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VERY DIFFERENT OUTCOME FOR
THE BLACK SOLDIERS
Conversely, Robison wrote,
"Montana's African Americans were
drafted and served at a dispropor-
tionately high rate– more served
(198) than from Washington State (173), yet Montana's black
population was less than one-third that of Washington's."
Robison said there were two divisions that went overseas.
"Pershing gave the 93rd (Infantry) to the French." Named the
American Foreign Legion, they were equipped with all the ne-
cessities of a French soldier. They fought exceptionally well,
and the 370th Regiment, which included Lieutenant Charles
H. Conley of Havre, were called "the Black Devils" by the
Germans due to their fierce reputation. As the last regiment
to run the Germans out of France, the 370th was recognized
for their distinction on the battlefield. Upon returning to Mon-
tana, Lieutenant Conley
lived in Great Falls and
is buried in the veterans'
section of the Highland
Cemetery.
But not all of the black
troops were permitted to serve with such honor, as the 92nd
Infantry was tasked more with non-combat roles. Robison
said, "Some made it into combat." Yet, the majority of this
group worked as longshoremen and other menial support
jobs.
RALLYING THE HOME FRONT
Many of those who couldn't serve in the military support-
ed the troops from home, such as famed Western artist Char-
lie Russell and his industrious wife, Nancy, who worked tire-
lessly helping orphans from France and Belgium, along with
Caulfield's funeral service with full honors. Photo courtesy The Grisak Family.
