Throughout the nation's history, African-Americans have served in uniform with honor and distinction during times of war and peace. As a result of their sacrifices and intrepid spirits, today's highly capable and mission-ready Army leverages the strength of a all-volunteer force that includes more than 103,000 African-American soldiers.
Here’s look back at those brave soldiers who broke barriers, saved lives and paved the way for today's force.
James Armistead Lafayette
Born into slavery, Lafayette served the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War as a double agent. His cunning and reliability earned the trust of British Gen. Charles Cornwallis and Benedict Arnold, enabling him to relay critical intelligence that secured an American victory at the Battle of Yorktown. Though initially ineligible for emancipation under the Act of 1783, his wartime commander, the Marquis de Lafayette, supported his petition for freedom, granted in 1787.
Sgt. William Carney
Shot in the thigh during the assault on Fort Wagner, South Carolina, July 18, 1863, Carney crawled uphill on his knees, clutching the Union flag to inspire his comrades and keep it aloft. Despite severe wounds, he survived and received the Medal of Honor on May 23, 1900—the earliest action by any soldier of his era to merit the nation’s highest award for valor. By the Civil War’s end, about 180,000 soldiers had served in the U.S. Army—10 percent of the Union force—with 90,000 hailing from former Confederate states. Forty thousand perished: 10,000 in combat, 30,000 from illness or infection.
Cathay Williams
Williams enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1866 under the pseudonym William Cathay, serving with distinction until a medical discharge in 1868. Her resolve and adaptability marked a notable chapter in military history.
Col. Charles Young
Graduating from West Point in 1889, Young earned his commission as a second lieutenant through rigorous determination. He commanded units like the 9th and 10th Cavalry, led a volunteer squadron in the Spanish-American War, and directed the 2nd Squadron of the 10th U.S. Cavalry during the Mexican Expedition of 1916-17. Rising to colonel, he oversaw training at Camp Grant during World War I. His career also included roles as a park superintendent, professor of military science at Wilberforce University, and military attaché to Haiti and Liberia. He died in 1923 in Lagos, Nigeria, and was buried with full honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
The Harlem Hellfighters
The 369th Infantry Regiment, dubbed "The Harlem Hellfighters," served with the American Expeditionary Forces in World War I. Enduring 191 days on the front lines—longer than any other American unit—they were the first to cross the Rhine into Germany, never losing a prisoner or yielding ground. Their tenacity set a standard for excellence.
Benjamin O. Davis Jr.
Following his father’s legacy, Davis Jr. graduated from West Point and rose to general officer rank in the U.S. Air Force through skill and leadership. His achievements as a Tuskegee Airman exemplified warfighting prowess and dedication.
Freddie Stowers, Henry Johnson
Stowers died leading an assault on German trenches in World War I, earning a posthumous Medal of Honor in 1991. Johnson, who heroically repelled a German raiding party, received the medal in 2015. Their courage under fire was recognized decades later.
Vernon Baker
In 1993, after a thorough records review, Baker received the Medal of Honor for World War II valor—the only living recipient among seven honored soldiers from that conflict. His battlefield leadership endured as a testament to merit.
The 761st Tank Battalion
The 761st Tank Battalion entered combat in World War II, earning 11 Silver Stars, 69 Bronze Stars, about 300 Purple Hearts, and a Medal of Honor through relentless determination and skill.
The 555th Parachute Infantry
The 555th Parachute Infantry pioneered airborne operations, later supporting Operation Firefly in 1945 to combat wildfires sparked by Japanese incendiary bombs. Their 36 fire missions, including 1,200 jumps, showcased adaptability and readiness.
On July 26, 1948, President Harry Truman issued Executive Order 9981, ensuring equal treatment and opportunity in the armed services based on merit alone, ending segregation and reinforcing unity of purpose.
Sgt. Cornelius Charlton, Pfc. William Henry Thompson
In the Korean War, Charlton and Thompson, both of the 24th Infantry Regiment, earned Medals of Honor for their sacrificial valor. Their actions in the last segregated units—and the first integrated ones since the Revolutionary War—highlighted individual excellence in combat.
(Compiled by Carrie McLeroy, Army Media, Defense Media Activity, from documents provided by the U.S. National Archives, the Army Historical Foundation, the U.S. Army Center of Military History, the U.S. Vietnam War Commemoration and the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center.)