Howard County African American Veterans Memorial - Fayette, Missouri
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 39° 08.783 W 092° 41.005
15S E 527356 N 4333069
All war, all time, across the country
Waymark Code: WM1CDMY
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 08/03/2025
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County of marker: Howard County
Location of marker: Church St. & Davis St., courthouse grounds, Fayette
Marker Erected by: Roper Gates American Legion Post 336 & Auxiliary
Marker Text:
This Monument Is Dedicated To
The African American Armed
Forces Veterans of Howard
County By Roper Gates American
Legion Post 336 & Auxiliary
William (Bill) Broadus Commander
During the Civil War, nearly two-thirds of service-eligible enslaved males in Howard County enlisted in the military in the spring and summer of 1863.
Some African American soldiers from Missouri, including the 62nd and 65th United States Colored Infantry, raised money to start Lincoln Institute in 1866, a school for freed men and women (now Lincoln University).
African American soldiers contributed to the war effort in various roles, including artillery, infantry, and support functions like carpentry, nursing, scouting, and piloting steamboats.
Lt. Col. Gerald Greenfield: Served in the U.S. Army during World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, overcoming challenges posed by systemic racism to rise through the ranks.
Despite serving their country, African American veterans have historically faced significant challenges, including discrimination within and outside the military.
Black veterans are disproportionately affected by homelessness and unemployment, and face barriers to accessing benefits and healthcare.
Racism and racial harassment were unfortunately common experiences for African American service members, both during and after their service.