United States Army Officer. He was the highest-ranking African-American officer in the United States Army at the end of World War I, having attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. As a Major in the 8th Illinois Infantry, he had seen service in 1916 along the Mexican border. After his regiment was mustered into federal service in August of 1917, as the 370th Regiment of United States Infantry, he accompanied it to France. Two other colonels, one black and the other white, preceded him in command. It was Duncan who commanded the heavily-decorated regiment during the latter part of their time in France, however. For his bravery and tenacity on the battlefield, he was awarded the Croix de Guerre with Silver Star by the French Government.
United States Army Officer. He was the highest-ranking African-American officer in the United States Army at the end of World War I, having attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. As a Major in the 8th Illinois Infantry, he had seen service in 1916 along the Mexican border. After his regiment was mustered into federal service in August of 1917, as the 370th Regiment of United States Infantry, he accompanied it to France. Two other colonels, one black and the other white, preceded him in command. It was Duncan who commanded the heavily-decorated regiment during the latter part of their time in France, however. For his bravery and tenacity on the battlefield, he was awarded the Croix de Guerre with Silver Star by the French Government.
Bio by: Albert Ledoux
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LT. COL. U.S. INF.
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