"I didn't feel too kindly toward the United States then. But that did not hinder me from doing the best I could." (Audio Interview, 13:54)

William Cullen Bryant

William Bryant [2005] War: World War II, 1939-1946 Branch: Army Unit: 370th Combat, 92nd Division Service Location: United States; Europe; Italy Rank: Staff Sergeant Place of Birth: Vienna, GA

After being drafted in September 1941, William Bryant was as eager to serve as if he had enlisted. He found basic training "fun," and he requested an assignment to the paratroops. He was turned down for medical reasons, not his race, but he was soon on his way to Europe with the infantry. An incident with Red Cross workers who pointedly ignored black troops when handing out coffee and snacks didn't discourage him from wanting to get to the front lines. Even an incident of friendly fire that decimated his unit didn't cool his ardor. Bryant recalls the last day of the war and a long voyage home to his see his son, born while he was serving overseas.