Freedom's soldiers

Just as pervasive as Nazi ideology throughout German society in the 30s and 40s, was the far longer existing American racial bigotry towards African Americans.  Aside from military segregation throughout the war, returning Black soldiers were often attacked in the Jim Crow South if found wearing their uniforms.  One such veteran lost his sight after a severe beating upon exiting a bus in his dress uniform.

African American military service in both world wars, however proved the flagship of the now famed Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s. Furthermore, no one could doubt Black patriotism and willingness to serve to obtain freedom abroad and in their own country.

Dave Brubeck, famed jazz musician and composer, was drafted into the army in 1942 and served overseas in George Patton's Third Army. He was spared from service in the Battle of the Bulge when he volunteered to play piano at a Red Cross show; he was such a hit he was ordered to form a band. Thus he created one of the U.S. armed forces' first racially integrated bands, &quot;The Wolfpack&quot;.  At 90 years of age he still performs today and recently appeared at the Blue Note in NY City.  DJANGO44 (Credits: photo, University of Pacific Libraries; description, Wikipedia)