Black History Month

[Dominique]

In honor of Black History Month, I thought I'd list a few all black units that you might be interested in reading up on. The following are the units I'm most familiar with, so I'll start with them. Feel free to add additional units, links, pics, etc. as you like.

9th & 10th Cavalry “Buffalo Soldiers”
Tuskegee Airman
555th Parachute Infantry Regiment “Triple Nickel”
761st Tank Battalion
2nd Airborne Ranger Company

[Createdeemcee]

In honor of Black History Month, I thought I'd list a few all black units that you might be interested in reading up on. The following are the units I'm most familiar with, so I'll start with them. Feel free to add additional units, links, pics, etc. as you like.



Nice thought Dom, My old neighbor was a Tuskeegee Airman, hes has alot of wisdom and stories to tell. I wish I could get some pics from him to post.

[shocker1]

http://images.chattanoogan.com/photo_images/gallery_23610.jpg


http://www.chattanoogan.com/site_images/dot_clear.gif African American History Month Events At Chickamauga Battlefield
posted February 7, 2008

In commemoration of African American History Month, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park will host events honoring the contributions of African Americans in Chattanooga during the Civil War. All activities will take place on Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center.

From 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. local author Rita Lurraine Hubbard will be available to sign “African Americans of Chattanooga: A History of Unsung Heroes,” her recently published book that chronicles the contributions of African Americans in shaping the city of Chattanooga.

From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. the 44th United States Colored Troops Infantry Regiment Living History Group will present programs discussing the accomplishments of this successful Civil War Regiment. These programs will also include musket firing demonstrations.

The 44th United States Colored Troops Infantry Regiment was organized on April 7, 1864 in Chattanooga, consisting of former slaves from seceding states including Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. While serving post and garrison duties in Chattanooga, the Regiment assisted in General Sherman’s 1864 offensive into Georgia,:-*$ which lead to the fall of Atlanta in September. The soldiers then saw battle action in Dalton in October and during the Battle of Nashville in December, followed by their pursuit of Confederate General John Bell Hood’s soldiers to the Tennessee River. The Regiment served post and garrison duty in Chattanooga during1865 and 1866.

For additional information call the Chickamauga Battlefield Visitor Center at (706) 866-9241.
It is funny though, I doubt anyone would be proud of the treatment of Union colored soldiers. They were cannon fodder or gophers getting paid two bits. This was not a big event here and few attended. We don't like dividing our history up into racial groups. That crap is taboo here even though the schools are out and the mail man don't run.
http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_121588.asp

[Createdeemcee]

It is funny though, I doubt anyone would be proud of the treatment of Union colored soldiers. They were cannon fodder or gophers getting paid two bits. This was not a big event here and few attended. We don't like dividing our history up into racial groups. That crap is taboo here even though the schools are out and the mail man don't run.



Thank You Schocker,

Great post none the less, Back in those days Im sure Blacks were happy enough to have some part in the fighting for the begining stages of freedom from slavery.

[shocker1]

I am sure they were but the conduct of the Union troops under Sherman was criminal in these parts at best and ransacking vengeful Black troops were used to punish Southerners and cause fear amongst civilians. Not something to be proud of in my book.

Anyway my point being these activities at the Park exaggerated the actions of Black soldiers at the Battles of Chattanooga at that time to cover up the racism of White Union troops. We need to be honest and call out the sins of the North. I am just spoiling Dom's thread though and I will cease. I will post some video and more pics.
http://www.youtube.com/v/BHGHYyNX570&rel=1

http://images.chattanoogan.com/photo_images/gallery_23611.jpg

http://images.chattanoogan.com/photo_images/gallery_23613.jpg

http://images.chattanoogan.com/photo_images/gallery_23615.jpg

http://images.chattanoogan.com/photo_images/gallery_23616.jpg

[California Joe]

How about the 54th Massachussets and their actions at Ft. Wagner. Depicted in the movie "Glory".

[shocker1]

You mean putting all those fellas in the front row? Those boys fought with heart and soul. It was a shame that neither side thought much of Black soldiers at the time. They have proven their valor time and again over the years. My beef is with historians white washing Union sins and shortcomings. So goes the way of the defeated and the Victors write the history.

[oswald]

An interesting read on the 761st is "Brothers in arms (http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl/9780767918923.html)" by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (yes, that Kareem).
I have to admit, it was much better than I expected from an ex-jock. Especially a Bruin ;)

[shocker1]

Thanks Oswald, sounds like a good read.

[Createdeemcee]

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z71/createdeemcee/50orig.jpg?t=1204040798



Members of the 99th, 100th, 301st and 302nd Fighter Squadrons pose with more than 50 original Tuskegee Airmen in front of airplanes painted with Tuskegee Airmen signature red tails. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Christopher Hummel)


http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z71/createdeemcee/051026-F-0994L-5171.jpg?t=1204040824

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z71/createdeemcee/051026-F-0994L-5351.jpg?t=1204040839

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z71/createdeemcee/african-americans-wwii-2581.jpg?t=1204040955

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z71/createdeemcee/070524-F-4068S-0052.jpg?t=1204040974

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z71/createdeemcee/060801-F-4068S-0021.jpg?t=1204040998

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z71/createdeemcee/d3cefb95-1973-4bee-a5dd-88d9722c33a.jpg?t=1204041117

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z71/createdeemcee/airmen2.jpg?t=1204041130

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z71/createdeemcee/airmen1.jpg?t=1204041153

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z71/createdeemcee/photo01-tuskegee1.jpg?t=1204041276

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z71/createdeemcee/m_mustang1.jpg?t=1204041287

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z71/createdeemcee/060805-F-8078C-0031.jpg?t=1204041297

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z71/createdeemcee/tuskegee12x1.jpg?t=1204041427

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z71/createdeemcee/scan000111.jpg?t=1204041462

http://i194.photobucket.com/albums/z71/createdeemcee/photo02-tuskegee3.jpg?t=1204041481

[Hollis]

A side note, the first Black troops raised in the CW was in the CSA, New Orleans Home Guard. Also one needs to realize NO was more a European type city than a deep South City. Many Blacks did serve the South. It is not a clear cut as some wold like to state.


The sad part was the retribution period (reconstruction period) the Yankee carpet baggers pushed any civil rights gain back a hundred years. The Gains the 54th Mass contributed to the US Army was undone.

I think one person who is a bright constellation of the 1860s and if he was alive today, would still be ahead of his time today, is Frederick Douglas.

[shocker1]

Thanks for that Hollis. Here is a good bit of info. http://www.usgennet.org/usa/mo/county/stlouis/blackcs.htm


At least one Black Confederate was a non-commissioned officer. James Washington, Co. D 35th Texas Cavalry, Confederate States Army, became it’s 3rd Sergeant. Higher ranking black commissioned officers served in militia units, but this was on the State militia level (Louisiana) and not in the regular C.S. Army.


Free black musicians, cooks, soldiers and teamsters earned the same pay as white confederate privates. This was not the case in the Union army where blacks did not receive equal pay. At the Confederate Buffalo Forge in Rockbridge County, Virginia, skilled black workers "earned on average three times the wages of white Confederate soldiers and more than most Confederate army officers ($350- $600 a year).

[Hollis]

Thanks Shocker, Yes Texas had a few Blacks who served in regular units. History is truely amazing.

