Podcast
Questions and Answers
In what year did the group of sixteen Black enlisted men begin their officer training at Recruit Training Center?
In what year did the group of sixteen Black enlisted men begin their officer training at Recruit Training Center?
What was the expected duration of the normal officer training course for these enlisted men?
What was the expected duration of the normal officer training course for these enlisted men?
What average grade did the group achieve after retaking their exams?
What average grade did the group achieve after retaking their exams?
How many of the sixteen enlisted men were ultimately commissioned as officers?
How many of the sixteen enlisted men were ultimately commissioned as officers?
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What nickname was given to the group of men who successfully completed their training?
What nickname was given to the group of men who successfully completed their training?
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What was the initial sentiment within the Navy regarding African Americans becoming officers?
What was the initial sentiment within the Navy regarding African Americans becoming officers?
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What was the expected attrition rate for the group of sixteen Black enlisted men during their officer training?
What was the expected attrition rate for the group of sixteen Black enlisted men during their officer training?
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What action did the group of men take to facilitate their studying during night hours?
What action did the group of men take to facilitate their studying during night hours?
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What was particularly notable about the average grade the group achieved after retaking their exams?
What was particularly notable about the average grade the group achieved after retaking their exams?
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How many members of the group were initially commissioned as officers?
How many members of the group were initially commissioned as officers?
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What was the response from some in Washington regarding the group's exam results?
What was the response from some in Washington regarding the group's exam results?
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What nickname was given to the group of men who successfully passed their training, even with prejudice against them?
What nickname was given to the group of men who successfully passed their training, even with prejudice against them?
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What was the original number of enlisted men being trained as officers in January 1944?
What was the original number of enlisted men being trained as officers in January 1944?
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How did the group of sixteen support each other during the training?
How did the group of sixteen support each other during the training?
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What happened to the three men who were not commissioned as officers following their training?
What happened to the three men who were not commissioned as officers following their training?
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Study Notes
Black Navy Officers Training
- In January 1944, nearly 100,000 Black sailors served in the US Navy, but none were officers.
- Sixteen Black enlisted men were selected for officer training at Recruit Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois.
- The normal officer training course was 16 weeks, but these men were compressed into 8 weeks, likely to fail.
- Navy anticipated a 25% attrition rate, similar to white officer candidates, but the group was determined not to fail.
- Despite the late lights out time of 10:30pm, the group studied together by flashlight, leveraging each other's expertise.
- All sixteen men passed their exams with exceptionally high grades (an average of 3.89 out of 4), a record for the Navy at that time.
- High grades raised suspicions of cheating and the group was required to retake some exams; they performed even better on the retake.
- Although all sixteen passed, only 12 were commissioned as officers (75%).
- A thirteenth man received a chief warrant officer position, earning the nickname "The Golden Thirteen".
- The remaining three were returned to enlisted ranks without explanation.
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Description
Explore the remarkable journey of the first Black Navy officers trained during World War II. This quiz delves into the challenges faced, the rigorous training process, and the achievements of the sixteen enlisted men known as 'The Golden Thirteen'. Test your knowledge about their significant contributions and historical impact.
