The Golden Thirteen Quiz

James Edward Hair was born in Blackville, South Carolina, on August 5, 1915.

James Hair's father, a Baptist minister, moved the family to Fort Pierce, Florida at some point in James Hair's youth.

After graduating from Bethune-Cookman College in 1938, James Hair became a graduate of Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana, shortly after.

On July 1, 1942, James Hair enlisted in the Naval Reserve, and attended the Navy's quartermaster school. In 1944, he became one of the first sixteen Black Sailors in the Navy to be selected for officer candidate school. After graduating as an ensign on February 24, 1944, he served in the Navy.

James Hair's father was a Baptist minister.

James Hair's father was named Alfred. His mother was named Rosa F. (Nix) Hair.

James Hair became one of 16 Black Sailors in the U.S. Navy to be selected for Officer Candidate School in 1944.

James Hair was commissioned as an Ensign on February 24, 1944.

Samuel Edward Barnes was a standout athlete in both high school and college, participating in football and track races.

Barnes's career path saw him transition from athletic endeavors to working as a physical education director in both Ohio and North Carolina, eventually landing a position at North Carolina State College.

In October 1942, Barnes joined the U.S. Naval Reserve, initially serving as an enlisted athletic specialist.

Awarded the rank of Specialist First Class C, a counterpart to a first class petty officer. Barnes was a top-performing enlisted athlete.

After excelling in his enlisted role, Barnes furthered his career by attending officer candidate training. His ambition led him to become an Ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

Despite being a valued asset to the base community, Barnes and other officers of color weren't allowed to enter the officers' club due to segregation.

Barnes received various accolades for his service during World War II, including the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

Following his military service, Barnes passed away on March 2, 1949, in Bethesda, Maryland, bringing an end to a life marked by athletic excellence and active military service.

Ensign Hair served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, commanding the harbor tug USS Cahto and serving on the escort ship Mason, one of only two U.S. warships manned predominantly by African American crews.

After his naval service, Ensign Hair earned a master's degree in social work and worked as a case worker in New York City for over 30 years.

Charles Byrd Lear was born in Keokuk, Iowa and served in the Naval Reserve during World War II.

Lear enlisted as an apprentice seaman and progressed through the ranks, eventually serving as officer in charge of a fuel dump in Guam.

Lear received several medals for his service, including the American Campaign, Asiatic-Pacific, and World War II Victory Medals.

After his service in Guam, Lear was attached to the Ninth Naval District, headquartered at Great Lakes, Illinois.

Lear also served as executive officer of the Harlem (New York) Sub-Station of the Naval Shore Patrol.

Lear was released from active duty in 1946 and died later that same year at Lake Forest, Illinois.

Graham E. Martin was born in Tobacco City, Tennessee, on January 18, 1919. He graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor's degree in history and then earned a master's degree in history from Howard University.

Graham E. Martin served on the staff of Commander, Naval Local Defense Forces, Twelfth Naval District, in San Francisco, California on the yard patrol craft YP-131.

Graham E. Martin was honorably discharged from the USNR on April 21, 1959. He served in the US Navy Reserve for 12 years after the war.

Dennis Denmark Nelson was born in Washington, D.C. on November 3, 1907, to Dennis D. Nelson, Sr. and Florence Nelson. He graduated from Fisk University with a bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1930.

Dennis Denmark Nelson served at Naval Recruiting Station, Nashville, Tennessee, before being commissioned an ensign on March 9, 1944, at Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Illinois.

Dennis Denmark Nelson served as officer-in-charge, special training unit until May 1945.

After the war, Dennis Denmark Nelson continued his education in sociology at several institutions, including Howard and Vanderbilt Universities and education at Miner Teachers College.

Dennis Denmark Nelson worked as field executive for Boy Scouts of America from 1930 to 1935 and the U.S. Department of Labor and District of Columbia Government from 1937 to 1940.

A naval rank in the United States Navy and Coast Guard, equivalent to a lieutenant in the United States Army or Air Force.

A rank in the United States Navy, equivalent to a captain in the United States Army or Air Force.

A period of active duty in the military that is required for a specific purpose.

A military branch responsible for recruitment and training of new personnel.

A unit within the Navy that specializes in amphibious warfare.

The Korean War was a conflict fought between North and South Korea from 1950 to 1953.

A military award given to personnel who served during the Korean War.

An organization of nations formed in 1945 to promote international cooperation and prevent future wars.

The first African American to graduate from the United States Naval Academy, Wesley Brown, had a significant impact on the future of African Americans in the military.

The Golden Thirteen were the first African Americans to be commissioned as officers in the United States Navy. However, after undergoing rigorous training and passing exams, three members of the class, including Augustus Alves, J.B. Pinkney, and Lewis Williams, did not receive commissions.

Augustus Alves, one of the three Golden Thirteen who did not receive a commission, served as a Chief Specialist in the Naval Reserve and as the Adjutant of the Twenty-Ninth Battalion at Camp Robert Smalls.

Lewis Williams, nicknamed "Mummy" by his peers, was among the first black yeomen in the Navy. Despite passing his exams and being selected for the initial class, he was one of the three not chosen to receive a commission. He later dedicated himself to social work.

J.B. Pinkney, a labor movement activist before the war, was another member of the Golden Thirteen who, despite passing his exams, was not selected for a commission.

The initial class of sixteen Golden Thirteen candidates had a 100% passing rate, indicating the caliber of the training program and the capacity of the participants. However, only twelve received officer commissions due to anticipated attrition.

Despite being denied a commission, Lewis Williams pursued a career in social work, demonstrating his dedication to serving society after his time in the Navy.

Carl White, a member of the Golden Thirteen, served in the Navy and later held positions as a federal prosecutor, a judge, and a justice, demonstrating the impact of his military experience on his career trajectory.