Final answer:
During World War II, over 1.2 million African American men and women served in the military. Initially, they were assigned to non-combat service units, but as the war progressed, more served in combat positions. Overall, more than one million African Americans fought in the war, with some gains made in terms of black officers and all-black fighter and bomber squadrons.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the beginning of the war, fewer than 4,000 African Americans were serving in the military. By 1945, over 1.2 million African American men and women were serving.
Initially, African American soldiers were assigned to non-combat service units, but as the war progressed, more were assigned to positions like infantryman, pilots, tankers, and medics.
Overall, more than one million African Americans fought in the war, serving in segregated, noncombat units, with some gains made in the number of black officers and the establishment of all-black fighter and bomber squadrons.