Coming Home: How the African American Experience in World War II Shaped The Culture of Prince George's County

African Americans have been a part of the United States Armed Services since the very beginning of this country and have participated in every American war and conflict. Although at times their country has struggled to accept them as equals, African American soldiers have served their country honorably from the American Revolution to the War on Terror. 

The African American military experience takes on particular importance in World War II. This war would be the last war in which the American military used racially segregated units. Not only did the actions of these brave soldiers change the face of the American military army, they also changed the way that America looked at the black soldier. The government could no longer argue that African Americans were not brave, strong, or intelligent enough to be considered equals. 

This exhibition features, pictures, artifacts, and memorabilia, but more importantly, stories. These are stories of black soldiers that have connections to Prince George’s County. In Prince George’s County there are over 60,000 veterans and their influence cannot be denied. As the county gradually transformed to an African American majority it was the return of these soldiers from WWII that sparked a change in this area. As a part of this exhibition, the museum will be conducting an oral history project to document the military experience of African American service men and women who are connected to Prince George’s County. This project will be far reaching and ongoing with a goal to reach every living veteran with connections to Prince George’s County. As a museum, our most important job is to document community life as it happens and to celebrate the lives and accomplishments of all Prince Georgians… especially those who serve.

                                                                                                                                                                                                     Jon West-Bey, Curator

 

The African American experience in WWII is best described as mixed. According to the National Center for Veteran Statistics and Analysis, of the more than 2.5 million blacks who registered for the draft in World War II, about 909,000 served in the Army. In 1944 there were over 700,000 blacks in the Army, about 50,000 of whom were permitted to serve in combat. There were over 70 African American combat units including the Tuskegee Airmen and the 761st Tank Battalions. Most African Americans entered the military holding service jobs (ie cooks, support units, police units).

By the end of the war, some of the troops who initially held service jobs shifted to infantry units. These soldiers were known as the 2221 Units. The 2221 Units were volunteers chosen from among the African American troops to fill in mostly white infantry units. These soldiers as infantrymen who would go on to serve with honor and distinction on the battlefields of the European Theater. Despite a valiant effort during the war, blacks were dropped out of the infantry and placed back within the service support units. This came as a great disappointment to many because the Army had promised Black soldiers they would return home with their infantry units. African Americans were improperly denied the military awards and decorations they had rightfully earned while serving in combat.  

World War II marked the end of segregation in the U.S. military. In 1948 President Truman signed Executive Order 9981, officially ending segregation and racial inequality in the military. This act was largely the result of the brave service of African American soldiers in World War II.
 

In 1945, African American soldiers came home after the war with experiences that would define the rest of their lives. Soldiers returned with new skills, an expanded view of the world, old relationships to mend, and the ever present sting of racism. African American soldiers arrived expecting to be congratulated for their service, but instead came home to hostile relations, segregated conditions, and menial jobs.
On the other hand, these black soldiers came home with a sense of justice, discipline, and motivation that would carry over into their views on equality and civil rights. They used their new experiences, skills, and attitudes to build a new life for themselves.

One of the benefits that African American veterans took advantage of was the GI bill. The Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, most commonly known as the GI bill, provided college or vocational education for returning World War II veterans, as well as one year of unemployment compensation. Aside from education, it made loans available for returning veterans to buy homes and start businesses. Once the military officially desegregated in 1948, increasing numbers of black veterans began to take advantage of GI Bill benefits.
 

Black GI’s coming home from area bases chose to settle in the DC Metropolitan area. For returning soldiers, Prince George’s County became an ideal place to settle or rebuild their lives because of growth of the black population in the area, and because civil service jobs gave preference to veterans. These soldiers obtained jobs, bought homes, went to college or training schools, and started families. As more and more opportunities opened up in the government and private sectors, blacks began to migrate, many through their connections while in the service. They went on to start businesses, form or join organizations like college fraternities and social organizations. In turn, these families went on to become the new base of the black middle class in Prince George’s County.

 

African American service men and women have significantly contributed to the culture and economic strength of Prince George’s County. At its best, the United States Armed Services for African Americans acted as a great equalizer of men and a continuously evolving incubator for Democracy. Although not under ideal conditions, the United States Armed forces provided opportunities for education, jobs, home ownership, and economic growth that continue to this day. Soldiers learned the discipline, skills, and leadership that have shaped the African-American experience. Struggling for equality and serving their country bravely, African American servicemen and women continue to make the world safe for democracy.

Enlisted: A Conversation with Five Generations of African Americans from the U.S. Armed Services-- An Extended Conversation

Watch extended conversations with PGAAMCC Curator, Jon Wes-Bey and five generations of African Americans discussing the unique experiences that shaped their distinguished careers as enlisted men and women in the U.S. Armed Services and the outstanding legacy of black soldiers who served before them.

 Lt. Col. Henry C. Turner, Jr.  (Retired, U.S. Army)

Major James Dula  (Retired, U.S. Air Force)

Hon., First SGT. Peggy McGee (Retired, U.S. Air Force)

SGT. John Lopes Da Cruz, U.S. Marines