Segregation in the Navy (T.A. & C.M.)
5. Leonard Roy Harmon was a first class mess attendant and two naval vessels were named after him. Harmon (DE-72) and the USS Harmon (DE-678). Leonard was incredibly heroic by deliberately exposing himself to enemy gunfire while attempting to protect a shipmate and was killed in action. For his heroism, Leonard Roy Harmon was awarded the Navy Cross.
1. Many african americans manned gunboats and six earned medals of gallantry.
despite their great efforts many of the 10,000 serving african americans contributions were forgotten when they weren't needed. African americans served on nearly all of the 700 naval vessels, but between 1919 to 1932 they stopped enlisting african american soldiers and only those already in in 1919 could continue to serve.
despite their great efforts many of the 10,000 serving african americans contributions were forgotten when they weren't needed. African americans served on nearly all of the 700 naval vessels, but between 1919 to 1932 they stopped enlisting african american soldiers and only those already in in 1919 could continue to serve.
2. The Mason was the only Navy vessel during world war two where blacks were allowed to be something more than cooks and waiters, though all high ranks like officer positions were still reserved for whites. African Americans brave service battling 90-mile-an-hour winds and 40-foot waves to escort support ships to England was forgotten, but nearly fifty years later later they all received letters of commendation for their service.
3. One man named Doris Miller served on the USS West Virginia as mess attendant. He was assigned to the escort carrier Liscome Bay (CVE-56) , but died when the ship was torpedoed by a japanese submarine. He was awarded the navy cross. Doris Miller and a shipmate carried an injured skipper off a dangerous bridge to a safe position.
4. Samuel Lee Gravely was the first African American officers in the Navy. He enlisted into the Navy reserve in 1942 during WWII. He was released from active duty in 1945. He earned his history degree from Virginia Union university. In the same year Harry S. Truman ordered to end segregation in the army. Next year the Navy recalled Gravely for active duty in Korea. In 1962 Gravely took command of the USS Falgout. In 2004 Gravely passed and had a battleship, USS Gravely, named in his Honor.
5. Leonard Roy Harmon was a first class mess attendant and two naval vessels were named after him. Harmon (DE-72) and the USS Harmon (DE-678). Leonard was incredibly heroic by deliberately exposing himself to enemy gunfire while attempting to protect a shipmate and was killed in action. For his heroism, Leonard Roy Harmon was awarded the Navy Cross.
Sources https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F9cnsw7W2fJoQWirPE3Zv2ISAskEKwUhVAuha4UARrk/edit?usp=sharing
Segregation in the Navy (C.B. & H.N.)
African Americans had limited rights during the Civil Rights Movement. In the Navy, there were many African Americans willing to fight, but few were able to fight, and even less were more than a messmen. The Navy was a harsh place for African Americans.
- Evolution of Segregation
- Only a “Boy”
- Women Making WAVES in the Navy
- Limited in the Navy
- Limited in the Navy
- Blacks in Blue
- Diversity Counts
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pA7e1riRw8BcWU5XR1I1OIpr6sJWo3HMgFaO6h26DBM/edit?usp=sharing
Port Chicago 50 (Y.I. and N.H.)
During World War II, one of the sources of ammunition for the Pacific Theater was the Naval Ammunition Depot at Port Chicago, California. Port Chicago is located on an arm of San Francisco Bay about 30 miles northeast of Oakland and San Francisco. The town of Port Chicago, population 1,500, was located about 1.5 miles from the pier. Not far away was Vallejo's Mare Island, a major Naval Base which included ammunition depots.
Segregation to the African-American Soldiers:
African Americans had long been segregated in the U.S. armed forces, forced into menial positions and excluded from officer status. At Port Chicago, 1,400 enlisted African Americans—who had not received any training in handling ammunition—loaded bullets, bombs, and depth charges onto ships. Forced to work at great speed by the white officers, the men were in constant danger.
The importance of this proved that the African-Americans were not suited to do the jobs that were put upon them. With proper training these soldiers would have been trained to do the right things and the disaster would not have happened. These African American men knew they’d be segregated yet they still enlisted and did there time for their country.
African Americans had long been segregated in the U.S. armed forces, forced into menial positions and excluded from officer status. At Port Chicago, 1,400 enlisted African Americans—who had not received any training in handling ammunition—loaded bullets, bombs, and depth charges onto ships. Forced to work at great speed by the white officers, the men were in constant danger.
The importance of this proved that the African-Americans were not suited to do the jobs that were put upon them. With proper training these soldiers would have been trained to do the right things and the disaster would not have happened. These African American men knew they’d be segregated yet they still enlisted and did there time for their country.
Mutiny of the African-American Soldiers:
On August 9, 1944, 50 black soldiers were imprisoned on charges of mutiny for refusing (or being physically unable) to load ammunition under the same conditions. These men vowed to die fighting for their country, but conversely refused to accept total neglect by their own government.
These Soldiers refused to accept blame for the explosion. If the African-American soldiers had proper training and weren’t only assigned to harder jobs, the explosion wouldn’t have happened. These 50 men deserve much respect for standing up to their government and not accepting blame for an incident that happened because of the laziness of the White officers.
