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Field Commissions - Black Soldiers WW2

Discussion in 'Those Who Served' started by Highway70, Oct 15, 2017.

  1. Highway70

    Highway70 Member

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    While looking for information about the TV show Car 54, Where Are You, I found black actor/comedian Nipsey Russel was in the cast.

    His biography says he severed 4 years, was a medic and received a Field Commission. No information on what he did to receive the Commission.

    Got me wondering about blacks in the WW2 army Commissioned in the field.

    Did unsuccessful Google search
     
    Last edited: Oct 15, 2017
  2. OpanaPointer

    OpanaPointer I Point at Opana Staff Member WW2|ORG Editor

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  3. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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  4. Natman

    Natman Member

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    I remembered seeing info about Christopher J. Sturkey, 614th TD Bn, getting a field commission, here's his Silver Star Citation:

    Second Lieutenant (then Staff Sergeant) CHRlSTOPHER J. STURKEY,
    02000693, FA (TD), Tank Destroyer Battalion (Towed), for gallantry in
    action in Germany on 22 November 1944. Lieutenant STURKEY was helping
    to direct the movement of 3·inch towed guns across terrain which was
    heavily pounded by hostile artillery fire. When his comrades left their
    vehicles and sought cover, Lieutenant STURKEY, perceiving that the
    valuable pieces of equipment must be immediately moved if they were to
    escape total destruction, braved the bombardment and, by courageous
    example, encouraged the men to return to their vehicles and resume the
    march. By his action, he brought all weapons and men to safety without
    loss. Lieutenant STURKEY's gallantry and leadership reflect. the highest
    credit upon himself and the Army. Entered Military Service from Michigan.

    This was probably pretty rare, I believe black units had mostly white officers in those days. If you can find the book "The Invisible Soldier", by Mary Patrick Motley, Wayne State University, 1975, it contains interviews with black WWII vets about their experiences, Sturkey is included.
     
    TD-Tommy776 likes this.

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