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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
901 M STREET SE -- WASHINGTON NAVY YARD
WASHINGTON DC 20374-5060

Online Library of Selected Images:
-- PEOPLE -- TOPICS --

African-Americans and the U.S. Navy --
World War II Activities in the United States --
Great Lakes Naval Training Station,
Graduation Ceremonies

This page features views of the graduation ceremonies of African-Americans from recruit training and the service schools at Great Lakes.

For other pictorial coverage of African-Americans during World War II, see the African Americans and the U.S. Navy -- World War II cover page.

For pictorial coverage of other eras, see the African Americans and the U.S. Navy cover page.

If you want higher resolution reproductions than the Online Library's digital images, see "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."

Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

The following pictures show graduation ceremonies at Great Lakes Naval Training Station during World War II.
For additional views of Wartime training and other activities at Great Lakes, see:
General Views;
Field & Military Training;
Shore Patrol Training;
Recreation and Sports;
Visiting Entertainers, Political Figures and Celebrities.

Photo #: 80-G-294844

Camp Robert Smalls, Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois


George Clinton Fields, former Valet to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, graduates as honor man in his class.
The original photo is marked as having been received 13 January 1943. It was probably taken in September 1942.
The officer is Lieutenant Commander Daniel W. Armstrong.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 83KB; 740 x 605 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 

Photo #: 80-G-294843

Camp Robert Smalls, Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois


George Clinton Fields, former Valet to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, holds his certificate of graduation, upon completion of his training at NTS Great Lakes.
The certificate is dated 14 September 1942. The original photo is marked as having been received 13 January 1943.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 54KB; 575 x 765 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 

Photo #: 80-G-294928

Camp Robert Smalls, Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois


Graduation ceremonies for the third class to graduate from the Camp's Service School, 3 March 1943.
The officer congratulating the men is Lieutenant Commander Daniel W. Armstrong.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 87KB; 740 x 610 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 

Photo #: 80-G-294875

Camp Robert Smalls, Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois


Four sailors and a young lady at graduation exercises for the fifth class at the Camp's Service School, 29 April 1943.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 100KB; 740 x 605 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 

Photo #: 80-G-294769

Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois


Sailors congratulate each other after receiving certificates at graduation ceremonies for the sixth class of the Negro Service School, 26 April 1943.
Note Aviation Metalsmith mark worn on the lower left sleeve of the man at the right.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 71KB; 740 x 610 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 

Photo #: 80-G-294888

Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois


Mrs. Joe Louis, Guest of Honor, congratulates a graduating company recruit petty officer, during graduation ceremonies for an African-American recruit class, 12 July 1943.
Note "E" flag at left.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 84KB; 740 x 605 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 

Photo #: 80-G-294885

Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois


Reviewing stand, during graduation parade for African-American recruits, 12 July 1943.
Those present in the stand include school commander Lieutenant Commander Daniel W. Armstrong (saluting, second from left) and guests of honor Mrs. Joe Louis (second from right) and Dr. Will Alexander.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 109KB; 740 x 605 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 

Photo #: 80-G-294930

Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois


Lieutenant Commander Daniel W. Armstrong congratulates a sailor, during graduation ceremonies for the eighth class to graduate from the Station's Negro Service School, 22 July 1943.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 84KB; 740 x 605 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 

Photo #: 80-G-294929

Naval Training Station, Great Lakes, Illinois


Members of the eighth class to graduate from the Station's Negro Service School pose with a small girl, at graduation ceremonies, 22 July 1943.

Official U.S. Navy Photograph, now in the collections of the National Archives.

Online Image: 68KB; 740 x 600 pixels

Reproductions of this image may also be available through the National Archives photographic reproduction system.

 


For additional views of Wartime training and other activities at Great Lakes, see:
General Views;
Field & Military Training;
Shore Patrol Training;
Recreation and Sports;
Visiting Entertainers, Political Figures and Celebrities.

For other pictorial coverage of African-Americans during World War II, see the African Americans and the U.S. Navy -- World War II cover page.

For pictorial coverage of other eras, see the African Americans and the U.S. Navy cover page.

Return to Naval Historical Center home page.

10 December 1998