RARE AND FASCINATING KEEPSAKE BOOK CELEBRATING THE WORLD WAR II EXPERIENCES OF THE BLACK SOLDIERS OF THE 321ST ORDNANCE AMMUNITION COMPANY

(WORLD WAR II). 321… The Story. [Washington]: No publisher, circa 1945. Oblong octavo, comb-bound as issued, original pictorial paper wrappers. $650.

Commemorative book issued by and for the soldiers of the 321st Ordnance Ammunition Company, an all-Black company that fought in both the Western and Pacific Theatres from 1944 to 1945.

Created in the final years of World War II, the 321st Ordnance Ammunition Company was intended to provide crucial assistance to allied troops in Europe. Led by and composed of Black soldiers, the 321 served in France and Germany toward the end of the war and was then redeployed to the Pacific Theatre just before the Japanese surrender. Landing in Manila, the 321 was subsequently assigned to Japan for occupation duties before being deactivated at the end of 1945. This commemorative keepsake book uses bold, stylized illustrations to depict the actions and travels of the 321, relating its wartime history through witty, readable text. It also includes captioned pictures of the company's soldiers and an address list, as well as memorable remarks, superlatives, and a page on the company's vocal octet, The Bombshells. Glue marks from a detached photograph (no longer present) on page inviting the owner/soldier to add himself to the story.

A bit of wear to inner margins from comb binding, small tear and partial detachment of rear cover at the bottom of comb. A near-fine copy. Quite rare.