[shocker1]

It is safe to say there were more CSA/militia black soldiers actually fighting in the Battles of Chattanooga Chickamauga than Union black regiments. The reenactment in the fall depicts these units as they were recorded in the officer reports and enlistment rolls. During this activity at the Park last week nothing about this was made clear. I think it is much better and healing to talk about all the things that went on, even the non-PC facts.

[LA_Operator]

The issue that drives me nuts with the whole "Black History" idea (I am referring to society as a whole, not this forum) is that it is almost geared towards uneducated people. If you enjoy history, and exactly what it entails, you take the history for what it is. You do not separate the "black" history from whatever color history you want to throw into the mix. History is just plain history, and the contributions of African-Americans (and if this term insults anybody, I apologize. It is not meant as malicious) are/were vital to development of this country. I take offense that someone feels that they have to point out what contributions were made. If you are well read, and enjoy researching history, then there is a high probability that you are cognizant of the contributions.

[shocker1]

I don't know, I think this recognition is needed because of the extreme adversity black citizens had to overcome. Nit picking parts for appeal and it feels good is wrong. I guess black CSA troops in grey or brown rags does not make for good camera time and PC wholesomeness. Our history is complicated, with good, bad, ugly and down right evil. We must take in the whole picture to recognize who we are and where we come from.

BTW I did not mean to come off against Black history month. I am upset at the park service and how they treat anything CSA. Even the monuments are hidden off the path or overshadowed by huge Ohio monuments. But hey, it's the South we lost and if not for the Vets from that war none of us would have these monument or Battlefields.

[Ordie]

In talking with Capt. Spears yesterday, (See other thread) Gen. Powell told the his group, if it weren't for the sacrifices of the Gen. Benjamin O. Davis and Tuskeegee Airmen, there would not have been a General Powell.

We take for granted of the civil liberties we have today. Unfortunately we don't take time to reflect the sacrifices that were made by Americans back then regardless of background.

Having a month to reflect our American history is the least we can ask for.

[Psycomore]

I've heard through the grapevine that there are a few films in production about African-American involvement in the war. Morgan freeman is planning a film about the 761st tank battalion in the Bulge & theres another film based on the 92nd infantry division currently being filmed in Italy called the Miracle at St. Anna wich is due for release this year i think. And wikipedia also says tht George Lucas is planning another film on the Tuskeegee airmen called Red tails or something along those lines.

[Hollis]

The issue that drives me nuts with the whole "Black History" idea (I am referring to society as a whole, not this forum) is that it is almost geared towards uneducated people.



Sadly that is just the point. Out side of Civil War history buffs, most people are completely ignorant of the conflict for all practical purpose.


Out side of Social History buffs, most of the contributions to our society by Black Americans are unknown.

Maybe it is because the depth of the history is just too deep to cover in a movie or a class, so stereo types are used and the really great aspects of history is lost. Fortunately, Programs like his help to correct those mistakes, Because Black History month is much more than just about Black Americans, it is also about those times and those other Americans who help move the cause of freedom forwards.


We are here today because of all the Americans who contributed to moving our society forward.

[Createdeemcee]

The issue that drives me nuts with the whole "Black History" idea (I am referring to society as a whole, not this forum) is that it is almost geared towards uneducated people. If you enjoy history, and exactly what it entails, you take the history for what it is. You do not separate the "black" history from whatever color history you want to throw into the mix. History is just plain history, and the contributions of African-Americans (and if this term insults anybody, I apologize. It is not meant as malicious) are/were vital to development of this country. I take offense that someone feels that they have to point out what contributions were made. If you are well read, and enjoy researching history, then there is a high probability that you are cognizant of the contributions.


One simple reason, 400 years of Slavery my friend, I believe its just cause to have our own time of rememberance and celebrate the culture. Just as us in all of America Celebrate Independence day.

Great point Hollis, Thanks to all of the Americans who wanted slavery to end, Its great to live during a time to see that their efforts were not in vien.

[Laworkerbee]

Especially a Bruin ;)

Choke yourself.

Great thread!

[Red]

Sadly that is just the point. Out side of Civil War history buffs, most people are completely ignorant of the conflict for all practical purpose.


Out side of Social History buffs, most of the contributions to our society by Black Americans are unknown.

Maybe it is because the depth of the history is just too deep to cover in a movie or a class, so stereo types are used and the really great aspects of history is lost. Fortunately, Programs like his help to correct those mistakes, Because Black History month is much more than just about Black Americans, it is also about those times and those other Americans who help move the cause of freedom forwards.


We are here today because of all the Americans who contributed to moving our society forward.

Hollis,

Damn well said. I owe you a box of Dunkin donuts.

[Shadowstorm]

Nice thread.

[oswald]

Choke yourself.

Great thread!Ha! I knew you were lurking somewhere. ;)

Another unit to look up is the 92nd Infantry Division that served in Italy in WW2.

[LA_Operator]

One simple reason, 400 years of Slavery my friend, I believe its just cause to have our own time of rememberance and celebrate the culture. Just as us in all of America Celebrate Independence day.

Great point Hollis, Thanks to all of the Americans who wanted slavery to end, Its great to live during a time to see that their efforts were not in vien.

My point is, I don't care what color you are. If you contributed, thanks for your efforts and what you accomplished. The longer we concentrate on the race of the individual, the longer race will remain an issue.

Labeling people by their race is antiquated and ignorant.

For example, I realize that the Tuskegee Airmen had to tolerate issues that I cannot imagine, but the first thing that pops into my head is not "they are/were black", but that they were very gifted individuals who stuck their necks out abroad and at home defending this country.

There were many ethniticities that faced racism such as the Irish, Italians, etc at some point in the history of this country. I do not need to be reminded of their contributions as Insert Ethnic Background Here-Americans because the key point is that they are/were Americans.

The United States was not the first country to employ slavery, nor did they invent it, but people do not want to let it go.

I promise not to rant any longer and apologize if I have distracted the point of this thread.

[James]

One simple reason, 400 years of Slavery my friend, I believe its just cause to have our own time of rememberance and celebrate the culture. Just as us in all of America Celebrate Independence day.

Since you opened this can of worms... when did this "400 years of slavery" begin and end?



The United States was not the first country to employ slavery, nor did they invent it, but people do not want to let it go.

Indeed. We have such a terrible reputation for it in the historical record... What about Brazil? French or Spanish colonies in the Caribbean? In a history class years ago (I don't have a url, so don't ask - it was the 90s) I was taught that 90% of the people forcibly removed from Africa went to Brazil or the Caribbean.

[LA_Operator]

Funny you mention that, James. I took African History in high school, and then audited a class for one semester on African History during college to learn more about the true back ground of slavery and why the early US is always identified with this subject. If you consider how long slavery was actually employed in the US in comparison to Europe, Asia, and Africa, the US is still in rookie ball.

[gaijinsamurai]

An interesting read on the 761st is "Brothers in arms (http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl/9780767918923.html)" by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (yes, that Kareem).
I have to admit, it was much better than I expected from an ex-jock. Especially a Bruin ;)

I've been wanting to read that book for a while.

I never liked Kareem when he played for the Lakers (Hey, I was a hardcore Blazer fan!), but in retrospect, he had a lot of class.

[Dominique]

It is funny though, I doubt anyone would be proud of the treatment of Union colored soldiers. They were cannon fodder or gophers getting paid two bits.

The Union treated black troops, along with immigrant units (Irish and Germans) like sh*t. Basically using them as cannon fodder in what eventually came down to a war of attrition.


This was not a big event here and few attended.

Which is ashame as most people really don't have clue as to there own history other than what little the get in school, or the Hollywood version of events.

