ALBANY, N.Y. ( NEWS10 ) — Albany County held its first Honor-A-Veteran ceremony of 2025, recognizing Joe King McLaughlin, who served in the United States Army as a Technician on the Red Ball Express during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II.
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The trucks driven by Black soldiers on the Red Ball Express supplied the Allied Forces moving quickly through Europe.
“The Germans, the most advanced army on the earth at the time, were still dependent upon trains, horses and wagons as they were trying to resupply,” explained Watervliet Arsenal Commander, Colonel Jason W. Schultz, “a lot of times, logisticians stand in the background. They do the work that doesn’t really get recognized as much. Right? But you can’t win without them.”
Born in Waynesboro, Mississippi, McLaughlin eventually moved to Albany, where he and his wife raised their children.
“He loved and cherished his children,” said Manch McLaughlin, “each and every one of us, individually and collectively.”