On August 9, 1944, 50 black soldiers were imprisoned on charges of mutiny for refusing (or being physically unable) to load ammunition under the same conditions. These men vowed to die fighting for their country, but conversely refused to accept total neglect by their own government.
These Soldiers refused to accept blame for the explosion. If the African-American soldiers had proper training and weren’t only assigned to harder jobs, the explosion wouldn’t have happened. These 50 men deserve much respect for standing up to their government and not accepting blame for an incident that happened because of the laziness of the White officers.
The Explosion:
July 17, the night of the disaster. The SS Quinault Victory and SS E.A. Bryan, two merchant ships, were being loaded. The holds were being packed with 4,600 tons of explosives--bombs, depth charges and ammunition. (Steve Sheinkin) Another 400 tons of explosives were nearby on rail cars. There were about 320 workers on site, when the massive explosions went off destroying everything and everyone in the vicinity. Of the 320 sailors, 202 were black soldiers.
The explosion at Port Chicago caused a lot of prejudice against the African-American soldiers. Obviously the black soldiers were to blame for because they were the ones loading the ships, but they were not properly trained to handle this type of equipment, so work was always dangerous for the black soldiers.
July 17, the night of the disaster. The SS Quinault Victory and SS E.A. Bryan, two merchant ships, were being loaded. The holds were being packed with 4,600 tons of explosives--bombs, depth charges and ammunition. (Steve Sheinkin) Another 400 tons of explosives were nearby on rail cars. There were about 320 workers on site, when the massive explosions went off destroying everything and everyone in the vicinity. Of the 320 sailors, 202 were black soldiers.
The explosion at Port Chicago caused a lot of prejudice against the African-American soldiers. Obviously the black soldiers were to blame for because they were the ones loading the ships, but they were not properly trained to handle this type of equipment, so work was always dangerous for the black soldiers.
Not the Real Heroes:
Following the disaster, the white officers were honored as heroes and given leave, while hundreds of surviving African Americans were sent back to the dangerous work loading ammunition on another ship. They refused, but, in a blatant display of racial discrimination, fifty were charged and convicted of mutiny and sentenced to long prison terms.(Mike Sedlak)
It is ridiculous how the black soldiers do not get any token of gratitude when they were the ones who did all of the hard work. The white officers had done nothing to deserve leave from work. The untrained black workers would have deserved leave for having to teach themselves how to load and work the machinery in the port.
Following the disaster, the white officers were honored as heroes and given leave, while hundreds of surviving African Americans were sent back to the dangerous work loading ammunition on another ship. They refused, but, in a blatant display of racial discrimination, fifty were charged and convicted of mutiny and sentenced to long prison terms.(Mike Sedlak)
It is ridiculous how the black soldiers do not get any token of gratitude when they were the ones who did all of the hard work. The white officers had done nothing to deserve leave from work. The untrained black workers would have deserved leave for having to teach themselves how to load and work the machinery in the port.
An end to Madness:
By the summer of 1945, the Navy had begun to desegregate; in 1948, the armed services were formally integrated when President Truman signed Executive Order 9981.(Suisun Bay) The mutiny trial made the Navy’s deeply ingrained racial inequality starkly apparent, highlighting the exclusion of African Americans from officer status and the hostility and danger they faced. It came at a time when the “Double V” campaign began to call for victory not only over enemies abroad but also over racial prejudice on the home front.
The United States government finally started to pay attention to the segregation of the African-American soldiers. The black soldiers finally started to gain respect and get higher jobs in the military. This was not only a big deal for the Port Chicago 50, but to all black soldiers who will ever join the armed forces, even in the modern day. What the 50 soldiers did when they rebelled against the harsh work that was put upon them changed the blacks were treated.
By the summer of 1945, the Navy had begun to desegregate; in 1948, the armed services were formally integrated when President Truman signed Executive Order 9981.(Suisun Bay) The mutiny trial made the Navy’s deeply ingrained racial inequality starkly apparent, highlighting the exclusion of African Americans from officer status and the hostility and danger they faced. It came at a time when the “Double V” campaign began to call for victory not only over enemies abroad but also over racial prejudice on the home front.
The United States government finally started to pay attention to the segregation of the African-American soldiers. The black soldiers finally started to gain respect and get higher jobs in the military. This was not only a big deal for the Port Chicago 50, but to all black soldiers who will ever join the armed forces, even in the modern day. What the 50 soldiers did when they rebelled against the harsh work that was put upon them changed the blacks were treated.
Conclusion:
At 10:18 p.m. on July 17, 1944, an explosion happened at the Navy's Port Chicago ammunition depot 30 miles northeast of San Francisco while African Americans were loading shells and bombs aboard the cargo ship E. A. Bryan. This explosion killed 320 men, 202 of them were African American sailors, it injured 390 others. Three weeks later 258 African Americans were sent to load more ammunition onto another ship. Among them was Freddie Meeks and he was determined to go back to loading bombs. He shared this thought with 49 other people. These 50 men were convicted of mutiny on October 1944, they were sentenced to 15 years in prison. Many people helped to fight for the verdict to be overturned but it never was. However in 1946 Meeks and majority of the men were released from prison early for honorable actions. In May 1999, the law firm Morrison & Foerster suggested a presidential pardon for Meeks, who was one of the three remaining men alive. Finally in 1999 President Bill Clinton Pardoned Freddie Meeks. Since pardons do not override convictions, it was more of a symbolic gesture.
