Artifact Friday: Captured Nazi Flag

This week’s Artifact Friday shines a light on a significant piece of history - a Nazi flag captured and signed by members of the 349th Field Artillery. Though not currently on display, this artifact is preserved in the museum archives as a powerful symbol of the bravery and contributions of African American soldiers, particularly those who served during World War I. More than just a battlefield memento, it represents their resilience, skill, and lasting impact on military history.

The 92nd Division’s 349th Field Artillery Regiment was one of the first predominantly Black artillery units in the U.S. Army. Despite serving in a segregated military, these soldiers demonstrated their effectiveness in combat. The U.S. Army established two Black combat divisions during World War I—the 92nd and 93rd. While the 93rd, including the legendary “Harlem Hellfighters,” fought under French command, the 92nd, which included the 349th Field Artillery, served under the U.S. Army and made significant contributions on the Western Front.

The 349th was part of the 167th Artillery Brigade, the first motorized artillery brigade of its kind. After arriving in France in June 1918, they were quickly in action by October, supporting major infantry raids. Just before the war’s end, they helped push the Second Army toward Metz, underscoring their combat effectiveness.

One awesome Arkansan was Woodrow W. Crockett. He kicked off his military journey by signing up for the 349th Field Artillery, then switched gears and headed to the Tuskegee Institute in the 1940s to train as a pilot. He was the second person from Arkansas to graduate from the Tuskegee cadet program. Crockett went on to serve for 28 years and was inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame in 1995. In 1992, he made history by being the first African American elected to the Arkansas Aviation Hall of Fame.

In 2007, he and the other Tuskegee Airmen got the Congressional Gold Medal, which is one of the biggest honors you can receive as a civilian in the U.S. Crockett passed away on August 16, 2012, and was buried with honors at Arlington National Cemetery. His World War II flight suit is on display at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

The captured Nazi flag is more than just an artifact; it’s a reminder of the courage and enduring legacy of the 349th Field Artillery and African American soldiers in general. Although it remains in the museum archives, its story continues to inspire and highlight the essential role these soldiers played in shaping history.

This Artifact Friday post is brought to you by Elijah Owens-Hamilton, a teen member of the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. The chapter’s Teen Auxiliary Group has collaborated with the Arkansas Air and Military Museum to host the Black Flight: Celebrating the Tuskegee Airmen and African Americans in Aviation exhibit. Be sure to visit today and explore the rich history of African Americans in aviation and the military!

[Photo credit: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Lt. Col. Woodrow W. Crockett; Smithsonian]