The Neglected Story Of African Americans On D-Day

The Neglected Story Of African Americans On D-Day
American soldiers, mostly from the south states, sit on the grass as a chalain hands out books prior to the start of evening religious services, England, mid 1940s. (Photo by FPG/Getty Images)
American soldiers, mostly from the south states, sit on the grass as a chalain hands out books prior to the start of evening religious services, England, mid 1940s. (Photo by FPG/Getty Images)

Official histories of D-Day have long excluded the contributions made by African Americans. Literature professor Alice Mills waded into the past to uncover these forgotten World War II heroes.

William Dabney could barely see the outline of the French coast as his landing vessel made an unsteady approach before dawn on June 6, 1944. A giant, zeppelin-shaped helium balloon hovered over the Allied boat. Strapped to Dabney via a long steel cable, it was designed to dissuade German fighter pilots from strafing the US soldiers who were about to hit Omaha Beach.

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