Colonel Myles Anderson Paige, A Soldier's Story
Colonel Myles Anderson Paige, A Soldier's Story
Colonel Myles Anderson Paige was born on July 18, 1898, in Montgomery, Alabama. He later became a member of the 15th New York National Guard, which would be redesignated as the 369th Infantry Regiment during World War I.
Deployed to France in 1918, the 369th Infantry fought under French command and became widely known as the “Harlem Hellfighters.” The regiment spent 191 days on the front lines, more continuous combat time than any other American unit during the war. Their endurance, discipline, and valor earned international recognition and cemented their legacy in American military history.
Following his service in World War I, Paige pursued higher education at Howard University, where he played football before continuing his legal studies at Columbia Law School. While attending law school, he supported himself by working as an assistant librarian. In 1925, he passed the New York State Bar.
Paige began his legal career in the office of the New York Attorney General before being appointed to the Magistrates Court. In 1939, he was appointed to the Court of Special Sessions, becoming the first African American to serve as a criminal court judge in New York, a milestone achieved during an era when both the legal profession and the judiciary remained heavily segregated.
With the onset of World War II, Paige once again answered the call to service. He returned to active duty and was assigned to a command post with the Third Separate Battalion. He retired from military service in 1945, concluding a career that spanned both world wars.
Beyond his military and judicial service, Colonel Paige was active in Catholic organizations and participated in civil rights efforts, advocating for equal opportunity and justice within American society.
Colonel Myles Anderson Paige died on March 30, 1983. He is buried at Inglewood Park Cemetery in Los Angeles, California.
From the trenches of France to the bench of a New York courtroom, Paige’s life reflects a dual commitment to defend the nation in uniform and to uphold its laws in civil life. He fought on the battlefield abroad and worked for justice at home.
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About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
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