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nUwdrQv5BNRC1lwKXhXgv8DOGzunfUGDUHSe3XlUIWM/edit
At 10:18 p.m. on July 17, 1944, an explosion happened at the Navy's Port Chicago ammunition depot 30 miles northeast of San Francisco while African Americans were loading shells and bombs aboard the cargo ship E. A. Bryan. This explosion killed 320 men, 202 of them were African American sailors, it injured 390 others. Three weeks later 258 African Americans were sent to load more ammunition onto another ship. Among them was Freddie Meeks and he was determined to go back to loading bombs. He shared this thought with 49 other people. These 50 men were convicted of mutiny on October 1944, they were sentenced to 15 years in prison. Many people helped to fight for the verdict to be overturned but it never was. However in 1946 Meeks and majority of the men were released from prison early for honorable actions. In May 1999, the law firm Morrison & Foerster suggested a presidential pardon for Meeks, who was one of the three remaining men alive. Finally in 1999 President Bill Clinton Pardoned Freddie Meeks. Since pardons do not override convictions, it was more of a symbolic gesture.
Sources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nUwdrQv5BNRC1lwKXhXgv8DOGzunfUGDUHSe3XlUIWM/edit
Port Chicago 50 (G.Q. & B.S.)
On July 17, 1944, an explosion, a huge explosion occurred that shook the country, and people, killing hundreds of men and wounding hundreds more. This disaster later lead to mutiny. 50 brave souls that defied their superiors, risking their lives for a cause greater than them. Their bravery and courage still influences us today, by giving us a strong, integrated, and united Navy.
July 17, 1944, 320 Navy personnel died in the explosion when some navy soldiers loaded a leaking bomb onto a ship that exploded, ⅔ of the dead were African American. The explosion at Port Chicago was the largest home-front explosion of the war and accounted for fifteen percent of all African-American casualties of World War II.
When Naval officers ordered the men to continue to load ships 250 Blacks refused to work backing up their leader, Joe Smalls. They were threatened with the death sentence and 50 of these men, including Smalls, continued to refuse because they thought that they should be under safe conditions and were afraid of another explosion. The 50 soldiers were charged with mutiny, and were sentenced to hard labor, after a trial with strong racial overtones. Joe Smalls and another got the full 15 years of prison time, the youngest group of the men who rebelled were sentenced with 8 years, the rest twelve. All men were later pardoned from their sentences by President Truman.
This deadly explosion not only killed over 300 people, it also brought down 25,000,000 pounds of ship and ammunition! But the more surprising fact is that the over 5,000 tons of bombs and ammunition exploded, a third of the power of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. And once the Navy started to recover the ships, they found some parts blown over 2 miles away from the initial explosion. This massive explosion was a catastrophic event that changed our military forever.
After the explosion, the Navy had counted 320 men dead, 390 military personnel civilians injured, and 233 black enlisted men. ⅔ of the people that died there were African American and that shows that the base had more African American that Whites. The victims family of Port Chicago were supposed to be given $5,000, but once the Navy identified the dead, they found that most of the fallen were black so they lowered it to $2,000. Congress then made a compromise raising the price back to $3,000. This is one of the ways that the blacks were mistreated in the Navy.
Thurgood Marshall, a civil rights lawyer at the time, was horrified by the military's racism, so he stepped in to file an appeal. Although he failed to clear the men's names, he got the nation's attention long enough to pressure President Franklin Roosevelt to end the prison sentences in 1945 and at the same time the Navy worked toward desegregation by integrating blacks and whites in the same units , three years later President Harry Truman called for the Armed Forces to fully desegregate.
The disaster impacted our modern day Navy by allowing mixed units.Black Naval officers. Not only that, but Black Naval officers, too. Even though this was a disaster it later helped in many ways by desegregation. Not only in the Navy, but also across the country. And in 1992 the Port Chicago Memorial was established, dedicated to honor the 320 who died in the Port Chicago Disaster. http://www.nps.gov/poch/index.htm
Sources:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LCY-N7lKInES0n6nlOm0jKRxcLEjOoYyw1BZR8wHtjE/edit?usp=sharing
Port Chicago 50 (C.C. & C.S)
Port Chicago was a deadly munitions explosion that occurred on July 17, 1944. Over 390 people were killed and the memory still is held in hearts. Throughout the investigation, the white prosecutors had deep hatred towards the black sailors and the sailors were all prosecuted and tried for mutiny.
Explosion
The Port Chicago disaster was a deadly munitions explosions that killed 320 sailors and civilians and injured 390 others. It happened on July 17, 1944 at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine, Port Chicago, California, US. The black sailors were blamed for the accident because they were black. That was a typical sign of racism in the US in the 20th century. Two thirds of the people killed at Port Chicago were African-American enlisted men in the Navy. Fifteen percent of all casualties in WWII were African- Americans.
