African American Soldiers in World War II Photographic Archive of Black Artillery Troops Serving in Europe and the Middle East 1944–1945

W W. II Black Segregated Soldiers

Photograph

African American soldiers served in large numbers during World War II despite the persistence of segregation within the United States armed forces. Black troops were typically assigned to segregated units and often relegated to logistical, engineering, or artillery roles, yet their contributions proved essential to Allied victory across multiple theaters of war. Personal photographs created by soldiers during the conflict offer rare visual testimony to the lived experience of African American servicemen serving overseas during an era when racial discrimination remained entrenched in American military policy. This photographic archive documents Black artillery soldiers serving in both the European and Middle Eastern theaters, capturing scenes of military work, camaraderie, and personal longing for home during wartime service.

Archive of eighteen black and white silver gelatin photographs measuring approximately 2.5 x 3.5 inches to 5 x 7 inches, most falling between these dimensions. Several photographs bear inscriptions on the versos identifying the soldiers depicted, including a soldier named Lawrence who appears in multiple images taken in Belgium and France. The photographs show African American soldiers both individually and in groups while wearing U.S. Army uniforms and operating heavy military equipment including artillery pieces, machine guns mounted on tripods, and military transport trucks. A number of images depict soldiers stationed in a semi arid landscape with palm trees, clay structures, and a domed temple visible in the distance, indicating service in the Middle Eastern theater. Other photographs document base camps, soldiers working on trucks in a motor pool, and artillery ammunition fields where aerial bombs are stacked in large numbers. Several portraits show individual soldiers in uniform, including one unidentified soldier wearing a piped garrison cap associated with artillery units and another holding an M1 Carbine rifle while standing in a field.

Many of the photographs preserve personal inscriptions that illuminate the emotional experiences of soldiers separated from loved ones during wartime. Several images of Lawrence include affectionate dedications addressed to a woman at home, including one composite photograph showing Lawrence gazing outward while an image of his sweetheart is superimposed before him. Another photograph shows Lawrence beside a second figure—possibly created through double exposure—accompanied by the inscription “This one will get you. Which one is me – 10 May 1944 – N.A. wishing all the time I was home.” A further inscription locates him in Brugelette, Belgium, while a group photograph signed by fellow soldiers identifies members of the unit and includes the message “Larry, from Pete. You’re a hell of a nice Arab,” suggesting the possibility of mixed heritage or an affectionate nickname among comrades. During the war many African American soldiers reported receiving warmer treatment from European civilians than they had experienced under segregation in the United States, underscoring the complex racial dynamics of American military service abroad. Eighteen original silver gelatin photographs measuring approximately 2.5 x 3.5 inches to 5 x 7 inches. Images crisp and well preserved with light handling wear. Overall condition very good.

Item #20281

Price: $1,250.00