Remembering Port Chicago, 80 years later
On July 17, 1944, while U.S. Navy service members were loading the liberty ships, SS E.A. Bryan and SS Quinault Victory, at Port Chicago, California, two explosions killed 320 men and another 390 were injured.
Of those killed, 202 were stevedores, who loaded and unloaded cargo at docks due to the segregation of African American service members in labor-intensive ratings. Freddie Meeks, an African American Sailor and Port Chicago survivor, recalled the shock as he absorbed the loss of life and the destruction that occurred.
Learn more:
- Naval History and Heritage Command: Port Chicago Overview
- Naval History and Heritage Command: Port Chicago Lessons Learned
- Port Chicago Lesson Plan (Grades 9–12)
Memorial Pages:
There are 26 African Americans who perished from the tragedy and are buried as Unknown U.S. Sailors at Golden Gate National Cemetery in Sections H and L. Visit their memorial pages to pay tribute to their sacrifice during World War II.
U.S. Navy, World War II
Date of Death: July 17, 1944
Golden Gate National Cemetery
Section H, Row 0:
Section L, Row 0:
NCA Resources Guide
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U.S. Navy, S2, WWII
Port Chicago Survivor
Pardoned by President Clinton
Memorial Page »
National Cemetery Administration
Attn: General Inquiries
810 Vermont Avenue
Washington, DC 20420
MyVA411 main information line:
800-698-2411