About 400 tons of explosives were nearby on rail cars. Munitions detonated while being loaded onto a cargo vessel bound for the Pacific Theater of Operations. Approximately 390 workers were on or near the pier when, at 10:18 p.m. A series of massive explosions over several seconds destroyed everything and everyone in the vicinity and injured an additional 320 people. Most of the dead and injured were enlisted African-American sailors. The sailors did not realize the true scale of the damage until the sunrise after the blast. Shreds of clothing and metal were strewn across the ground and water. “Man, it was awful,” Jack Crittenden (one of the Port Chicago 50) remembered.
The Port Chicago disaster was a deadly munitions explosions that killed 320 sailors and civilians and injured 390 others. It happened on July 17, 1944 at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine, Port Chicago, California, US. The black sailors were blamed for the accident because they were black. That was a typical sign of racism in the US in the 20th century. Two thirds of the people killed at Port Chicago were African-American enlisted men in the Navy. Fifteen percent of all casualties in WWII were African- Americans.
About 400 tons of explosives were nearby on rail cars. Munitions detonated while being loaded onto a cargo vessel bound for the Pacific Theater of Operations. Approximately 390 workers were on or near the pier when, at 10:18 p.m. A series of massive explosions over several seconds destroyed everything and everyone in the vicinity and injured an additional 320 people. Most of the dead and injured were enlisted African-American sailors. The sailors did not realize the true scale of the damage until the sunrise after the blast. Shreds of clothing and metal were strewn across the ground and water. “Man, it was awful,” Jack Crittenden (one of the Port Chicago 50) remembered.
Aftermath
After the fires were able to be contained, there was the gruesome task of cleaning up bodies and body parts. Of the 390 workers that were dead, only 51 of them could be identified. Most of the uninjured people that worked there were moved out 30 mi. south to assigned barracks. Other divisions that worked there were moved to the Ryder Street Naval Barracks in Vallejo, California, across a short channel from Mare Island. Black officers only had the option to leave 30 days after the explosion while the white officers got the option to leave right away. The last officer to leave spent 39 days there helping with cleanup and reconstruction.
After the fires were able to be contained, there was the gruesome task of cleaning up bodies and body parts. Of the 390 workers that were dead, only 51 of them could be identified. Most of the uninjured people that worked there were moved out 30 mi. south to assigned barracks. Other divisions that worked there were moved to the Ryder Street Naval Barracks in Vallejo, California, across a short channel from Mare Island. Black officers only had the option to leave 30 days after the explosion while the white officers got the option to leave right away. The last officer to leave spent 39 days there helping with cleanup and reconstruction.
Actions Taken
A month later, continuing unsafe conditions inspired hundreds of servicemen to refuse to load munitions, an act known as the Port Chicago mutiny. Fifty men—called the "Port Chicago 50"—were convicted of mutiny on October 24,1944 and sentenced to long prison terms. Forty-seven of the 50 were released in January 1946, while the remaining three served additional months in prison. Each seamen was sentenced to 15 hours of hard labor which was followed by a dishonorable discharge.
A month later, continuing unsafe conditions inspired hundreds of servicemen to refuse to load munitions, an act known as the Port Chicago mutiny. Fifty men—called the "Port Chicago 50"—were convicted of mutiny on October 24,1944 and sentenced to long prison terms. Forty-seven of the 50 were released in January 1946, while the remaining three served additional months in prison. Each seamen was sentenced to 15 hours of hard labor which was followed by a dishonorable discharge.
Trial
During and after the trial, questions were raised about the fairness and legality of the courts-martial proceedings. Due to public pressure, the United States Navy reconvened the courts-martial board in 1945. The court affirmed the guilt of the convicted men. Publicity surrounding the case turned it into a cause célèbre among African Americans and white Americans. It and other race-related Navy protests of 1944-1945 led the Navy to change its practices and initiate the desegregation of its forces beginning in February 1946.
Prosecutions
The trial started on September 14 with each of the 50 men pleading "not guilty". Ryder Street Naval Barracks said that they personally ordered seven of the men to load munitions on August 9th but was unable to verify if any others were ordered. The next couple of days of testimony were full with accounts from African-American enlisted men from Divisions Two, Four and Eight, who were not standing accused of mutiny. These men had already been convicted of disobeying orders in summary courts-martial. The testimony of the men agreed to a point: that some men (none of the accused 50) had passed around and signed a petition to avoid loading ammunition.
In conclusion, Port Chicago was a major military disaster that should never be forgotten. In 1994, the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial was dedicated to the lives lost in the disaster.
sources; https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aS1hP5femgO-GunSRLoAhsVbwo48D03bskQg7qWW7OI/edit?usp=sharing
sources; https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aS1hP5femgO-GunSRLoAhsVbwo48D03bskQg7qWW7OI/edit?usp=sharing
Tuskegee Airmen (N.B. & W.H.)
