Private Lionel John Monagas Sr. was born in Caracas, Venezuela on June 26, 1889.  

Monagas moved to New York City as a young man and  he enlisted in the US Army at the age of 28. He served with Co D 367 Infantry during World War I. 

The 367th Infantry Regiment was formed as a unit of the 92nd Infantry Division. The 92nd and 93rd Infantry Divisions were the only two African American combat divisions in World War I. Despite racism, segregation, and many other challenges faced by African American soldiers in the 92nd and 93rd Infantry Divisions, they served with distinction during the war. The 92nd Infantry earned citations and awards for meritorious and distinguished conduct while in France.

The men of the 367th, were popularly known as the Buffaloes.  He was honorably discharged on Dec 3rd 1917.

On April 6, 1920, he married Stachia Vason of Chicago, Illinois.  Together they had a son, Lionel Monagas Jr., who served in the Army during World War II and is interred at Arlington Cemetery. 

After the war Pvt Monagas became an actor.  He was a member of the original Lafayette Players Company of Harlem; and appeared in many theatrical and film productions from 1920 to 1944.  These included on Broadway, The Heartbreaker (1920), The Man from Baltimore (1920), Salome (1923), The Comedy of Errors (1923), Runnin’ Wild (1924), Appearances (1925), My Magnolia (1926), Slim Slivers ( 1927), Ol’ Man Satan (1932), Louisiana (1933), Roll Sweet Chariot (1934), Conjur’ Man Dies (1936), The Show-Off (1937), One-Act Plays of the Sea (1937), Big white Fog (1940), The Eternal Magdalene (1943), Peepshow (1944) and Anna Lucasta (1944).  His film credits include, The Millionare (1927), Drums O’Voodoo (1934), Lem Hawkins’ Confession (1935), Murder in Harlem (1935) and Keep Punching (1939).

He died on September 3, 1945 and is interred at Long Island National Cemetery. 

Screenshot of Lionel Monagas as Matt Gilson in the film Paradise in Harlem

LIONEL MONAGAS

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