Mission

The purpose of the 92nd Infantry Division World War II Association is to commemorate the reactivation of the 92nd Infantry Division in 1942 and the outstanding combat participation of its troops; develop a non-biased history of the Division; perpetuate the memory of those members who gallantly gave their lives for their country; and provide a vehicle through which its members may share their experiences with each other, reflecting significant parts of their lives.

56 thoughts on “Mission

  1. Thanks Soldiers of the 92nd Infantry Division for serving our Country, We are very grateful for the job you did in WWII.

    • My thanks to the 92nd Infantry Buffalo Soldiers. I have only some years ago found out about their heroic contribution to free my homeland, Italy, during WWII. I am the daughter of an Italian Army’s Official and anti-nazifascism Partisan (Freedom Fighter) in WWII.

  2. My father’s name is Charles Lewis Sims. He served in World War 2 in the infantry and saw combat in Germany. On the photo entitled 92 infantry division (Buffalo division) in the first row 3rd from the left it looks remarkably like him. It would be much appreciated if you can assist in this matter.

    • Mr. Sims, most of the pictures that were provided to me don’t have names or any other identifying information. And, since they’re digital copies, I can’t look on the back to see if there’s anything written there. I will, however, ask around and see if anyone has a copy with the names listed

  3. I am doing a family tree. My uncle William M. Perrin was a Buffalo Soldier. He died in Italy in 1945. I am trying to locate pictures or any stories related to him.

    • May 28, 2015

      Hello my uncle, Second Lieutenant Johnny E. Birdsong was also killed in 1945. The battle was b l o o d y. North Italy was one of the last if not the last stronghold of the Germans who had lost the War. Eligible relatives can request a copy of his record from the
      National Personnel Records Center
      1 Archive Drive
      St. Louis, Mo 63138
      Personnel Records are protected. You need to show proof of your identity to the Soldier.

      I am the daughter of the Soldier’s sister.

      Jackie

      • May 29,2015

        i reviewed information yesterday evening after I returned to my apartment. The best place to start for information is:
        National Archives at College Park
        8601 Adelphi Road
        College Park, MD 20740
        Dear Research Team,
        Re: Soldiers Name/ID No.
        Buffalo Soldier WWII
        Mediterranean Theater (Italy
        Please research . . .
        or
        I would like to know

        Jackie

  4. My brother Vernon E. Woodland served in the 92ND, was KIA in Italy, and is interred there. I recently received his Purple Heart and other commendations. Prior to his service, Vernon was a renown boxer in Philadelphia, PA

  5. Just learning about the 92nd which I believe my father was a member. His enlistment was 11/42 to 3/45. I have his iindividual picture but am looking for any additional info on his service. He was wounded and received a Purple Heart but we can’t locate it. His name is David McClain

    • May 29, 2015

      The best place to start for information is The National Archives at College Park. I submitted address to an earlier reply today.

      Jackie Birdsong Johnson

  6. My brother was KIA in Italy other circa 2/1945. I managed to acquire the PH he was awarded including citations. It took four (4) years but I may have info. to assist you. Give me a little time to locate the data. I look forward to a discussion.

    James

    • May 28, 2015

      Hello James. I’m so happy that you received the information. My Uncle Second Lieutenant Johnny E. Birdsong was KIA on April 10, 1945. My dear mom was his only sibling (sister).. She never recovered from “I’m sorry to inform you . . . . Before she died I wanted her to know if his body had been brought back to the states. I was not tenacious enough and did not find out until after her death. As you know it is possible for relatives to request the Soldiers’ record.

      Good Work,

      Jackie

  7. Dear,
    I’m starting a research on the events related to the liberation of Genoa (Italy) in April 1945.
    In particular, with regard to the 472 and 473 infantry and an episode of the capture of about 3,000 soldiers German-Italian neighborhood of Genoa, presumably occurred April 27, 1945.
    There is an official report of the army?
    Could I have this documentation?
    I thank you and greet you cordially.

    Federico Garbarino
    Genoa Italy.

