Military Officer - February 2008 - (Page 10) fromtheeditor Let’s Never Forget In observance of Black History Month, Military Officer takes time to remember the impact black military members’ service has had on the U.S. and its history. B uffalo Soldiers, Harlem Hellfighters, Red Ball Express, Montford Point Marines, Tuskegee Airmen — I’ll bet most of us have heard about these units and are familiar with their exploits. They were black military organizations that served nobly in combat. They were unique in their day and helped set the stage for acceptance of Americans of every heritage in the U.S. military. But these well-known units are only the more visible features in a landscape of service by black servicemembers. African-Americans have a history of distinguished military service for more than 232 years. In fact, a black colonist died during the Boston Massacre in 1770, protesting English rule. And an estimated 5,000 African-Americans fought on the patriot side during the American Revolutionary War. Black servicemembers fought honorably in every American conflict, although at first in segregated units. It wasn’t until 1948 that President Truman signed Executive Order 9981 stating: “It is hereby declared to be the policy of the president that there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion, or national origin.” The last all-black military unit was disbanded in 1954. This month’s cover feature tells the story of one of these predominantly black units. Their story is not as well known as those of the Buffalo Soldiers or the Tuskegee Airmen. Our feature “Changing 10 MILITARY OFFICER FEBRUARY 2008 Tides,” on page 54, is an account of the USS Mason, the first Navy ship to have a predominantly black crew. “The Mason was a test case,” says Mary Pat Kelly, author of Proudly We Served: The Men of the USS Mason. “Their success helped fuel President Truman’s 1948 executive order to desegregate the United States military, which had huge ramifications not only within the military but within our society.” We observe Black History Month to bring to light the contributions black Americans have made over many centuries. But it goes beyond that purpose. As Lt. Gen. Michael D. Rochelle, deputy chief of staff, G-1, U.S. Army, said at a Black History Month observance in 2006: “The older I get, hopefully, the wiser I become, the more I realize that the reason we truly celebrate Black History Month is so that we can hold up for ourselves — to enliven, embolden, and enrich ourselves — on what those who have gone before us have achieved. We hold up the accomplishments because it helps to embolden and encourage ourselves and, hopefully, our progeny as well.” — Col. Warren S. Lacy, USA-Ret. PHOTO: STEVE BARRETT
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