Gen. Pershing Praising "Battlefield heroism" of Black U.S. Troops with the American Expeditionary Forces in France during World War I. (1918)

John J. Pershing

Periodical

Official Bulletin (1918) records an official wartime statement by the United States government addressing the role of African American soldiers serving with the American Expeditionary Forces in France during World War I. Issued under the authority of the Committee on Public Information, the publication functioned as a government news organ designed to distribute official military and political information to newspapers and the public during the war. The June 22, 1918 issue features a front page article titled “Colored U.S. Troops in France on Same Footing With Others,” presenting a statement by John J. Pershing defending the conduct and treatment of African American soldiers serving overseas. The article appeared during a period when Black troops were widely subjected to segregation and discrimination within the U.S. military despite their participation in combat operations in Europe.

Official Bulletin. Vol. 2. Washington, D.C.: Committee on Public Information, June 22, 1918. 24 page bulletin measuring 11.5" x 9". Issued under the authority of the U.S. President and the Committee on Public Information during World War I, this scarce wartime government publication features a significant front-page article entitled “Colored U.S. Troops in France on Same Footing With Others.” The piece documents a remarkable official statement by General John J. Pershing, the commander of the American Expeditionary Forces, affirming the valor and equal treatment of Black soldiers in the U.S. military overseas, directly contradicting widespread racist propaganda and domestic segregationist beliefs.

The lead article begins with the Secretary of War authorizing the release of Pershing’s cablegram, which directly refutes rumors “probably invented by German agents” that Black soldiers were “placed in most dangerous positions and sacrificed to save white soldiers.” Pershing declares that such claims are “absolutely false.” He then provides a detailed accounting of combat fatalities and injuries among African American regiments—365th through 372nd Infantry—showing no greater losses than among white troops and emphasizing, “these figures show conclusively that Negro troops have not thus far occupied positions as dangerous... and their physical condition is excellent.”

In a striking moment of recognition, the article includes Pershing’s praise for Black troops’ discipline and capability: “A tour of inspection just completed among American negro troops... shows a comparatively high degree of training and efficiency.” Notably, he adds that their training was “identical with that of other American troops,” and highlights the U.S. military’s gradual effort to move all soldiers into combat roles: “Colored troops in trenches have been particularly fortunate, as one regiment had been there a month before any losses were suffered.” On the continuation page, Pershing celebrates a key moment of battlefield heroism: “The exploits of two colored infantrymen... in repelling a much larger German patrol... has aroused a fine spirit of emulation throughout the colored troops.” He affirms their eagerness for “more active service” and concludes, “I cannot commend too highly the spirit shown among the colored combat troops, who exhibit fine capacity for quick training and eagerness for the most dangerous work.” Light toning along spine. Overall very good condition.

Item #22162

Price: $1,500.00