Library Guides: World War I in Bulloch County Memorial Project: PVT Clarence Lyons

PVT Clarence Lyons

Clarence Lyons was an African American soldier born in Orey, GA on June 7, 1894. He was one of six surviving children born to Wely and L. Lyons. Lyons alongside the rest of his family, lived and worked on their farm until he enlisted in April of 1918 at 23 years old. Pvt. Lyons' commendations included a Purple Heart and a World War I Victory Medal. He was a part of the 371st Infantry Regiment and 93rd Infantry Division; these were segregated units and primarily consisted of African Americans from the southern states like himself.

He trained at Camp Gordon, now known as Fort Eisenhower, in Augusta, Georgia, and began his service in the 157th Depot Brigade before reaching the Western Front just three weeks after his 24th birthday in June of 1918. The 93rd Infantry Division (made up of 369, 371st, and 372nd Infantry Regiments) was placed under French Command with the intent of integration into an American Division, but the integration never occurred. The 93rd DIV was the only regiment commanded solely by black officers in WWI, these soldiers wore French hats and used French weapons. Lyons served just shy of 4 months before dying overseas. Although his place of death is unknown, dates suggest that Clarence Lyons was killed during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive on October 12, 1918. We are unaware of the exact circumstances of his death, but his records state that he was killed in action.

Initially buried in a temporary grave, his body was relocated to the Argonne American Cemetery on June 3, 1919. His remains were disinterred once again in July 1921 and reburied in Arlington National Cemetery, Site 354, in November 1921.

"True Sons of Freedom," (1918).

World War I in Bulloch County Memorial Project: PVT Clarence Lyons

PVT Clarence Lyons

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