Derricks' Bridgehead: The History of the 92nd Division, 597th Field Artillery Battalion, and the Leadership Legacy of Col. Wendell T. Derricks

Finalist, 2023 Army Historical Foundation Distinguished Writing Awards

"[The author] saw firsthand the unit's hardships and setbacks, but also its successes and victories. His brings this direct knowledge to bear in this detailed and fascinating look at the experiences of African American military units during the war."― WWII History Magazine

The 597th Field Artillery Battalion, 92nd Division, was the first, last, and only all-black officered direct support field artillery battalion committed to combat in the history of the U.S. Army. It was the first all-black unit in a combat division and, together with the 600th Field Artillery Battalion, constituted the only all-black units in any combat division. Alongside impressive achievements on the battlefield in Italy in 1944–45, the unit provided more key command and staff positions exclusively for black field artillery officers than any other U.S. Army unit in combat, giving combat training and experience to more senior black field artillery officers than any of the other 16 black field artillery battalions during World War II.

Colonel Wendell Derricks worked to shelter his troops from the worst of the racism exhibited during the war and, due to his ability to envision an integrated postwar army, he provided unique leadership opportunities for his senior officers. The alumni of the 597th Field Artillery Battalion have an impressive record of success, many of them were inducted into the Field Artillery Hall of Fame; some served at the Pentagon, including Lieutenant Colonel Clark; and others forged successful careers in the civilian world.

Table of Contents

THE END OF EXCLUSION
1 A Limited Opportunity
2 The Opportunity Expands
3 A Northern Winter in Indiana
4 Camp Robinson, Arkansas
5 Fort Huachuca
6 Louisiana Maneuvers
7 Programmed for Failure

BRIDGING THE OBSTACLE
8 The Tide Turns
9 Over There

GAINING A FOOTHOLD
10 By the Sea
11 In the Mountains
12 Changes at the Top
13 A New Year and a New Assignment
14 In the Valley
15 Operation Fourth Term
16 The Aftermath
17 On the Move
18 The Enemy Withdrawal Becomes a Rout

THE LONG WAY HOME
19 Two Down and One to Go
20 A Special Mission Carried Out from Varazze
21 Preparing for Redeployment
22 Three Down and We had Earned a Trip Home

BEYOND DERRICKS’ DIARY
23 Colonel Wendell Derricks
24 Derricks’ Legacy
25 The Race Continues
26 Success

Lt. Col. Major Clark served with the 597th Field Artillery Battalion in WWII and Korea. His 20-year-plus Army career culminated at the Pentagon. During his career, Clark earned 12 medals and citations. As a civilian, Clark continued his efforts to recognize and reward black military achievements. One of Clark’s greatest achievements was working behind the scenes to bring about the awarding of Medals of Honor to seven African American World War II veterans. Clark was invited to the White House ceremony by President Bill Clinton for his efforts. He was the battalion's troop historian.