Photos
92nd Infantry (Buffalo Division)
World War II Association
I am a Docent with the Toledo Police Museum where we have an exhibit referencing Jacob “Jake” Chandler who was a TPD Officer prior to being KIA in Italy while a member of F Company 370th Infantry, reportedly on 9 FEB’45. In my research on the Lieutenant I’ve found he was a Silver Star recipient and believe the story of his heroism should be a part of the exhibit. Any information or direction that you may provide will be genuinely appreciated. Thank you for your time and thank you for your Service.
My father served in WWII on his grave marker in Arlington it says he was TECH 4 HQ BTRY 94 DIV ARTY WORLD WAR II can you tell me where he might have been stationed and what he might have done? Thank you.
Richard, first place to look is http://www.archives.gov/veterans/
I’m submitting this letter to you today because I have strong reason to believe that my late grandfather was part of the 92nd. From doing research and reading a book called “The Buffalo Saga”. When I was younger my grandfather would tell these amazing stories, war stories that as a young kid I would dismiss because of the fact they were too fantastic and my grandfather knew that he would always have my attention by telling me these war stories. A year ago, I bought a book titled, “The Buffalo Saga” reading this book was like listening to another war story by my grandfather only difference is I’m older and he passed away. My grandfather stressed the fact he was in Europe, the 92nd division, was the only all black unit in Europe in World War II. The division itself is so big, I don’t know where he was. I’m writing to this site in the hopes that you will be able to help me. Thank You
My dad is alive and was from 92nd Division from Fort Huachuca, AZ – the last BUFFALO SOLDIER unit …written in the book BUFFALO SOLDIER of ITALY by their captain the late Hobson Hargrove…PLEASE CONTACT ME ANYTIME BECAUSE THESE MEN HAVE NOT BEEN RECOGNIZED AS REALLY WINNING THE WAR WHEN TOO MANY SOLDIERS WERE AT NORMANDY….the Black pilots have always had recognition…now is time for our BUFFALO SOLDIERS before all ” Word History ” is lost…
I agree with you. Let’s exchange information that we have so far. I have a photograph of my father with the 92nd and a post card photo he sent his sister while stationed in Italy.
Request a copy of grandfather military record from the military record center St. Louis, Mo
I have a photo of my father Sgt. Thomas Lewis which shows the Buffalo Soldier patch on his uniform. Sadly I requested his war records and was told that on July 12, 1973. “The fire destroyed the major portion of records of Army military personnel for the period 1912 through 1959”.
my father was a buffalo solider in this infantry 92nd. He is standing up next to the American flag.
What was your father’s name?
My dad is alive and was from 92nd Division from Fort Huachuca, AZ – the last BUFFALO SOLDIER unit …written in the book BUFFALO SOLDIER of ITALY by their captain the late Hobson Hargrove…PLEASE CONTACT ME ANYTIME BECAUSE THESE MEN HAVE NOT BEEN RECOGNIZED AS REALLY WINNING THE WAR WHEN TOO MANY SOLDIERS WERE AT NORMANDY….the Black pilots have always had recognition…now is time for our BUFFALO SOLDIERS before all ” Word History ” is lost…My dad is HIAWATHA TURNER and he is on the top row 2nd from the left…he came home and made history which is in the Sloan Art Museum as the first Black journeyman degree carpenter ( through C. S. MOTT COLLEGE ) who went on to break segregation at General Motors for carpenters by being the first with the highest scores of any race
June 11, 2015,
Hello Rene,
It was so nice to read your comment to hear that your dad is STILL alive. It was also good to know of his achievements after the WAR. My Uncle was trained t Ft. Huachuca, Az.too. Please ask your dad if he recalls Johnny E. Birdsong. My Uncle Johnny served with the 370th Intelligence & Reconnaissance Platoon in Italy and was killed in action 10 April 1945. As of this date I have not heard of anyone who knew him. He was the first to cross the Arno River 29-30 1944 while a Technical Sgt. He became a Second Lieutenant.
It is my hope that your family is all well,
J>B> Johnson
My half sister is ” messy” and now at the age of 63 my father no longer speaks to me. It is so sad that jealousy and envy can be so powerful…but in the end “God Is In Control”..see if you can find Hiawatha C Turner 93 yrs old ( 2nd wife Vera) in Memphis TN on Bishops Bridge Rd
My father was also in the 92nd and I also found out about the fire that destroyed this records while searching about him in the 1980s. I did write my Congressman and he was able to get a certified record on my father’s service.
How ironically convenient….there was extreme racism then….did he fight in Italy?..look at the book by the late Hondon Hargrove from Lansing MI…my dad was in the book although he said it was not completely accurate…God Bless you and yours…
That is great to know….I will contact mine…
My father served with the 92nd infantry division during WWII. He served as an infantry rifleman but was later assigned to quarter master. After being wounded several times. He was from Folsom Louisiana. Based in Arizona, served in Italy, Germany. During the war, received purple heart. Was suppose to get a silver star he was told but he never received.
I am looking for the book. I will let you know what I find. I actually have a picture of my father with the 92nd, it is one of those really wide pictures of the entire regiment.
My father served as an infantryman with the 92nd in Italy were he was wounded. The only reminder of his service that I have is a portrait he had taken while he was there. It was taken in a studio, in what town or city I do not know. In it he is wearing his CIB, his Purple Heart ribbon, and another ribbon (possibly a theatre campaign ribbon?) that I am not familiar with. He never spoke about the war to me, but I have been told that he was supposed to have been decorated for an heroic act in combat. Unfortunately he passed away over 30 years ago without us ever having a conversation about his service.
I would love to read his full service record, especially if there were truly any citations involved. I too have been told about the fire at the records archive. Is there any other place I might fine a record of any citations?
The fire notwithstanding, first stop should be the archives – http://www.archives.gov/veterans/. That’s still the most comprehensive, reliable resource we have available to us.
Contact your congressman orders congresswoman and the White House
Hello, my father-in-law, James A Tillman was a member of the 366th Infantry Regiment. Attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Mo the year prior. James passed away in 2016, however his children have no information regarding other family members, James’ time with the army, why/he was discharged and so much more. Ive scanned archives at the college, newspapers, yearbooks, etc… Can you be so kind to guide or suggest where I may be able to dig for more specific/personal information regarding his time with the military? Thank you so much.