African American Contribution
"THE WORLD'S GREATEST DEMOCRACY FOUGHT THE
WORLD'S GREATEST RACIST (HITLER) WITH A
SEGREGATED ARMY."
The African-American contribution cannot be underestimated or taken for granted. The United States owes a hugh debt to the brave African-Americans who made significant contributions to world War II from the initial attack on Pearl Harbor, HI to the last days of the Pacific campaign. An attempt will be made to highlight some of these individuals in order to give the student an awareness of their contributions and the high level of patriotism exhibited by African-Americans under adverse conditions.
Over 2.5 million African-American men registered for the draft, and black women also volunteered in large numbers. While serving in the Army, Army Air Forces, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, they experienced discrimination and segregation but met the challenge and persevered. They served their country with distinction, made valuable contributions to the war effort, and earned high praises and commendations for their struggles and sacrifices. While segregation did not end during World War II the brave individuals who broke many racial barriers and dealt with the policy of segregation with determination and grace gained the respect and admiration of many and paved the way for the end of segregation in the armed forces. There is no possible way that all of the African-Americans who contributed to War World II can be adequately covered in the scope of this course we will attempt to provide examples to show why these men and women deserve respect by focusing on three outstanding patriots: Doris “Dorie” Miller who was one of the first decorated military men of World War II for his attempt at defending Pearl Harbor, HI from Japan, Benjamin O. Davis Jr. along with the Tuskegee Airmen and entertainer/spy Josephine Baker.
Doris "Dorie" Miller
The attack on Pearl Harbor, HI had many heroes who valiantly defended the island against the Japanese attack and among them was Doris “Dorie” Miller.
Miller joined the Navy in 1939 and following his training at the Naval Training Station, Norfolk, Virginia, Miller was assigned to the ammunition ship USS Pyro (AE-1) where he served as a Mess Attendant. 2 January 1940 he was transferred to USS West Virginia (BB-48). In July of that year he had temporary duty aboard USS Nevada (BB-36) at Secondary Battery Gunnery School.
"THE WORLD'S GREATEST DEMOCRACY FOUGHT THE
WORLD'S GREATEST RACIST (HITLER) WITH A
SEGREGATED ARMY."
The African-American contribution cannot be underestimated or taken for granted. The United States owes a hugh debt to the brave African-Americans who made significant contributions to world War II from the initial attack on Pearl Harbor, HI to the last days of the Pacific campaign. An attempt will be made to highlight some of these individuals in order to give the student an awareness of their contributions and the high level of patriotism exhibited by African-Americans under adverse conditions.
Over 2.5 million African-American men registered for the draft, and black women also volunteered in large numbers. While serving in the Army, Army Air Forces, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, they experienced discrimination and segregation but met the challenge and persevered. They served their country with distinction, made valuable contributions to the war effort, and earned high praises and commendations for their struggles and sacrifices. While segregation did not end during World War II the brave individuals who broke many racial barriers and dealt with the policy of segregation with determination and grace gained the respect and admiration of many and paved the way for the end of segregation in the armed forces. There is no possible way that all of the African-Americans who contributed to War World II can be adequately covered in the scope of this course we will attempt to provide examples to show why these men and women deserve respect by focusing on three outstanding patriots: Doris “Dorie” Miller who was one of the first decorated military men of World War II for his attempt at defending Pearl Harbor, HI from Japan, Benjamin O. Davis Jr. along with the Tuskegee Airmen and entertainer/spy Josephine Baker.
Doris "Dorie" Miller
The attack on Pearl Harbor, HI had many heroes who valiantly defended the island against the Japanese attack and among them was Doris “Dorie” Miller.
Miller joined the Navy in 1939 and following his training at the Naval Training Station, Norfolk, Virginia, Miller was assigned to the ammunition ship USS Pyro (AE-1) where he served as a Mess Attendant. 2 January 1940 he was transferred to USS West Virginia (BB-48). In July of that year he had temporary duty aboard USS Nevada (BB-36) at Secondary Battery Gunnery School.
Miller returned to West Virginia and on 3 August, and was serving onboard that battleship when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941. Miller’s experience onboard battleships served him well as the Japanese attacked. When general quarters sounded he headed for his battle station, the antiaircraft battery magazine amidships, only to discover that torpedo damage had wrecked it, so he went on deck. Miller assisted the attack in several capacities first by attempting to aid the mortally wounded Captain of the ship and when he the Captain died he continued to try and defend the West Virginia (BB-48) by manning a 50 caliber Browning anti-aircraft machine gun until he ran out of ammunition and was ordered to abandon ship.
Miller described firing the machine gun during the battle, a weapon which he had not been trained to operate: "It wasn't hard. I just pulled the trigger and she worked fine. I had watched the others with these guns. I guess I fired her for about fifteen minutes. I think I got one of those Jap planes. They were diving pretty close to us."
