This photograph shows Simon Perris, also known as Ali Mahmud, who is widely regarded as the only known Black soldier to serve in the Austro-Hungarian Army during World War I.
Believed to have been born in either the Congo or Senegal, Perris arrived in Hungary as a young boy. After working as a servant in Budapest, he later became a porter at a cinema in Nagyvárad (modern-day Oradea, Romania). Fluent in Hungarian and known for his cheerful personality, he became well liked in the local community and developed a deep sense of loyalty to his adopted homeland.
When World War I broke out, Perris repeatedly applied to join the Austro-Hungarian Army but was rejected because he was not a Hungarian citizen. Refusing to accept the decision, he continued petitioning military authorities until he was finally allowed to enlist.
According to contemporary newspaper reports, he declared, "I am very ashamed that as a Hungarian I have to sit at home when others can fight. I want to fight for my homeland."
He served on the Eastern Front against Russia, earned several military decorations, and was promoted to the rank of corporal. His unusual presence in uniform attracted widespread attention, and newspapers across Hungary published his photograph as a symbol of patriotism during the war.
When an officer reportedly asked why he was so determined to become a soldier, Perris answered, "Because I want to deserve a Hungarian girl."
No reliable records have been found of his life after the war, and his ultimate fate remains unknown.
