In 2011, this film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry with the following statement: "'The Negro Soldier' showcased the contributions of blacks to American society and their heroism in the nation's wars, portraying them in a dignified, realistic, and far less stereotypical manner than they had been depicted in previous Hollywood films." Documentary focusing on the contributions to the American war effort of African-American soldiers. Produced by Frank Capra, the film makes use of the same stock footage of a bell ringing out that opens Capra's first post-WWII film, It's a Wonderful Life (1946). The bell appears on screen about 9 minutes into the film, as the narrator discusses the contribution of African Americans to Washington's Army.