Because the US refused to have blacks serve in a combat role, General John J. Pershing responded to France’s request for troops by establishing four black regiments, 369th - 372nd. They would fight under the French flag. The 371st was redesignated as the 371st Regiment d'Infanterie Etats Unis de la 157me Division "Goybet".
They wore US Army uniforms and were equipped with French accoutrements along with the French "Berthier" M1916 rifle.
The men of the 371st were awarded their shoulder patch for service with a French colonial division at Verdun, where the regiment lost a third of its men in action. Enlisted men and many officers were black, hence their French commander nicknaming the 371st "my Black Watch." |
