Photo African American WWII U. S. Navy Great Lakes Training Boot Camp
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:50121193 | Original/Reproduction: Original |
Photo ~ African American WWII U.S.Navy Great Lakes Training Boot CampSuperb photo dated December 17, 1943.CO 1651, C.F. Mitchell CO Comdr.U.S. Naval Training Station, GreatLakes, Ill.Original photograph, this is NOT areprint.Still in the original frame andunder glass, the photo appears to be in very good condition with expected minorage deterioration. Dimensions: 9” x 20”.To my understanding and asreferenced below, these men were of the first African-Americans to enlist or be...recruited into the United States Navy. The following was borrowed fromthe history of “The Great Lakes Naval Training Boot Camp.” When the war began, the Navy was as segregated as the Nation.African-Americans could only serve as stewards or mess attendants. But thenecessities of war, as well as recognition by President Roosevelt, that anation fighting for freedom overseas was in an inconsistent position when itdoesn't practice it at home, forced a reevaluation.A decision was made. African-Americans would be accepted in theNavy, and welcomed in to technical fields. However, it would be done accordingto the odious manner of the time -- completely segregated. In the early monthsof the war, the Navy Department designated Great Lakes as the sitefor training African-Americans in boot camp, as well as Navy specialties.On June 5, 1942, Doreston Luke Carmen, 19, of Galveston, Texas, was the first to report for training at thesegregated Camp Robert Smalls, named for a Civil War Union hero. In September, "Negro Service Schools" were opened for graduates of the camp.Immediately, Great Lakes became a focal point of African-Americaninterest throughout the country. The framed photo fits in a large flat rate USPS box. Shipping weight is about four pounds.The framed photo is rectangular with 90 degree miter jointsto the frame. Some distortion to myimages and not the actual framed photograph.To assure your complete satisfaction, please examine theimages very carefully and advise any questions before you bid.Payment is due at auction end and must be received withinseven days of close of the auction.
