Click here to view the brief Evening Record article dated July 30, 1918, which reveals in its wording the segregated situation during World War I.

By saying “Colored Men”, that meant they were not traveling with the white troops. They would be in separate barracks at Camp Upton located in Yaphank on Long Island in Suffolk County, New York, not far from Camp Mills, and if they went overseas to fight, they could only fight along side French Troops. 

All of that was understood when the term “Colored Men” was used in referring to these eight men:
Clarence Higgs, Richard J. Watson, Henderson Jeter, Leonard Mickens,
Albert Stevens, William Billy Henry Green, George Alsten, and Julius F. Coles. By these men’s honorable service it helped to break down racial barriers for future generations.

Let us never forget the soldier’s sacrifice. 

Written by:
Bob Meli
May 18, 2013

Background image of poster for black soldiers during World War l obtained from:

http://goo.gl/jIu1na

Banner image of Camp Upton obtained from:

https://goo.gl/tGDkNY