AFRICANS AMERICANS IN WW2

IMPORTANT AFRICAN AMERICANS

• Doris Miller- He was the first A.A. to serve in the Navy cross
• Capt. William T. Madison- He was the captain of the Red Tails
• Howard P. Perry- He was the first A.A. to enlist in the U.S Marines

IMPORTANT AFRICAN AMERICANS (CONTINUED)

• The Golden Thirteen- Group of men became the first A.A. commissioned officers
• Benjamin O. Davis Sr.- He was the first A.A. recognized general in the U.S.
• The Tuskegee Airmen (The Red Tails)- The only A.A. pilot team in World War

AFRICAN AMERICAN DISCRIMINATION

• The feelings towards A.A. joining the war was not positive.
• They were not allowed to become soldiers so they had non war related jobs.
•  Eventually the Executive Order 9981 was created by Franklin D. Roosevelt.
• Executive Order 9981  abolished discrimination in the armed forces. 

Discrimination Continues

• Even though the A.A. became soldiers they were still disrespected.
• An A.A. soldier could not go into the same place as his white prisoner.
• An A.A. was not allowed to get a Medal Of Honor.
•  Some A.A. were barred Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Air Corps.

Amount of african americans

• Over 2.5 million A.A. registered for drafting.
• Approximately 167,000 A.A. served in the Army.
• Only about 4 percent of the Army was African American.
• The African American enlistment rate was the highest ever seen.

Importance Of African Americans in ww2

• A.A. soldiers drove in the prestigious Red Ball Express.
• Helped pave the way for future A.A. citizens.
• The African American took the jobs that no one wanted.

Importance of african americans (continued)

• They helped balance racial segregation.
• The A.A. also have displayed the same bravery as a white soldier.
• Changed Roosevelt's view of African American Military