[Dominique]

The issue that drives me nuts with the whole "Black History" idea (I am referring to society as a whole, not this forum) is that it is almost geared towards uneducated people.

That's because it is. The general population couldn't find there ass with a map and a flash light. They don't have clue about recent events, much less something that happened in WWII, or 200 years ago.


If you enjoy history, and exactly what it entails, you take the history for what it is. You do not separate the "black" history from whatever color history you want to throw into the mix.

Unfortunately, for many years the contributions of anyone who wasn't a male WASP got downplayed by the people in power. So for many years people didn't get the full picture.


History is just plain history, and the contributions of African-Americans (and if this term insults anybody, I apologize. It is not meant as malicious) are/were vital to development of this country. I take offense that someone feels that they have to point out what contributions were made. If you are well read, and enjoy researching history, then there is a high probability that you are cognizant of the contributions.

Then you’re an exception to the rule. While you may actually take time to sit down and research a subject, most people wont. They tend to get their "facts" from the latest Hollywood epic. Just look at the number of people on this forum that take the movie Blackhawk Down as the definitive telling of events in Mogadishu. Believing that everything they saw on the screen is accurate.

[Hollis]

Dom, you would like the quote from Mason Williams (Classical Gas fame) "Who wants the truth if it is boring." Rule number one in Hollyweird.

Not so sure if one can say it was based strictly on the power to be, more attitude of the culture dominate by a way of thinking. Marx would say, "The Dictatorship of the bourgeoisie".

[Dominique]

For those of you interested, here's a link to the 555th Parachute Infantry Regiment Association - http://www.triplenickle.com/

They were an all black airborne unit, but due to the politics of the time, they were not allowed to participate in combat. Instead they were used to fight forest fires, and helped develop the "Smoke Jumper" and rough terrain parachuting techniques. A lot of the guys that stayed in the military after WWII went on to serve in the 2nd Airborne Ranger Company. An all black Ranger unit that fought in Korea. A couple of their members are in the Ranger hall of Fame. I had a really good article on them, that was published in Behind the Lines, but it disappeared during one of my moves.

[shocker1]

The Union treated black troops, along with immigrant units (Irish and Germans) like sh*t. Basically using them as cannon fodder in what eventually came down to a war of attrition.



Which is ashame as most people really don't have clue as to there own history other than what little the get in school, or the Hollywood version of events.
The Program would have turned out better if the organizers did not try and only include people from their little group. Don't mind the emphasis on Black history, it's ignoring parts of it that don't sit well with the local Rev Activist/Neighborhood Community Center that I have issue with. If they would expand out to other historical groups that could have helped. Have some blacksmiths out there, food, period reenactment of the slaves, troops from militia, CSA regulars and the Union, along with the city of workers, free slaves that followed. they could have made it into an event with crafts and fun. I know the Feds have a community grant just for this occasion. If they got that grant, well they did not spend it on the Black History month program at Chickamagua Park

[Dominique]

Have you tried offering to help out, or suggested other to history and civic groups that they participate? Recommend that groups like the Boy Scouts, JROTC programs, etc. Attend and ask questions.

[AFMedic]

Awesome thread Dominique!

[Dominique]

Awesome thread Dominique!

I do try to bring enlightenment to you Philistines. Seriously though, I find a lot of this stuff fascinating, but I'm a weird guy anyway. Reading over a couple of articles has gotten me interested enough that I've decided to do more research on both the 555th PIR and 2nd Airborne Ranger Company. If I find enough material, I'll do up a couple of full scale articles and post them here for your reading pleasure (just not sure when it will happen. It took me close to three years to finish my FBI HRT article do to personal issues, work, family, etc).

[shocker1]

Have you tried offering to help out, or suggested other to history and civic groups that they participate? Recommend that groups like the Boy Scouts, JROTC programs, etc. Attend and ask questions.
I would have been there if I knew about it. It was in the paper on the same day. Unless I was a member of the Community Center in East lake or part of a minority group that put it on I will never know. This was a photo op for the Park and to spend some grant money. It should be a community event and I will make my opinion heard.

I suspect some of the older folks that run these things still think all the rednecks in 4x4's and rebel flags would come out. I think people are beyond that. What we don't like is being left out because of race or background.

[Createdeemcee]

James truthfully American soil is 246 Years, Outside of that Africans were slaves in other parts of the world. But 1 year for anyone is to much. Anyway Im not here to debate, Keep the thread what it is. A tribute to Black History Month.

[Dominique]

I would have been there if I knew about it. It was in the paper on the same day. Unless I was a member of the Community Center in East lake or part of a minority group that put it on I will never know.

Sounds like piss pour planning on the part of the organizers. They should have advertised the event several months out, as I'm sure your not the only one who would have liked to have to ave attended.

[shocker1]

Dom, I talked to a local African American business owner whom I know from the Chamber this morning about this. Even he did not know about the event. You would think members of the Chamber of Commerce like this gentleman and myself would be informed of community events. Anyway it got him fired up as well and we may get a better event next year. We will see, if so i will report on it here. The Chamber has the resources to get the word out to groups about such an event. I think a lot of good can be done involving the whole community in recognizing the contributions and struggles of African Americans to the history of the Chattanooga Area. Anyway this is not about race it is about getting the whole community involved in remembering the history of area and honoring those who would otherwise be forgotten.

[Stonewall71]

My point is, I don't care what color you are. If you contributed, thanks for your efforts and what you accomplished. The longer we concentrate on the race of the individual, the longer race will remain an issue.

Labeling people by their race is antiquated and ignorant.

For example, I realize that the Tuskegee Airmen had to tolerate issues that I cannot imagine, but the first thing that pops into my head is not "they are/were black", but that they were very gifted individuals who stuck their necks out abroad and at home defending this country.

There were many ethniticities that faced racism such as the Irish, Italians, etc at some point in the history of this country. I do not need to be reminded of their contributions as Insert Ethnic Background Here-Americans because the key point is that they are/were Americans.

The United States was not the first country to employ slavery, nor did they invent it, but people do not want to let it go.

I promise not to rant any longer and apologize if I have distracted the point of this thread.

Great Post!!!

[AZRON]

Unheralded soldiers were of the WW I Negro regt's.
Some were totally assigned and equipped by the French and received little publicity in the U.S.

Among the regt were 367,368,370 and 372. All served in the trenches.

[James]

Unheralded soldiers were of the WW I Negro regt's.
Some were totally assigned and equipped by the French and received little publicity in the U.S.

Among the regt were 367,368,370 and 372. All served in the trenches.

True - and they really wondered what they'd been fighting for (making the world safe for democracy?) when they came home from France, where the public was very relaxed about them.

[ronin2172]

This is a great thread guys! I thank you all for your excellent posts.

[Dominique]

I'm digging around doing a little research on some units that interest me, but our freaking internet connection keeps going out. So I may have to delay my planned articles until I get back to the US.

[bd popeye]

Excellent thread gentelmen! Excellent.

As a black man in America it is very important to remember history..all history. I found since I moved to Iowa in 2004 these young(under 20) black children have little sense of our Black heritage. I blame the schools for not establishing some sort of circrulium for this subject. And Black parents for not demanding it. I would say that many young Blacks all over America have a limited view of much of Black History.

I'm happy aspects of Black History are being discussed in this thread.

Since this is a military forum..I wrote this some months ago in the family history thread.


[quote=bd popeye;2909309]Before I start this saga I will let you know that I am an African-American and I hold no anomosity towards the Confederacy..That being said..

