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His death was confirmed by his daughter and publicized by the National WWII Museum.
“There’s no other way to characterize it but plain racism,” Crean remarked.
According to Col. Pete Crean, vice president of education and access at the museum in New Orleans, most African Americans serving in the segregated US armed forces at the start of 2nd World War, were consigned to service jobs like as transportation, supply, and maintenance after being assigned to non-combat forces.
Brooks, who was born on September 12, 1909, was noted for his excellent humor, optimism, and friendliness. “Serving God and being nice to people,” he often responded when asked for his secret to living a long life.
During an oral history interview with the museum in 2014, he declared, “I don’t have any ill emotions toward nobody.” “All I want is for everything to turn out beautifully.” I want people to have a good time and be joyful instead of depressed.”
Brooks was recruited into the US Army in 1940 while working at a sawmill. Japan’s Following bombing of Pearl Harbor and he was assigned to the largely black 91st Engineer General Service Regiment which was located in Australia during 2nd world war .
Due to troop losses later in the conflict, the military was compelled to start deploying more African American troops into combat situations. Fewer than 4,000 African Americans served in the military in 1941. By 1945, the figure had risen to over 1.2 million.
The museum began throwing him annual birthday parties after his 105th birthday. Watching the Victory Belles, a trio performing 1940s song, was his favorite part of the celebration.
During the coronavirus epidemic in 2020 and 2021, the museum staged a procession with brass bands and full-dressed Zulu warriors in front of his residence.
“Even at 112, Mr. Brooks got up and danced for a little while,” Crean added.