      • June 11, 2015
        Hi Federico,
        Our Army Personnel is very protective of military records. However you could write to National Archives at College Park in Maryland and ask how you would go about getting the information you desire. I imagine there are information WWII WAR Journals in regard to your concerns. You probably could ask any Librarian on US Government War Journal data base. Research begins with what researching any data base that serves your topic.
        Jackie B. Johnson

        • June 11, 2015
          Hi Federico,
          I forgot to mention that the Italian government is also a good place to begin your research. I’m sure that your government has WAR Journals.

          Jackie B. Johnson

  8. My Uncle, SGT Lawrence V. Blanchet, B Company, 365th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry, was Killed in Action 10 Feb, 1945. He was awarded the Silver Star, posthumosly, for his actions that day in killing a number of snipers his unit had encountered. The last one killed him. He was buried and his remains were not sent home for 6 years. His Silver Star was mailed to my grandarents.On Sunday June 14th 2015 at 1:00 pm there will be a graveside service to present my uncle his Silver with full military honors. LIncoln Cemetery, 12300 Sout Kedzie Chicago, IL. 60655. Any and all 92nd Inf Div veterans are invited t attend. My number is 773-259-6967

    • Dear Philip,
      My prayers today are for two Uncles, yours and mine.. My uncle Second Lieutenant Johnny E. Birdsong was shot in the heart the same day. I was his shinning star, the first child of his only sibling, his sister who is my mom. Unfortunately and with regret I can’t be in Chicago physically in June but in spirit I will be there shinning on the shoulder of my Uncle. My Uncle served as a Buffalo Soldier Intelligence and Reconnaissance leader, 5th Army Division, who opened the path for your uncle’s Regiment and others to pass securely. I pray for your family and its loss. It was a bloody battle in North Italy, rivers to cross, hills and mountains to climb. I am proud of your uncle and mine. The Silver Star is missing from my Uncle’s Record but I am working on its replacement. He received the Legion Of Merit Award and Italy’s Valor Cross.

      My heart reaches out to you

      Jacqueline Birdsong Johnson

      • May 28, 2015

        Dear Phillip,
        My Uncle Lieutenant Birdsong was KIA on April 10, 1945. I still meant everything I said above. The 10th is the 10th.

        Jackie

    • Mr. DePriest. My congratulations to you and your family on receiving the overdue posthumous award of the Silver star for your uncle’s service and sacrifice.

      Regrettably I will not be able to attend the military honors scheduled to be afforded to your uncle Mr. Lawrence V. Blanchette on June 14, 2015 at Lincoln Cemetery. I truly wish I had been able to attend and join you and other well wishers ion this occasion and pay my personal respects to the life and legacy of this heroic American.

      Vince Saunders
      Lt. Col. Ret. (126th ARW ILANG)
      1st Vice President
      Chicago Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen

  9. Does anyone know where a complete roster of all men who served in the 92nd Infantry Division in Italy? I am looking for an illusive relative, whose name I don’t know, but hot to match a name with a relative by the same name. Any suggestions are welcomed.

  10. Does one have to go the the National Archives in Maryland or do they have an on-line search capacity or documents one can download from a website? Any idea?

    Annette

    • May 28, 2015

      Hello,
      You have a choice. You can go there to research your concerns or you can write and request the information. However, if you don’t know the name that may pose a challenge. They have research technicians but you need to provide information to lead the research. There is a book about Buffalo Soldiers in Italy. I don’t have the name of the author with me but I can get the info if you need it.

      Sincerely,

      Niece of a Buffalo Soldier

      • May 29, 2015
        May 29, 2015
        Hello again,

        The name of the book is :
        Buffalo Soldiers In Italy
        Black Americans in WWII
        by Hondon Hargrove

        Jackie Birdsong Johnson

  11. May 29, 2015
    Hello Niece of a Buffalo Soldier.
    I am also the niece of a Buffalo Soldier. You may be able to download some information but only from a Military Archive Center. We have one in San Francisco, California where I was able to locate my Uncle’s Military ID Number. However, I could not get information on his Military Record because the center had records of only California Soldiers. It did have the appropriate forms that I needed to submit to the National Archives at College Park in Maryland along with the request. You can download those forms. There is a standarized form that you need to submit with request for information.

    Be persistent and Good Luck,

    Jackie Birdsong Johnson

  12. June 11, 2015,
    Re: Ivan Houston
    Author BLACK WARRIORS
    Does anyone know How I can contact Mr. Houston who is the author of the above book, a memoir of his experiences as a WWII Buffalo Soldier.

