The Patterson Brothers: African American Patriots Overlooked by History

Amidst the tumult of World War I, as America made the grave decision to enter the European maelstrom, a surge of patriotism washed over its citizenry. Everyone felt the call to serve, to represent their nation in this defining moment of history. Two such individuals were the Patterson brothers from Red Wing, Howard and Dewey. Yet, their tale is a testament to the racial disparities of the era.

In the spring of 1918, when the brothers first attempted to enlist, they were faced with a disheartening reality: there were apparently "no vacancies" for them. It wasn't for a lack of need, as the U.S. forces were desperately seeking manpower. Instead, the racially segregated army's underlying infrastructure was unable to accommodate black soldiers as swiftly as their white counterparts.

The brothers, persistent in their determination to serve, tried again after a few months. This time, they were accepted. In July, they received their orders to report to Camp Dodge, Iowa the following month, one of the sixteen national centers training recruits.

The local Red Wing newspapers, the Republican and Eagle, celebrated the Pattersons, noting them as the sole "colored" soldiers from Goodhue County. A commendable feat, but inaccurately portrayed. In fact, another individual, Ralph Jones, had already been serving in France with the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) by that time.

However, the oversight by the newspapers may be less about a simple miscalculation and more indicative of the larger narrative of the era, where achievements of African Americans were often sidelined or overlooked entirely.

The city of Red Wing gave the brothers a memorable sendoff. Thousands gathered, parades were organized, and the brothers were honored at a ceremony distinct from their white counterparts. They even carried a banner reading, "Kill the Kaiser." This display of solidarity from their community was heartwarming, yet it still underscores the segregation that was so deeply embedded in the American society of that time.

Their tale doesn't stand alone. In St. Paul, a similar ceremony honored 128 black inductees about to leave for Camp Dodge. Gov. J. A. A. Burnquist acknowledged their loyalty, and in an ironic twist, spoke of equal opportunities in the army – a reality far from the truth for many black soldiers.

In Minneapolis, civic leaders held a "farewell dinner" for "colored troops." The rhetoric used by leaders like the former mayor, William Eustis, again spotlighted the dissonance between the ideal of freedom and the lived reality of black soldiers.

The Patterson brothers' story shines a light on the complexities of the World War I era in the U.S., where patriotism intersected with racial discrimination. Their determination to serve, despite the systemic barriers, makes their tale all the more poignant. It's crucial to remember and honor figures like the Pattersons, who, against all odds, showcased their loyalty and courage, even when their country was yet to grant them full rights and recognition.