My Great great Grand dad on my moms side was A.P.Hill General Confederate States of America.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A.P._Hill

My grand dad on my dads side served in the Spanish American War and was one of the thousands of Black Americans that help build the Panama Canal.

My dad was one of the first Black US Marines. Serving from 1944-47. Acheiving the rank of Gunnery Sgt.

Two of my uncles were "lifers in the US Army and USAF". Both served 22 years. My USAF uncle served from 1944-1966. My army uncle served from 1945-1967.

I have a cousin that served in the USAF from 1968-1972 including a tour in 'Nam. He was some kind of water purity tech.(???)

I, Big Daddy Popeye, served in the United States Navy from August 1971 until August 1991. I was an avation ordananceman for 11 years and then a parachute-rigger(aircrew survial equipmentman) for 9 years. I made 7 major deployments on 5 aircraft carriers and served at several major shore commands.

http://www.dezh.de/imghosting/2bd8eec86922f1ea84598a85bcaf296b.jpg

I have a son that served on active duty with the US Navy as a sonar tech first class(STG1/SW) from 1998 until 2007. He is now serving in the US Naval reserve.

http://www.dezh.de/imghosting/9aaa89472799ad1c65d027bff57a264e.jpg



I'm Big Daddy Popeye..I never wear Red....

[AZRON]

Among the very first patriotic heroes of American were those killed on Monday March 5, 1770 in the Boston Massacre.

One of the five martyrs was the free blackman Crispus Attucks surely an American Patriot 5 years before Revere and the stand at Lexington by the Minutemen.

[Dominique]

Just because Feb. has come and gone doesn't mean you can't post. If you come across something interesting, feel free to post it.

[Createdeemcee]

http://galeri.milliyet.com.tr/2008/3/122._Dunya_Savasindan_siradisi_fotograflar/49.jpg (http://www.milliyet.com.tr/content/galeri/yeni/goster.asp?prm=0,1628216&id=9&galeriid=3080#galeriStart)

This Pic is interesting. I wonder if its a training pic. Or if its real action. I know that blacks played a minimal role in the 2nd world war.

[gaijinsamurai]

I recently purchased a copy of Kareem Abdul-Jabar's "Brothers in Arms", about the 761st Tank Battalion in WWII. I'm looking forward to reading it, as it seems like a good book.

[Dominique]

http://galeri.milliyet.com.tr/2008/3/122._Dunya_Savasindan_siradisi_fotograflar/49.jpg (http://www.milliyet.com.tr/content/galeri/yeni/goster.asp?prm=0,1628216&id=9&galeriid=3080#galeriStart)
I know that blacks played a minimal role in the 2nd world war.

How do you "know" they played a "minimal" role? Many all black units participated in combat. They also were used for many CS and CSS duties.

[Hawaii_Light]

http://galeri.milliyet.com.tr/2008/3/122._Dunya_Savasindan_siradisi_fotograflar/49.jpg (http://www.milliyet.com.tr/content/galeri/yeni/goster.asp?prm=0,1628216&id=9&galeriid=3080#galeriStart)

This Pic is interesting. I wonder if its a training pic. Or if its real action. I know that blacks played a minimal role in the 2nd world war.

change that to a vital role, exspecially since they were in charge of most of the logistics and convoy security on the march through Euroupe not includeding the other vital roles they took on.

[Dominique]

I'm guessing he didn't know that a lot of the drivers on the "Red Ball Express" were black. Or that many of the Engineer units building roads were also black. And I could guarantee that the bomber pilots escorted by the Tuskegee Airmen found them vital, just as my former JROTC instructor (his bomb group was escorted by them several times). I could go on, and on, but educating people is what this thread was started for in the first.

[bd popeye]

Photos of African American service members during WWII....

Disclaimer..All captions are the original captions written at the time the pictures were taken.

http://www.dezh.de/imghosting/59964918cf623324e6b05275d798358b.jpg


"Pilots of a U.S. Army Air Forces fighter squadron, credited with shooting down 8 of the 28 German planes destroyed in dog-fights over the new Allied beachheads south of Rome, on Jan. 27, talk over the day's exploits at a U.S. base in the Mediterranean theater. Negro members of this squadron, veterans of the North African and Sicilian campaigns, were formerly classmates at a university in the southern U.S." February 1944. 208-MO-18H-22051.

http://www.dezh.de/imghosting/049b2c9713fcf8e194481cd4882293fe.jpg


"[Capt. Andrew D. Turner], who in a few minutes will be escorting heavy bombers en route to enemy targets, signals to the chief of his ground crew before taking off from a base in Italy. He is a member of the 15th U.S. Army Air Force, which has been smashing enemy objectives in Germany and the Balkans with both fighter and bomber craft. The pilot's plane, a Mustang, is named for a type of wild

http://www.dezh.de/imghosting/7c50bd35d096a492cee3cda3fbd7512e.jpg


"Negro sailors of the U.S.S. Mason (DE 529) commissioned at Boston Navy Yard on 20 Mar. 1944 proudly look over their ship which is the first to have [a] predominately Negro crew." March 20, 1944. 80-G-218861.

http://www.dezh.de/imghosting/f31e94b351f5c6f6a7c638eded3dbfde.jpg


A gun crew of six Negroes who were given the Navy Cross for standing by their gun when their ship was damaged by enemy attack in the Philippine area." Crew members: Jonell Copeland, AtM2/c; Que Gant, StM; Harold Clark, Jr., StM; James Eddie Dockery, StM; Alonzo Alexander Swann, StM; and Eli Benjamin, StM. Ca. 1945. 80-G-334029.

http://www.dezh.de/imghosting/6bf8a6757ed69da53a13a6d05cd7402f.jpg


"Enlisted men serving on Espiritu Santo in the New Hebrides...placing 6-inch shells in magazines at the Naval Ammunition Depot." From left to right: S1/c Dodson B. Samples, S1/c Raymond Wynn, S1/c Edward L. Clavo, and S1/c Jesse Davis. N.d. 80-G-123941.

http://www.dezh.de/imghosting/0a20ff95434f0e01a0f46aba92f13cc2.jpg


"Hospital Apprentices second class Ruth C. Isaacs, Katherine Horton and Inez Patterson (left to right) are the first Negro WAVES to enter the Hospital Corps School at National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD." March 2, 1945. 80-G-12650.

http://www.dezh.de/imghosting/4e1edce8d9fb269f4afacdccd42de862.jpg


"Negro GIs and American Red Cross workers, college graduates, join in some musical fun at Assam, India..." Left to right: Cpl. Robert Barttow, Pvt. James Montgomery, Jeannette C. Dorsey, and Willie Lee Johnson. August 23, 1944. Grigg. 111-SC-32974.

http://www.dezh.de/imghosting/599baf342a8d2f91bcc10e6b75f64c4a.jpg


"Christmas Dance at Negro Service Club #3. The dance was sponsored by the 1323rd Engineers. They had their own orchestra. Camp Swift, Texas." December 23, 1943. Pvt. Greene. 111-SC-18834.

http://www.dezh.de/imghosting/57030f432ba13cdde03ee7847e01de14.jpg


"Admiral C. W. Nimitz, CinCPac, pins Navy Cross on Doris "Dorie" Miller, at ceremony on board warship in Pearl Harbor, T. H." May 27, 1942. 208-NP-8PP-2.

http://www.dezh.de/imghosting/a490f6f489e0edb885c6cdb11c53407f.jpg


"U.S.-built Army trucks wind along the side of the mountain over the Ledo supply road now open from India into Burma..." n.d. 208-AA-45L-1

http://www.dezh.de/imghosting/3b54c00bab11e2508f84aaddf92ddb05.jpg


"Cpl. Carlton Chapman...is a machine-gunner in an M-4 tank, attached to a Motor Transport unit near Nancy, France." 761st Mt. Bn. November 5, 1944. Ryan. 111-SC-196106-S.

http://www.dezh.de/imghosting/e70292acc173493c479192dab8b4227a.jpg


"Crews of U.S. light tanks stand by awaiting call to clean out scattered Nazi machine gun nests in Coburg, Germany." April 25, 1945. 208-AA-32P-10.

