black…MYstory

In 1944, 28 black soldiers where convicted and dishonorably discharged for the lynching death of an Italian P.O.W. in Seattle, Washington.

However, none of them were involved.

In World War II America, Italian (and German) prisoners of war had more privileges that black U.S. soldiers.  In Seattle, it meant that Italian P.O.W.’s were allowed to freely roam the streets of Seattle and charm the young ladies.  On a particular night in 1944, certain white military policemen had enough of these Italian “prisoners” cavorting with the local women and started a riot.  In the midst of this, they hung one Italian P.O.W. from a cable noose.

So, how did these black men take the fall?

This is a narrative that has been repeated time and again in our history in this country.  The Army prosecutor for this case, Leon Jaworski, was not unlike too many of the civilian prosecutors of his time.  He withheld key information that could have exonerated these 28 black men in order to get a quick conviction.

The truth lay buried for more than 60 years, until Jack and Leslie Hammon published their book, “On American Soil”, detailing the true events of that night.

A fight broke out between a black soldier and an Italian POW.  A larger melee ensued and, according to the Hammons, white soldiers took it upon themselves to lynch an Italian P.O.W. out of spite because, unlike them, the Italians were allowed to drink alcohol and date local girls.

When the dust settled on the trial, 28 black men were unjustly convicted and sentenced to a combined 200 years in prison.  After their time was served, these men were dishonorably discharged from the Army, which, as one put it, was a “death sentence” for them in terms of employment.

It was not until this past Saturday that the Army officially apologized for this travesty.  Sadly, only two men lived long enough to receive this apology for themselves.  One of these men, Samuel Snow, died just a few hours after receiving his exoneration.

The rest have long since passed on so, some of their families stood in their stead.

These soldiers have had their dishonorable discharges changed to honorable discharges and their survivors will receive their back pay but, this will by no means cover their lost honor and opportunity that six decades cost them.

When we honor soldiers for their service, we need to remind ourselves that some soldiers fought wars not only abroad, but at home, as well.  This is one of those stories.

Popularity: 12% [?]