The Tuskegee airmen were the first african american pilots in the U.S. Air Force. Due to the Jim Crow laws the military was just as segregated as the normal public. Because of this the Tuskegee air base was founded for the sole purpose of teaching African Americans to fly. What these brave men conquered changed the country forever.
The Tuskegee airmen had to take psychology tests to make sure they had the “mental capacity of a white” and in combat they proved far more skilled than most white pilots. Shooting down 5 enemy fighters in under 4 minutes was the record they set. An extremely impressive feat for the time. They surprised many whites because, according to their combat records, they lost no bombers they were escorting.
Out of hundreds, only 84 men died in combat and 12 in training, the rest depending on skill and a little bit of luck to get them through their missions. 96 distinguished flying crosses were earned among the men of the 332nd. The 99th pursuit squadron destroyed 950 enemy vehicles between rail cars, trucks, and anything else nazis used to get from place to place. They also destroyed 40 boats and other naval vehicles.
Daniel James Junior one of the most notable tuskegee airmen. He grew up having a hard childhood and when he got kicked out of school for fighting. Because already knew how to fly so then joined the military. After the war he threatened and nearly shot the libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. Then later became the first black four star general.
No one can sum up the feats of the Tuskegee airmen quickly and in one paragraph, but what can be said is that these men fought for us when we were prejudice towards them, and they fought extremely well. They have gone down in history as a formidible example of perseverance and determination.
Source: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MrCBaPRVpuUWN6O03Hgg4YhuCnUdgYEXMASjcXli9ww/edit?usp=sharing
Source: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MrCBaPRVpuUWN6O03Hgg4YhuCnUdgYEXMASjcXli9ww/edit?usp=sharing
Tuskegee Airmen (N.D. and H.K.)
The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of black pilots during World War II. The term “Tuskegee Airmen” referred to anyone who either fought combat missions or serviced the planes. They trained in segregated schools and airfields and were treated like any other African-American during the time before the Civil Rights Act.
The Tuskegee airmen did not leave the battle at home against racism unattended for. The Tuskegee Airmen also participated in a protest called the Freeman Field Mutiny. They sent black officers three at time into a white officer’s club. All 60 plus of the officers were detained and three of those were court-martialed. Two of the officers were acquitted, while a third one was demoted, fined $150, and dishonorably discharged. This was a huge step in the integration of the United States Armed Forces. “So I went around him and went into the officer’s club, and an officer, a major, he placed me under arrest” (Young)
Tuskegee Airmen proved that they could fight as well as or better than white pilots.
It helped their cause when during escort missions, they would stick to the bombers, unlike most white pilots, who would chase down any enemy fighter. It was also good for their cause that white bomber pilots were requesting the Tuskegee trained black pilots for escorts. This was because they were trained to complete their mission, not fight for glory, as most white escort pilots were doing. This helped the integration of the United States Military by showing that a black pilot could do a better job than a white pilot even in an inferior aircraft. This also helped the civil rights movement because now white pilots were requesting what most thought at the time to be an inferior race, to protect themselves. “It wasn’t long before the white bomber pilots were requesting the Tuskegee-trained “Red Tail Angels” to fly escort for them” (CAF Red Tail Squadron Member).
It helped their cause when during escort missions, they would stick to the bombers, unlike most white pilots, who would chase down any enemy fighter. It was also good for their cause that white bomber pilots were requesting the Tuskegee trained black pilots for escorts. This was because they were trained to complete their mission, not fight for glory, as most white escort pilots were doing. This helped the integration of the United States Military by showing that a black pilot could do a better job than a white pilot even in an inferior aircraft. This also helped the civil rights movement because now white pilots were requesting what most thought at the time to be an inferior race, to protect themselves. “It wasn’t long before the white bomber pilots were requesting the Tuskegee-trained “Red Tail Angels” to fly escort for them” (CAF Red Tail Squadron Member).
Tuskegee airmen proved that African-American pilots could be just as educated and as motivated as White pilots.
The black aircraft mechanics, machinists, welders, radio operators and armorers of the 99th Fighter Squadron achieved the highest GPA ever at Chanute Air Base. Chanute Air Base integrated the black and white pilots upon realizing that black pilots wouldn’t be disrupt classes if they were put into the same classes as white trainees. This helped the Civil Rights movement because it showed that all that separated the White people and African-American People was their skin color. In addition to that, the trainees went to another segregated airfield called Moton Field, their pilots proved that even with the same coursework, they could do just as well as their white counterparts, if not better. To top all that off, they also dealt with racism while training, while the white pilots and mechanics did not. “Gallant sons of the 99th –Brown men tried and true”(99th Fighter Squadron Fight Song)
The black aircraft mechanics, machinists, welders, radio operators and armorers of the 99th Fighter Squadron achieved the highest GPA ever at Chanute Air Base. Chanute Air Base integrated the black and white pilots upon realizing that black pilots wouldn’t be disrupt classes if they were put into the same classes as white trainees. This helped the Civil Rights movement because it showed that all that separated the White people and African-American People was their skin color. In addition to that, the trainees went to another segregated airfield called Moton Field, their pilots proved that even with the same coursework, they could do just as well as their white counterparts, if not better. To top all that off, they also dealt with racism while training, while the white pilots and mechanics did not. “Gallant sons of the 99th –Brown men tried and true”(99th Fighter Squadron Fight Song)
Tuskegee Airmen become highly decorated as soldiers.
