Died Unknown Name David Fagen | ||
 | ||
Allegiance United States (until November 1899) Philippines Battles/wars Philippine-American War | ||
David fagen unsung hero in the philippines
A native of Tampa, Florida, USA, David Fagen (1875-?) was an African-American soldier who defected during the Philippine-American War. He acquired the rank of Captain in the Philippine Army.
Contents
- David fagen unsung hero in the philippines
- The black soldier captain david fagen american philippine war
- Service
- Supposed death
- Media Portrayals
- References
The black soldier captain david fagen american philippine war
Service
Fagen served in the 24th Regiment of the U.S. Army, but on November 17, 1899, he defected to the Filipino army. He became a successful guerrilla leader and his capture became an obsession to the U.S. military and American public. His defection was likely the result of differential treatment by American occupational forces toward black soldiers, as well as common American forces derogatory treatment and views of the Filipino occupational resistance, who were frequently referred to as "niggers" and "gugus".
After two other black deserters were captured and executed, President Theodore Roosevelt announced he would stop executing captured deserters.
Supposed death
As the war ended, the US gave amnesties to most of their opponents. A substantial reward was offered for Fagen, who was considered a traitor. There are two conflicting versions of his fate: one is that his was the partially decomposed head for which the reward was claimed, the other is that he took a local wife and lived peacefully in the mountains.
Media Portrayals
