The Memory of the Great War in the African American Community

The Memory of the Great War in the African American Community

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One day a colonel met a colored captain whom he thought he had seen be- fore. “Haven’t I seen you somewhere?” he asked. “Yes, sir,” replied the man, “I was with you on the [Mexican] border [in 1916]; Captain French is my name, sir.” “Oh, I do remember,” said the colonel, “you are Sergeant French.” “No, sir, I am Captain French.” “Well,” said the colonel as he walked away, “if I forget and call you Sergeant, don’t mind.” This encounter between two officers in France during the First World War encapsulated the essence of black troops’ war experience: trying to serve with honor and distinction while encountering a steady torrent of racial prejudice.

ISBN

978-0-87338-940-2

Publication Date

2008

Publisher

Kent State University Press

City

Kent, OH

Keywords

World War I, Race, Segregation, Race Relations, Black Military Troops

Disciplines

African American Studies | American Studies | Military and Veterans Studies | United States History

Comments

In Mark A. Snell (Ed.), Unknown Soldiers: The American Expeditionary Forces in Memory and Remembrance. Dr. Keene's chapter begins on page 207.

Copyright

Kent State University Press

The Memory of the Great War in the African American Community

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