African Americans played a big role in World War Two. African Americans had a hard time in America in the 1940's around the time of the war. Most of them were treated as slaves. Over 2.5 million African Americans enlisted in the army. During the war they were still treated poorly as they were in America. They had segregated groups to train in and African Americans had separated training facilities. At first, African Americans got sticks instead of guns to practice with. Even though they could not train with whites they got white commanders. When many African Americans enlisted in the army they were passed over by white groups and put in non-combat groups. While over seas they had the worst jobs. Many served as truck drivers, maintenance workers and other service duties. Birdie Farr stated, "You were their to do a job. And if you can do it you're going to do it no matter what color you are. You work next to the next guy. Your life depends on it no matter what color you are." Many African Americans thought they should not be sacrificing their lives to only be living "half America." By 1945 troop deaths forced the military to begin placing more African American troops into positions as infantrymen, pilots, tankers, medics, and officers in large numbers. In all positions and ranks African Americans served with as much honor, effort, and courage as any American soldier had. Still, African Americans placed in the south could not go into restaurants where German prisoners were eating. When African Americans were returning home they were still not sure if they would get "full rights." During the war, African American leaders and organizations established the “Double V” campaign. This campaign meant a victory for the war overseas and a victory of racism in America. This helped start the civil rights movement after the war.