Sailors on deck, USS Malang

A group of sailors standing on the deck of the USS Malang; a civilian stands in front of group.

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 followed them into the military, the service of African Americans during the war broke barriers and challenged the heart of racist policies in the military and beyond.

From the service of Private Grant McClellan, Company L, 806th Pioneer Infantry, AEF