Roughly 2,000 African American troops are believed to have hit the shores of Normandy in various capacities on June 6, 1944. Serving in a U.S. military still-segregated by race, they encountered discrimination both in the service and when they came home.
It was the most massive amphibious invasion the world has ever seen, with tens of thousands of Allied troops spread out across the air and sea aiming to get a toehold in Normandy for the final assault on Nazi Germany. And while portrayals of D-Day often depict an all-white host of invaders, in fact it also included many African Americans.
Woodson was wounded in the back and groin while on the landing craft but went on to spend 30 hours on the beach tending to other wounded men before eventually collapsing, according to a letter from then-Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland. Van Hollen, now a U.S. senator, is heading an effort to have Woodson posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions on D-Day.
Linda Hervieux detailed the exploits of the 320th in her book “Forgotten: The Untold Story of D-Day’s Black Heroes, at Home and at War.” She said the military resisted efforts to desegregate as it ramped up for World War II. Instead they kept separate units and separate facilities for black and white troops.
During World War II, it was unheard of for African American officers to lead white soldiers and they faced discrimination even while in the service. Black troops were often put in support units responsible for transporting supplies. But during the Normandy invasion that didn’t mean they were immune from danger.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Another day of tornadoes, severe weather in store from Texas to New YorkGet breaking national and world news, broadcast video coverage, and exclusive interviews. Find the top news online at ABC news.
Read more »
D-Day joy for civilians, and its hell, to be captured with virtual realityWithout the huge underground stone quarries that sheltered thousands of people in and around the city of Caen the civilian toll of roughly 20,000 French dead in the battle for Normandy might have been steeper still.
Read more »
529 Day: What to Consider When Choosing Education-Saving PlansIt's 529 Day: States and investment firms are using May 29 as a way to try to draw even more attention to college-savings accounts earmarked for education.
Read more »
20 Things From 'Shark Tank' That Would Make Excellent Father's Day GiftsWelcome to the Shark Tank, Dad.
Read more »
Get dad the perfect gift for Father's Day with this ultimate gift guideGet dad the perfect gift for FathersDay with this ultimate gift guide
Read more »
Franklin Graham Calls For 'Day Of Prayer' To Shield Trump From EnemiesTrump's 'enemies continue to try everything to destroy him, his family, and the presidency,” the evangelical preacher said.
Read more »
33 Tech And Gadget Father's Day Gifts For Every Kind Of DadBecause after a lifetime of watching The Little Mermaid together, your dad deserves gadgets and gizmos aplenty.
Read more »
Katy Perry Revealed Some More Adorable Details About Orlando Bloom's ProposalKaty Perry Revealed The Clues Orlando Bloom Dropped On The Day He Proposed
Read more »
Heineken becomes latest brand to pull sponsorship from Fresno Grizzlies over AOC Memorial Day videoThe beer company, which owns Tecate and Dos Equis, joins Sun Maid in terminating deal with baseball team.
Read more »
Chefs declare 'Bourdain Day' in celebration of our late friendFriends of the late Anthony Bourdain have declared June 25 'Bourdain Day' to celebrate and remember the legendary chef and storyteller on his birthday
Read more »