WEBVTT

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^- [Courtney] When the United States enter in World War II

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in December of 1941 the Navy's African American sailors

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had been limited to serving as Mess Lieutenants

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for nearly two decades.

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However, the pressures of wartime on manpower resources,

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the powerful example of heroes like Doris Miller,

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the willingness of thousands of patriotic men

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to participate in the war efforts, plus well focused

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political activities gradually forced changes.

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Finally in 1942 enlisted rates opened up

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to all qualified African Americans

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and on May 24th a uniquely skilled group

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of African American men reported for duty.

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Their mission was not about warfare,

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wielding cannons or shooting the enemy in combat.

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Rather they were ambassadors for the Navy

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driven by a force

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of a different kind, music.

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^- [Host] For more history on African American service

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^visit all hands magazine.