The Unsung Heroes of World War II

The Unsung Heroes of World War II

THE UNSUNG HEROES OF WORLD WAR II

During 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 father’s 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 freedom’s home and defender and the commitment of our father’s is now the calling of our time.” According to the New York Time’s 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 tower’s 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.

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 son’s elementary school conducted a drive to donate flag lights and boots for relief

workers at ground zero. A few days after the attack my son asked for an American flag

from 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]

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SOLDIER’S 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 soldier’s 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 - AMERICAN’s 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]

http://en.wikipedia.org/Ruben- Rivers# end note-moh)