Lamadrid, Joseph

Joseph Lamadrid

Early Life

Joseph Lamadrid was born on April 11, 1892, in New York, New York. By the time of World War I, he was living at 171 Boston Post Road in Rye, New York, as part of a working-class community supporting the town’s transition into a suburban environment.

He worked as a teamster, a physically demanding occupation involving the transport of goods by horse-drawn wagons and early motor vehicles. This role placed him within the essential labor force that sustained both local commerce and wartime logistics. His draft registration identifies him as African American, placing his service within the broader context of segregated military units during World War I.

World War I Service

Lamadrid was inducted into the United States Army on April 29, 1918, at Port Chester, New York. He was assigned to the Supply Company of the 367th Infantry Regiment, part of the 92nd Division, one of the principal African American divisions serving in World War I.

He served overseas with the American Expeditionary Forces from June 10, 1918, to March 1, 1919, in France. As a member of a supply company, his responsibilities included transporting food, ammunition, and equipment necessary to sustain combat operations at the front.

The 92nd Division participated in operations in sectors such as the Meuse-Argonne region, where American forces conducted large-scale offensives against entrenched German positions. The Meuse–Argonne Offensive, the largest American campaign of the war, broke through German defensive lines and accelerated the end of the conflict. Supply units like Lamadrid’s were essential to maintaining this advance, ensuring that frontline troops remained equipped and supported under demanding conditions.

Lamadrid served as a Wagoner beginning August 10, 1918, reflecting his civilian experience as a teamster, before later serving as a Private. His record shows no wounds or combat injuries. He was honorably discharged on March 10, 1919.

Life After Service

Following his return from military service, Lamadrid resumed civilian life, likely continuing work related to transportation or labor, fields in which he had prior experience. While detailed records of his later life are limited, his service stands as part of the broader contribution of African American soldiers during World War I.

These soldiers served with distinction despite facing segregation and discrimination both within the military and at home, playing an essential role in the success of the American war effort.