Bringing the War Home . . . (II)

By Wallace TERRY Ii, October 9, 1970

Many black soldiers may become so busy socially and economically that their militancy will fade somewhat when they return. "They have a lot of time on their hands over here to get worked up," said Smith. "A lot of what they think they will do, they just won't. They won't be so closely knit. And they will have girls, wives, families and jobs to worry over."

To help many of the 120,000 black servicemen returning to civilian life each year, the National Urban League operates a housing, job, school and welfare referral service. But the program is limited by size and official support. Since 1967 only 27,000 black veterans have been actually helped. Lewis C. Olive Jr., a former West Pointer who helps direct he League's veterans affairs department, believes that with greater help from the military more blacks would learn about the program. Meanwhile, the League intends to computerize the service and increase the number of participating cities from nine to 40.

Originally, the Pentagon encouraged commanders in the field to alert black troops to the service. If he was interested, the black soldier independently wrote the League, which in turn, contacted a branch in the soldier's home town. But the military's help fell off when Congressional objections were raised. Now the League must depend largely on its own advertising in servicemen's newspapers and black publications to spread the news of the service.

A significant number of veterans are sure to continue to believe that America owes the black soldier a debt for his service in Vietnam and for his suffering at home. In Vietnam, this young black is coming increasingly to believe that if America does not meet this demand peacefully, he will ose the means he has learned in the paddies and the jungles - violence.

"When I come back, the Man's going to want to talk and I ain't going to want to listen," said Cpl. Joseph Harris. "'Oh, son,' he'll say to me. 'Don't worry about it. We'll give you your freedom in time.' My ancestors did the talking, and I don't have the time."