ïl,r ^ ¡Jo rtla n b
February 27,2002
— Œ b a rru e r
B lack H istory M
o nth 2002 s p e c ia l
A N A M E R IC A N S T O R Y edition -----
Charity Earley’s Command in WW II
Commanding America’s only company of
black women overseas in W orld W ar II,
Charity Earley’s biggest battle might have
been against her own country. Although
she was commissioned as an army officer
after training at Fort Des Moines on Aug. 29,
1942, she would still have to face many racial
barriers.
W hile in Europe, she was in command of
the 6888d' Central Postal Directory Battalion.
Receiving discriminatory and heavy criti
cism from her general, she spoke out. When
she did, he threatened to replace her with a
white junior officer who would “show her
how to do her job.” Earley ’ s comment, “over
my dead body,” caused him to promise her
a court martial. Earley stood tall and fought
back, an act that was very brave and even
considered dangerous in those days. As she pressed
for him to be court martialed for discriminatory
behavior, the general backed down. She continued
fighting unfair housing and other conditions involv
ing black military personnel. Her efforts produced
better treatment by the military toward blacks.
After leaving the Army, Earley received a Master’s
degree in Vocational Psychology at Ohio State U ni
versity in 1946 and worked for the Veterans Admin
istration of the United States. Earley will always be
remembered as being the first African American
woman to become a commissioned officer in the
CharityAdams
Earley commanded
a company o f
black women in
war-tom Europe
during World War
II. She battled
discrimination
within the military,
helping to advance
her race. Her
book, “One
Woman ’sA rm y”
details her
experiences.
W omen’s Auxiliary Corps. Her commanding a mili
tary unit in war-tom Europe during WWII would
show our nation that a black woman could do any
thing.
In 1982, Earley would be honored by the
Smithsonian Institute as one of our nation’s top
women in Black History. That year, she would also
receive the Walter White Award from the NAACP for
her pioneering efforts in the military. Her experiences
in the United States Army prompted her to publish
a book called “One W oman’s Army, Black Officer
Remembers the W AC.”
Page A7
A insworth D rug
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Black History Month
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the course of history.
Continuing her commitment
to family and community
Joyce Washington was tireless in her devotion to children and building a better community.
^ ’^Inrtlanb (Dhserucr is continuing this loving legacy by awarding high school seniors
from our community scholarships to help them achieve their dreams.
You can help by sending your contribution to the Joyce Washington
Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Bank of America.
Your support will be truly appreciated.
Call your local Bank of America for more information, thank you.