The Trailblazing African American Sailors You Should Know Part 2

Throughout history, the open seas have been a battleground not just for nations but for justice, freedom, and equality. While the U.S. Navy has long been a symbol of strength, the contributions of African American sailors have often been overlooked. Yet, their stories are woven into the very fabric of naval history—tales of defiance, determination, and an unbreakable will to fight for a better future. 

These men were more than sailors; they were trailblazers who redefined what was possible in an institution that once sought to limit them. Their courage changed the course of history, not just in the Navy, but in the broader struggle for civil rights. Their journeys from oppression to triumph offer an unforgettable testament to the power of resilience. 

At USN For Life, we are proud to celebrate more of these sailors’ lives and share their stories with our community 

Robert Smalls: The Man Who Stole a Confederate Ship to Win His Freedom 

Born into slavery in 1839 in South Carolina, Robert Smalls was never meant to know freedom. Yet, from an early age, he displayed an uncanny understanding of ships and the sea. Enslaved yet indispensable, he worked aboard the CSS Planter, a Confederate transport ship, gaining an intimate knowledge of naval navigation. But Smalls’ ambitions stretched beyond servitude—he yearned for liberty, not just for himself, but for his family. 

The Daring Escape: How Smalls Commandeered the CSS Planter 

On a moonlit night in May 1862, Smalls seized an opportunity that most would consider impossible. With Confederate officers ashore, he and a small crew of fellow enslaved sailors took control of the Planter. Dressed in the captain’s uniform, Smalls navigated the heavily guarded Charleston Harbor, giving the correct signals at Confederate checkpoints. As dawn broke, he steered the ship toward Union lines, hoisting a white flag made from a bedsheet. 

Union forces, initially wary of a Confederate vessel approaching, soon realized what had transpired. Smalls delivered the Planter—along with valuable intelligence about Confederate defenses—to the Union Navy. His daring escape not only secured freedom for himself and his crew but provided a major morale boost to the Union cause. 

A Naval Strategist and Political Pioneer: His Post-War Achievements 

After his heroics, Smalls became a champion of African American service in the military. He later served in the U.S. Congress, advocating for Black rights and education. His impact extended far beyond the Navy—he played a crucial role in shaping Reconstruction-era policies. 

Honoring Smalls’ Legacy: A Hero Who Changed the Course of History 

Today, Smalls is remembered as a visionary, a man who turned a ship of oppression into a vessel of liberation. His name is etched into history, proving that courage and intelligence can overcome even the most insurmountable odds.

Siah Hulett Carter, an enslaved man from Virginia, found his moment to break free in 1862 when Union forces arrived near his plantation. Fleeing under the cover of darkness, he sought sanctuary aboard the USS Monitor, one of the Union’s most advanced ironclad warships. 

Unlike traditional wooden ships, the USS Monitor was a technological marvel, a symbol of naval modernization. Carter worked as a coal heaver, enduring grueling conditions, but his role was pivotal in keeping the warship battle-ready. 

By joining the Union Navy, Carter became part of a larger movement—one where formerly enslaved men fought against the Confederacy. His dedication and service contributed to the Union's push for victory and the eventual abolition of slavery. 

Life After War: How Carter’s Service Opened Doors for Black Sailors 

After the war, Carter continued his naval service, an opportunity previously denied to African Americans. His perseverance helped pave the way for greater inclusivity in the U.S. Navy. 

Though not as widely known as some of his contemporaries, Carter’s story remains a powerful example of bravery and determination. His journey from bondage to service on one of the most iconic warships of the Civil War is nothing short of extraordinary. 

Doris Miller: The Pearl Harbor Hero Who Redefined Bravery 

Doris “Dorie” Miller enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a mess attendant, a role reserved for Black sailors at the time. However, fate had other plans. 

On December 7, 1941, chaos erupted at Pearl Harbor. Japanese planes swarmed overhead, unleashing devastation. Amid the mayhem aboard the USS West Virginia, Miller sprang into action—not as a cook, but as a defender of his ship and comrades. 

Despite having no formal combat training, Miller found an unattended anti-aircraft gun and began firing at enemy aircraft. His unwavering resolve turned him into an instant hero, though official Navy records initially downplayed his actions. 

The First African American to Receive the Navy Cross: A Landmark Recognition 

Miller’s valor was undeniable. He became the first African American to receive the Navy Cross, an honor bestowed upon him personally by Admiral Chester Nimitz. His heroism challenged racial stereotypes and inspired countless others to serve. 

Tragically, Miller was killed in action in 1943. Yet, his legacy endures. The Navy later named a ship in his honor, a rare tribute that cemented his place in history. 

The Lasting Impact of These Pioneering Sailors 

The sea has long been a proving ground for courage, but few have faced the challenges that Robert Smalls, Siah Hulett Carter, and Doris Miller endured. These men defied the odds, not just in battle, but in the broader struggle for equality. Their bravery helped shape the modern U.S. Navy and inspired future generations. 

The Navy has come a long way since the days of segregation. Today, African Americans serve at all ranks, including admirals, thanks in part to these pioneers. From statues to naval vessels named in their honor, these sailors’ contributions are now publicly recognized, ensuring their legacies remain alive. 

Their stories demand to be told, remembered, and honored. Their legacy serves as a beacon, guiding us toward a future where valor is recognized not by the color of one’s skin, but by the content of one’s character. At USN For Life, we thank them for their service and inspiring all of us and sailors for generations. 

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