NPS Collection African American Stevedores of Port ChicagoDuring World War II, African American sailors involved in the 1944 Port Chicago disaster were predominantly young men, typically in their late teens to early twenties, reflecting the era's common enlistment practices. For many, military service began early due to a mix of patriotic duty, economic necessity, and the educational opportunities provided by the armed forces. Enlistment for African Americans at this time was influenced by both voluntary and involuntary factors. While many voluntarily enlisted to serve their country, others were drafted through selective service policies that applied to all eligible men, regardless of race. African Americans faced significant challenges in the military, including segregated units, discriminatory treatment, and limited opportunities for advancement compared to their white counterparts. For those who enlisted voluntarily, military service offered a way to escape economic hardship and racial discrimination in civilian life. It provided steady pay, job training, and the promise of education through the G.I. Bill after the war. However, these benefits often came with the cost of enduring segregated facilities, unequal treatment, and sometimes dangerous assignments, such as the hazardous munitions handling at Port Chicago. At Port Chicago, African American sailors were primarily assigned to loading operations, facing physically demanding work in a hazardous environment. Despite their crucial role in supporting the war effort, these servicemen often operated under segregated conditions and were disproportionately assigned to labor-intensive tasks rather than combat roles. Remembering the Fallen: Names of the DeceasedThe following is a list of those who were killed in the Port Chicago explosion. We have placed each section of names in a sortable data set to facilitate easy access to the information. You can also download a copy of the information. Note: (Asterik) * indicates individual's remains were positively identified (these total 48.)
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Last updated: July 12, 2024