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[Photo Album of a Company of African American Soldiers in Hawaii at the Close of World War II].

[Oahu, Hawaii, 1945]. Full pebbled brown leather with brown cord ties, gilt stamp on lower left of upper cover depicting the Royal Hawaii Coat of Arms between the words "Aloha, Hawaii," vertical gilt rules on upper cover. 122 photographs in album, 50 loose. Most photographs are 4” x 5”, 3” x 4.5”, and 2.5” x 3”.

A compelling collection of photographs depicting life with the African American company in the racially integrated 372nd Infantry Regiment in Hawaii.

Accompanied by a newspaper clipping—likely from the Pittsburgh Courier of Oct. 27, 1945—entitled “New ‘Experiment in Democracy’: 372nd Captain Commands White Troops in Hawaii,” this collection of photographs depicts life for the members of the 372nd Infantry Regiment during their stay in Hawaii, presumably at the Honouliuli Internment and POW Camp where they served as guards during the last year of the camp’s operation. Because of the high proportion of photographs depicting the African American company, it seems likely that the album was compiled by one of its members, although the one African American and two white companies boarded, messed, and relaxed together. At a time when the U.S. Military was still segregated, any integration of white and African American troops was highly unusual. Unlike most others, however, the Pittsburgh Courier suggests that this foray into desegregation was not contentious.

A section early in the album (some 30 photographs) depicts a large victory parade complete with marching band and elaborate floats dedicated to President Roosevelt and “world fellowship.” Much of the 372nd Regiment's work took place after the war ended, as the Honoliuli camp was emptying. It seems that many of the other images in the album were taken just after the end of the war as well. Photographs show members of the regiment at work and play, both in their camp and on various touristic excursions: to Kalanianaole Park, Honolulu, scenic overlooks, and so on. Leisure activities at “home” include social gatherings at the small camp bar with friends and girlfriends, attending musical performances, reading, etc.. A significant number of photographs portray women, both alongside men at social gatherings and in groups to themselves, at parties, members of societies, or sitting comfortably side-by-side on someone’s bed. There are also many shots that show members of the regiment both inside and outside military buildings, posed in front of their barracks, sitting in trucks, grouped around desks and amid filing cabinets with maps and telephones. None of the subjects depicted appear to be internees, but the photographs certainly reflect the ethnic diversity in Hawaii during this time and provide a glimpse into some of the more pleasant aspects of life for soldiers stationed there. Some of the views simply depict the general surroundings, including scenery, architecture, etc.

A valuable visual record of a little-documented, integrated company of African American soldiers serving in Hawaii at the close of World War II.

CONDITION: Very good.

REFERENCES: National Register of Historic Places Registration Form for “Honouliuli Internment Camp,” U.S. Dept. of the Interior, p. 48.

Item #3699

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