 14—British and Belgians take Roulers; President Wilson demands
surrender by Germany. Oct. 15—British and Belgians cross Lys river, take
12,000 prisoners and 100 guns. Oct. 16—Allies enter Lille outskirts. Oct. 17—
Allies capture Lille, Bruges, Zeebrugge, Ostend, and Douai. Oct. 18—Czecho¬
slovaks issue - declaration of independence; Czechs rebel and seize Prague,
eaptial of Bohemia; French take Thielt.
October 19—President Wilson refuses Austrian peace plea and says Czecho¬
slovak state must be considered. Oct. 21—Allies cross the Oise and threaten
Valenciennes. Oct. 22—Haig's forces cross the Scheldt. Oct. 23—President
Wilson refuses latest German peace plea. Oct. 27—German government asks
President Wilson to state terms. Oct. 28—Austria begs for separate peace.
October 29—Austria opens direct negotiations with Secretary Lansing.
Oct. 30—Italians inflict great defeat on Austria; capture 33,000 Austrians evao-
nating Italian territory. Oct. 31—Turkey surrenders; Austrians utterly routed
by Italians; lose 50,000; Austrian envoys, under white flag, enter Italian lines.
November 1—Italians pursue beaten Austrian across Tagliamento river;
allied conference at Versailles fixes peace terms for Germany. Nov. 3—Austria
signs armistice amounting virtually to unconditional surrender. Nov. 4—-Allied
terms are sent to Germany. Nov. 7—Germany's envoys enter allied lines by
arrangement.
November 9—Kaiser Wilhelm abdicates and crown prince renounces throne,
jjoy. —Former Kaiser Wilhelm and his eldest son, Friedrick Wilhelm, nee
to Holland to escape widespread revolution throughout Germany.
511
CHRONOLOGY OF TEE WORLD WAR
November 9—Kaiser Wilhelm abdicates and crown prince renounces throne.
British battleship Britannia torpedoed and sunk by German submarines off
entrance to Straits of Gibraltar.
November 10—Former Kaiser Wilhelm and his eldest son, Frederick Wil¬
helm, flee to Holland to escape widespread revolution throughout Germany.
King of ^Bavaria abdicates.
November 11—Armistice in effect at 11- o'clock a. m., Paris time. Firing
ceased on all fronts. An American ^battery from Providence, Rhode Island,
fired last shot at exactly 11 o'clock on the front northwest of Verdun. Ger¬
mans began evacuation of Belgium and Alsace-Lorraine.
November 12—German republic proclaimed at Berlin. Emperor Charles
of Austria abdicates. Belgium demands complete independence instead of
guaranteed neutrality. To secure status as a belligerent at the peace council,
Roumania again declares war on Germany. United States stops draft boarda
and lifts war restrictions of industries.
November 13—American troops cross the German former frontier and enter
Alsac e-Lorraine.
November 15—Distinguished Service Medal conferred on General Pershing
at his headquarters in France by General Tasked H. Bliss. United States
Postoffice department takes control of all ocean cable lines, consent of other
governments having been obtained. Prof. Thomas G. M&saryk proclaime<
President of the new Czecho-Slav republic.
November 16—Copenhagen reported many German ships due for surrende
under armistice conditions. Demobilization of United States troops ordered by
the government, beginning with those in army camps at home. United St&tei
takes over express service. Belgian troops enter Brussels. German cruise
Wiesbaden torpedoed by German revolutionary sailors, with loss of 330 lives.
November 17—Two hundred and fifty thousand American troops advance
nine miles in French territory evacuated by Germans. French armies advance
across the west boundary of Alsace-Lorraine and occupy many towns. People
of 'Luxemburg demand abdication of Grand Duchess.
November 29—The President announced names of commissioners to rep¬
resent the United States at peace conference. They were Woodrow Wilson,
President of the United States; Robert Lansing, Secretary of State; Col.
Edward M. House; Henry White, former ambassador to Italy and to France,
and Gen. Tasker H. Biiss, American adviser of the supreme waT council.
December 4, 1918—President Wilson and a numerous staff sailed for
Europe from New York aboard the George Washington, escorted by warships
under command of Admiral Mayo, to attend the Peace Conference at Paris,
France.
_ May 7, 1919—Treaty of peace handed to German peace delegates at Ver¬
sailles by Premier Clemenceau of France.
June 28, 1919—Treaty of peace signed by Allied and German plenipoten¬
tiaries at Versailles.
608*
T^he total number of pages in this book Is 608, Including 96 p&g&a of
illustrations, which are not marked by folio numbers, and 612 pages of
numbered text.