90th Infantry Division Pic of the Week: Foy, Belgium
January 10, 2011
Posted in 90th ID - Pic of the Week, 90th Infantry Division, African-American Units, World War II
Tags: 90th ID - Pic of the Week, 90th Infantry Division, African-American Units, World War II
Yes, it’s Monday again, and time for our 90th Infantry Division – Pic of the Week. As usual, the History Junkie has more questions than answers and was hoping that there are some WW II or 90th ID heavyweights out there that can help. I’m always looking to learn.
1. What is hanging across the top of this pic?
2. Can anyone tell me about the 3201st Quartermaster Company? Was it an all African-American unit? Or did they just have certain sections, for example this burial detail, that were segregated?
An African-American burial detail from the 3201 Quartermaster Company looks on as Captain Cleetie Clemens, chaplain of the 90th Infantry Division, conducts services for the recently interred at the U.S. Military Cemetery Number 1 - Foy, Belgium - February 26, 1945. (U.S. Army Signal Corps Photo, Courtesy National Archives)
Thank you so much for this photo. It’s the only one I’ve ever seen of Foy American Cemetery #1. I see the date–February 26, 1945–and realize that my father was put into one of these graves less than a week after this photo was taken. If some of the men in this photo helped to put my father to rest, I thank them with all my heart.
My grandmother brought him home in 1947. He’s now at rest with my mother, his parents, and his brother. The people in Belgium have gone out of their way to comment when I post on forums. The current memorial seems perfect–open and lonely–but not neglected.