Doughboy Foundation participates in Des Moines, Iowa dedication of historical marker for Black Army officers trained there during WWI

Doughboy Foundation Executive Director Jari Villanueva traveled to Des Moines, Iowa, on June 14 to serve as the keynote speaker at the dedication of a historical marker commemorating the site where Black officers were trained during World War I and where the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps trained during World War II. The ceremony was held at the Fort Des Moines Museum located on the grounds of the former Army Fort.

The historical marker honors 1,250 Black college graduates who received Army Officer training during World War I, along with over 72,000 women trained there during WWII. The Doughboy Foundation was invited to attend by Mr. Don North, a retired Army officer. The marker was erected by the Iowa State Historical Society.

In his remarks, Villanueva also alluded to the exhibit in the museum that featured the 369th (Harlem Hellfighters) and briefly discussed the contributions of bandmaster Lt. James Reese Europe and the famous 369th Band, who, along with the 27 other African American regimental bands, brought American popular music and jazz to France.

Members of fraternal organizations spoke, along with greetings from Connie Bosen, the Mayor of Des Moines, and Ross Wilburn, State Representative of the Iowa House of Representatives.

Villanueva spoke of Donna Mae Smith, who served at Fort Des Moines from 1942 to 1943. She sounded bugle calls and was the first WAC bugler in the Army. After her military enlistment, she continued serving the nation by playing at Veteran funerals until she stopped due to asthma at the age of 86. She passed away in 2010 at the age of 90. Villanueva met her and was in touch with her up to her passing.

Much is owed to the officers who trained at Fort Des Moines during WWI, along with the leadership of Jim Europe and other Black officers who led regimental bands. Despite facing discrimination, these men graduated from this school and became officers in the US Army. Their desire to enlist and inspire others serves as motivation for all, and it is fitting that the new marker commemorates, honors, and pays tribute to their service.

The Doughboy Foundation in Washington, DC, honors this marker and the dedicated efforts of many individuals who made the day possible.

After the ceremony, a reception was held, and afterwards, Villanueva traveled to the spot where Bugler Donna Mae had sounded calls 83 years earlier.

→ Read more about the ceremony, and the Fort Des Moines Museum, on the Des Moines Register website.
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