    Thank you,

    Jackie Birdsong Johnson

    • Hello Jackie,
      Professor James Rada has forwarded your request. I can help you contact Mr. Houston.
      We have been working with Ivan J. Houston, author of Black Warrriors: The Buffalo Soldiers of WWII – on the documentary, With One Tied Hand (http://pacificfilmfoundation.org). The movie is nearing completion.
      Mr. Houston’s email address is ihouston@aol.com. I’m sure he would be delighted to speak with you.
      My email is joe@pacificfilmfoundation.org, and I would enjoy speaking with you, as well.

      • June 12, 2015

        Hello Joe Hartnett,
        It is my pleasure to speak with you. i am a music historian and I am happy to hear that a Professor is involved with the 92nd Infantry WWII Association. I understand the importance of academia. My mom, Uncle Johnny’s only sibling, spoke of her brother once when I was a little girl. She never got over his “missing.” They had a lot of male cousins who spoke of his “missing” even until their deaths. He was the first to buy a brand new car in the family. I remember riding in it not long before his death. He suffered a nervous breakdown at the end of 1944. However, he didn’t stay home long because orders had been sent to upgrade from Sgt. to Second Lieutenant. His commanders wanted him to lead the 370th Reconnaissance & Intelligence Command which he did until he was killed while scouting for the enemy. When he first was sent to Italy he was in Second command of that Platoon. Between you and I the upgrade command was his death warrant. He was my surrogate father. He sent money monthly to my mom for the welfare of my brother and me. Prior to my mom’s death I wanted her to know whether or not his body was returned home. Unfortunately I received the information I sought after she died. The Silver Star that he received is not documented in his record and I am presently working to have it restored. He received the Star after he crossed the Arno river. The R&I Platoon was sent to Italy first to cross the river and bring back information on Germanic locations. The captain in charge somehow(the record does not explain how) became separated from my Uncle who completed the mission with a few men and brought back information to Command Headquarters. His record clearly states he was first to cross the river August 29-30 1944. In addition, after returning to the other side his record states he observed that one soldier was missing. Uncle Johnny crossed the river again by himself and safely brought the missing Soldier across. No Soldiers was lost during their first mission. Uncle Johnny was recommended and received the Legion Of Merit for Leadership. As far as I am concerned all Buffalo Soldiers should be awarded the Silver Star. Uncle Johnny’s military record continues to state his valor on other occasions, one which is stated by General Almond.

        Thank you for your immediate response,

        Jackie

  13. June 15, 2015

    Dear Professor James Rada,
    I very much appreciate your attention, help, and concern.

    Respectfully,

    Jacqueline Birdsong Johnson

  14. June 16, 2016
    Thank you Ivan J. Houston, Uncle Johnny, and ALL Buffalo Soldiers for the safe -guarding of our home–AMERICA. Regardless whether you were an enlisted Soldier or an officer ENEMY WAR GUNS do not distinguish between the two. Out of Africa was a “One Way Ticket!” My bloodline is both African and Cherokee while my culture is African American. Thank you 92nd Infantry Division WWII Association and professors who are attentive and involved. Because we can’t afford to forget our HISTORY. We must read, write, reflect and safe-guard the truth even when others show the greatest DOUBT.
    Thank you ALL

    Jackie

  15. July 1, 2015
    Re: WAR Department Curriculum Needed at US Universities
    During the documentary, “One Tied Hand,” Ivan J. Houston asks, “When will the Buffalo Soldiers be recognized?” As a music student I studied with the Music Department. My uncle’s record and information concerning the 92nd WWII Infantry Division indicate to me that professional WAR studies are a need. For instance the 92nd was comprised of several Infantry Regiments and other battalions ALL under the insignia of “BUFFALO SOLDIERS!” My Uncle was with The Third Army prior to being transferred to the 92nd. To add more confusion the 92nd (WWII) was temporarily attached to The First Armored Division in Italy. At Headquarters he drove dignitaries around including the first woman congress woman who wrote to my mom upon his death. I know little of WAR that is opposite of music which is an aesthetic, however, it seems I may need to study WAR (smile). Dr. James Pratt ‘s research is a light for us all. He researches the 366th Infantry in which his father was a Captain. His work so far can be viewed at the Rare Book Department at Cornell University.

