St. Paul recorder. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1934-2000, 1953-11-13
which included winning the meri-
torious service award.

WOItu WA - Se<sH@ ~ ~@~ $3.50
before the trend toward q non
segregated Army could be ex-
tended. There were indications
that the traditional policy was
not resulting in the most effective
use Of Negro man power in the
Army. A postwar board OF Off
GERS, headed by 1t. General A. G.
Gillem was appointed to prepare a
broad policy for the future use OF
Negro man power in the Army.
The board concluded that some
policy notifications we're essen
tlai for the Army to develop the
fun capabilities Of every man al
lotted to II. 1.-THE cillem report
did not attack the basic policy OF
Jim Crow. Ed Changes were also
sought because the improved
status OF the Negroes in educa-
ton, training and increased parti-
cipation In the government made
possible broader employment
Of coiored soldiers. Finally. the
Army sought to give the Negroes
full opportunity TO discharge their
duties and responsibility as citi-
gems TO build up national defense.
Upon the recommendations OF
the board the Army continued to
approve the organization Of racial
~ separate units. But modifica-
tons in this policy were envisaged.
leading TO its eventual eiimina-
ton. These notifications included
the establishment of small, COM
posite Negro and white units and
the creation Of raeially-mixed
special units. The Army's aim. to
use all personnel with maximum
effectiveness without regard TO
race, had not changed. II was the
improved social consciousness Of
the American people. the out
standing progress OF the Negro
citizen, that permitted the mill
tary's new adventures In demo-
cracy.
Korea gave the Army an oppor-
tunity again TO test Negro soldiers
in combat. The word spread. Me-
gro soldiers served best In racial
ly-mlxed units. Consequently, by
midsummer, 1861. the Army took
steps to achieve full indignation
OF Negro personnel. Infantry divi-
sons, previously organized into
two white regiments and color
ed regiment, were reshuffled.
Complete equality OF racial groups
within the armed forces, acceler-
ated by the impact OF the Korean
wor, In now virtually complete. A
similar indignation has taken
place with our troops stationed
In Europe and Japan. With few
exceptions II In the rule among
troops stationed in the United
states.
What does this indignation
mean1 II means that no distinc-
ton IL made between colored and
white troops in their assignmenl
To units or in their living together
The very moment a soldier enters
the Army he In processed ano
classified without regard to race
and color. Army school quota,
make no reference to race or color
Selection TO attend school does
not depend on this factor. Mill
tary occupationai specialties anC
promotions are to be administered
ON u merit basis against single
standard. There are coiored off
GERS attending every militar,
school and serving on the staff
OF many OF them,
The new policy for utilization
OF Negroes has been reflected Il
the handling OF all Army person
mel, The Regular Army integra
ton programs for commissions
and warrant offices are conduc
ted without racial quota restric
tons. Reserve officer procure
ment is ON a similar basis. specia
recruiting programs for Negr
enlisted personnel have been in
stituted to draw Negroes into tn
Army for new jobs now open I
them.
The Army now has male Negr
commissioned officers In a
grades below that Of major gen
eral. II has Negro warrant off
, GERS. Negro nurses. Negro WA,
officers. Negro enlisted womeI
and Negro enlisted men. Negr
officers serve on the general stat
Negro Gains
I In short. the Negro has won hi
/, place on the American SERVE
E Team Army, Navy, and Al
Z Force, This achievement. a dire,
gain for the Negro. win help stii
| fen the democratic ideolog
E wherever Il is threatened by ma
: icious communist attack.
: So well has communist distol
/ tons been spread. even among on
E friends abroad. that a prominer
e anti-communist editor writes, !
( Europe: "A great nation came
|. appear before the world as
= fighter for freedom and right
- f.ff. g.. .t4..sk.at. A.. G...s.... A.. A