| The first global war that the United States was | | | | noted it was an American black soldier from the |
| involved in was World War I. America joined in the | | | | 369th that was the first to be awarded the French |
| war in April 1917. During the U.S. involvement in the | | | | War Cross, the Croix de Guerre. |
| war over 400,000 Afro Americans participated in this | | | | Many of the courageous and heroic deeds of the |
| conflict. The armed services were segregated at this | | | | Afro American soldiers has gone unnoticed due to |
| time in our history and most blacks served in a non | | | | the prejudices and attitudes of this era but these |
| combative capacity. In the U.S. Navy blacks were | | | | brave patriots of American freedom will always be a |
| restricted to working on ships as stewards, mess hall | | | | part of our history. Throughout the trials and |
| personnel and firemen. In the army they served in | | | | tribulations of our country the Afro American people |
| the same type of positions such as supply clerks and | | | | have stood firm in their defense and resolve for |
| behind the line activities as laborers. The training and | | | | America. |
| weapons provided for these men were substandard | | | | Celebrate these great American patriots and the |
| as compared to what the white soldiers were given. | | | | brave men and women who serve in all our military |
| Even black women who volunteered their services as | | | | branches, honor all the heroes of our armed forces. |
| nurses was strictly denied. | | | | If you know anyone that served their country during |
| Though there was rampant discrimination in all the | | | | war or is a member of the armed forces serving in |
| branches of service the black community rallied to | | | | the states show your appreciation for their devotion, |
| the defense of their country. The majority of black | | | | their steadfast to stand with their country in |
| soldiers never seen combat with the exception of | | | | defending its freedoms. Visit Mall4Men and check out |
| the 369th Infantry Regiment known as the "Hell | | | | their the military clocks, military watches and men's |
| Fighters". This brave group of soldiers spent more | | | | military rings that they offer at reasonable prices. |
| than 6 months more time in the front lines than any | | | | They also have a Gifts4Her department for that |
| other regiment. Also 171 members of this army unit | | | | special lady in your life. |
| were awarded the Legion of Merit. Also it should be | | | | |