11/13/2023
In honor of Veterans Day, Kappa Alpha Psi recognizes the service of all U.S. military veterans.
On April 17, 1917, the United States declared war on Germany and Congress required all men between 21 to 30 to register for military service. Nearly all of Kappa Alpha Psi was in this category and those who were older could serve their country as officers. Kappa Alpha Psi was among the first to stand in the gap to prove their loyalty, patriotism, and worthiness for equal treatment in the United States. This action was done at a pivotal time for Kappa as it was a relatively new organization and could suffer immensely by depletion of its ranks due to the ravages of war.
The War Department established a Negro Reserve Officer Training Camp, June 15, 1917 at Fort Des Moines, Iowa. Approximately 1,250 men attended this camp and 250 of those men were already non-commissioned officers, and the rest were civilians. Approximately 35 men from the eight existing chapters of Kappa Alpha Psi went to this camp, upon its establishment.
At this camp, a temporary and unofficial "War Chapter" was formed by Elder W. Diggs. Seven men were informally initiated into this chapter in the Ordinance Building at Fort Des Moines, Iowa.
While seven of the ten Founders had active service in the military during WWI, Founder Elder W. Diggs was among the first Kappa men to enter the Armed Forces in 1917.
Brother Irven Armstrong became the 2nd Grand Polemarch, was also drafted and acquired the rank of sergeant in the 351st Field Artillery in France.
Founder Elder W. Diggs resigned as principal when the US made its declaration in WWI against Germany and entered the nation's first officer's training camp at Fort Des Moines, Iowa and was commissioned a lieutenant. Diggs was one of 639 Blacks who received their commissions as either captain or first or second lieutenant. After serving in Europe with the 368th Infantry, Diggs became a captain in the Reserve Officers Training Corps. Founder Diggs also was a past commander of the American Legion. Subsequent to the war, Founder Diggs was instrumental in having the Indiana constitution amended to permit Negro enlistment in the Indiana National Guard.
Founder Irvin served in WW I and was cited for bravery while performing his duties as a combat medic with the Expeditionary Forces in France. He received the 2nd highest medal that is given by this country for valor. He served on the Selective Service Board during World War II and the Korean War. He also received (2) Distinguished Service Awards (one from President Truman and Eisenhower each). Founder Irvin received an Honorable Discharge (March 17, 1919).
Founder Lee enlisted in the 349th Field Artillery (March 1918). He served overseas as a sergeant first class and gunner. He was a part of the first all-Black battery to open fire on an enemy and he fired the first shot. Founder Lee was associate editor of “Modern Artillerymen”, the official record of Battery F, 349th Artillery.
Founders Asher, Alexander, Blakemore and Grant all served in WWI. Founder Asher served more than a year overseas in France during WWI. Founder Alexander served in the Army Medical Corps during WWI and as a medical examiner during WWII. Founder Blakemore served with the Army during WWI as a Private with Company 30, 154th Depot Brigade and was honorably discharged, August 27, 1918.
Countless amount of other Kappa Alpha Psi Brothers have proudly and valiantly served in all branches of the United States Armed Forces to preserve our freedom in every war since WWI. We salute you!
Photo collage: (top left: Founder Elder W. Diggs, top right: Founder John M. Lee, bottom right: Founder Ezra D. Alexander, bottom left: 2nd Grand Polemarch Irven Armstrong)
Kevin Scott
Grand Historian
