Portrait of Vernon Coffey

During World War I, thousands of African American men answered their country's call and joined the armed services. Though segregation policies at the time forced 80% of African American servicemen into labor or support roles, the 92nd and 93rd Infantry Divisions saw fierce combat in Europe.

Vernon Coffey served as a member of the 92nd division in France during World War I. Coffey would distinguish himself as a soldier, fighting for the French on behalf of the United States.

At the end of the First World War, Coffey returned to Kansas City, Kansas, where he became a preacher at First African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Item Description:
Black and white photograph of Vernon Coffey in uniform taken in France, Spring of 1919. Coffey is wearing tunic (1987.61.1) and overseas cap (1987.61.2). Back of photograph has description written in black ink, "Regimental Color Sergeant Vernon Carson Coffey, 806 Pioneer Infantry, Taken at Orley Sine (sic) France after Armistice 1918, in attached Base Hospital No. 20 Paris, France."

From the service of Corporal Vernon C. Coffey, Headquarters Company, 806th Pioneer Infantry Regiment, 2nd Army, AEF.

1987.61.6