The Army Corrects Injustice 83 Years Later: Pvt. Albert King Honored in Military Funeral
In a Georgia cemetery, amidst weathered tombstones, Pvt. Albert King’s newly unveiled headstone shines brightly, marking the end of an 83-year wait for a proper military funeral. Pvt. King, who enlisted to fight in World War II, tragically lost his life in a racially motivated incident involving white bus drivers and soldiers.
Since 1941, Pvt. King’s body lay in an unmarked grave near the military base where he was killed by a white military police officer. Initially deemed to have died in the line of duty, pressure from higher-ups led to a reversal of this decision, denying him a military funeral. However, in 2022, after years of legal battles and investigative reporting, the Army reinstated the original decision, acknowledging Pvt. King’s sacrifice.
The memorial for Pvt. King is part of the Army’s ongoing efforts to address past racial injustices, including renaming bases originally named for Confederate generals and overturning convictions of Black soldiers accused of rioting in 1917. Pvt. King’s cousin, Helen Russell, played a pivotal role in advocating for his recognition, with the support of legal experts and lawmakers.
At the emotional ceremony, top military leaders and representatives paid tribute to Pvt. King, acknowledging the long-overdue justice served. Rep. Sanford Bishop, a descendant of slaves and a child of Jim Crow, spoke movingly at Pvt. King’s grave, highlighting the importance of honoring those who fought for equality.
As Pvt. King’s story is finally brought to light, his cousin, Helen Russell, vows to ensure that future generations learn about his legacy. The inscription on Pvt. King’s headstone, “For my beloved cousin I fought the fight,” serves as a poignant reminder of the perseverance and dedication that led to this momentous occasion.
