“Business is Booming in Italy, Members of a Negro Mortar Company of the 92nd Division Praise the Lord…” [lines from original press photo]

Black soldiers in the 92nd Infantry Division Buffalo Soldiers heave rounds of mortar

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A compelling World War II combat photograph depicting African-American troops at the front. The images captures members of a mortar company of the 92nd Infantry Division Buffalo Soldiers firing upon German troops.

A caption sheet dated November 28, 1944 states that the photograph was intended for “...William B. King’s AP [Associated Press] News features story on 92nd Division combat troops in Italy” —to be published or released for publication on December 5 of that year.

The text continues: “Members of a Negro mortar company of the 92nd Division praise the Lord, pass the ammunition and heave it over at the Germans in an almost endless stream near Massa, Italy. This company is credited with liquidating several machine gun nests. The company is commanded by Lt. Harry L. Cox of San Mateo, California.” 

Price: $150.00