McGuire Collection of Letters from Black Soldiers

Dr. Phillip McGuire has drawn the following conclusions and comments in his book:

The soldiers' letters are their testaments to the impact of segregation and racial discrimination on the black experience during World War II. "According to their letters, black soldiers were humiliated, despised, denied regular army privileges, insulted by post commanders, subjected to military and civilan police brutality, accused of crimes they did not commit, constrained by traditional mores, unfairly discharged from military service, denied adequate medical services, court-martialled excessively, and denied adequate entertainment." Were black soldiers justified in their complaints? The rank and file soldier has always griped and complained about military life. Dr. Benjamin Quarles, an eminent black historian and scholar, noted in the forward of Dr. McGuire's book, "more often than not, their protent was overwhelmingly legitimate." Despite all the negative, blacks have traditionally viewed military service as an opportunity for upward mobility. According to Dr. Quarles blacks viewed a war as a catalyst for a better day, with racial stereotypes and taboos on the run. These soldiers viewed their letters as constructive, not in any way subversive. Black soldiers felt that they had a stake in the war and in numerous letters, though they complained, black soldiers expressed loyalty to America and the ideals for which it stood.

These letters are characterized by their bluntness and are outspoken and frank. They were written with a purpose to people in high places that could change the lot of the black soldier. Many letters were sent to the black press to make the public aware of conditions in the military. Recipients of these letters were urged to see for themselves whether or not their complaints and grievances were just.

All of the letters in this collection came from the civilian aid to the Secretary of War, housed within the records of the assistant Secretary of War at the National Archives located in Washington D.C. Dr. McGuire discovered them shortly after the documents were declassified in 1980. The letters were left in their original form in an attempt to preserve their authenticity and flavor. This will account for the inaccuracies in grammar, spelling, punctuation, capitalization, structure, and style.

Note written by Lana Donaldson Taylor