African-Americans enlisted in World War I to prove patriotism
By Sherri Onorati, The Covington Leader May 24, 2018 Several African-American units saw action alongside French soldiers fighting against the Germans. During World War I, 171 black soldiers were awarded the French Legion of Honor for their efforts. More than 350,000 Black Americans served in segregated units during World War
Thomas C. Bethel
Thomas C. Bethel was drafted into the U.S. Army on November 3, 1944 at Fort Benning, Georgia. He was shipped to Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania for basic training. On August 25, 1945 he departed for the Pacific Theater. He landed at Okinawa on September 27, 1945. Thomas’s awards and decorations include: