African American History

Tuskegee Airmen

93rd Infantry

92nd Infantry

The 92nd Infantry Division was the second of the two all black division of the U.S. Army to enter World War II. The 92nd consisted of selective black regiments and battalions from all over the country and enlisting over 12,000 men. Known as the Buffalo Division, the 92nd was activated in October 1942 and. They went overseas to Europe in 1944.

The division entered combat in Naples, Italy on August 24th, 1944. They helped in the crossing of the Arno River, and with the occupation of Lucca. They also attacked the Gothic Line. In October, part of the Division was ordered to the patrol area. The Elements, a division of the 92nd, moved on to the Serchio, 3 November 1944, and advanced in the Serchio River Valley in the attempt to capture Castelnuovo, but did not succeed. Patrol activities continued until December when the Axis attacked, forcing the 92d to withdraw.

While overseas the 92nd Infantry men received 12,096 awards. Two soldiers received Distinguished Service Crosses, one received a Distinguished Service Medal, 16 men received Legion of Merit awards, and many others received combat infantry badges.

On 1 April, the Nisei, another division of the 92nd attacked in the Ligurian coastal sector and drove rapidly north against light opposition. They took over Serchio and continued their pursuit until about 1 million men surrendered. Elements of the 92d Division entered La Spezia and Genoa on the 27th and took over selected towns along the Ligurian coast until the enemy surrendered, 2 May 1945.

The Infantry came back to United States in November 1945, and were deactivated on November 28, 1945. Out of the over 12, 000 men that were deployed only 4,000 of them came back. The 92nd would go on to be the best known as the best black division

Source:

United States Army. “African Americans in Military History\World War II.” February 1999. <http://www.au.af.mil/au/aul/bibs/afhist/afwwii.htm>

United Statese Army. “The 92 nd Infantry Division.” October 2003.

<http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/lineage/cc/092id.htm>