US-built wartime road in Burma, built by black soldiers, finds new life

It was a road some said could not be built. Most of the men ordered to make it happen were black soldiers sorted into Army units by the color of their skin. The road had cost 1,133 American lives, a man a mile.

[TodaysDrum]

WOW. What a great piece of history. thanks to the author for researching it. Otherwise, who would have known. Another positive, inspirational & motivational story!

[predator1972baz]

I would like to see a movie about the 761st tank battalion under Gen. Patton. This was an all black tank unit that fought more battles under Patton than any other unit. They fought in the battle of the bulge. They release Jews in an interment camp.

Like the Tuskegee Airmen they went though racism. Even Patton himself said prior to embedding the 761st. I don't want black soldiers because they can't handle Tanks. But when he asked for the best he got the 761st. He them told them, I don't care about your color, you are the best and that means something. That is why you are here.

[okimar]

TodaysDrum wrote:

WOW. What a great piece of history. thanks to the author for researching it. Otherwise, who would have known. Another positive, inspirational & motivational story!

The story has always been out there. I have a video about it in my library. It called The Stillwell Road. It tells the story from its beginning in India to its conclusion in Kunming,China. Along with the battle campaigns associated with it to conquer territory for it's building. A very well told story.

[Tony17]

Jawga Boy wrote:

Not only did they do that but.........
http://www.questia.com/googleScholar.qst;jses... !-35861572?docId=5000256496
http://www.blackpast.org/...

Sure does make me proud to be a member of the black race. Blacks have endured much mal-treatment at the hands of whites in the past but yet they persevered. Almost brings me to tears.

[SlippyDoo]

Burma was an insignificant theater of the War. It's likely the armed forces needed to give these people some gainful employment for the first time in their lives instead of committing crimes at home and clogging up the prisons, so in that aspect, the road served a purpose.