Alfred Palmer’s WWI Uniform
Alfred Palmer’s WWI uniform hat
French Adrian helmet from WWI
Description:
Private Alfred Palmer was an African American soldier in Company B of the Washington, D.C. National Guard when the US entered World War I in 1917. His unit was reorganized into the segregated 93rd Infantry Division’s 372nd Regiment. They were placed under French control and given French equipment, like the French helmet in the patch, when they arrived in France.
Questions:
What is this object? How would you describe it?
What was happening in the world in 1917?
Why did the US enter World War I?
Why were African Americans placed in different units than white soldiers?
Was their service any different?
How were Alfred Palmer and other Americans affected by the war?
