It’s always nice to hear from readers, especially those who have information to add to something I’ve written about.  Such was the case in February 2024, when I heard from Richard Newman, Jr. in Henrico, Virginia.

In my book African Americans in Long Beach, and an article I wrote in February 2020 (The Army’s African American Chemical Divisions in Long Beach During WWII), I discussed a little known African American Army unit – the 76^th Chemical Smoke Generator Company − assigned to Long Beach from April 8, 1942 to October 22, 1943. Imagine my surprise and delight when Mr. Newman told me his father – Richard Newman, Sr. – had been assigned to lead the company AND had photos!

In 1941, the Chemical Warfare Service (CWS) of the Army had opened a training center in Maryland in which 800 white and 200 black soldiers were educated about chemical weapons. Though seen as a major need in combat and industrial plant protection, the first adequate American smoke generator did not appear until 1942, following the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

The CWS recommended the activation of thirty-four chemical smoke generator companies. On April 8, 1942, the first three units (the 75th, 76th, and 77th Companies) were formed and, before their training was completed, received the mission of concealing aircraft plants in California.  The 76^th, and later the 176^th, were assigned to protect the Douglas Aircraft plant in Long Beach.

The 76th and the other divisions were told the smoke generated had to be large enough to baffle enemy bombardiers; if it were too small it would merely pinpoint vital areas. They were to do this with an CWS adapted commercial smudge pot to create the M1 stationary oil generator.

The M1s were capable of blanketing an area of about four-square miles. Generators were employed in two or more concentric smoke lines which completely surrounded the vital area, allowing for wind from any direction. By the proper placement of additional generators and by use of an electrical ignition system, a substantial amount of smoke could be formed in about ten minutes.

Captain Richard Newman (who was white), was the Chemical Warfare School Company Commander at Long Beach from October 23, 1942 to August 19, 1943. Following his time in Long Beach, Newman was  assigned to Camp Sibert, Alabama, 171st Chemical Smoke Generation Company, where he remained until October 9, 1943. From October 10, 1943 to March 16, 1944, he trained more African Americans at the 11th Battalion Chemical Warfare School.  On March 17, 1944, being promoted to Major, Newman was assigned to the 25th Chemical Smoke Generation Battalion, Portland Harbour, Weymouth, England,  in  preparation for the D-Day invasion, June 1944. He was later awarded the Bronze Star Metal for “meritorious service” for leading the African American troops under his command “who performed their duties admirably.”

Thanks to his son, we know about Captain Newman, but what of the men of the 76^th themselves? Who were they? Military records do not list the names of those serving in that unit. All we have are the 55 pictures provided by Captain Newman’s son, which Jeff Whalen at Long Beach Public Library has digitized and made available for all to see on the internet. https://lbpl.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p17164coll3/search/searchterm/76th%20chemical/page/1

Take a look at them, see if you can identify some by name. In addition, if any of you metal detectorists out there want to help find where the 76^th was bivouacked, you might want to get out your equipment and search around Heartwell Park, the most likely spot. Clues can be found in some of the photos. Good luck! And let me know!