Contributions of African America in the U.S.

Military

Since the American Revolution, African Americans played a significant role in the

success history of the U.S. military. Their achievements contributed to the integration of African

Americans in the military. The 369th infantry was a black troop under the command of white

officers. It was formerly known as the 15th regiment of the New York Guard. 369th infantry was

among the first U.S troops to get to France during World War 1. It was also the most decorated

when it came to the war.

Doris Miller was one of the first black heroes of World War 11. He was awarded the

navy cross during the Pearl Harbor attack in 1941. The face of Doris was used as a poster for

recruitment. Despite the bombing and enemy strafing in the war, miller assisted in moving his

mortally wounded captain to a safer place. He then directed the machine gun to the Japanese

aircraft until they left the bridge.

Another profile who made a significant contribution was Benjamin O. Davis Sr. he was

the first African American to become a general. He was the first to hold any rank in the armed

forces and the U.S. army. He served temporarily as a brigadier general. During the European

world war II theatre, Davis acted as an advisor on race relations, and he brought equitable and

fair solutions since used in war department policy.

Samuel L. Gravely was also the first African American to acquire a rank in the Navy. He

acted as the Vice-Admiral, and his role was to train and select qualified men to serve in the

Navy. He accomplished a lot, and he was the first African American to command America

warship, U.S fleet, and U.S. Navy warship since the civil war. He and many others are the reason

for the success of African Americans in the U.S. military.

 Jim Crow Laws on African America in the Military

Jim Crow laws enforced racial segregation in southern America. Even before Jim Crow

laws were enforced, African Americans in the U.S. military were already segregated. When the

war began, there was a clear contrast between the rights of white and black American citizens. In

the military, discrimination against black people was even worse. African Americans were only

reserved with four U.S. army units. Thousands of black Americans who tried to enlist in the

army were turned away. They were restricted as mess men, especially in the U.S. navy. They

were also not allowed into marines and Air Corps. All these forms of inequality led to black

leaders and organizations that demanded an end to the military racial segregation practices. They

also demanded involvement in the U.S. military and challenged whites' and blacks' status quo.