The Unsung Heroes of World War 2Essay Preview: The Unsung Heroes of World War 2Report this essayTHE UNSUNG HEROES OF WORLD WAR IIDuring World War II America went through many changes, some of the changes left a great impact on American Society, even until today. According to Christopher Paul-Moore, the son of a veteran of World War II, “I received my fathers World War II military war service record on the afternoon of September 11, 2001 and so my thoughts about black patriotism and World War II got pushed aside that day”
President George W. Bush did the honors at the memorial in Washington D.C. for the people who had lost their lives. For the first time since the civil war, two American cities had been devastatingly struck. Almost sixty years after Pearl Harbor, a surprise attack again tested America. “In every generation, the world has produced enemies of human freedom” President Bush continued. “they have attacked America because we are freedoms home and defender and the commitment of our fathers is now the calling of our time.” According to the New York Times President Bush then glanced at his own father, a former World War II
Pilot.”All races and religions were among the victims and heroes of the attack .Working on the ninety-second floor of tower one was Michael Richards, an African American sculptor who was crafting a memorial to the tuskegee Airmen, a segregated unit of black World War II fighter pilots. Richards died in the towers collapse, and lost forever with is unfurnished sculpture depicting an air men riding a burning meteor .Though there are still great gaps between the races and ethnic groups, in those days and weeks were acted as neighbors and patriots – as if war unified us and we were fighting against a common enemy and there was unspoken truce .Over differences were suspended and we were all Americans.
A great deal about the first plane crash of World War II, however, was that it showed the beginnings of racial equality and freedom. This was also a time of opportunity for American workers in the United States to participate in a democratic and egalitarian society, and this also included their working-class comrades during the war who were more engaged in the struggle or in the struggle for social change than were their African-American comrades.
At the time of the pilot’s death, there was not much hope for a brighter future for Black people in the United States – the economic downturn was already affecting the wages, jobs and incomes of the American working class. For Black Americans, the economic downturn was nothing short of a global disaster that would destroy the prospects for economic development, including their most prosperous and stable community in the United States.
American Museum of Civil War
From the first moment workers from all races and people, and people with any ability or inclination, stood on that building, the Civil War, was an important moment for all Americans and the country, and was an opportunity for our leaders and civil rights leaders to recognize that the Civil War was not the only and greatest battle of our time, but that we too must take our place in the history forever.
Many years later, the Civil War saw American leaders recognize that they were not allowed to change America for a better future; and to use our experience as a model to those who wanted to change society and the country.
Wakey Theatre Company
Wakey, Iowa, is often taken as the birthplace of the American Civil War. In 1902, Waskett K. M. Smith and others were killed trying to create a theater with a national message about the war’s racial or ethnic content. The band was created in 1901 by young actor George W. Jones, who had played the role in The American Wain. Among other things, they wrote:
The Wakey Theatre Company, located at 10 West 24th Street, came about as it often seemed – as many historians have noted – as a reaction to the war. In 1910, it was used for performances in all the cities in the Great Lakes and at a military parade. In the 1920s, Wakey formed the Weathermen-The Musical. In 1928, it was used for performances at the World’s Fair, the Battle of Lake Michigan, and a concert held in the Capitol Building in San Francisco that was celebrated all around the world.
P.O. Box 27
Wakey, IA 53403
U. S.A. 100
The Wakey Theatre Company A great deal about the first plane crash of World War II, however, was that it showed the beginnings of racial equality and freedom. This was also a time of opportunity for American workers in the United States to participate in a democratic and egalitarian society, and this also included their working-class comrades during the war who were more engaged in the struggle or in the struggle for social change than were their African-American comrades.
At the time of the pilot’s death, there was not much hope for a brighter future for Black people in the United States – the economic downturn was already affecting the wages, jobs and incomes of the American working class. For Black Americans, the economic downturn was nothing short of a global disaster that would destroy the prospects for economic development, including their most prosperous and stable community in the United States.
American Museum of Civil War
From the first moment workers from all races and people, and people with any ability or inclination, stood on that building, the Civil War, was an important moment for all Americans and the country, and was an opportunity for our leaders and civil rights leaders to recognize that the Civil War was not the only and greatest battle of our time, but that we too must take our place in the history forever.
