Anson WW I service is honored
Anson County Courthouse
Wadesboro, Anson County
"Erected by the Craighead-Dunlap Chapter, Daughters of The American Revolution, November 11, 1924"
In Honor of the negro men of Anson County who went forth at the call of their country to serve in the Great War
for world-wide liberty"
A companion listing for white soldiers is on another plaque. It's probably unfair today to critize or castigate the ladies of 1924 for so ardently following the ignorant Jim Crow practices that taught segregation. One can only imagine the soldiers listed upon this plaque likely felt betrayed by those of their home county. Especially for the fact that these tablets are so prominently affixed to the walls of the Anson County courthouse. Today we can only look back upon this era as one that greatly suffered from a lack of good leadership.
"Colored" soldiers found innumerable obstacles to their service here in America. But in France the story was much different. Many found themselves serving in units under the control of the French army and they were truly appreciated for their skills and bravery. One hundred seventy one soldiers of the 369th Infantry Regiment were awarded the coveted Croix de Guerre by the French government for their bravery and valor under fire. Those serving here in America found their lot much different. They were captives in a system that abused them and gave them little recourse to justice.
World War II wasn't much better, and the plight of black servicemen didn't really begin to improve until President Truman abolished segregation in the Armed Forces in 1945. The men listed upon this table, especially the 14 that did not survive the conflict, should be held in high regard for their loyalty to the Constitution of The United States of America.
