Its men had largely been recruited from New
York State, and they were sent to Spartanburg, South Carolina,
for their training. The local citizens deliberately picked a
fight with the men in order to "put them in their place." A riot
was narrowly averted. When they were shipped back north for
training, they found themselves sharing a camp with white troops
from the South. Another incident almost occurred, and they were
immediately sent overseas for training.
Besides serving in segregated units, most of the Negro troops
were assigned to menial tasks. One third of the American
stevedore force in Europe was Negro. Nevertheless, many of them
did become involved in the fighting and distinguished themselves
heroically. Besides receiving American awards, they were
generously honored by the French. The 369th was the first
American unit to reach the Rhine, and the French praised it
highly.
Many of the Negro soldiers were surprised by the
hospitality which they received in France. Several stayed behind,
after the war, to study in European universities. In spite of the
fact that many whites warned the French of dangers involved with
associating with Negroes, especially white women with Negro men,
the French were happy to have them share in the defense.
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