[rajkhalsa]

awesome thread

[oswald]

I recently purchased a copy of Kareem Abdul-Jabar's "Brothers in Arms", about the 761st Tank Battalion in WWII. I'm looking forward to reading it, as it seems like a good book.I just came across Patton's Panthers (http://www.amazon.com/Pattons-Panthers-African-American-761st-Battalion/dp/0743485009) at the book store, also about the 761st.

[gaijinsamurai]

^ Looks interesting, Oswald. I'll have to look for it.

I recently spotted another book about your dad's unit too.

[oswald]

Oh? You remember the name?

[gaijinsamurai]

No! I'm trying to recall which bookstore in which I saw it, too.

[bd popeye]

I'll be posting pix in this old thread this month..enjoy!

http://i.imgur.com/qbHfO.jpg (http://imgur.com/qbHfO)


Admiral Chester W. Nimitz pins Navy Cross on Doris Miller, at ceremony on board warship in Pearl Harbor, May 27, 1942

http://www.nps.gov/pwso/honor/miller.htm


On December 7, 1941, when the Japanese made their infamous surprise attack at Pearl Harbor, a black cook, Doris "Dorie" Miller (http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq57-4.htm) (http://www.nps.gov/miller)took over a machine gun aboard theUSS West Virginia and became one of the first heroes of World War II. Miller dragged the ship's commanding officer, Capt. Bennion out of the line of fire, and manned the ship's machine gun. Despite shooting down several attacking aircraft his citiation for bravery his citation reads: "For distinguished devotion to duty, extraordinary courage and disregard for his own personal safety during the attack on the Fleet in Pearl Harbor, Territory of Hawaii, by Japanese forces on December 7, 1941. While at the side of his Captain on the bridge, Miller, despite enemy strafing and bombing and in the face of a serious fire, assisted in moving his Captain, who had been mortally wounded, to a place of greater safety, and later manned and operated a machine gun directed at enemy Japanese attacking aircraft until ordered to leave the bridge."
Like Miller, no African-American sailor or officer was ever recommended for or awarded a Congressional Medal of Honor. They served despite many other similar heroic efforts, and under extremely oppresive conditions during World War II. Many often fought a quiet, internal battle with officers who consistantly implemented unlawful orders, denied them equal protection under the Constitution, and generally put their men at risk in the face of the enemy.


http://i.imgur.com/F9gDV.jpg (http://imgur.com/F9gDV)


"However pressing his duties STM2/c James Lee Frazer always finds time to read a few chapters from his Bible each day. In this study he is especially intense about his devotional routine...it was the night before the opening strike of a raid on Manila Bay." January 9, 1945.

http://i.imgur.com/AIxEo.jpg (http://imgur.com/AIxEo)


. "1st Lt. Lee Rayford...who has returned to the United States from Italy where he served with the 99th Fighter Squadron. The nature of his assignment here has not been announced. Other pilots formerly assigned to the 99th now back in America include 1st Lts. Walter I. Lawson, Charles W. Dryden, Graham Smith and Louis R. Purnell."

http://i.imgur.com/1finF.jpg (http://imgur.com/1finF)


"An armorer of the 15th U.S. Air Force checks ammunition belts of the .50 caliber machine guns in the wings of a P-51 Mustang fighter plane before it leaves an Italian base for a mission against German military targets. The 15th Air Force was organized for long range assault missions and its fighters and bombers range over enemy targets in occupied and satellite nations, as well as Germany itself." Ca. September 1944.

http://i.imgur.com/mUK3K.jpg (http://imgur.com/mUK3K)


"Members of a Negro mortar company of the 92nd Division pass the ammunition and heave it over at the Germans in an almost endless stream near Massa, Italy. This company is credited with liquidating several machine gun nests..." ca. November 1944

http://i.imgur.com/Rd8E8.jpg (http://imgur.com/Rd8E8)


"Cpl. Carlton Chapman...is a machine-gunner in an M-4 tank, attached to a Motor Transport unit near Nancy, France." 761st Mt. Bn. November 5, 1944.

http://i.imgur.com/nqKkU.jpg (http://imgur.com/nqKkU)


"Hospital Apprentices second class Ruth C. Isaacs, Katherine Horton and Inez Patterson (left to right) are the first Negro WAVES to enter the Hospital Corps School at National Naval Medical Center, Bethesda, MD." March 2, 1945.

[LineDoggie]

I'll be posting pix in this old thread this month..enjoy!

http://i.imgur.com/Rd8E8.jpg (http://imgur.com/Rd8E8)



The Corporal is in the Commanders Hatch, not the Hull Gunners, sure he isn't the T/C?

[bryanleu2002]

I tried this putting this up on the post, mostly white boards and email at work as a team building thing "black history month" it was when i worked at microsoft canyon park circa 1994 .. it was immediately shut down by HR..too sensitive for work ethics i guess..

[bd popeye]

Just one pic for now I'll post more later..

http://i.imgur.com/96ruc.jpg (http://imgur.com/96ruc)


District of Columbia. Company E, 4th US Colored Infantry at Fort Lincoln 1864 or 1865

[BearInBunnySuit]

I've always found it interesting that some of the most persecuted people in history were the most brave and loyal in time of need. I understand some of it has to do with proving themselves with people who didn't fully give them the respect and credit that they deserve but because of this, I think their service and sacrifices warrant greater honor than we accord them.

Black soldiers (men and women) throughout history (Glory, incidentally, is one of my favorite movies)
The Nisei soldiers during WWII
The Navaho code talkers
All women who sign up to serve their country's military despite the fact that in many places they are treated as second class citizens.

And since I'm on the subject, the courageous but foolish Koreans who volunteered as kamikaze pilots for Imperial Japan.

Will be going to see Red Tail later today. I hope it's worth the drive on the most congested road in the Bay Area.

[California Joe]

Among the very first patriotic heroes of American were those killed on Monday March 5, 1770 in the Boston Massacre.

One of the five martyrs was the free blackman Crispus Attucks surely an American Patriot 5 years before Revere and the stand at Lexington by the Minutemen.

Actually, if you read what really happened, they weren't heroes but a bunch of angry drunks in a mob that started throwing things at British soldiers standing guard with orders not to react. The order to fire was given by some idiot in the mob, not Captain Preston and the soldiers were rightly attempting to defend themselves. It was used as propaganda. The British were defended by John Adams in court and he won the case. Yeah, that John Adams...The soldiers were exonerated.

[bd popeye]

PIX from WWII..click the pic then click again for a higher-res version.

http://i.imgur.com/GKE3g.jpg (http://imgur.com/GKE3g)


On parade, the 41st Engineers at Ft. Bragg, NC in color guard ceremony."

http://i.imgur.com/Sk864.jpg (http://imgur.com/Sk864)

Don't think things were different? Check out that sign above the soldier.

