RACISM IN MEDALS IN THE US MILITARY
Racism has historically impacted various aspects of military life in the United States, including the distribution of medals and awards.
Despite notable service by Black and other minority soldiers in every major American conflict, from the Civil War through World Wars I and II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and even up to present-day conflicts, many of these service members faced discrimination in both recognition and honors. source
This disparity has been linked to systemic racial biases within the military, affecting minority soldiers’ access to promotions, leadership roles, and awards.
During World War II, no African American soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor either during or immediately after the conflict. It wasn't until a 1993 review that several Black soldiers' Distinguished Service Crosses were upgraded to Medals of Honor. In 1997, President Bill Clinton awarded the Medal of Honor to seven African American World War II veterans, with only Vernon Baker still alive to receive it. source
In contrast, a total of 472 Medals of Honor were awarded to U.S. military personnel for actions during World War II. source
During the Korean War, 2 African American soldiers were awarded the Medal of Honor, compared to 144 white soldiers. source
During the Vietnam War, a total of 268 Medals of Honor were awarded. Of these, 87% were awarded to white soldiers, while 11% were awarded to Black soldiers. source
During the War on Terror, a total of 25 service members have been awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroic actions. Among these recipients, Sergeant First Class Alwyn C. Cashe is the only African American to have received the Medal of Honor for his actions during this period. The majority of the other recipients were white soldiers. source
In contrast, the majority of Medal of Honor recipients during the War on Terror (Iraq, Afghanistan) War were white soldiers.
Here’s an overview of the key issues related to racism in military medals in the U.S.: source
1. Disparities in Medal Awards
For much of the 20th century, Black and other minority soldiers were less likely than their white counterparts to receive prestigious medals like the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, or Silver Star, despite comparable acts of bravery. This was partially due to racist beliefs about Black soldiers' capabilities and character. source
Historically, racial discrimination within the military’s nomination and review processes contributed to racial disparities in medals. Commanding officers, who were mostly white, often held biases that affected their willingness to nominate minority soldiers for honors.
Limited access to high-ranking positions for minority soldiers also restricted their ability to be recognized; awards for valor often went to soldiers in positions where they would be seen or remembered by those with the authority to nominate.
2. Ongoing Efforts to Address Inequality
The U.S. military has taken significant steps to recognize and address racial inequality in awards and other aspects of service. In recent years, military leaders have reviewed and reexamined past cases where racial discrimination may have affected medal distribution. source
These efforts are part of broader initiatives to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion within the armed forces, such as revisiting combat records of minority service members and increasing awareness and training on racial issues.
Racism in military medals is an example of the broader challenges that minority service members have historically faced. While many inequities have been partially corrected, these past wrongs highlight the importance of continuous assessment and reform to ensure equal recognition for all service members.