Many Tuskegee Airmen were very decorated War Heroes. In 2007, the Tuskegee Airmen were awarded by the United States the Congressional Gold Medal. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest award a civilian can be given to by Congress. The 99th Pursuit Squadron of Tuskegee was the first all-black squadron that trained at Tuskegee. Many Tuskegee Airmen were recipients of the Purple Heart, Medal of Honor etc. which is an automatic guarantee to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. “The Tuskegee Airmen earned this prestigious award by being the first black group to enter the military and being the first step to ending the segregation in the United States.” (World Book)
Many Tuskegee Airmen were very decorated War Heroes. In 2007, the Tuskegee Airmen were awarded by the United States the Congressional Gold Medal. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest award a civilian can be given to by Congress. The 99th Pursuit Squadron of Tuskegee was the first all-black squadron that trained at Tuskegee. Many Tuskegee Airmen were recipients of the Purple Heart, Medal of Honor etc. which is an automatic guarantee to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. “The Tuskegee Airmen earned this prestigious award by being the first black group to enter the military and being the first step to ending the segregation in the United States.” (World Book)
Tuskegee Airmen end segregation and discrimination in the military.
The training in Tuskegee ended in the year 1946. The program ended with a grand total of 992 graduating pilots. The great success by Tuskegee Pilots is what made the United States Government end racial discrimination in the Military. This declaration was the first step of ending segregation and discrimination in the United States all together. The all-black 332nd squadron became known for its escorting white pilots, which helped prove black pilots were just as good as white pilots “After the government ended segregation in the military, the Tuskegee Airmen become the last all-black military group” (World Book).
The training in Tuskegee ended in the year 1946. The program ended with a grand total of 992 graduating pilots. The great success by Tuskegee Pilots is what made the United States Government end racial discrimination in the Military. This declaration was the first step of ending segregation and discrimination in the United States all together. The all-black 332nd squadron became known for its escorting white pilots, which helped prove black pilots were just as good as white pilots “After the government ended segregation in the military, the Tuskegee Airmen become the last all-black military group” (World Book).
Conclusion
The brave men of the Tuskegee Airmen have affected our view of different races in the military from the moment they flew their first mission. Another surprising fact is that they are still relevant to this day. Just on March 9th, 2007, 350 surviving members of the courageous group or their widows were awarded congressional Gold Medals by the president at the time, George W. Bush. These were the brave men that fought not one, but two wars during World War II. One against the Axis powers, and one against racism back home in America. Whatever happens, they will always be remembered as the courageous red tails who fought valiantly in the Second World War.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LOLMNNti50dunTrDFKbt8cWFeJIXOf35fEcHOpwJ18c/edit
The brave men of the Tuskegee Airmen have affected our view of different races in the military from the moment they flew their first mission. Another surprising fact is that they are still relevant to this day. Just on March 9th, 2007, 350 surviving members of the courageous group or their widows were awarded congressional Gold Medals by the president at the time, George W. Bush. These were the brave men that fought not one, but two wars during World War II. One against the Axis powers, and one against racism back home in America. Whatever happens, they will always be remembered as the courageous red tails who fought valiantly in the Second World War.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LOLMNNti50dunTrDFKbt8cWFeJIXOf35fEcHOpwJ18c/edit
Tuskegee Airmen (D.E. & B.K.)
Bravery during World War II spread like wildfire from the Atlantic to the Pacific, calling both blacks and whites to the front-lines. Even though the military was segregated, it didn’t stop a group of young men to step up and change the course of history. The Tuskegee Airmen’s bravery throughout the war helped fight against the injustice during World War II, but the injustice they faced back home in America because of the color of their skin.
In 1941, President Roosevelt issued the assembly of an all black aviator group. It assembled one squadron of men to be trained under the careful eye of Captain Gabe C. Hawkins, Captain Roberts M. Long, and Major Donald G. McPherson. Training started at the Tuskegee Army Air Field, an institution known for its pride for black equality and fairness. After two years of training, the 99th Squadron was ready for battle in 1943, just two months before they was conflict overseas in Europe and North Africa in June.
In total, 16,000 African Americans worked under the title of “Tuskegee Airmen” during World War II. During their campaign, they received "150 combat decorations, 96 Distinguished Flying Crosses to 95 Airmen, 14 Bronze Stars, 744 Air Medals, and 8 Purple Hearts,"(wiki) They celebrated 112 victories throughout Europe. Their bravery led to the demise of segregation in the military issued by Truman in 1948.
Even though the Tuskegee Airmen is still controversial, it impacted society not only by helping the war effort, it helped change the path for African Americans in the military. The passion and heart they showed during the time helped change the history of America. One example is the “Freeman Field Mutiny.” 101 black men were arrested while trying to break up an all white military club (Parrish). Even though it may seem like a very brutal way to deal with the situation, The Tuskegee Airmen did more than fly planes.
