Integration of the Armed Forces, 1940-1965

A historical account written in the late 20th century. The book addresses the transformation of the United States Armed Forces from a segregated military structure to a racially integrated one, spanning from the onset of World War II through to the mid-1960s. The main focus is on the struggles and developments regarding racial integration within the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, along with the influence of civil rights movements on these changes. The opening of the book presents the historical context of black servicemen in the U.S. military before World War II, highlighting their exclusion from many roles and the rigid segregation that characterized military service during this time. It encapsulates the shift towards integration and the impact of World War II, where the integration of black soldiers became not only a matter of civil rights but also one of military efficiency. The text sets the stage for a detailed administrative history, preparing the reader for an exploration of how changing racial policies evolved against the backdrop of ongoing societal contests for equality and justice.