Did you know that during the tumultuous years of the two World Wars, the United States Army, a bastion of national pride, grappled with its own internal battles of segregation? The 93rd Infantry Division, a unit comprised entirely of African American soldiers, stands as a poignant symbol of both courage and the complexities of American history, forever etched as the "Blue Helmets."
Born from the necessity of war and the persistence of racial bias, the 93rd Division, alongside the 92nd, was organized as a segregated unit during World War I. The establishment of these divisions reflected the prevalent societal norms of the time, where African American soldiers, despite their willingness to serve and their undeniable bravery, were relegated to separate units.
The 93rd Infantry Division, initially known as the 93rd Division (Provisional), was established in 1917 when the United States entered World War I. It was a unit comprised of African American regiments from the State Guard units of New York, Illinois, Ohio, and a regiment comprised primarily of draftees from South Carolina. In March 1918, General Pershing, recognizing the needs of the Allied effort, ceded control of the 93rd Division to the French Army. This decision proved consequential. The French, facing their own manpower shortages, integrated the American soldiers into their ranks. The French supplied the 93rd Division with arms and equipment, including the iconic blue Adrian helmet, a stark contrast to the British helmets used by other American Expeditionary Forces.
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The 93rd Division quickly earned a unique identity and respect. During tough combat in France, the unit quickly earned the nickname Blue Helmets from the French, referencing their service with the French Army during the Second Battle of the Marne. This recognition was further solidified when the division's shoulder patch adopted the design of a blue French Adrian helmet.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | 93rd Infantry Division |
| Also Known As | "Blue Helmets" |
| Origin | United States Army |
| Era Served | World War I and World War II |
| Composition | Segregated unit of African American soldiers |
| Notable Regiments | 371st Infantry Regiment, 372nd Infantry Regiment |
| Service Under | French Army (WWI), US Army (WWII) |
| Battle Honors/Areas of Service | France (WWI), Solomon Islands, Bougainville, Dutch New Guinea, Philippines (WWII) |
| Casualties (WWII) | 12 KIA, 121 WIA |
| Shoulder Patch | Blue French Adrian helmet |
The 371st and 372nd US Infantry Regiments, both of which were segregated African American regiments, nominally part of the 93rd Division, served under the French command in World War I. These regiments, in particular, played a crucial role in demonstrating the capabilities and bravery of African American soldiers. The 93rd Divisions performance in combat earned it unanimous praise from the French, a testament to their valor and effectiveness.
The 92nd Infantry Division, nicknamed the Buffalo Soldiers, also served during both World Wars, though in a different theater of operations during WWII, being the only African American division to see combat in Europe as part of the Fifth Army.
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World War II saw the 93rd Division facing new challenges and assignments. Placed under the control of the Eighth Army in the Southwest Pacific Area (SWPA), the division was initially assigned garrison and labor duties. An advance party arrived at Guadalcanal on January 29, 1944, and subsequent echelons followed in February and March. While the division spent significant time in training, labor, and security duties on Guadalcanal and the Treasury Islands, a portion of the 93rd was deployed to face the remaining Imperial Japanese forces. One regiment, the 25th Infantry Regiment (later part of the 25th Regimental Combat Team), was sent to Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, fighting alongside the Americal Division and soldiers from Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.
However, the narrative surrounding the 93rd Division is not without its shadows. The division found itself subject to slander and criticism in some accounts. The story of "K Company" in particular, became exaggerated, and led to the division facing difficult assignments, which led to the unit often being sidelined for less critical roles.
Postwar, in October 1945, most of the 93rd Division was sent to the Agusan del Monte area on Mindanao in the Philippines, relieving the 31st Division. The divisions legacy is now a complex tapestry of combat, prejudice, and resilience. The 93rds story highlights the struggle of African American soldiers fighting for their nation while battling the bigotry they faced at home and the valor they demonstrated on the battlefield. It is a reminder that the pursuit of equality and justice remains an ongoing effort. The 93rd Infantry Division's history is also kept alive at locations like the Houston's Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, where an exhibit showcases their remarkable story.
The story of the 93rd Division also extends beyond the battlefield. After the Chinese Civil War concluded in 1949, the KMT troops, having lost to the Chinese Communist Party, fled to Taiwan, however, some soldiers from the 93rd Division refused to surrender and retreated across the Myanmar border, continuing their fight from there. They found themselves in the jungles, starting new lives amidst a changing world.
The 93rd Division is a profound study in contrasts, as the division continues to be a subject of research and discussion, especially when it comes to assessing the historical record and its varying interpretations. This legacy challenges us to think deeply about the complexities of the American experience, the price of prejudice, and the indomitable spirit of those who served.
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