Kappa Men at Fort Des Moines: Leading with Honor

Among the men who seized the opportunity to earn commissions as military officers in 1917 were members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., a brotherhood founded in 1911 at Indiana University with a deep commitment to achievement in every field of human endeavor.

A Legacy of Fraternal Leadership

From its founding, Kappa Alpha Psi prepared men to be leaders. When the call came in 1917, the fraternity responded. Among the earliest and most distinguished was Elder Watson Diggs, one of the fraternity’s revered founders. Diggs entered Fort Des Moines that year, was commissioned as a First Lieutenant, and went on to serve honorably in France with the 368th Infantry during World War I. He would later rise to the rank of Captain in the Army Reserve.

Diggs' service set a powerful example, but he was not alone. Alongside him, other Kappa men took up the mantle of leadership, justice, and patriotism at a time when segregation and prejudice threatened to undermine their sacrifices. Their training at Fort Des Moines laid the foundation for both military distinction and civil leadership in the decades to follow.

Known Kappa Alpha Psi Members at Fort Des Moines

The following men were among the Kappas who trained at Fort Des Moines in 1917 and joined the legacy of African American officers who served in World War I:

• John Egell Buford

• Earl Burrus Dickerson

• Charles J. Ellis

• Leonard James Faulkner

• James Allen Gordon

• Tillman Hardy Harpole

• Victor LA Naier Hicks

• Joseph Hurlong Scott

• James E. Scott

• Harold Mc Afee Tyler

• Joseph C. Tymony

These men came from varied backgrounds but were united by shared values: scholarship, service, and achievement. Their commitment to leadership did not end with the war. Many went on to become lawyers, educators, civic leaders, and mentors, continuing the work of uplifting Black communities across the country. In remembering these men, we honor more than their ranks. We celebrate their example—one that still inspires generations to serve with distinction and integrity.

Join us in honoring these trailblazers and ensuring their contributions are never forgotten.

📅 Fort Des Moines Historic Marker Unveiling

🗓️ Saturday, June 14, 2025

📍 Fort Des Moines Historic Site

📩 RSVP: https://www.naacpdesmoines.org/events-1/fort-des-moines-historic-marker-unveilingd it.

Sources:

1. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. – Elder Watson Diggs Biography

2. Iowa PBS – “Black Officers at Fort Des Moines in World War I”

3. BlackPast.org – “The Fort Des Moines Provisional Army Officer Training School (1901– )

4. Watch The Yard – “These Seven Kappa Alpha Psi Founders Served in The US Military During WWI”

5. Thompson, John L. (1917). History and Views of Colored Officers Training Camp for 1917 at Fort Des Moines, Iowa.