"An MP on motorcycle stands ready to answer all calls around his area. Columbus, Georgia." April 13, 1942. Pfc. Victor Tampone.

http://i.imgur.com/cEztY.jpg (http://imgur.com/cEztY)


"Negro soldiers draw rations at the camp cook house at their station in Northern Ireland. Detachments of Negro troops were among the latest arrivals with the American forces in Northern Ireland." Ca. August 1942.

http://i.imgur.com/XZxYE.jpg (http://imgur.com/XZxYE)


"Negro troops of the 24th Infantry, attached to the Americal Division, wait to advance behind a tank assault on the Japanese, along Empress Augusta Bay on Bougainville."

http://i.imgur.com/40YdD.jpg (http://imgur.com/40YdD)


"Fliers of a P-51 Mustang Group of the 15th Air Force in Italy `shoot the breeze' in the shadow of one of the Mustangs they fly." Left to right: Lt. Dempsey W. Morgan, Jr.; Lt. Car roll S. Woods; Lt. Robert H. Nelson, Jr.; Capt. Andrew D. Turner; and Lt. Clarence P. Lester. Ca. August 1944.

http://i.imgur.com/PJbTQ.jpg (http://imgur.com/PJbTQ)


"A gun crew of six Negroes who were given the Navy Cross for standing by their gun when their ship was damaged by enemy attack in the Philippine area." Crew members: Jonell Copeland, AtM2/c; Que Gant, StM; Harold Clark, Jr., StM; James Eddie Dockery, StM; Alonzo Alexander Swann, StM; and Eli Benjamin, StM. Ca. 1945

http://i.imgur.com/guBbK.jpg (http://imgur.com/guBbK)


"Negro sailors of the U.S.S. Mason (DE 529) commissioned at Boston Navy Yard on 20 Mar. 1944 proudly look over their ship which is the first to have [a] predominately Negro crew." March 20, 1944.

http://i.imgur.com/ItGC7.jpg (http://imgur.com/ItGC7)


"Pfc. Luther Woodward..., a member of the Fourth Ammunition Company, admires the Bronze Star awarded to him for `his bravery, initiative and battle-cunning.' ..." The award was later upgraded to the Silver Star. April 17, 1945.

[bd popeye]

http://i.imgur.com/6AlMM.jpg (http://imgur.com/6AlMM)




Oscar P. Austin

Rank and Organization: Private First Class, U.S. Marine Corps, Company E, 2d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, (Rein), FMF.(Fleet marine Force)

Place and Date: West of Da Nang, Republic of Vietnam, 23 February 1969.

Entered Service At: Phoenix, Ariz.

Born: 15 January 1948, Nacogdoches, Tex.

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an assistant machine gunner with Company E, in connection with operations against enemy forces. During the early morning hours Pfc. Austin's observation post was subjected to a fierce ground attack by a large North Vietnamese Army force supported by a heavy volume of hand grenades, satchel charges, and small arms fire. Observing that 1 of his wounded companions had fallen unconscious in a position dangerously exposed to the hostile fire, Pfc. Austin unhesitatingly left the relative security of his fighting hole and, with complete disregard for his safety, raced across the fire-swept terrain to assist the marine to a covered location. As he neared the casualty, he observed an enemy grenade land nearby and, reacting instantly, leaped between the injured marine and the lethal object, absorbing the effects of its detonation. As he ignored his painful injuries and turned to examine the wounded man, he saw a North Vietnamese Army soldier aiming a weapon at his unconscious companion. With full knowledge of the probable consequences and thinking only to protect the marine, Pfc. Austin resolutely threw himself between the casualty and the hostile soldier, and, in doing, was mortally wounded. Pfc. Austin's indomitable courage, inspiring initiative and selfless devotion to duty upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Source: Department of Defense.
Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Civilian Personnel Policy.
Black Americans in Defense of Our Nation.

http://www.aavw.org/served/homepage_austin.html

The USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) is named in his honor.

http://i.imgur.com/OAbUs.jpg (http://imgur.com/OAbUs)


Dark blue and gold are traditional colors associated with the Navy: red is emblematic of valor and sacrifice and white stands for integrity and purity of purpose. The reversed star refers to the Medal of Honor posthumously awarded to Private First Class Oscar P. Austin, United States Marine Corps, for his self-sacrifice and extraordinary heroism when he threw himself between an enemy grenade and an injured Marine and was mortally wounded by an enemy who was about to shoot his fallen comrade.

The white of the globe and the blue of the star are the colors of the ribbon of the Medal of Honor: the reverse star is the silhouette of its pendant. The white globe and anchor, suggesting the United States Marine Corps seal, represented the Navy's global mission. The flames allude to the fire-swept terrain and the enemy fire where PFC Austin gave his life to assist his wounded comrades.

Each tine on the trident depicts separate warfare areas: air, surface and subsurface. The two are crossed to denote multiple capabilities. The rice stalks suggest Vietnam where PFC Oscar P. Austin served: the eagle, our National Emblem, symbolized the freedom and principles for which PFC Austin gave his life

The crossed Navy sword and Marine mameluke represent cooperation and strength. The mameluke commemorates PFC Oscar P. Austin's service with the Marine Corps, a soldier whose courage and gallantry in the face of certain death exemplified the highest standards of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Navy

[kimujnr]

Beautiful pics BD, simply beautiful! :-)

[J-B]

Beautiful pics BD, simply beautiful! :-)

x2

Those pics are great Popeye.

[bd popeye]

Thanks guys! More pix for everyone!

...click the pic then click again for a higher-res version.

http://i.imgur.com/RaWhm.jpg (http://imgur.com/RaWhm)


"U.S.-built Army trucks wind along the side of the mountain over the Ledo supply road now open from India into Burma..

http://i.imgur.com/cahGA.jpg (http://imgur.com/cahGA)


"A U.S. Army soldier and a Chinese soldier place the flag of their ally on the front of their jeep just before the first truck convoy in almost three years crossed the China border en route from Ledo, India, to Kunming, China, over the Stilwell road." February 6, 1945. Sgt. John Gutman.

http://i.imgur.com/glOvl.jpg (http://imgur.com/glOvl)


"[Capt. Andrew D. Turner], who in a few minutes will be escorting heavy bombers en route to enemy targets, signals to the chief of his ground crew before taking off from a base in Italy. He is a member of the 15th U.S. Army Air Force, which has been smashing enemy objectives in Germany and the Balkans with both fighter and bomber craft. The pilot's plane, a Mustang, is named for a type of wild horse that once roamed in America." ca. September 1944.

http://i.imgur.com/008yU.jpg (http://imgur.com/008yU)


"Looking to sea from the signal bridge is Napoleon Reid, Seaman 2/c., USNR, shown standing on lookout watch on a ship somewhere in the Pacific." March 19, 1945.

http://i.imgur.com/4JCXw.jpg (http://imgur.com/4JCXw)


"Negro mechanics work on PBY at NAS Seattle, WA, Alvin V. Morrison, AMM 3/c, doing overhaul." April 27, 1944.

http://i.imgur.com/nQarO.jpg (http://imgur.com/nQarO)


"Peleliu Island...Marines move through the trenches on the beach during the battle." September 15, 1944. Fitzgerald

http://i.imgur.com/s1lvJ.jpg (http://imgur.com/s1lvJ)


"Pfc. Johnnie Mae Welton, Negro WAC, laboratory technician trainee, conducts an experiment in the serology laboratory sf the Fort Jackson Station Hospital, Fort Jackson, SC." March 20, 1944.Jensen.

