Summary

WWII BLACK SOLDIERS COLUMBUS INTERMENT

Source Archive Films by Getty Images
Title: WWII BLACK SOLDIERS COLUMBUS INTERMENT
File Number: BME-10 Beta SP
Color: B W
Type: Documentary
Year: 1940s
Description: B W 1944 Raw footage of WWII, showing American soldiers in Germany and Italy. Ends with footage of a historical curiosity - black soldiers of the 92nd Division participating in the re-interment of the remains of Christopher Columbus. Notes from BME: 1. General Mark Clark Engineers (92nd infantry in Italy Black engineers) 2. Welding 92nd division workers 3. 314 infantry 79th division, Dec. 10 1944 4. 92nd Division mortar fire black officers 5. 92nd division. Christopher Columbus 01:29:40:00 B W 1940s ws General Mark Clark he greets another general, they ride away on a jeep. 01:30:50:00 B W 1940s ws Pontoon bridge tracking shot, jeep crosses bridge. 01:34:08:00 B W 1940s cu Black welder at work, wearing goggles. 01:36:18:00 B W 1940s ws, ms American troops and tanks in German town black soldiers on patrol in woods. 01:39:00:00 B W 1940s vs Black soldiers in WWII, Italy: fire mortars from behind sandbags good CU shots of black soldiers, apparently discussing battle plans. 01:44:28:00 B W 1940s vs Footage of a formal ceremony involving American soldiers in an Italian piazza. A slate reads, "Re-interment of Christopher Columbus, Genoa, Italy", and that's exactly what this footage depicts [confirmed through a little bit of library research]. A horse-drawn carriage passes by, with a little bundle on the seat - apparently CC's weary bones. Various groups of soldiers stand at attention, mostly Americans judging by their flags, though there's a British Indian contingent. Good shots of black US troops marching with solemnity one carries an ornamental box which contains Columbus' ashes [again, confirmed]. A general lays a wreath, and others make speeches at a podium, and a choir of black men and women sings.
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