Random Thoughts
Oklahoma Profile: Charles Hall
May 4, 2018
During World War II the United States’ fighting forces served in segregated units. In July 1948, however – less than three years after the war ended – President Harry Truman by executive order desegregated the military.
Many people in the country criticized Truman for this groundbreaking action. Even the Secretary of the Army (a southerner from North Carolina) refused to comply with the order – prompting Truman to force him into retirement.
Moreover, the country’s other military leaders implemented Truman’s directive slowly. Complete desegregation of the various service branches was not accomp...
For access to this article please
sign in or
subscribe.
Reader Comments(0)