Diversity and 'The Longest Day"

As a student of film and movie history, I present this is the most egregious act against historical accuracy and blacks in the context of the what we know as not real history, but 'Hollywood History.' 

Not a single black soldier was shown in the D-Day invasion of Normandy beach as presented in this picture. Not one.Whether by design an intent or sloppy oversight, the result is the same.  The film was presented as a 'docu-drama' which added greater weight to what was left out.  The Department of War indicates over 1700 black men arrived on the beaches that morning...but, not according to producer Daryl Zanuck's vision of the events. How do you write 1700 men out of history? Well, you start by not having black writers or producers--which are sine qua non for beginning to address Hollywood's diversity problem.

Here is some real history about black in WWII.

1. The 761st tank battalion fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

2. The 93rd infantry fought in the Pacific

3. Black soldiers served in segregated units (supply, engineering.)

4. Black soldiers worked the famous 'Red Ball Express/666th quartermaster  on the infamous "Hell's HighWay."

5. Black paratroopers served in the 555th battalion.

6. Blacks served at Omaha Beach in the 320th 'Negro' Barrage Ballon Company.

7. Black served as WAVES, WACS and SPARs.

8. Blacks fought with Canadians in non-segregated units. 

9. Blacks served in construction units and built the Alaska Highway.

10. Blacks flew as part of the Tuskegee Airman program.

11. Blacks nurses served in England from 1944 onward.

Sadly, few people remember these accomplishments. What is remembered is movies like, 'The Longest Day.'