In 2024, the U.S. Navy exonerated 50 African American sailors who had been wrongfully charged with a crime during World War II. The sailors were accused of mutiny in July of 1944, (mutiny means refusing to obey orders in the military.) after refusing to return to work at the Port Chicago naval base in California. During WWII the United States was desperate for ammunition, and Port Chicago became an essential supply location. Black sailors were exclusively responsible for loading the ammunition, they expressed concerns about the danger and safety of their jobs, but they were ignored. 80 years later the Navy has official acknowledged their mistake in charging those 50 men with mutiny.
During World War II, the U.S. Navy, like majority of the branches of the military were segregated. Black sailors were given the most dangerous jobs, expected to produce the same hard work as White sailors without the proper training or compensation. There were two deadly explosions on July 17th, 1944, 320 people were killed and 202 of those people were Black sailors; 390 more were injured. The explosion destroyed two naval ships and left the area unsafe and unworkable for the sailors.
This explosion is considered the worst state side disaster in World War II. The white sailors were given a leave of absence and the Black sailors immediately had to return to doing the same dangerous job at another port. Initially 258, sailors refused to return but after threats of jail time most agreed to return. However, there were 50 men who would not budge, they started being called “the Port Chicago 50.” They were convicted of mutiny, sentenced to hard labor, and dishonorably discharged.
The daughter of one of the sailors of the Port Chicago 50, spoke with CBS News about her father. Cyril Oscar Shepherd Jr. was a third-class gunner’s mate, he was 20 years old when the explosions happened, and he was sentenced to a little shy of two years in prison for his mutiny charge. Shepherd’s daughter Carol Cherry never knew about the story from her father but found out from her sister long after his passing. In July of 2024, Cherry expressed that she hoped they would be exonerated that year. 80 years later Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro officially exonerated those 50 men. They all passed away as guilty mutineers, most if not all of them with some level of shame and defeat. Del Toro told CBS News, “They took the right course of action by denying to go back to work under similar circumstances… I pray that an exoneration will bring peace to their souls and to their family members.”
In 1999, President Bill Clinton issued a posthumous pardon, which is a pardon given to someone after they have passed away. President Clintons decision to do that was a major step in acknowledging the unfair treatment they received. However, pardoning only means forgiveness and exoneration means proving innocence. After being exonerated the sailors now go from criminals to heroes, standing up for their safety, their lives, and what is right. This is another story, that is mostly unknown amongst the Black community and 80 years later it is finally being told. Their courage despite racism and discrimination, is something that should always be remembered and celebrated. They showed bravery, and their story is a major of Black history. May their sacrifice never be forgotten.
