United We WinIn spite of overt racial discrimination and segregation in the military and in civilian life, the overwhelming majority of black Americans participated wholeheartedly in the fight against the Axis powers. They did so, however, with an eye towards reconciling American ideals of equality with American practices of discrimination. This objective was expressed in the call, initiated in the black press, for the "Double 'V'"--victory over fascism abroad and over racism at home.The Government was well aware of the demoralizing effects of racial prejudice on the African American population. In its publicity campaigns, the Government presented an idealized view of race relations in America. Racial tensions disappeared in portrayals of black Americans as full and equal participants in American society. The images of racial harmony belied the profound feelings of unrest that, on occasion, erupted into episodes of racial violence during the war years. |
United We Win Photograph by Alexander Liberman, 1943 Printed by the Government Printing Office for the War Manpower Commission NARA Still Picture Branch (NWDNS-44-PA-370) |
 Above and Beyond the Call of Duty by David Stone Martin Printed by the Government Printing Office for the Office of War Information NARA Still Picture Branch (NWDNS-208-PMP-68) |
During World War II, the military employed policies of racial restriction and segregation. At the
beginning of the war, for example, blacks could join the Navy but could serve only as
messmen. Doris ("Dorie") Miller joined the Navy and was in service on board the U.S.S. West Virginia during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Restricted to the position of messman, he received no gunnery training. But during the attack, at great personal risk, he manned the weapon of a fallen gunman and succeeded in hitting Japanese planes. He was awarded the Navy Cross, but only after persistent pressure from the black press. |
| Private Joe Louis Says-- NARA Still Picture Branch (NWDNS-44-PA-87) |
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