Prior to WWI, a 1925 study the American War College concluded that African Americans were: physically unqualified for combat duty, mentally inferior, racially inferior, influenced by crowd psychology, unable to control themselves in danger, and lacked the initiate and resources of white people. (4) Based on this and later studies, War department laid out two policies in 1941 for blacks. Although they would be taking in at the same rate as whites, they would be segregated and serve in primarily non combat positions. Separate but equal. (4) Dempsey Travis of Chicago stated “ I saw German prisoners free to move around the camp, unlike black soldiers who were restricted."
During World War II, most African American soldiers served only as truck drivers and as stevedores.(4) In the middle of the Battle of the Buldge in1944, General Eisenhower was severely short of troops.(3) Consequently, he made the decision to allow African American soldiers to fight in combat for the first time. Over 2,000 black soldiers had volunteered to go to the front.(4) Although African Americans contributed greatly to the mission and success of the US, they were still discriminated against. This was an important step toward the leap of desegregation in the United States military.
During World War II, most African American soldiers served only as truck drivers and as stevedores.(4) In the middle of the Battle of the Buldge in1944, General Eisenhower was severely short of troops.(3) Consequently, he made the decision to allow African American soldiers to fight in combat for the first time. Over 2,000 black soldiers had volunteered to go to the front.(4) Although African Americans contributed greatly to the mission and success of the US, they were still discriminated against. This was an important step toward the leap of desegregation in the United States military.