African American Combat Soldiers in France, c. 1918-1919

African American Combat Soldiers in France, c. 1918-1919

Of the nearly four hundred thousand African American soldiers serving during the First World War, only 40,000 saw combat. A majority served in the Services of Supply (SOS) regiments unloading ships, repairing battlefields, and building roads. These men represent the invisible labor responsible for the Allied victory.

"African American Combat Soldiers in France, c. 1918-1919," Box MSS1218. Robert Langmuir African American Photograph Collection, Stuart A. Rose Manuscript Archives, and Rare Book Library, Emory University.