The Men of the USS Mason

The American Veterans Center is honored to present a special Audie Murphy Award to the crew of the USS Mason during World War II. From the beginning of our nation’s history, African Americans have played a vital role serving in the United States Navy. Thousands fought in the American Revolution and Civil War, many sacrificing their lives for their country. Yet at the outbreak of World War II, only white men made up the ranks of the Navy’s enlisted sailors.

With the attack on Pearl Harbor and the need for a great many more men, the Navy announced a plan to allow black men to serve in positions other than cooks and stewards. One hundred and sixty men were trained and placed aboard the USS Mason, marking the first time African Americans served as crew members on a combat-ready destroyer.

The men of the Mason served with distinction, being recommended for commendation by their captain and convoy commander. By serving ably and gallantly alongside their white peers, the men of the Mason helped pave the way for later generations of black Americans to rise to the highest levels of the United States military. Accepting the award on behalf of the crew of the USS Mason is Mr. Lorenzo DuFau.