Just prior to graduation in 1917, Ford enlisted in the U.S. Army in support of the American war effort in World War I, believing that fighting in that War would assist in winning freedom for Black Americans back home. He entered the signal corps with the 325th Field Signal Battalion of the 92nd Infantry Division in France. Ford quickly became disillusioned with military service, seeing it as an extension of the Jim Crow policies which he sought to fight at home.
Just before his graduation in 1917, Ford enlisted in the U.S. Army to support the American war effort during World War I, believing that participation would aid in securing freedom for Black Americans at home. He joined the signal corps with the 325th Field Signal Battalion of the 92nd Infantry Division in France. Ford quickly became disillusioned with military service, seeing it as an extension of Jim Crow policies he opposed.