The Bureau of Naval Personnel
had monitored the Mason extensively throughout her
service, with more of an eye to the ship's cleanliness than
combat ability.
The last report from the Bureau ends likes this, "The
USS Mason served
in Atlantic duty and operated satisfactorily." This is followed by a statement
about no further all-Negro units as it was "contrary to the Bureau's strengthening
policy." The report refers to men who didn't finish high school
as "illiterate" but ignores that most of the crew had high school
diplomas, and some had college degrees.
A final blow, Captain Bill Blackford, the man the crew said they would "go
to hell and back" for, was transferred.
The new captain offered
to teach the crew how to read and write.
November
1943 | March
1944 | April
1944 | July
1944 | December 1944
January 1945 | May
1945 | June 1945 | Valentine's
Day | This Month Home
|
