African American World War I Soldier
Les Brown
| Description: |
This image is one of only a few that depict African American soldiers from World War I in our collection. Though racist attitudes initially excluded African Americans from early recruiting efforts and serving in combat units, they volunteered and did see action during the war. Despite facing continual discrimination and segregation, African American troops loaded cargo, constructed roads and camps, transported materials, dug graves and ditches, laid railroad tracks, and fought at the front. The soldier shown here is identified on the back of the postcard as Les Brown from Indianapolis. Exhibited as part of Treasures from the Collections - Celebrating 175 Years: 1830-2005. First rotation. |
|---|---|
| Origin: | Circa 1917 |
| Source: |
http://images.indianahistory.org/cdm/ref/collection/dc014/id/17 |
| Collection: |
Treasures from the Indiana Historical Society |
| Copyright: |
Use must be accompanied with the attribution: Indiana Historical Society. |
| Subjects: |
African American soldiers United States. Army-- African American troops Military uniforms World War, 1914-1918--Participation, African American |
Further information on this record can be found at its source.
This project is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Indiana State Library.