The Blue Helmets in Action

TRAVELING EXHIBIT

Early History of the Blue Helmets

The 93rd Infantry Division was founded when the United States entered World War I in 1917. Known as the 93rd Division (Provisional), it was composed of African American regiments from State Guard units from New York, Illinois, and Ohio and an African American regiment created from draftees primarily from South Carolina.

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The 93rd and Stateside Training

The formation of the 93rd Infantry Division consisted of the largest concentration of African American troops (15,000 – 16,000) at any given location in the country. This presented a major challenge for the U.S. Army.

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The 93rd Infantry Division and its Early Service in the Pacific

Prior to the deployment of the 93rd Infantry Division in 1944, American generals did not want the 93rd Division involved with the European theaters. Therefore, 93rd would be sent to the South Pacific in order to relieve a combat division for the planned invasion of the Philippines. 

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The End of the Blue Helmets and the End of World War II

Following the division’s initial actions on Bougainville, the 93rd continued serving on various island garrisons in the South Pacific, ultimately ending up on Morotai Island in 1945. While on the island, the 93rd Infantry Division was placed in command of all allied ground forces on the island. 

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