Posted 13 years ago
masterbland
(1 item)
I believe it is a commemorative medal struck privately to honor the black units who served in the armed forces during World War 1. The reason they gave it to them was because many black soldiers were not allowed to march in the victory parades due to segregation so they received that instead.
That is an interesting WW1 medal-- I would question it being to struck to make up for not being allowed to march in parades.
The African American troops were segregated from white troops-- most served under the French during the war.
I am sure that there was some discrimination on return and instances of soldiers and units not marching in parades; however, I do know that many did march in Victory Parades.
The 369th "Harlem Hellfighters" participated in a large Victory Parade in NYC.
Scott