[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 9 (Thursday, January 16, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E42]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING PRIVATE CHARLES T. NORWOOD AND THE CHARLES T. NORWOOD 
                        AMERICAN LEGION POST 157

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                          HON. DEBORAH K. ROSS

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 16, 2025

  Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Private 
Charles T. Norwood and to recognize the significant contributions of 
the Charles T. Norwood American Legion Post 157.
  Private Charles T. Norwood served with distinction in Company H, 
365th Infantry Regiment, 92nd Infantry Division during World War I. On 
November 11, 1918, mere hours before the Armistice, Private Norwood was 
wounded in action. He succumbed to his injuries and Lobar Pneumonia on 
January 17, 1919, becoming the first African American soldier from 
Raleigh, North Carolina, to make the ultimate sacrifice in World War I. 
Private Norwood was laid to rest with full military honors in the 
Raleigh National Cemetery on August 1, 1921. He rests in Section 8, 
Site 1226.
  The Charles T. Norwood American Legion Post 157 was chartered on 
December 19, 1924, to honor his memory and service. At a time when 
American society was segregated, including Veterans Service 
Organizations, the charter members of Post 157 were African American 
veterans of World War I. These founding members represented a cross-
section of Raleigh's African American community, including medical 
professionals, businessmen, educators, administrators, and community 
leaders.
  For more than 100 years, the Charles T. Norwood American Legion Post 
157 has served as a beacon of community service, veteran support, and 
civic engagement in Raleigh. Its establishment and ongoing legacy stand 
as a testament to the contributions of African American veterans to our 
nation's history and to the enduring spirit of service that defines the 
American Legion.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the heroism of Private 
Charles T. Norwood on the 106th anniversary of his death and commending 
the Charles T. Norwood American Legion Post 157 for its commitment to 
veterans and the Raleigh community for more than a century. May this 
legacy continue to inspire future generations to serve our nation and 
support our veterans.

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