"During World War I 370,000 African Americans labored, fought, and died to make the world safe for a democracy that refused them equal citizenship at home. The irony was made more bitter as black troops struggled with the racist policies of the American military itself. The overwhelming majority were assigned to labor companies; those selected for combat were undertrained, poorly equipped, and commanded by white officers who insisted on black inferiority. Still, African Americans performed admirably under fire: the 369th infantry regiment was in continuous combat longer than any other American unit, and was the first Allied regiment to cross the Rhine in the offensive against Germany. This book chronicles the rigid segregation; the limited opportunities for advancement; the inadequate food, medical attention, housing, and clothing; the verbal harassment and physical abuse, including lynchings; the ingratitude, unemployment, and unprecedented racial violence that greeted their return." -- From the back cover.

“This Da Capo Press paperback edition of The unknown soldier is an unabridged republication of the edition first published in Philadelphia in 1974, here supplemented with a new introduction by Bernard C. Nalty. It is reprinted by arrangement with Temple University Press.” – From the reverse of the title page. Originally published: Philadelphia : Temple University Press, 1974.

Who was the Black American of World War I? -- Violence in the summer, 1917 -- Choosing and using Black draftees -- The problem of the Black officer -- Two Black fighting outfits -- Laborers in uniform -- The 93d Division in France -- The 92d Division in France -- After the Armistice -- Home? -- Appendix: Disposal of the colored drafted men.