Ellis L. Ross

Ellis Ross in uniform, Sicily [1944] War: World War, 1939-1945 Branch: Army Unit: Quartermaster Corps Service Location: Lido Beach, Florida; Fort Dix, New Jersey; Oran, Algeria, North Africa; Sicily; Livorno and Rome, Italy; Paris, Sarrebourg, Marseille, Einville, Etretat and Nancy, France; Ulm, Augsburg, and Munich, Germany; Austria; London, England Rank: Master Sergeant

Fought in nearly every corner of the globe, World War II sent servicemen and women to far-flung locations that previously, they might only have dreamed of visiting, and thus sight-seeing was a frequent pastime during periods of rest and relaxation and after the end of hostilities. For African Americans stationed in European Theater during World War II, even for those in segregated units, service overseas offered the chance to play tourist in the same easy manner as white soldiers--a rare opportunity for those accustomed to the travel limitations imposed by Jim Crow laws back home. Master Sergeant Ellis Ross’ collection of over 250 photographs offers a glimpse into his off-duty experiences during his service with the Quartermaster Corps: touring Rome, Paris, and London, enjoying time at the beach, and befriending Italian civilians.