Dark Soldier

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"[ca. 1945]  “DARK SOLDIER”  By J. A. Emanuel, 642 Ord Am Co, Mindanao, P.I.  Dark soldier, where were you When evil from the sky First fell upon your countrymen Who could do naught but die?  I know--you, too, were at your post, Your lifeblood ebbed away. You gave your first full measure That famed December day.  Dark solder, was your manhood there At your wounded country’s side? Or, did you di savow your kin, And creep away to hide?  I know, you, too, took up your harms,  Beside the fair-skinned man. You bore with you your mother’s prayers And sailed to the foreign land.  You were maligned, dark soldier, While you were in the fray. The onslaughts of your countrymen Beshamed the American way.  Dark soldier, how did you meet your death By the hand of friend and foe?  What was your prayer as you gave your life For a land that treats you so?  I know your prayer, dark solider:  “America, you take my sons in hand And let them live the way they plan, The way I died for them--a man.”  [*For original see Subject File, Military service.]  "

Full description

Poem written by Emanuel in 1945, typed, humanizing Black soldiers during World War II.

Download image “Dark Soldier”
  • type
    Image
  • created on
  • file format
    jpg
  • file size
    592 KB
  • creator
    James A. Emanuel
  • issue
    BOX 11 FOLDER 4 Military service, 1941-1952
  • rights
    James A. Emanuel Estate
  • rights holder
    James A. Emanuel Estate