Racial Integration of Combat Units
December 1951
The Korean War was a time for the United States Armed Forces to work on racial integration in combat units. It was the first conflict where troops were no longer segregated by race. In February of 1948, the United States’ then president, Harry S. Truman, in front of Congress, proposed an agenda that paved the way for civil rights and equality through every branch of the United States government. One of the changes this proposed was the racial integration throughout the Armed Forces. Though his decision faced heavy opposition from Southern Democrats, he stood strong. In July, 1948, Truman issued Executive Order 9981. This order put an end to racial discrimination throughout the US Armed Forces. It also helped get the ball rolling for the end of segregated units in combat.
"It is hereby declared to be the policy of the President that there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin. This policy shall be put into effect as rapidly as possible, having due regard to the time required to effectuate any necessary changes without impairing efficiency or morale."
Though the decision was fought with Army boards, including the Chamberlin board, the Army opened all training schools to all races. During the beginning of the Korean War, white replacement troops were unavailable and, in May, General Matthew Ridgeway fought for permission to integrate his troops. However, it wasn’t until December of 1951 that the Chief of Staff ordered desegregation of all Army commands.
The desegregation of combat units was a great feat for African-American civil rights activists.