African Americans in WW2

African Americans on the Home Front during WWII

Because of Executive Order 8802 and the expansion of the defense industry, many Black Americans left the South to work in urban centers. Unfortunately, many industry leaders resisted hiring Black employees because it would make integration necessary. Those who hired Black employees often relegated them to dangerous and dirty positions unwanted by white workers.

African Americans on the Home Front during WWII: The Double V Campaign

Understandably, many Black Americans were frustrated that they were supporting the war effort of a country that did not treat them as equal citizens. In January of 1942, a young man named James G. Thompson wrote in the Black newspaper, Pittsburgh Courier, venting this frustration:

The Pittsburgh Courier published his letter and launched the Double V campaign in collaboration with several other Black newspapers across the nation. The 'V' stood for victory in the war against the Axis powers and the fight against discrimination in the United States.

Famous and Important African Americans in WWII

Although Black service members faced discrimination on an individual and systemic level, many made a name for themselves for their extraordinary contributions to the war effort.

Famous and Important African Americans in WWII: Doris "Dorrie" Miller

Fig. 2 - Doris "Dorrie" Miller

On December 7th, 1941, Japan launched its infamous attack on Pearl Harbor, in which over 2,000 service members died. Doris "Dorrie" Miller was aboard the USS West Virginia when the bombing and torpedo strikes began. He immediately leaped into action, carrying wounded soldiers–including the ship's captain–to safety. Untrained on how to use the ship's weapons, he had every reason to stand by after helping his fellow service members. Instead, he took over one of the ship's machine guns and began firing back at Japanese aircraft.

Miller remained on the ship until ordered to leave and later became the first African-American to receive the Navy Cross. His story and lobbying by civil rights organizations led the Navy to allow more Black sailors in combat roles.

Famous and Important African Americans in WWII: Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. and the Tuskegee Airmen

Fig. 3 - Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.

Benjamin O. Davis, Jr. was the commander of the Tuskegee Airmen, who became famous for their trailblazing status and significant role in World War II. The predominantly Black squadron trained at an airbase in Tuskegee, Alabama, and would ultimately log over 15,000 missions. Their success proved that Black pilots were just as competent as their white counterparts. Davis would later become the first African-American general.

Fig. 4 - Tuskegee Airmen

Famous and Important African Americans in WWII: Josephine Baker

Fig. 5 - Josephine Baker

You might recognize Josephine Baker for her fame as a dancer, singer, and actress, but she stepped up to play a significant role in World War II when the Axis powers invaded France. Although born in the United States, she moved to France years before the war and became a celebrity in European circles. Her unique status allowed her to mingle with Axis leaders and obtain intel for the Allied cause. She also housed several resistance fighters and helped compromised individuals escape the country.

African Americans after WWII

Despite the efforts of the Double V campaign and various civil rights organizations, World War II ended in 1945 with the armed forces still largely segregated. Upon returning home, veterans often faced discrimination from white citizens despite their sacrifice, and very few received the benefits guaranteed under the G.I. Bill.

In 1948, three years after World War II and in the wake of brutal attacks on Black veterans, President Harry S. Truman issued Executive Order 9981, which called for the full integration of the armed forces. But civil rights organizations were not going to stop there--segregation was still the norm across the United States.