Throughout the history of the United States until the end of World War I, the Navy had enlisted African Americans for general service, but they were barred from joining from 1919 to 1932.

[2] In June 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the executive order #8802 prohibiting ethnic and racial discrimination by federal agencies or contractors involved in the defense industry.

Disbelief in the chain of command that an all-black cadet class could achieve higher scores than an all-white one meant that the black sailors had to suffer the indignity of retaking their tests.

The reason why only 13 gained rank, despite all the men being successful in training was never explained, but it is noted that this rate brought the pass-rate down to the level of the average class of white candidates.

Dennis Nelson served as a Public Affair Officer and submitted a report entitled "The Integration of the Negro into the U.S. Navy", which was subsequently published as a book in 1951.

The week concluded as it began, with a media covered reception, hosted by the DC Chapter of the National Naval Officers Association at the Clarendon Hotel across from the Pentagon.

"In The Shadow of The Golden Thirteen - A Nice Negro Story" by Gerald Collins https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Golden.../dp/1421835428 In 1987, the U.S. Navy reunited the seven living members to dedicate a building in their honor at Great Lakes Naval Recruit Training Command, Illinois.