Miller was commended by the Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox on 1 April 1942, and on 27 May 1942 he received the Navy Cross, which Fleet Admiral (then Admiral) Chester W. Nimitz, the Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet personally presented to Miller on board aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6) for his extraordinary courage in battle. Speaking of Miller, Nimitz remarked:
“This marks the first time in this conflict that such high
tribute has been made in the Pacific Fleet to a
member of his race and I'm sure that the future will
see others similarly honored for brave act."
Miller described firing the machine gun during the battle, a weapon which he had not been trained to operate: "It wasn't hard. I just pulled the trigger and she worked fine. I had watched the others with these guns. I guess I fired her for about fifteen minutes. I think I got one of those Jap planes. They were diving pretty close to us."
Miller was commended by the Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox on 1 April 1942, and on 27 May 1942 he received the Navy Cross, which Fleet Admiral (then Admiral) Chester W. Nimitz, the Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet personally presented to Miller on board aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CV-6) for his extraordinary courage in battle. Speaking of Miller, Nimitz remarked:
“This marks the first time in this conflict that such high
tribute has been made in the Pacific Fleet to a
member of his race and I'm sure that the future will
see others similarly honored for brave act."
On 13 December 1941, Miller reported to USS Indianapolis (CA-35), returned to the west coast of the United States in November 1942. Assigned to the newly constructed USS Liscome Bay (CVE-56) in the spring of 1943, Miller was on board that escort carrier during Operation Galvanic, the seizure of Makin and Tarawa Atolls in the Gilbert Islands. Liscome Bay's aircraft supported operations ashore from 20-23 November 1943. At 5:10 a.m. on 24 November, a single torpedo from a Japanese submarine struck the escort carrier near the stern. The aircraft bomb magazine detonated a few moments later, sinking the warship within minutes. Listed as missing following the loss of that escort carrier, Miller was officially presumed dead 25 November 1944, a year and a day after the loss of Liscome Bay. Only 272 Sailors survived the sinking of Liscome Bay, while 646 died.
In addition to the Navy Cross, Miller was entitled to the Purple Heart Medal; the American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp; the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; and the World War II Victory Medal.
This short documentary describes many different naval heroes who contributed with their valor and bravery. The portion that deals directly with Dorie Miller is between 1:45 and 2:34 of the film.
In addition to the Navy Cross, Miller was entitled to the Purple Heart Medal; the American Defense Service Medal, Fleet Clasp; the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; and the World War II Victory Medal.
This short documentary describes many different naval heroes who contributed with their valor and bravery. The portion that deals directly with Dorie Miller is between 1:45 and 2:34 of the film.
Benjamin O. Davis and the Tuskegee
Airmen
One of the first racial barriers to be broken was done by Benjamin O. Davis, (the son of Brigadier General Davis) who was the first African-American to graduate from the military academy at West Point. His father had also blazed the trail for racial equality by becoming the first African-American Brigadier General in the U.S. Army. For four years he was shunned, meaning other cadets would only speak to him for official reasons. He had no roommate and took his meals in silence. Those who caused this had hoped to drive Davis from the Academy, but their actions only made him more determined to succeed. He graduated thirty-fifth out of 276 in the Class of 1936.
This would not be the only contribution he would make in addition to West Point he was also instrumental in the forming of one of the most famous air wings of the War World II by being one of the first 5 to graduate from the Tuskegee Flight school in Tuskegee, AL. The Tuskegee Airmen contributions to the war effort are documented in the films I have enclosed at the end of this section entitled On Freedoms Wings The Legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen.
The men of the Tuskegee Airmen became some of the most decorated individuals in World War II.
African-Americans in World War II: A Legacy of Patriotism and Valor - Part 1
African-Americans in World War II: A Legacy of Patriotism and Valor - Part 2
African-American in World War II: A Legacy of Patriotism and Valor – Part 3
African-American in World War II: A Legacy of Patriotism and Valor – Part 4
Josephine Baker
Josephine Baker left the United States in 1937 and traveled to France where she became a celebrity selling out to crowds throughout France. In 1937 she applied for and became a French citizen. During World War II in support of the allied cause she performed for them and became a very active member of the French underground (undercover work included smuggling secret messages written on her music sheets) and a sub-lieutenant in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. She was later awarded the Medal of the Resistance with Rosette and named a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor by the French government for hard work and dedication.
Josephine Baker left the United States in 1937 and traveled to France where she became a celebrity selling out to crowds throughout France. In 1937 she applied for and became a French citizen. During World War II in support of the allied cause she performed for them and became a very active member of the French underground (undercover work included smuggling secret messages written on her music sheets) and a sub-lieutenant in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. She was later awarded the Medal of the Resistance with Rosette and named a Chevalier of the Legion of Honor by the French government for hard work and dedication.
The film enclosed below are incorporated for you to view at your pleasure if you wish to learn more about the importance of the African-American contribution in World War II.
African Americans in World War II
African Americans in World War II
In closing it is interesting to note that after the end of World War II President Harry Truman signed Executive Order 9981 which officially ended segregation in the United States Military.