There are two major sets of facts surrounding the life of Negro veterans in America today: (1) Over a million dark-skinned ex-service men are, by training, discipline, sacrifice, and determination, prepared for integration into the nation’s life as first-class citizens. The nation has almost universally failed to grasp the enormous opportunity which is presented through veterans’ benefits for this minority group. Whether or not this generation of Negroes succeeds in gaining improved social and economic conditions, the present-day Negro veterans are the leaders of their people. With that being said, let us recognize several notable veterans as well as Etowah County’s notables!!
Famous Black Veterans & Medal of Honor Rec
- DORIS “DORIE” MILLER, a Navy cook at Pearl Harbor who carried wounded sailors to safety and manned an anti-aircraft gun, becoming the first African-American to receive the Navy Cross!
- HENRY JOHNSON, a member of the Harlem Hellfighters during WWI who single-handedly fought off a German raiding party in France, later receiving the Medal of Honor.
- WILLIAM HARVER CARNEY, a Sergeant with the 54th Massachusetts Infantry during the Civil War who saved the U.S. flag at the Battle of Fort Wagner, becoming the first Black American to earn the Medal of Honor.!!
- CARL BRASHEAR, the first Black U.S. Navy Master Diver whose life inspired the film “Men of Honor” after he overcame a severe leg amputation to return to active duty!!
- BENJAMIN O. DAVIS, SR., the first African American general in the U.S. Army, appointed in 1940!!
- CHARITY ADAMS EARLEY, who commanded the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (“The Six Triple Eight”), the only all-Black, all-women battalion deployed overseas in WWII!!
- EUGENE JACQUES BULLARD, the world’s first Black combat pilot, who flew over 20 missions with the French Foreign Legion in WWI!!!
- COLIN POWELL, a four-star general who became the first African-American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and later the first African American U.S. Secretary of State!!
OUR LOCAL NOTABLE VETERANS (HALL of HONOR RECIPIENTS) These ETOWAH Veterans have been recognized by the GADSDEN-ETOWAH PATRIOTS ASSOCIATION:
HERMAN L. SHAW, JR.
Q.D.ADAMS
WILLIE F. BROWN, SR.
C.C.BAKER
BILLY J. HARRIS
JOHN REED
I highly recommend:
“The book, “OUR NEGRO VETERANS” by Charles G. Bolte and Louis Harris!!!
“Attend the 51st Patriots Day Program-Luncheon, November 4, 2026, at The Venue at Coosa/11 am. Call 256.485.3761
REMEMBER, “Veterans” are our heroes, so give thanks to ALL and their families!!!!
Brenda M. Jelks-Hutchinson, {In memory of Sgt. RUFORD HUTCHINSON, a brave and lovable U.S. Marine}