US Army's experiment with negro platoons

Discussion in 'US Units' started by riter, Jan 24, 2023.

  1. riter

    riter Well-Known Member

    Ike asked around to see if white GIs were receptive to fighting alongside black soldiers. Most were very open and so the call went out and men raised for a 4th platoon for each infantry company. Many blacks gave up their stripes to serve as fighting privates. So, while not fully integrated, they fought alongside the other platoons in a company. Battle Babies (99th Infantry Div) Maj. Gen. Lauer is about the only one who mentions them in his divisional history. He stated most units put them in training and didn't let them into combat. The 99th was an exception.

    Is there any study or can anyone point out where I can research the 4th platoons?
     
  2. riter

    riter Well-Known Member

    Last edited: Jan 24, 2023
  3. Temujin

    Temujin Member

    Last edited: Jan 24, 2023
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  4. idler

    idler GeneralList

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  5. Uncle Target

    Uncle Target Mist over Dartmoor

    I am somewhat taken aback by this thread as my research reveals an outstandingly good relationship with American Forces of all races.
    They shared the defence of Anzio with the 36th Combat Engineers who I get the impression were of mixed race. These Combat Engineers were called upon to step in as infantry to assist in the battle at Salerno and Anzio.
    The attached link to IWM Photographic collection portrays a soldier, looking a little embarrassed and unfamiliar with his weapon standing almost out of the way by General Mark Clarke whilst the caption tell us that to the right are men of the British 1st Infantry Division after the Breakout from Anzio. The photo was taken by Capt Alan Whicker.
    THE ALLIED LANDINGS AT ANZIO: 22 JANUARY-23 MAY 1944

    One of many mentions of the 36th Combat engineers:;

    "You were right in your guess about my job with the Yanks. I do a spell in the front line now and again though not nearly so often as I did in Tunisia.

    But that was a whirlwind campaign compared to this and everyone had to work at top pressure.
    Here it’s a waiting war now and O.P.’s are not the strain on the nerves and physique that they are in mobile warfare.
    My comments on the Yanks are by no means censorable.
    In fact they never were though I appreciate the wrath of those who knew them only when out of action.
    In action they have in general a very good reputation in this part of the world. They may not be so well trained in many ways as us but
    individually they are quicker and more resourceful. Their patrols for example, are probably better on the whole than ours.
    They get out of the most astonishing situations by their quick thinking and quick shooting particularly with their favourite weapon the bazooka.
    On 23rd March Lt Parker conducted a Gun Fire target with eight corrections of 2000 yds as a parting gesture to the Engineers who were to be relieved that night. They were interesting months and the Regiment made some good friends."

    36th Engineer Brigade (United States) - Wikipedia
     
    Last edited: Jan 25, 2023
  6. Dave55

    Dave55 Atlanta, USA

    Wow, what a document. Weeks worth of reading for me. Thanks!
     

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