Black Navy Officers Training Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What was the primary goal of the group of sixteen Black enlisted men in January 1944?

To challenge the belief that African Americans could not be officers

To increase the number of Black sailors in the Navy

To complete officer training successfully (correct)

To promote equality within the Navy

What was the expected attrition rate for the group during their officer training course?

25% (correct)

50%

75%

10%

How did the group study during their training to ensure success?

By seeking help from Navy officials

By forming study groups with other candidates

By attending extra classes

By bringing blankets to cover their windows and studying with flashlights (correct)

What was notable about the group's average score after completing their exams?

It was the highest average of any class in Navy history at that time Signup and view all the answers

How many of the original sixteen members were commissioned as officers?

Twelve members Signup and view all the answers

What nickname was given to the successful group of officers?

The Golden Thirteen Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the three sailors who completed the training but were not commissioned?

They were sent back into enlisted ranks with no explanations Signup and view all the answers

What was the duration of the officer training course that the group was expected to complete?

Sixteen weeks Signup and view all the answers

What position did George Clinton Cooper hold when he returned to Hampton after his initial military training?

Personnel officer and training supervisor Signup and view all the answers

Which institution did George Clinton Cooper attend for his undergraduate studies?

Hampton Institute Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about George Clinton Cooper's uniform upon commissioning?

It was the first issued to an African-American naval officer. Signup and view all the answers

What degree did George Clinton Cooper earn in 1948?

Master's degree Signup and view all the answers

What role did Reginald E. Goodwin serve in at the Children’s Aid Society of New York?

Physical director and club worker Signup and view all the answers

In what year did George Clinton Cooper enlist in the Navy?

1943 Signup and view all the answers

Which college did George Clinton Cooper work for after earning his master's degree?

Antioch College Signup and view all the answers

What role did George Clinton Cooper take on in Dayton, Ohio, in 1969?

Director of Human Resources Signup and view all the answers

What rank was Ensign Hair promoted to in 1945?

Lieutenant (junior grade) Signup and view all the answers

Which ship was Ensign Hair part of during World War II?

USS Mason Signup and view all the answers

What educational degree did Ensign Hair earn after leaving active duty?

Master’s in Social Work Signup and view all the answers

During which operation did Charles Byrd Lear serve as officer in charge of Hill Camp Fuel Dump No. 21?

Naval Supply Depot in Guam Signup and view all the answers

What year did Charles Byrd Lear enlist in the Naval Reserve?

1942 Signup and view all the answers

How long did Ensign Hair work as a case worker after returning to the private sector?

31 years Signup and view all the answers

Which medals did Charles Byrd Lear receive during his service?

American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Medal, and World War II Victory Medal Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary occupation of Charles Byrd Lear before enlisting in the military?

Farmer and Coal Business Operator Signup and view all the answers

What degree did Graham E. Martin earn from Indiana University?

Bachelor of Arts in History Signup and view all the answers

Where was Graham E. Martin assigned in July 1944?

Commander, Naval Local Defense Forces, Twelfth Naval District Signup and view all the answers

What was Dennis Denmark Nelson's area of study at Fisk University?

Chemistry Signup and view all the answers

When was Dennis Denmark Nelson commissioned as an ensign?

9 March 1944 Signup and view all the answers

What role did Graham E. Martin serve aboard YP-131?

Staff Officer Signup and view all the answers

In which city did Martin retire from teaching?

Indianapolis, Indiana Signup and view all the answers

What was Dennis Denmark Nelson’s occupation from 1930 to 1935?

Field Executive for Boy Scouts of America Signup and view all the answers

What year did Graham E. Martin pass away?

2006 Signup and view all the answers

What rank was Ensign Sublett promoted to on 1 July 1945?

Lieutenant (junior grade) Signup and view all the answers

What position did William Sylvester White hold after joining the U.S. Naval Reserve?

Public information officer Signup and view all the answers

What educational achievement did William Sylvester White attain in 1937?

Doctor of Laws Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant factor in the Golden Thirteen overcoming systemic racism?

Collaboration and teamwork Signup and view all the answers

Where did Ensign Sublett serve after being commissioned?

Naval Local Defense Forces Signup and view all the answers

When did Ensign Sublett receive his honorable discharge from the Naval Reserve?

1952 Signup and view all the answers

What was William Sylvester White's occupation before joining the Navy?

Private practice lawyer Signup and view all the answers

How did the Golden Thirteen perform on their final exams compared to their peers?

Well above average Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal that White aimed to achieve while wearing his uniform?

To avoid prejudicing future African-American candidates Signup and view all the answers

Which position did White hold after leaving naval service?

Federal prosecutor Signup and view all the answers

What pioneering work did White do as a county judge?

Created diversion programs for nonviolent juvenile offenders Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the initial commission rate for the class of 16 candidates in the Navy?

A 25% attrition rate with only 12 expected commissions Signup and view all the answers

What was Augustus Alves' role in the Naval Reserve after the war?

Chief specialist and adjutant of the Twenty-Ninth Battalion Signup and view all the answers

What career did J.B. Pinkney pursue before the war?

Labor movement activist Signup and view all the answers

What nickname did Lewis Williams earn during his childhood?

Mummy Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding Williams' military career?

He was among the first black yeomen in the Navy Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Golden Thirteen

Sixteen Black enlisted men were selected for officer training in the U.S. Navy in January 1944.
At that time, there were nearly 100,000 Black sailors in the US Navy, but none were officers.
This group, known as the "Golden Thirteen," faced significant racial prejudice.
The training course was traditionally 16 weeks, but these men were expected to finish in 8 weeks, increasing the difficulty and a high potential for failure, which they believed was deliberately created to thwart their success.
Despite the odds, all sixteen men passed their exams, achieving an average grade of 3.89 out of 4.
This was an outstanding grade, higher than any other class in Navy history.
Only twelve of the sixteen were initially commissioned as officers, while the others were returned to enlisted ranks.
The Golden Thirteen faced significant racial prejudice in the Navy, being denied entry to officer's clubs.
The members of the Golden Thirteen subsequently held a variety of important roles in their career in the U.S. Navy and beyond.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the historic training of the sixteen Black enlisted men during World War II and their path to becoming commissioned officers. Explore their challenges, study methods, and notable achievements, including George Clinton Cooper's academic journey and milestones.