African Americans in WW2

When World War II broke out, over 2.5 million Black men registered for the draft, offering their services to a country that did not treat them as equal citizens. Some even became famous for their contributions, such as the Tuskegee Airmen who logged over 15,000 missions or Doris "Dorrie" Miller who earned the Navy Cross for his heroism during the attack on Pearl Harbor. But this is not to say that Black Americans didn't contribute on the home front as well. In fact, many moved to Northern cities to contribute to the defense industry. Keep reading to learn about the role of African Americans in World War II and how their contributions fueled the civil rights movement.

African Americans during WWII

When the United States entered World War II in 1941, the armed forces were still very much segregated. Black service members lived in separate barracks, ate in different mess halls, and received treatment in different hospitals. Often, they never even saw combat, as white officers viewed them as inferior and incapable.

Fig. 1 - A. Philip Randolph

In June of 1941, activist A. Philip Randolph called on Black Americans to march to Washington, D.C., and protest discrimination in the armed forces and defense industry. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, wishing to prevent any escalation, met with Randolph, who agreed to call the event off. In exchange, Roosevelt issued Executive Order 8802, which called for the end of discriminatory hiring and training practices. He also established the Fair Employment Practice Committee (FEPC) to enforce the order.

You might have noticed, however, that Roosevelt neglected to address the practice of segregation in the armed forces. It was not until the winter of 1944 and 1945 that integration began occurring on a significant scale. The Battle of the Bulge left approximately 100,000 troops dead and caused a severe shortage of infantrymen. As such, commanders had no choice but to begin informally integrating Black volunteers into combat units.

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.