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.

Although the regiments of the 93rd were part of the American Expeditionary Force, they served primarily with the French Army and were issued French equipment. This led to the division using a blue French Adrian Helmet patch to signify its service with the French Army before the end of the war.

When World War I ended, the 93rd was deactivated with its units, either reverting back to their State Guard status or being deactivated. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the U.S. Army authorized the raising of combat divisions comprised primarily of African American soldiers. Although initial plans included four divisions made up of African American soldiers, only two would be created with a third being formed from the restructuring of an existing division.

On May 15, 1942, The 93rd Infantry Division, the first of the three Black combat divisions, would be activated.