[Hollis]

Really great photos, Thank you.

[bd popeye]

Really great photos, Thank you.

Thanks Hollis.. a few more from WWII..

http://i.imgur.com/WaU7y.jpg (http://imgur.com/WaU7y)


. "Somewhere in England, Maj. Charity E. Adams,...and Capt. Abbie N. Campbell,...inspect the first contingent of Negro members of the Women's Army Corps assigned to overseas service." 6888th Central Postal Directory Bn. February 15, 1945. Holt.

http://i.imgur.com/kltOR.jpg (http://imgur.com/kltOR)


"Members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion take part in a parade ceremony in honor of Joan d'Arc at the marketplace where she was burned at the stake." May 27, 1945.Pfc. Stedma

http://i.imgur.com/EaJJF.jpg (http://imgur.com/EaJJF)


Sixteen Negro soldiers recently won the coveted `wings' of the U.S. Army paratroopers at Fort Benning, in the southern U.S. state of Georgia. The picture shows some of them riding high in a C-47 transport plane preparing to make one of the required five qualifying jumps." March 1944.

http://i.imgur.com/SMnbK.jpg (http://imgur.com/SMnbK)


"Officer returns salute as he passes the cadets lined up during review." Tuskegee Field, AL

http://i.imgur.com/lav22.jpg (http://imgur.com/lav22)


"A trio of recruits in training to take their places as fighting Leathernecks in the U.S. Marine Corps, run the rugged obstacle course at Camp Lejeune, NC [Montford Point Camp]. The Marine recruits have shown such excellent results in their aptitudes and leadership capacities that an expanded Navy recruiting program is now underway." April 1943. Pat Terry

http://i.imgur.com/DhL5P.jpg (http://imgur.com/DhL5P)


"Somewhere in England one of the hottest bands in the European Theater of Operations belongs to a Special United States Naval Construction Battalion..." The band leader and trumpeter is Coxswain Thomas J. Lindsey (left), and the drummer is S1c. Edward A. Grant. December 14, 1944.

http://i.imgur.com/4QlkX.jpg (http://imgur.com/4QlkX)


"Sgt. Franklin Williams, home on leave from army duty, with his best girl Ellen Hardin, splitting a soda. They met at Douglas High School." Baltimore, MD. May 1942. Arthur Rothstein.

http://i.imgur.com/ujfJk.jpg (http://imgur.com/ujfJk)


"World Heavyweight champ Joe Louis (Barrow) sews on the stripes of a technical sergeant--to which he has been promoted..." April 10, 1945

[bd popeye]

http://i.imgur.com/s3tbR.jpg (http://imgur.com/s3tbR)


Marine Sgt. Rodney Maxwell Davis. Pictured as a corporal.

Rank and Organization: Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps, Company B, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division.

Place and Date: Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, 6 September 1967.

Entered Service At: Macon, Ga. Born: 7 April 1942, Macon, Ga.

Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as the right guide of the 2d Platoon, Company B, in action against enemy forces. Elements of the 2d Platoon were pinned down by a numerically superior force of attacking North Vietnamese Army Regulars. Remnants of the platoon were located in a trench line where Sgt. Davis was directing the fire of his men in an attempt to repel the enemy attack. Disregarding the enemy hand grenades and high volume of small arms and mortar fire, Sgt. Davis moved from man to man shouting words of encouragement to each of them while firing and throwing grenades at the onrushing enemy. When an enemy grenade landed in the trench in the midst of his men, Sgt. Davis, realizing the gravity of the situation, and in a final valiant act of complete self-sacrifice, instantly threw himself upon the grenade, absorbing with his body the full and terrific force of the explosion. Through his extraordinary initiative and inspiring valor in the face of almost certain death, Sgt. Davis saved his comrades from injury and possible loss of life, enabled his platoon to hold its vital position, and upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

Source: Department of Defense.
Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Civilian Personnel Policy.
Black Americans in Defense of Our Nation.
Washington, D.C.: GPO, 1985.

The USS Rodney M. Davis (FFG 60) is named in his honor.

http://i.imgur.com/JdwLt.jpg (http://imgur.com/JdwLt)


MOTTO:

"BY VALOR AND ARMS"

SHIELD:

Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally associated with the Navy. The heraldic grenade represents the enemy grenade upon which Sergeant Rodney Maxwell Davis (USMC) threw himself when it landed in the midst of his platoon in Quang Nam Province, Republic of Vietnam, on 6 September 1967. The grenade, with chevrons representing sergeant's stripes, placed on a pale suggesting containment, further symbolizes his brave action which saved the lives of many of his fellow Marines and enabled the platoon to hold its ground.

CREST:

The heraldic pelican, believed in antiquity to wound her breast with her long curved bill in order to draw blood for the purpose of feeding her young, is symbolic of Sergeant Davis' selfless act by which he gave his life to save others. The light blue collar with a suspended gold inverted star alludes to the Medal of Honor awarded to him for his heroic act. The sprig of bamboo signifies South Vietnam where Sergeant Davis fought and died.

SEAL:

The complete coat of arms as described above, on a white field enclosed by a dark blue border edged on the outside with a continuous gold rope and inscribed in gold with the words USS RODNEY M. DAVIS at the top and FFG 60 below.

[bd popeye]

http://i528.photobucket.com/albums/dd324/bdpopeye/US%20Navy/1-1107.jpg


USS Harnett County (LST-821)

Seaman Lawrence W. Overton loading magazines for his M-16 rifle from 5.56x45mm ammunition stripper clips, as he assumes the watch, May 1969. Harnett County was then operating on the Vam Co Dong River, Republic of Vietnam.
Photographed by JOCS Ed Nelson.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph.

http://i528.photobucket.com/albums/dd324/bdpopeye/US%20Navy/2-340.jpg


USS Saint Francis River (LFR-525)

Crewman passes a five-inch rocket, as the ship loads ammunition at the U.S. Naval Support Facility, Cam Ranh Bay, Republic of Vietnam, July 1969.
Photographed by PH3 W.D. Newton.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph.

http://i528.photobucket.com/albums/dd324/bdpopeye/US%20Navy/3-957.jpg


USS Repose (AH-16)

A Navy Nurse offers a word of encouragement to a patient about to leave the ship for further treatment in the United States, October 1967.
Repose was then operating in the South China Sea, a few miles south of the Seventeenth Parallel off the coast of the Republic of Vietnam.
Photographed by JOC R.D. Moeser.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph.

