Eyeing the future, DoD leaders reflect on 75 years of desegregation

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Eyeing the future, DoD leaders reflect on 75 years of desegregation
By Jonathan Lehrfeld and Jon Simkins
Jul 28, 12:49 PM
Montford Point Marines and Tuskegee Airmen visit the Pentagon for the 75th anniversary the military's desegregation, July 26, 2023. (Jonathan Lehrfeld/Military Times)

Tuskegee Airmen and Montford Point Marines joined Department of Defense leaders and lawmakers at the Pentagon this week to commemorate the 75th anniversary of President Harry S. Truman’s signing of Executive Order 9981.

Signed into law on July 26th, 1948, the order, which mandated the desegregation of the U.S. military, stated “there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin.” Another order, which included the full integration of the federal workforce, was also signed that day.

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SSG Michael Noll Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen Cpl Vic Burk SGT Charlie Lee] Sgt (Join to see) PV2 Larry Sellnow SPC (Join to see) Amn Dale Preisach SGT Ruben Lozada 1SG Patrick Burke PO2 Marco Monsalve Lt Col Charlie Brown Maj Kim Patterson] SFC Ralph E Kelley PV2 Scott M. PO1 Lyndon Thomas SPC (Join to see) SSG William Jones Maj Ronald Scarpa