    Jackie

  16. I was working as an as an archive intern at our library, where a patron had unearthed a basket full of letters from a bricked-over fireplace. They were primarily from Sgt. William “Ray” Whittaker to his girlfriend/wife Jane Dean Whittaker during 1942/1943 as he was stationed in Arizona and Alabama. He was medically discharged in 1943 and they subsequently moved to New Rochelle, NY. I feel like I have really gotten to know him through the huge stack of letters I went through, and I wish I could find of the rest of his story. I felt privileged to be a part of his history.

  17. My name is Sergeant Major Irwin Whittington the son of Frank O’Dell Whittington, a Buffalo Soldier of I 365th Combat Infantry Regiment. He was an Anti-Aircraft Artillery Crewman from April 1942 to November 1945. I’m trying to research more about the war in Italy. His campaigns are Appenes and Po Valley. I’m excited to know he was a Buffalo Soldier and part of a special part of of history. I would love to know more

    SGM Whittington

  18. Is there any chance that my father’s uncle is in that photo? Walter “Pete” Archer. Died in Italy. He entered service in 1992 and after training, was assigned to 365th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry division.

  19. My grandfather was a Buffalo Soldier. Served 1940-46, Germany and Italy. Have a picture of him in his uniform with Buffalo on his scarf.

  20. I was wondering if anyone on this site could help me find information about the circumstances surrounding death of my cousin SGT Green T. Tukes. He was killed in action in December 1944 while attached to the 92nd Infantry Division (Co. H. 366th Infantry Regiment).
    His death was particularly painful to our family because he was the last born male to have the Tukes surname. Although he had many sisters and female cousins, all married and passed down other names. He died long before I was born, but I learned of his service from stories told by my mother and her sister who were his younger first cousins. Unfortunately, they don’t recall much about how he died.
    To find out details, I formally requested information regarding his death from the Army, but after two years of waiting they only provided documents regarding the re-internment of his body from Italy back to the US. There was nothing on awards, previous assignments, promotions, medals, or how he died. Having this info would mean a lot to his relatives.

    • Dear Michele Hirsch,
      I am a fellow documentary filmmaker and friend of James Rada, the founder of this site. Our current documentary, WIth One Tied Hand (View Promotional Trailer here –

      , describes the massacre by German troops of many soldiers of the 366th Infantry Regiment, possibly including your cousin. The tragedy occurred in the remote mountain village of Sommocolonia, Tuscany, Italy on Christmas Day, 1944. General Edward Almond, the racist commander of the 92nd Division, resented the pride and independence of the 366th, which was an all-Black unit including its officers (unlike the segregated 92nd Division, which had White officers at the top levels). Following Almond’s orders, the 366th was broken up, and many of its troops were sent to Sommocolonia in December 1944. Worse, despite the fact that a German attack was imminent, none of the 366th men were warned. A White officer was heard to say at the time, “Let them fend for themselves.” Historians and authors have repeatedly and diligently sought records of the 366th over the years, as did we on behalf of our film. At this point, we fear that these records were in fact destroyed at the end of World War II by one or more senior officers of the 92nd Division, with Almond being the prime suspect. I’m sorry I could not provide more, or more hopeful information. I believe that if SGT Green T. Tukes was there in Sommocolonia with the ill-fated men of the 366th that Christmas Day, 1944, he died in service to his country. If America didn’t or doesn’t deeply appreciate this, please know that I do. Kindest regards,
      Joe Hartnett, Director

  21. Hi. My grandparents were rescued by Buffalo soldiers during WW2, in a small village close to the Gothic Line (Retignano). I hope somebody might know where I can find records of which soldiers were in my village during 1944/45. I really wish I could find them or their families to say thank you.

    • Lorenzo: I regret to say that I don’t know of any Veterans of the 92nd that are still with us. If you’re looking for records of where they fought, I would suggest contacting the Army War College.

  22. Hello, I am looking into finding some information on my grandfather, Douglas Robinson from Virginia. His headstone says he was in the 370th Infantry Regiment and I later found out it was part of the 92nd Infantry Division. Any info would be appreciated.

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