WWII Era & Integration

Some African American Olympians went on to serve in the Army. Ralph Metcalf and John Woodruff competed and won medals as members of the U.S. Olympic Team. They then enlisted in the Army during World War II and were assigned to Buffalo Soldier regiments.

The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was the first and only mostly all-Black (they had members of Caribbean and Mexican decent) female unit to be deployed overseas during WWII. Their nickname was “Six-Triple Eight” and their motto was “No Mail, Low Morale.” The unit sorted and routed mail for millions of American service members and civilians in Europe. On February 28, 2022, the 6888th were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal.

On July 26, 1948, President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981, which mandated the integration of the U.S. armed services and led to the dissolution of the Buffalo Soldiers and other segregated units.

Seven decades before the superhero Black Panther made his big screen debut, the original Black Panthers of the 761st Tank Battalion were roaring through Europe, battling Axis forces through Germany under the command of General George S. Patton.