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Primary Sources: America in World War II

African Americans in World War II

African-Americans and World War II—the Story of Montford Point | NC DNCRMinority Women | Women in World War IIAfrican-American Women Troops Boosted WWII Morale - VFW

The Pittsburgh Courier was one of the most influential African American newspapers of WW II and the source of what came to be called the Double V Campaign. A letter to the editor of the paper in 1941 asked why a “half American” should sacrifice his life in the war and suggested that Blacks should seek a double victory. “The first V for a victory over our enemies from without, the second V for a victory over our enemies from within.” The idea would become a national cause, and eventually extend into a call for action in the factories and services that supported the war effort.

Despite a high enlistment rate in the U.S. Army, African Americans were still not treated equally. At parades, church services, in transportation, and in canteens, the races were kept separate. A quota of only 48 nurses was set for African-American women, and the women were segregated from white nurses and white soldiers for much of the war. Eventually, more black nurses enlisted. They were assigned to care for black soldiers. Black nurses were integrated into everyday life with their white colleagues. Wikipedia

Black Americans Who Served in WWII Faced Segregation Abroad and at Home -  HISTORYUncensored WWII-Era Surveys Show US Troops Struggling With Race IssuesWWII museum tells story of African American soldiers who 'fought for the  right to fight' - Los Angeles Times

Books - African Americans in World War II