African American Military History World War II Photographs of Black Soldiers Training at Fort Huachuca and Camp Atterbury 1943–1944

Buffalo Soldiers

Photograph

African American soldiers training in the segregated United States Army during World War II appear throughout this photograph archive documenting Black infantry troops stationed at major American training installations between 1943 and 1944. The soldiers pictured were likely members of or attached to the 92nd Infantry Division and the 93rd Infantry Division, the only two African American infantry divisions activated during the war. Known historically as part of the tradition of the Buffalo Soldiers, these units trained under segregated military policies while preparing for overseas deployment. The photographs capture everyday moments among enlisted men and noncommissioned officers stationed at two major Army training centers, Fort Huachuca and Camp Atterbury, installations that played a central role in mobilizing African American combat troops during the global conflict.

Archive of twenty six vernacular gelatin silver photographs ranging in size from approximately 5 × 3.5 inches to 3 × 2.5 inches. Many photographs include pencil numbering or dates, and five bear ink captions on the versos identifying specific individuals, ranks, and locations. Several inscriptions reference “Co. E, Atterbury, Ind.” and “Ft. Huachuca, Ariz. Aug. 1943,” confirming the training locations. Named soldiers appearing in captions include Pfc. Francis R. Locklear, Pvt. Milton Grimes, Sgt. Theodore Williams, Sgt. Sylvester Franklin, and Sgt. Aaron C. Morton. Most images depict soldiers posed informally outside wooden barracks buildings wearing khaki uniforms, winter overcoats, or fatigue clothing. Visible rank insignia include Private First Class, Technician Fifth Grade, and Sergeant. One photograph shows troops marching in formation in full field gear past a cantonment building, while others present small groups of soldiers standing on barracks steps or porches, suggesting off duty moments during training.

The photographs document the formative period of African American infantry divisions preparing for wartime deployment. More than twenty five thousand Black soldiers trained at Fort Huachuca during the war as the Army expanded segregated units for combat service. The 93rd Infantry Division later deployed to the Pacific Theater where its regiments conducted patrol and security operations in New Guinea and the Philippines, while the 92nd Infantry Division served in Italy during the final campaigns against German forces in Europe. Personal inscriptions preserved on the photographs provide evidence of friendships within Company E and record individual soldiers repeatedly appearing across the images, including Sgt. Theodore Williams and Sgt. Sylvester Franklin. One caption humorously identifies Pvt. Milton Grimes as “the tallest in the company,” while another names Pfc. Francis Locklear alongside a fellow soldier at Camp Atterbury. Together the photographs provide a close view of African American soldiers preparing for combat service within the segregated structure of the wartime U.S. Army. Light handling wear visible with minor edge wear consistent with period vernacular photographs. Overall condition very good.

Item #21738

Price: $1,250.00