[bd popeye]

http://i528.photobucket.com/albums/dd324/bdpopeye/US%20Navy/2-353.jpg


Master Chief Boatswain's Mate Carl Maxie Brashear, USN (Ret.) Related Resources: Oral History by the United States Naval Institute (http://www.usni.org/hrp/oralhistory/brashear.htm)
Personal Data

Born: January 19, 1931, Tonieville, Larue County, Kentucky
Parents: McDonald and Gonzella Brashear
Married: Junetta Wilcoxson in 1952; divorced in 1978
Hattie R. Elam in 1980; divorced in 1983
Jeanette A. Brundage in 1985; divorced in 1987
Children: Shazanta Brashear, born on May 17, 1955; died 13 July 1996
DaWayne Brashear, born on January 16, 1957
Phillip M. Brashear, born on July 4, 1962
Patrick S. Brashear, born on July 31, 1964
Education: Sonora Grade School, Sonora, Kentucky, 1937-46
Passed GED test in U.S. Navy, 1960
Charles County Community College, Great Mills, Maryland, 1980-82
Tidewater Community College, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 1983
Died: July 26, 2006
Dates of Rates

Seaman Recruit (E-1) through Boatswain's Mate First Class (E-6), 1948-55
Chief Boatswain's Mate (E-7), 1960-66
Senior Chief Boatswain's Mate (E-8), 1966-71
Master Chief Boatswain's Mate (E-9), 1971-79
Dates of Diving Specialties

Salvage Diver, 1953-60
Second Class Diver, 1960-64
First Class Diver, 1964-70
Saturation Diver, 1970-79
Master Diver, 1970-79
Decorations and Medals

Good Conduct Medal (eight awards)
Navy Commendation Medal
Navy Achievement Medal
National Defense Service Medal
China Service Medal
Korean Service Medal
United Nations Medal
Navy and Marine Corps Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
Presidential Unit Citation
Navy Occupation Service Medal
Transcript of Service


February 25, 1948
Enlisted in the U.S. Navy


February-May 1948
Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois--Recruit Training


May 1948-June 1950
Squadron VX-1, Key West, Florida--Officers' Mess; PBM Beachmaster Unit


June 1950-November 1951
USS Palau (CVE-122)--Deck Division; Motor Whaleboat Coxswain


November 1951-March 1955
USS Tripoli (CVE-64)--Second Division Petty Officer; Master-at-Arms; Temporary Additional Duty at Salvage Diving School


March 1955-June 1956
USS Opportune (ARS-41)--Deck Division; Salvage Diver; Section Leader; Repair Party Leader


June 1956-June 1958
Naval Air Station, Quonset Point, Rhode Island--Leading Petty Officer; Salvage Diver; Escort for President Dwight D. Eisenhower


June 1958-July 1960
Ship Repair Facility, Guam, Marianas Islands--Salvage Diver; Skipper of Yard Salvage Derrick


July-September 1960
Deep-Sea Diving School, Washington, D.C.--Student, failed the course


September 1960-March 1961
USS Nereus (AS-17)--Deck Division Chief Boatswain's Mate


March 1961-April 1962
Fleet Training Center, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii--Chief Master-at-Arms; Requalified as Second Class Diver; Temporary Additional Duty with Joint Task Force Eight


April 1962-October 1963
USS Coucal (ASR-8)--Ship's Chief Boatswain's Mate; Second Class Diver; Underway Officer of the Deck; In-Port Duty Chief


October 1963-June 1964
Deep-Sea Diving School, Washington, D.C.--Student, graduated as First Class Diver


June 1964-September 1965
USS Shakori (ATF-162)--Ship's Chief Boatswain's Mate; Leading Diver; Underway Officer of the Deck


September 1965-March 1966
USS Hoist (ARS-40)--Ship's Chief Boatswain's Mate; Acting Master Diver; Underway Officer of the Deck; Repair Party Leader; In-Port Duty Chief


May 1966-March 1967
Naval Regional Medical Center, Portsmouth, Virginia--Treatment following the amputation of left leg below the knee


March 1967-March 1968
Harbor Clearance Unit Two--Under Evaluation at Diving School for return to full active duty and diving


March 1968-December 1969
Naval Air Station, Norfolk, Virginia--Leading Chief Petty Officer; Leading Diver


December 1969-June 1970
Experimental Diving Unit, Deep-Sea Diving School, Washington, D.C.--Saturation Diver; Master Diver Evaluation


June 1970-May 1971
USS Hunley (AS-31)--Master Diver; R-7 Division Officer; In-Port Officer of the Deck; Minority Affairs Officer


May 1971-June 1975
USS Recovery (ARS-43)--Master Diver; Work Center Supervisor; Command Master Chief; Repair Party Leader; Underway Officer of the Deck; In-Port Command Duty Officer


June 1975-June 1977
Naval Safety Center, Norfolk, Virginia--Master Diver


June 1977-October 1978
USS Recovery (ARS-43)--Master Diver; Work Center Supervisor; Command Master Chief; Enlisted Watch Officer; Repair Party Leader; Underway Officer of the Deck; In-Port Command Duty Officer


October 1978-March 1979
Shore Intermediate Maintenance Activity, Norfolk, Virginia--Master Diver


April 1, 1979
Retired from the U.S. Navy as a master chief petty officer and master diver




Civilian Employment

April 1979-August 1980: QED Systems, Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia--Diving Study for the Royal Saudi Navy; USS Forrestal (CV-59) Service Life Extension Program

February-November 1982: CDI Marine Company, Chesapeake, Virginia--Engineering Technician

November 1982-January 1993: Naval Communication Area Master Station Atlantic, Norfolk, Virginia--Environmental Protection Specialist; Energy Conservation Specialist

January 1993: Retired from government service in the grade of GS-11
Source: Stillwell, Paul. The Reminiscences of Master Chief Boatswain's Mate Carl Brashear. Annapolis MD: United States Institute, 1998.

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The USNS Carl Brashear T-AKE-7 is named in honor of BMCM Carl Brashear US Navy/retired

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http://www.tioh.hqda.pentagon.mil/Heraldry/Navy/NavalShip.aspx?u=2798




Coat Of Arms
Blazon
SHIELD

Azure (Dark Blue), on a fess enhanced Gules (Scarlet Red),edged Argent (Silver Gray), three triangular gads Argent , in base a sea lion Or (Old Gold), eyed, langued and clawed of the second, the caudal fin coupe-parted, holding an anchor of the last and between the anchor’s ring two mullets Argent ,all within a bordure Or.

CREST

A diver helm (Mark V) Or, charged with an inescutcheon, per pale Azure and Gules, a pale Or. SUPPORTERS

Behind the shield two tridents in saltire Azure.

MOTTO

A scroll Or and doubled Azure inscribed ‘AUDENTES FORTUNA IUVAT’ translates to ‘FORTUNE FAVORS THE BOLD’ of the last.

SEAL

The coat of arms as blazoned in full color on a white field enclosed by a blue oval border edged on the outside with gold rope and bearing the name ‘USNS CARL BRASHEAR’ at top and ‘T-AKE 7’ in base all in gold.

Symbolism

SHIELD

Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally associated with the Navy. Red denotes fearlessness. The red fess is higher to signify determination of Master Chief Boatswain’s Mate Brashear to triumph over racial prejudice to become the first African American deep-sea diver and the first certified and recertified amputee in the U. S. Navy. The triangular gads, the heraldic symbols for steel, suggest the prow of a ship, denoting the three major vessels that MCBM Brashear served as a diver, early in his career – USS Tripoli, USS Opportune and the USS Hoist. The sea lion with the separated caudal fin represents his death defying courage to continue naval service as a diver, confronting all obstacles and after losing his left leg during the mission to retrieve hydrogen bombs off the coast of Palomares, Italy. The anchor symbolizes his persistence, finally in 1970, becoming the first African American Master diver. The stars above the anchor is a modification of grade achieved during his naval career. The gold border honors Master Chief Brashear’s accomplishments.

CREST

The diver’s Mark V helmet bearing the shield memorializes Master Chief Brashear distinguished naval diving profession and acknowledges his struggles to become a diver and remain in the vocation. He was awarded the Navy-Marine Corp Medal for heroism during the Palomares incident, illustrated by the colors of the shield.

SUPPORTERS

The tridents symbolize sea prowess, emphasizing the T-AKE 7 mission to transport supplies and dry cargo.