If it were not for the courage of the members of the Tuskegee Airmen, not only on the battlefield but in the battle against segregation, America’s military still might be segregated. It took the strength of all the heroic men in uniform to stand up and change the course of history, and it was the bravery of these men to do this that Persuaded President Truman to end segregation in the military. It was the Tuskegee Airmen who proved what every man knew deep down that African Americans are equal to whites. Both in the military and in every other sense.
Not only did were the Tuskegee Airmen successful and high in demand after the war ended, it lead to the success of its members for years to come. Three of its members became generals, leading on a whole new generation of African American aviators. In addition, Thurgood Marshall, a future supreme court justice, got his start by defending Tuskegee Airmen Trainees. Just the idea of the group brought a revolution of new ideas and changes to the modern world.
Unfortunately, their story must come to an end eventually. Just recently, Hiram Mann, a legendary pilot in The Tuskegee Airmen passed away at the age of 92, his 93rd birthday was this week. He flew in 48 mission then served 21 more years in the Air Force. Also, he was one of the first members to join the 99th Fighter Squadron and the 477th Bombardment Group. Even though this hero has left us on earth, his memory and bravery has forever shaped the way America’s military works.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1INyWcjisi4-jtBKCuP2xEqgaJZS5u5Uy2vfidUs9HZM/edit?usp=sharing
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1INyWcjisi4-jtBKCuP2xEqgaJZS5u5Uy2vfidUs9HZM/edit?usp=sharing
Segregation in the Army (A.L. & A.H.)
Around the 1940’s, America had separated African-Americans from whites in the Army. For many years, African-Americans had to fight not only for their countries freedom, but also for their race’s freedom. Because of the gap between the promise and performance of American freedom when it came to race relations, many African-Americans felt alienated from the war effort. American history had been well-supplied with cautionary tales of disappointment and betrayal.
The Segregated Colleagues
Segregation had not disappeared in the Military during World War Ⅱ. In the Army, black men were trained separately from whites, and were not allowed into elite Military units. The African-American men also served in a unit completely separated from their white colleagues. Even overseas, blacks still faced racism. For example, German soldiers were incredibly humiliated when captured by a black soldier, only due to the fact that blacks were considered inferior to them (Grant [Page 148]).
Segregation had not disappeared in the Military during World War Ⅱ. In the Army, black men were trained separately from whites, and were not allowed into elite Military units. The African-American men also served in a unit completely separated from their white colleagues. Even overseas, blacks still faced racism. For example, German soldiers were incredibly humiliated when captured by a black soldier, only due to the fact that blacks were considered inferior to them (Grant [Page 148]).
Noble Service, But No Honor
African Americans who served in World War Ⅱ risked their lives for their country, but still weren’t given much honor for their incredible service. In fact, not a single African-American was awarded the Medal of Honor during World War Ⅱ. A study theorized that racism was the primary cause for this fact. Also, an estimated 10 percent of African-American citizens lacked basic civil rights and opportunities in the Army ("Racial Segregation in the U.S."). One would think that a man fighting for his country would be treated like a human, but that was not the case during World War Ⅱ. Even when the men came home, they were given to little to no reward, and thrown out of jobs that white men had kept (Grant [page 178]).
African Americans who served in World War Ⅱ risked their lives for their country, but still weren’t given much honor for their incredible service. In fact, not a single African-American was awarded the Medal of Honor during World War Ⅱ. A study theorized that racism was the primary cause for this fact. Also, an estimated 10 percent of African-American citizens lacked basic civil rights and opportunities in the Army ("Racial Segregation in the U.S."). One would think that a man fighting for his country would be treated like a human, but that was not the case during World War Ⅱ. Even when the men came home, they were given to little to no reward, and thrown out of jobs that white men had kept (Grant [page 178]).
Tuskegee Airmen
The Army Air Corps finally allowed blacks become members and undergo flight training in 1941, under pressure of Congress. These men were trained at Tuskegee Army Air Base in Alabama. The members of the Tuskegee Airmen were the first African Americans to qualify as Military pilots in any branch of the Armed Forces. One of the first men to earn the wings of an Army Air Corps pilot was Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., who later became the first black general in the U.S. Air Force. Much of the Tuskegee Airmen eventually became war heroes, and the program eventually lead to the end of segregation in the Army (Hornsby).
The Army Air Corps finally allowed blacks become members and undergo flight training in 1941, under pressure of Congress. These men were trained at Tuskegee Army Air Base in Alabama. The members of the Tuskegee Airmen were the first African Americans to qualify as Military pilots in any branch of the Armed Forces. One of the first men to earn the wings of an Army Air Corps pilot was Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., who later became the first black general in the U.S. Air Force. Much of the Tuskegee Airmen eventually became war heroes, and the program eventually lead to the end of segregation in the Army (Hornsby).
