by Black Troops, Korea
A historically rich Korean War photo album of primarily Black soldiers containing 101 black-and-white silver gelatin photographs. Photos range in time from 1953-60. Most measure approximately 3.5” x 3.5”. This album meticulously documents the life of a Black soldier, who remains unidentified, stationed in postwar Korea likely as part of the recently racially integrated 650th Aircraft Control and Warning (ACW) Squadron. However, the album begins with our soldier stationed at Kessler Air Force Base in Mississippi. He is frequently depicted in military uniform across various locales, and later photos show to great extent his rich family life and bonds with fellow soldiers, Black and White. The photographs are occasionally accompanied by handwritten captions that offer detailed contextual clues, including references to bases, events, and individuals, making this an exceptionally well-documented visual narrative of African American military service during this era.
A significant portion of the album documents the soldiers' time stationed in Korea during the mid-1950s, as part of the post-Korean War American military presence. One caption notes “Our home in Korea,” accompanied by photographs of tents and barracks at what appears to be a U.S. military installation. Scenes of military life in Korea depict GIs engaging in daily routines, with equipment such as military trucks and jeeps visible in the background, as well as a tent marked with the insignia of the "650th AC&W Squadron," suggesting his involvement in aircraft control and warning operations. Other photographs showcase lighter moments, such as a USO show at "K-6 Korea 54," where GIs are seen enjoying performances under a banner labeled “Camp Shows,” a reflection of efforts to boost morale during their service abroad. These images provide a vivid picture of life in a war-torn yet rebuilding Korea, where American servicemen balanced duty with moments of recreation and connection. The captions and photographs suggest a sense of camaraderie, as the soldier and his comrades forged strong bonds while adapting to life far from home. The album also captures his military service across several locations, including postings at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota and various locations in Alaska. These captions, alongside images of military trucks, tents, and the setting of Camp Stoneman (a major staging area in California during the Korean War), provide a glimpse into the military infrastructure and operations of the period. The photographs also include winter scenes, likely from Alaska, depicting Air Force personnel engaging with heavy equipment and vehicles tailored for Arctic conditions.
The soldier rarely seems to include himself in this album, but there are several frequent appearancse from friends and relatives also in the service. We meet "Daril", “Bunky,” “Peanuts,” and others. Daril especially seems to have been close with this soldier, as he is identified in captions such as “Daril & Pops” or “John, Moms & Daril.” These images reflect the camaraderie and social bonds formed during service. An image of Daril in uniform standing near a car, dated 1957, is indicative of his position as a respected member of his unit, possibly as a noncommissioned officer. The soldiers' postings to Alaska are particularly well-represented, with one caption noting "Party NCO Club Alaska," hinting at his role within the Non-Commissioned Officers community. The album also includes family photographs, capturing moments of reunion and celebration, such as "Roger’s Birthday Party June 59," “Rochelle & Teresa,” and “Mary & Rochelle Nov 59.” These personal scenes demonstrate the soldiers navigated the demands of military life, with Daril’s wife, identified as “Mary,” and their children frequently appearing in domestic scenes. One particularly touching photograph, labeled “Mary in Indiana Oct 59,” captures a snapshot of Daril’s wife holding their child during a visit.
Travel played a significant role in Daril’s life, as evidenced by a series of photos from across the Midwest, including Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana. Images of signs, such as “Welcome to Illinois” and “Entering Indiana,” accompany snapshots of roadside landmarks. There are also references to the family’s social engagements during their time in Alaska, including the lively entertainment scene, with photographs of musicians and dancers such as “Mary, Rudy & Ina Apr 60” and “LaWanda Oasis April 60.” A unique set of photographs from Anchorage captures cultural events such as “Dog Sled Races” and the “Fur Rendezvous,” showcasing the family’s engagement with local Alaskan traditions.
The photographs are mounted on black album pages with gold corner mounts. Some pages are missing photos, and album covers have been detached. The tonal quality of the prints is sharp and consistent, and the handwritten captions provide invaluable insight into the subjects and contexts of the photographs. Very good condition overall. The album is an extensive and personal artifact that captures the intersection of African American military service, midcentury family life, and social history during a transformative period in American history. (Inventory #: 21288)
A significant portion of the album documents the soldiers' time stationed in Korea during the mid-1950s, as part of the post-Korean War American military presence. One caption notes “Our home in Korea,” accompanied by photographs of tents and barracks at what appears to be a U.S. military installation. Scenes of military life in Korea depict GIs engaging in daily routines, with equipment such as military trucks and jeeps visible in the background, as well as a tent marked with the insignia of the "650th AC&W Squadron," suggesting his involvement in aircraft control and warning operations. Other photographs showcase lighter moments, such as a USO show at "K-6 Korea 54," where GIs are seen enjoying performances under a banner labeled “Camp Shows,” a reflection of efforts to boost morale during their service abroad. These images provide a vivid picture of life in a war-torn yet rebuilding Korea, where American servicemen balanced duty with moments of recreation and connection. The captions and photographs suggest a sense of camaraderie, as the soldier and his comrades forged strong bonds while adapting to life far from home. The album also captures his military service across several locations, including postings at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota and various locations in Alaska. These captions, alongside images of military trucks, tents, and the setting of Camp Stoneman (a major staging area in California during the Korean War), provide a glimpse into the military infrastructure and operations of the period. The photographs also include winter scenes, likely from Alaska, depicting Air Force personnel engaging with heavy equipment and vehicles tailored for Arctic conditions.
The soldier rarely seems to include himself in this album, but there are several frequent appearancse from friends and relatives also in the service. We meet "Daril", “Bunky,” “Peanuts,” and others. Daril especially seems to have been close with this soldier, as he is identified in captions such as “Daril & Pops” or “John, Moms & Daril.” These images reflect the camaraderie and social bonds formed during service. An image of Daril in uniform standing near a car, dated 1957, is indicative of his position as a respected member of his unit, possibly as a noncommissioned officer. The soldiers' postings to Alaska are particularly well-represented, with one caption noting "Party NCO Club Alaska," hinting at his role within the Non-Commissioned Officers community. The album also includes family photographs, capturing moments of reunion and celebration, such as "Roger’s Birthday Party June 59," “Rochelle & Teresa,” and “Mary & Rochelle Nov 59.” These personal scenes demonstrate the soldiers navigated the demands of military life, with Daril’s wife, identified as “Mary,” and their children frequently appearing in domestic scenes. One particularly touching photograph, labeled “Mary in Indiana Oct 59,” captures a snapshot of Daril’s wife holding their child during a visit.
Travel played a significant role in Daril’s life, as evidenced by a series of photos from across the Midwest, including Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana. Images of signs, such as “Welcome to Illinois” and “Entering Indiana,” accompany snapshots of roadside landmarks. There are also references to the family’s social engagements during their time in Alaska, including the lively entertainment scene, with photographs of musicians and dancers such as “Mary, Rudy & Ina Apr 60” and “LaWanda Oasis April 60.” A unique set of photographs from Anchorage captures cultural events such as “Dog Sled Races” and the “Fur Rendezvous,” showcasing the family’s engagement with local Alaskan traditions.
The photographs are mounted on black album pages with gold corner mounts. Some pages are missing photos, and album covers have been detached. The tonal quality of the prints is sharp and consistent, and the handwritten captions provide invaluable insight into the subjects and contexts of the photographs. Very good condition overall. The album is an extensive and personal artifact that captures the intersection of African American military service, midcentury family life, and social history during a transformative period in American history. (Inventory #: 21288)
(818) 224-4555
