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General Pershing told the French not to give military awards to black troops
Posted on 3/29/14 at 3:14 pm
Posted on 3/29/14 at 3:14 pm
Max Brooks, the guy who created World War Z, has a new project--a graphic novel about the Harlem Hellfighters, a group of black soldiers who fought during WWI for longer than any other American unit.
It's likely going to become a movie.
General Pershing actually told the French not to give any awards to black soldiers. Here's a section of the letter he sent to the French commander.
"We must not eat with them, must not shake hands with them, seek to talk to them or to meet with them outside the requirements of military service. We must not commend too highly these troops, especially in front of white Americans”
—General John J. Pershing, in a secret communiqué concerning African-American troops sent to the French military stationed with the American army, August 7, 1918, available on Stories to Tell: African Americans in the Military on the EDSITEment-reviewed resource National Park Service: Links to the Past
Nevertheless, a black soldier was the first American given a French award for valor.
It's likely going to become a movie.
General Pershing actually told the French not to give any awards to black soldiers. Here's a section of the letter he sent to the French commander.
"We must not eat with them, must not shake hands with them, seek to talk to them or to meet with them outside the requirements of military service. We must not commend too highly these troops, especially in front of white Americans”
—General John J. Pershing, in a secret communiqué concerning African-American troops sent to the French military stationed with the American army, August 7, 1918, available on Stories to Tell: African Americans in the Military on the EDSITEment-reviewed resource National Park Service: Links to the Past
Nevertheless, a black soldier was the first American given a French award for valor.
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Posted on 3/29/14 at 3:57 pm to samson'sseed
Maybe black soldiers were just doing it for the love of the game. I like that. 
Posted on 3/29/14 at 4:42 pm to samson'sseed
Further evidence that awards don't mean shite.
Posted on 3/29/14 at 6:32 pm to samson'sseed
WW-Z was a horrible, horrible movie. I can only imagine this portrayal of events will be made in a revisionist light.
I don't think African American units made up even 1% of the front line units we sent over any way the French had African units who fought for the entire duration of the war.
Black Jack Pershing was an old left over from the 19th century and his views were very much inline with the general perception of the time even though they are far removed from this time period perception.
I would probably check it out anyway.
I don't think African American units made up even 1% of the front line units we sent over any way the French had African units who fought for the entire duration of the war.
Black Jack Pershing was an old left over from the 19th century and his views were very much inline with the general perception of the time even though they are far removed from this time period perception.
I would probably check it out anyway.
Posted on 3/29/14 at 7:24 pm to BarberitosDawg
France had a couple hundred thousand colonial troops fighting in WW1. Alot from Senegal. I have seen monuments dedicated to them in France.
I was not aware of Pershing's request on this. But I can't say I am surprised. It would be consistent with the racial segregationist policies then being pushed by the Wilson administration.
I was not aware of Pershing's request on this. But I can't say I am surprised. It would be consistent with the racial segregationist policies then being pushed by the Wilson administration.
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