In a Cable to Gen. Peyton March, Gen. John “Blackjack” Pershing Praises the “Colored Soldiers” Serving with the AEF

He was “Nigger Jack” to those who loathed him, and there were many. A gruff, obstinate, and highly disciplined graduate of West Point, John (“Blackjack,” as he was more commonly known) Pershing distinguished himself in the Spanish-American War, the Philippines, and Mexico, where he pursued Pancho Villa after the rebel leader murdered American citizens. Impressed by Pershing’s strong will and indomitable character, President Wilson appointed him, over five other senior generals, commander of the Allied Expeditionary Forces when war was declared against Germany. During the Spanish-American War, Pershing had led the all-black Tenth Cavalry (hence the derogatory nickname) in Cuba. While many opposed drafting African Americans, Pershing lauded black troops as being, from his own experiences, as “reliable and courageous” as whites and encouraged their enlistment. More than 380,000 served in World War I, 10 percent of whom were in combat. Pershing was discouraged to hear from Washington reports of incendiary rumors circulating about black soldiers, and on June 19, 1918, he sent the following to Gen. Peyton March:

Confidential

Adjutant General
Washington

Reference to your cablegram 1523, the stories probably invented by German agents that have been widely circulated among colored people in the United States to the effect that colored soldiers in France are always placed in most dangerous positions and sacraficed to save white soldiers; that when wounded they are left on ground to die without medical attention etc. are absolutely false.

The following are the losses as reported up to June 18th in the 4 colored combat regiments now in France: 369th Infantry, died of wounds 3; died of disease 8; severely wounded 2; 370th Infantry, died of wounds 0; died of disease 3; severely wounded 0; 371st Infantry, died of wounds 0; died of disease 8; severely wounded 0; 372nd Infantry, died of wounds 0; died of disease 3; severely wounded 0. These figures show conclusively that negro troops have not thus far occupied positions as dangerous as those occupied by white troops and that their physical condition is excellent.

A tour of inspection just completed among American negro troops by officers of the Training Section, these headquarters, shows a comparatively high degree of training and efficiency among these troops. Their training is identical with that of other American troops serving with the French Army, the effort being to lead all American troops gradually to heavy combat duty by preliminary service in trenches in quiet sectors. Colored troops in trenches have been particularly fortunate, as one regiment had been there a month before any losses were suffered. This almost unheard of on western front.

Exploit of colored infantrymen some weeks ago repelling much larger German patrol killing and wounding several Germans and winning Croix de Guerre by their gallantry has roused fine spirit of emulation throughout colored troops all of whom are looking forward to more active service. Only regret expressed by colored troops is that they are not given more dangerous work to do. They are especially amused at the stories being circulated that the American colored troops are placed in the most dangerous positions and all are desirous of having more active service than has been permitted them thus far. I cannot commend too highly the spirit shown among the colored combat troops who exhibit fine capacity for quick training and eagerness for the most dangerous work.

Pershing.

Despite their oft-expressed desire to fight, African-American troops were segregated in the U.S. Army and relegated to mostly non-combat duties. The French, however, welcomed them into their own forces with open arms, and awarded one of the most famed black regiments—New York’s 369th Infantry, the “Harlem Hell Fighters”—with over 150 croix de guerre medals for their valor. Only the soldiers of the 369th Infantry received a hero’s reception upon their return home; many black veterans were specifically targeted for abuse and harassment after the war, and some were even lynched.