As soldiers returned from overseas after WWII, the question arose: should Black soldiers be segregat

As soldiers returned from overseas after WWII, the question arose: should Black soldiers be segregated when aboard Navy vessels? 

The Navy reiterated “ … no differentiation shall be made because of race or color.” 4/1/1947

File Unit: Navy Department, 1946 - 1947

Series: General Correspondence with Government Departments and Agencies Files, 1946 - 1947

Record Group 220: Records of Temporary Committees, Commissions, and Boards, 1893 - 2008

Transcription:

Navy Dept

[very faint round stamp]

April 1, 1947.

MEMORANDUM

TO: Mr. Robert K. Carr

FROM: Milton Stewart

The following statement of Navy policy on racial minorities was made binding on the whole service in an order of the Secretary of the Navy (Allnav-No. 423) on December 12, 1945. It was transmitted to me by phone by Capt. Stickney, of Planning and Control, the Bureau of Naval Personnel:

Attention of the Navy Department has been called to a recent incident in which a question arose concerning accommodations aboard naval vessels for Negro Army personnel returning to this country for demobilization. In order to avoid any future misunderstanding on this subject the Navy’s policy regarding various racial minorities is re-stated and summarized for information and guidance.

In the administration of naval personnel no differentiation shall be made because of race or color. This applies also to authorized personnel of all the armed services of this country aboard navy ships or at navy stations and activities.

In their attitude and day-to-day conduct of affairs naval officers and enlisted men shall adhere rigidly and impartially to naval regulations, in which no distinction is made between individuals wearing the navy uniform or the uniform of any of the armed services of the United States because of race or color.

(signed) JAMES FORRESTAL

Secretary of Navy