Infanterie

1943 · 21488 — 1943. African American MilitaryWWII African American U.S. Army soldiers photo archive from Fort Huachuca Arizona 1943 documenting the lived experience of segregated military training during World War II. The archive shows Black army soldiers in training for the 93rd Infantry Division one of only two African American infantry divisions organized during the conflict. While the division is not explicitly named in the photographs contemporary handwritten annotations identify Fort Huachuca and the 1943 date strongly suggesting the men pictured were a part of that unit.<br /> Archive comprises 46 original black and white snapshot photographs measuring approximately 2.5 x 3.5 inches to 3.25 x 5 inches several bearing manuscript identifications of location and named soldiers. The images depict Black servicemen in standard World War II U.S. Army dress including M 1941 and M 1943 field jackets wool service uniforms garrison caps and M1 steel helmets. Rank insignia are clearly visible across multiple photographs including private first class corporal technician fifth grade staff sergeant and other non commissioned officer grades. Identified individuals include Sgt. Aaron C. Morton Sgt. William U. Dean Sgt. Lockleau and Sgt. Asbury the latter humorously photographed overturned on a barracks railing with a caption noting his antics. Several images show non commissioned officers posed with younger recruits underscoring internal mentorship and command structure within segregated companies. One photograph captures a soldier manning an M1919 Browning .30 caliber machine gun reflecting weapons training and infantry preparedness. Other images depict barracks life informal camaraderie saluting poses and interactions that convey unit cohesion during stateside training.<br /> <br /> Fort Huachuca functioned as a central site for Black military training during the years of segregation prior to the Korean War. The 93rd Infantry Division would later deploy to the Pacific Theater where elements engaged in security operations and combat patrols under conditions shaped by discriminatory assignment practices. These photographs document the formative training phase preceding overseas service capturing visible evidence of rank progression technical specialization and heavy weapons instruction within Black units. The presence of named non commissioned officers enhances the archive's value for regimental research. Minor curling and light edge wear to several photographs; manuscript annotations remain legible; overall very good. A substantial visual record of African American military service within the segregated U.S. Army during World War II mobilization. unknown