THE 93RD DIVISION
The first American Negroes to arrive in France were the labor battalions, comprising of 150,000 men. The Negro fighting units were the 92nd and 93 Divisions. The so-called 93rd Division was created from a thorn in the flesh of the White politicians. The Division consisted of Negro National Guard troops. They were almost exclusively officered by Negroes. The 93rd consisted of the 8th Illinois, the 15th New York, and units from the District of Columbia, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, and Massachusetts. The Division was unfortunately incomplete and never really functioned as a division. For a time, it was hoped that Colonel Young might be given his chance here, but nothing came of this. Early in April when the need of the French for re-enforcements was at its greatest demand, these Black troops were hurriedly transported to France and were soon brigaded with French armies.
THE 369TH REGIMENT
This regiment was originally authorized by Govenor Sulzer, but its formation was long prevented. Finally, the 369th was
organized with only one Negro Officer. Eventually, the Regiment sailed with Black and White Officers. The Regiment landed in France, near Ville-Sur-Turbe. This Regiment was thus the first American Negro unit in battle and one of the first American units. Black Officers took part in this battle and some were cited for bravery. Nevertheless, Colonel Hayward, White, secured the transfer of every single Black Officer after the battle of the Marne. The Black officers who escaped being transfered were the Bandmaster and Chaplins.
J.Linzy-19
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