Integrity In Steve Sheinkin's Port Chicago 50

Before WORLD WAR I, military service represented a source of black pride. Black educators, clergymen, and the press frequently referred to Negro heroes of America’s past wars. After the Civil War, the U.S, Army maintained four regular Negro regiments –the 9th and 10th Calvary and the 24th and 25th Infantry. These units included veterans of the civil war and the frontier Indian fighting regiments. Retired sergeants often became respected, conservative leaders in their communities. This history set a foundation for black support and involvement in America’s future wars.

Despite having dealt with unwritten laws known as the, “Jim Crow” laws, many African American Soldiers still decided, without being drafted, to enlist in the military, only to be met with more segregation, separation and deference. Many of them worked in supporting roles in the service. One such supporting role was called the Service Force. George was one of those soldiers serving in the Service Force. George believes the Service Force was just as important as any other role in the military. He states, “I can work with a certain satisfaction that my work behind the ‘lines’ is the only direct support that the men ‘Up Front’ have.” I believe George had the hoped that when returning from the War, African Americans would have earned equality and respect from their fellow countrymen. In writing a letter to his sister, George states, “we hope that the American people won’t forget that if we can work and fight for the Democratic Way, that we are entitled to enjoy every privilege it affords when this mess is

A large amount of qualified black Americans were overlooked because of their race even thought they were going to help the United States of America in the war effort. The Tuskegee Airmen did not let any of the discrimination get in their way and they persevered to become great pilots. The President and the First-Lady of the United States had to help the airmen get into battle after they attained maximum promptness. “Even when they had reached full combat readiness, it took the advocacy of [the] nation’s first lady to get the squadron into battle” (Hare). The First Lady had respect for the Tuskegee Airmen and she trusted them in order to put the Airmen into battle. The airmen overcame all of the turmoil they had to face and were able to fight in battle. The Tuskegee Airmen showed that it was possible to fight through segregation. “For the pilot who would eventually be called the Tuskegee Airmen, the freedom of flying a plane contrasted sharply with the prejudice they faced in the 1940s” (Donaldson). For example, the Tuskegee Airmen showed their great intangibles of mental strength and determination in a

When McGee began his career in the Air Force, African American’s were still seen as unequal to white Americans in every aspect. It wasn’t until July 2, 1964, that President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that banned discrimination based on race. Previous to this, the Jim Crow laws were used as justification for denying African Americans soldiers the opportunity to become pilots in the military. Once this changed, a new door opened for colored pilots causing many to stay in the military long after the war ended and turn it into a career, as McGee did. Although McGee’s career began due to WWII, it certainly did not end there. McGee went on to serve in Korea as well as Vietnam. By the time McGee retired from the Air Force on January 31, 1973 he had earned awards such as the Oak Leaf Cluster, and had six thousand- three hundred hours of flying fighter jets. He went on to become President of the Tuskegee Airmen, Incorporated for two presidencies. This is significant because McGee helped show the nation that African Americans are capable of being not only some of the best airmen out there, but also some of the best leaders. He never quit in the journey to better himself and helped pave the way for many African Americans who hold the dream to fly. In the long run, the color of one’s skin means

African Americans want to fight, are anxious to fight but only on the same footing as the rest. They want an equal chance from start to finish rising up to highest possible place by merit. After the World War II the social and economic difference between the white and black increased. The GI bill powered whites upward class mobility after the war. The readjustment benefits of the GI bill underwrite a massive shift of white men from working class job to the professional and managerial occupations. By 1955 veterans had substantially higher incomes, more liquid assets, and were more

When I had first joined the military in 1942, I fought from the beginning. I had become a second lieutenant in the army, and had stood for what I believed in. I always showed people that I could be just as important to the white people. I remember in 1944, when I had boarded a military transport bus. The driver had told me to get into the back, but I thought otherwise and stayed put. My reputation in the military and baseball, my friends, the NAACP, and black newspapers got me out of it. I was acquitted of all charges and received an honorable discharge.

1. Who was Joe Louis, why is he important, and why did he help to increase black enlistment into the military?

It was April 2, 1862 there were preparations for a battle that will never be forgotten. Military all over PIttsburg landing were preparing for a battle that will later be known as The Battle of Shiloh. There at the frontline of this situation was Jason, a seemingly normal guy who just wanted to help anyway he could in the war. Jason heard the faint sounds of people working in the distance. “Is there anyway I can help you?” Jason inquired “I don’t see why not.” said one of the workers. He tried to help them carry food and supplies yet, he was not strong enough to do this job efficiently.

The United States has always taken great pride in its military. Our soldiers have been the focal point of keeping our country not only safe, but the beacon of freedom for others to come to in time of need. However, the military was one of many places that weren’t welcome to African Americans in a brewing civil war. The North and South were at each others necks with the moral question: Are black people truly Americans? The bravery and perseverance of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry protesting for better wages and equal rights pushed the United States to seeing not only African American soldiers, but its citizens in a more positive light, paving the way to the Civil Rights Movement and eventual protests of the modern era.

In 1967, America’s draft was the talk of the nation. Many men were terrified to be drafted due to the ongoing war which began in November 1955 to April 1975. The Vietnam War was the longest and costliest war in history. America was in need of millions of soldiers because we were at a standstill. Rubin Evans was one of the few soldiers that was able to crawl out alive. Off course he loved his country but he was leaving his family behind to fight for a cause that didn’t understand. The feeling of nervousness and scared overwhelmed his body as he boarded the plane to his first destination, Hawaii.

This paper recalls the military service of my great grandfather PFC Heyward Cuffie, a Buffalo Soldier and World War II veteran. He exemplified the Warrior Ethos: displayed resilience in a time of crisis; challenged social norms; led by example; trained to standard and fought until he couldn’t physically fight anymore. PFC Cuffie’s legacy is a part of a larger legacy of minorities who paved the way for desegregation in the Armed Forces and serves as a testament for future leaders to follow.

“Integrity is choosing your thoughts and actions based on values rather than personal gain. ”-Anonymous. In order to become a person of integrity it is clear that a person must have the courage to act on his values. This means that courage and integrity go hand in hand.

1. Welcome to the military, African-Americans, where there is no shortage of segregation. Walter Morris is named the first Sergeant, in charge of the service company of TPS (Stone & Bryan, 2013). Paratroopers have only been training three years prior at Fort Benning, Georgia (Stone & Bryan, 2013). Service Company, all blacks, were in charge of guard and common assistance, like sweeping, mopping, dusting, etc, their hours were 4pm-8am (Stone & Bryan, 2013). Morris thought they were never treated right, spirit, and moral is down because of this.

very courageous men that stood up for what they believed in and didn’t give up without a fight.

Lieutenant General Jon L. Dewitt would exemplify the efforts of many white Americans in the midst of this fight for order.