Black Military History

Military Times honors African Americans who served in the U.S. military and shares their untold stories.

These forgotten soldiers might have been the first Black troops to wear Union blue in combat

Advocates want the unit better recognized for its historic achievements.

7 months ago

Rangers Lead the Way!

Army’s 1st Black Ranger instructor remembered for fighting crime in Columbus, Georgia

Milton “Davey” Lockett Jr. was inducted into the Rangers’ Hall of Fame in 2001. After he died in 2018, the Columbus Police Department named its community room for him.

7 months ago

This undated photo provided by United States Coast Guard shows Emlen Tunnell, the first Black player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Black Military History

Coast Guard honors Black veteran, NFL great Emlen Tunnell

Before he became the first Black player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Emlen Tunnell served in the Coast Guard during and after World War II, where he was credited with saving the lives of two shipmates in separate incidents.

Maj. Gen. Charles Rogers

Maj. Gen. Charles C. Rogers: Talent through diversity, equity and inclusion

The success of officers from ROTC programs at Historical Black Colleges and Universities was based on the realization of the value diversity brings to the U.S. military, says the author of this commentary.

8 months ago

Harlem Hellfighter honored in graphic novel

"Medal of Honor: Henry Johnson" will feature the Army sergeant's heroic stand against a band of German soldiers.

15 months ago

Howard L. Baugh, son of Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. Howard L. Baugh

Sons of Tuskegee Airmen share history lessons with students

Lt. Col. Howard Baugh’s sons, Howard and Richard, recounted their father’s story to a small group of Richmond Public Schools students and teachers on Feb. 25 at the Virginia War Memorial

19 months ago

Harlem Hellfighters

Black History Month a time to thank determination and service for African American veterans

Because of the bravery of these and other people of color before us, the 2 million African Americans who have returned from our more recent conflicts continue to build on a military foundation that is increasingly diverse and inclusive.

19 months ago

Seventy-five years later, the Netherlands honors the ‘Black Liberators’ who helped end the Nazi occupation

In 1944, Allied forces began liberating the Netherlands from Nazi occupation. Among these soldiers were black GIs whose role in the liberation had largely been overlooked in historical accounts. Now, the Black Liberators Project seeks to highlight the service and sacrifice of these soldiers, including the 172 buried in Netherlands American Cemetery in Margraten.

20 months ago

Montford Point Marine, part of the Corps’ first integrated unit, dies at 92

Fair winds and following seas, Marine.

20 months ago

South Carolina town honors black WWII veteran 7 decades after brutal beating

A South Carolina town has honored the memory of a black WWII veteran whose 1946 beating at the hands of a white police chief left him permanently blind and helped spur President Harry Truman’s drive to integrate the U.S. military.

3 years ago

Commentary: Military legacy is rich with African-American contributions

Black History Month provides the opportunity for us to be curious, to look around, and to learn more about the contributions made by African-Americans to our country.

3 years ago

Tuskegee Airmen memorial shares Freeman Field Mutiny story that led to military desegregation

Creating the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Plaza as his Eagle Scout project three years ago, Tim Molinari wanted to ensure there was a record of what happened at Freeman Army Airfield in Seymour.

3 years ago