Personal Narrative Manuscript/Mixed Material Photo, Print, Drawing Audio Recording William Cullen Bryant Collection
Veterans History Project Service Summary:
- War or Conflict: World War, 1939-1945
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: 370th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division
- Location of Service: United States; European Theater; Italy
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Collection Number: AFC/2001/001/29080
After being drafted in September 1941, William Bryant was as eager to serve as if he had enlisted. He found basic training "fun," and he requested an assignment to the paratroops. He was turned down for medical reasons, not his race, but he was soon on his way to Europe with the infantry. An incident with Red Cross workers who pointedly ignored black troops when handing out coffee and snacks didn't discourage him from wanting to get to the front lines. Even an incident of friendly fire that decimated his unit didn't cool his ardor. Bryant recalls the last day of the war and a long voyage home to his see his son, born while he was serving overseas.
William Cullen Bryant Collection
Interview / Recording
Transcript
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PlayVolunteering for paratroopers but declared medically ineligible, not a case of discrimination; shipping out to Africa and Europe; frustrated that he didn't get to serve in combat right away; Red Cross workers discriminating against blacks in handing out coffee and snacks; bitter about his own country in the midst of serving it. 00:07:31.9 - 00:14:02.5
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PlayIncident of friendly fire decimating his company; encounter with officer who ordered him to tell the unit that it was firing on him; three of his men deeply shaken up by the incident. 00:15:00.1 - 00:23:13.7
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PlayLast day of the war; writing to loved ones to let them know they were okay; hard voyage coming back on liberty ship; taking 21 days as opposed to 9 going over. 00:43:27.1 - 00:46:08.0
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About this Item
Title
- William Cullen Bryant Collection
Names
- Jones, Tamara
- University of Toledo
- Walter, Joe
- Bryant, William Cullen
Home State
- Ohio
Headings
- - Bryant, William Cullen
- - World War, 1939-1945 -- Personal Narratives
- - United States. Army.
Repository
- Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
Gender
- Male
Race
- Black or African American
Status
- veteran
Service History
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World War, 1939-1945
- Branch of Service: Army
- Unit of Service: 370th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division
- Location of Service: United States; European Theater; Italy
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Dates of Service: 1941-1945
- Entrance into Service: Enlisted
- Military Status: veteran
Materials
- Audio: CD [1 item] -- Reference copy (collected 2005-07-09; 2009-08-20)
- Manuscript: Transcript [1 item] -- Typewritten document (collected 2009)
- Photograph: Original photographic print [1 item] -- Photograph (collected 2005-07-09)
- Audio: Audio Cassette [1 item] -- Oral history interview (collected 2005-07-09)
Collection Number
- AFC/2001/001/29080
Cite as
- William Cullen Bryant Collection (AFC/2001/001/29080), Veterans History Project, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
Online Format
- audio
- image
- online text