Soldiers Who Do Not Fight
The majority of blacks enlisted in the Army during World War Ⅱ were enrolled in non-combat units. The required labor for the war was almost entirely run by African-Americans in the Army. They made up almost half of the transportation corps and truck companies and played a large role in helping to rebuild Europe after the war had ended (“African Americans in the Military”). Also, these men also regulated service duties like supply, maintenance, and transportation (“African Americans in World”).
The majority of blacks enlisted in the Army during World War Ⅱ were enrolled in non-combat units. The required labor for the war was almost entirely run by African-Americans in the Army. They made up almost half of the transportation corps and truck companies and played a large role in helping to rebuild Europe after the war had ended (“African Americans in the Military”). Also, these men also regulated service duties like supply, maintenance, and transportation (“African Americans in World”).
Actions That Ended Segregation in the Army
Franklin Delano Roosevelt issued the Executive Order 8802, enforcing a new rule that “there shall be no discrimination in the employment of workers in defense industries or the government because of race, creed, color, or national origin” (Gates). However, this would not have been issued had A. Philip Randolph not threatened a massive march on Washington in anger of the unfair treatment of blacks in the Military. Even after FDR had issued this order, segregation in the Army and other Armed Forces did not come to a complete halt. In fact, President Truman desegregated the Armed Forces once again in 1948, after World War Ⅱ had ended. However, even then many Army officials kept their racist morals for a few more years. In the Korean War, for example, the all-black, 54th segregated regiment was under-resourced, under-trained and often sent into terrible situations ("Korean War Courts Martial").
Franklin Delano Roosevelt issued the Executive Order 8802, enforcing a new rule that “there shall be no discrimination in the employment of workers in defense industries or the government because of race, creed, color, or national origin” (Gates). However, this would not have been issued had A. Philip Randolph not threatened a massive march on Washington in anger of the unfair treatment of blacks in the Military. Even after FDR had issued this order, segregation in the Army and other Armed Forces did not come to a complete halt. In fact, President Truman desegregated the Armed Forces once again in 1948, after World War Ⅱ had ended. However, even then many Army officials kept their racist morals for a few more years. In the Korean War, for example, the all-black, 54th segregated regiment was under-resourced, under-trained and often sent into terrible situations ("Korean War Courts Martial").
Although racial segregation in the Army is a thing of the past, sexism in the Army has become an issue nationwide. For example, only 69% of positions are available to women in the Army. However, change for the better has begun to occur. In 2012, the Department of Defense announced that 14,000 military occupations would be opened up to women. The changes have included getting rid of the"co-localization" rule, which keeps women out of positions localized with direct combat. Riddance of this policy gives more than 13,000 positions to women in the Armed Forces.
Sources:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SQYW-8ZkA0OM8w11UH_WZjfho5_kPrOMpc_JDXviwW0/edit?usp=sharing
Sources:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SQYW-8ZkA0OM8w11UH_WZjfho5_kPrOMpc_JDXviwW0/edit?usp=sharing
Segregation in the Army (T.H. & N.T.)
From the Revolutionary War to The Vietnam War African Americans have been segregated in the Army. They were not treated as well as the whites were. Here are some of the topics about segregation in the army.
The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African-American military aviators in the United States Armed Forces. The Tuskegee Airmen the red tails. And they were subject to the Jim Crow Laws. They were active from 1940-1952. And they only fought in WWII.
African Americans participated in every major United States war except for the Battle of Integration. They were still Segregated through World War I. And they were put into different Infantry in the Spanish American War.
In the Vietnam War African Americans had much success. Twenty of them got the Medal of Honor. The Vietnam War saw the highest proportion of blacks ever to serve in an American war. African Americans suffered higher casualties. When the United States sent ground troops into Vietnam in 1964, one out of every seven (about 14 percent) of those soldiers was African American.
They were know as “seagoing bellhops” because all they did was be a steward mate. African Americans made up 2.3 percent of all the U.S. soldiers in WWII. In 1941 fewer than 4,000 African Americans were serving in the military and only twelve African Americans had become officers.While most African Americans serving at the beginning of WWII were assigned to non-combat units, service duties, supply, maintenance, and transportation, their work behind front lines was equally vital to the war effort. On D-Day, the First Army on Omaha and Utah Beaches included about 1,700 African American troops.
Both free and runaway slaves fought in The Civil War for the north. Nearly 40,000 black soldiers died. 30,000 died of infection or disease in the Civil War. Black soldiers served in artillery and infantry and performed all non-combat support functions. Segregated units were formed with black enlisted men and typically commanded by white officers. By the end of the Civil War, 179,000 black men (10% of the Union Army) served as soldiers in the U.S. Army and another 19,000 served in the Navy
In conclusion African Americans were segregated from the whites in the Army. They were also not treated as well as the whites in the army. They were segregated from about the revolutionary war all the way to the Vietnam War. Even though they were segregated back then by the Vietnam War and after twenty African Americans received the Medal of Honor according to aavw.org.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1USLnCL3bD-DmD3QtnnQKC5iHYimcczbxyF7_CgFefMY/edit
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1USLnCL3bD-DmD3QtnnQKC5iHYimcczbxyF7_CgFefMY/edit