Blackvalor

This is the second episode on the 369th Infantry Regiment.  I discuss the politics behind the formation of the regiment.  Also, I discuss the controversy on NFL players kneeling during the National Anthem.  The next episode will cover the initial outfitting of the unit and prepartions for going overseas.  You can find more information on the podcast by visiting my site at www.blackvalor.net.  

The hiatus of the Black Valor podcast is over!  This episode marks the beginning of a new series commemorating the 369th Infantry Regiment and 100 year anniversary of WWI. Also, I discuss some of the reasons for the long delay and why this podcast is more relevant than ever, with the current racial climate in America.   Consider Episode 17 the first of four or five podcasts that focus on aspects of the 369th's WWI legacy.  Episode 18 will arrive in two weeks and cover the politics that led to the formation of the regiment and the famous 369th band. If you are an old listener, thank you for your patience and I promise to reward your diligence with fresh new content.  For new listeners, welcome and I recommend listening to the older podcasts while you wait for the new episode.

For Woman's  History Month I detail the capture of Spc Shoshana Johnson, during the 2nd Iraqi war.  Spc Johnson was the first African-American woman POW.   Remember to go to www.blackvalor.net for more detailed information on this episode.

The 1st Rhode Island Regiment is known as the first all black regiment.  While that description is not completely accurate they unit was truly exceptional.  This episode details the founding, composition and battles of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment. Remember to visit the website: www.blackvalor.net for more information on this episode.

Episode 14 gives a brief history of the  960th Quartermaster Service Company.  The all black unit was formed in World War II and served in Scotland, France, Netherlands, Belgium and Germany.

General Daniel "Chappie" James Jr. served in the Air Force for 35 years.  He began his career as one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen and retired as a 4-star general.  He was the first black officer of any of the services to attain the rank of General.  General James was also an accomplished fighter pilot who participated in three major wars and won accolades for his commitment to civic issues in America.  This episode briefly explores Daniel James' incredible life. See more at www.blackvalor.net

Many people know about the famed Tuskegee Airmen who were fighter pilots, but few knew of the first black bombardment group.  For episode 12 I describe the history of the 477th Bombardment Group.  The 477th was the first and last bomber group.  Listen to this episode to discover how race and politics kept this group out of the war.

This is the third and final part of my interview with MSgt Jerome Baysmore (retired).  Enjoy the conclusion of this wonderful interview.  Our next podcast will finally highlight members of the United States Air Force.

This is part 2 of the interview with MSgt Jerome Baysmore.  In this section he talks about his numerous deployments. Parts three will be uploaded shortly after this episode.  If you prefer to download the complete interview, it will be available under the podcast tab on the site:www.blackvalor.net.

In honor of Black History month, I wanted to highlight one of America's unsung heroes.  It has been a while since I was able to post, but Black Valor is back.  Here is the long promised interview with MSgt Jerome Baysmore (retired).  The interview is broken down into three parts, to make it easier to listen to.  In part one, MSgt Baysmore shares the hilarious experience that convinced him to join the Air Force.  Later, he talks about some memorable events that occurred during his basic training. Parts two and three will be uploaded shortly after this episode.  If you prefer to download the complete interview, it will be available under the podcast tab on the site: www.blackvalor.net.

This podcast concludes the series on the 761st Tank Battalion, Black Panthers.  I discuss some achievements of members in the battalion and fill in more of the background on these incredible WWII tankers.  

Here is part 2 of the 761st Tank Battalion's story.  In this episode we discuss the Battalion's travels and battle's from Omaha Beach to Steyr, Austria.

This episode looks at the court martial of Jackie Robinson.  He was an officer in the 761st Tank Battalion and narrowly missed serving overseas, during WWII.  Robinson is most widely known for breaking the color barrier in baseball.

During World War II, the 761st Tank Battalion tore through Europe in pursuit of the German Army.  The unit was distinguished and praised by leaders like Gen George Patton and General Leslie McNair.  In 1978 the 761st received a Presidential Unit Citation Award and one member, SSgt Ruben Rivers, received the Congressional Medal of Honor (posthumously). See more at www.blackvalor.net

This is a short episode to explain the hiatus of Black Valor.  Also, I briefly cover the efforts to get Sergeant First Class Alwyn Cashe the Medal of Honor.

William Henry Singleton was born a slave and became a First Sergeant with the 35th Regiment, United States Colored Troops.  He, organized and drilled one thousand colored troops, before the Emancipation Proclamation. 

Private William Cathay joined the famed Buffalo Soldiers in 1866.  This would be a typical enlistment of the period, except William was really Cathay, a woman!  She joined the U.S. Army 62 years before women were allowed to serve.  Listen to the amazing story of William Cathay, the first female Buffalo Soldier. Find more information at www.blackvalor.net.

Sergeant Henry Lincoln Johnson fought with the 369th Infantry during WWI.  On 14 May 1918, he and Private Needham Roberts defended an outpost on the Aisne river from a sizable German raiding party.  Episode 4 recounts this incredible story.

Episode 3 discusses how Lieutenant John R. Fox earned the Medal of Honor, while serving in Italy during WWII.

This is Episode II of the Black Valor podcast.  We conclude our brief history of the 2d Ranger Company, All Black Rangers.  You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, at Black Valor.  Also, visit www.blackvalor.net for more information on black military history and a companion gallery about the black Rangers.