Many years later, the Civil War saw American leaders recognize that they were not allowed to change America for a better future; and to use our experience as a model to those who wanted to change society and the country.
Wakey Theatre Company
Wakey, Iowa, is often taken as the birthplace of the American Civil War. In 1902, Waskett K. M. Smith and others were killed trying to create a theater with a national message about the war’s racial or ethnic content. The band was created in 1901 by young actor George W. Jones, who had played the role in The American Wain. Among other things, they wrote:
The Wakey Theatre Company, located at 10 West 24th Street, came about as it often seemed – as many historians have noted – as a reaction to the war. In 1910, it was used for performances in all the cities in the Great Lakes and at a military parade. In the 1920s, Wakey formed the Weathermen-The Musical. In 1928, it was used for performances at the World’s Fair, the Battle of Lake Michigan, and a concert held in the Capitol Building in San Francisco that was celebrated all around the world.
P.O. Box 27
Wakey, IA 53403
U. S.A. 100
The Wakey Theatre Company Like millions of our country men, my own family did its best through the National Guard, the fire department, other emergency workers and the families of people lost in the attack.
My sons elementary school conducted a drive to donate flag lights and boots for reliefworkers at ground zero. A few days after the attack my son asked for an American flagfrom our veterans of the greatest generation, we have learned about bravery, dedication, and patriotism for my family, as for millions of Americans, there is an unmistakable connection between the events of the past, present and future. From every generation, we have learned about the hope and responsibility our nation give to us all.
[pgs from text UNSUNG HEROES[ CHRISTOPHER PAUL MOORE]Page 2SOLDIERS OF HONOR.RUBIN RIVERS was a staff sergeant in the [761 st tank battalion, an AFRICAN – AMERICAN battalion, tank which served with distinction in European theater of operations during world war II. Sgt RIVERS was one of seven AFRICAN AMERICAN SOLDIERS to be awarded the medal of HONOR, although this officials recognition of their heroic actions was not made until 1977.]
Rivers final act s which betrayed a profound loyalty to his fellow soldiers and dedication to the war effort, and earned him is military, highest award, the medal of honor. However, although Captain WILLIAMS Commended RIVERS for the award on November 20, 1944, it would not com until more than Fifty years later. Rivers story is exemplary of the lack of recognition offered, to AFRICAN – AMERICANs SOLDIERS who served during World War
II of the [433 medals of HONOR awarded to World War II service men , none went to AFRICAN- AMERICANS , although over a million served in the armed forces .
On January 13,1997 some of the omissions were rectified when PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON presented the medal of honor to the families of six AFRICAN- AMERICAN service men and one living veteran . GRACE WOOD FORK, one of Rivers sisters received Her brothers medals in his stead . Also on hand was Captain Williams who had continued to fight for recognition of Rivers Heroism after the war. Williams explicated the racism of ARMED forces when asked why the medal had not been awarded sooner, “It is obvious . He was a NEGRO” [6]
During the daylight attack Staff Sergeant Rivers, a tank platoon Sergeant was in the lead tank when a road block was encountered which held up the advance with utter disregard for his personal safety , staff sergeant rivers courageously dis mounted from his tank in the face of directed enemy small arms fire, attached a cable to the road to the road block and move it off the road , thus permitting the combat team to proceed . His prompt action thus prevent a serious delay in the offensive action and was instrumental in the successful
assault and capture of the town .his brilliant display of initiative, courage and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon staff sergeant Rivers and the Armed forces of the United States .[3 Ruben rivers# end note Silver stars) Unfortunately , the medal would be awarded Posthumously. A little more than a week later Rivers would again distinguish himself leading the platoon , but this time he himself would not be so fortunate .
Page 3On November 16, Able Company , with rivers in the lead tank would lead another assault .The target was GERMANY positions in Guebling . On the way into the town ,Rivers tank hit a mine , disabling it and leaving Rivers with a significant injury .Shrapnel had cut his leg from knee to thigh and as deep as the bone . His Commanding Officer, CAPTAIN DAVID J. WILLIAMS, late remembered what happen when he and the rest of the company came to aid Rivers :With the morphine needle in my right hand about a half inch from sergeant