Another veteran from my book, They Did It for Honor: Stories of American WWII Veterans, who is planning to attend the book launch is Sam Hayward. This was a different type of interview for me as he was the first black veteran I had ever interviewed. I was thrilled that Sam allowed me to talk with him about his military service, but some of it was heartbreaking, mostly due to hearing about the racial discrimination in the military during the war.
Here’s an excerpt from his story:
During World War II, Sam Hayward from Charleston, SC, was assigned different duties from white seamen. “We colored people were taught to set tables and serve food to officers three times a day,” he said. “Those were our general duties aboard ship.”
Ever since he heard about the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 7, 1941, Hayward had wanted to enlist. Hayward was assigned to the aircraft carrier, USS Yorktown CV-10.
In addition to serving as mess attendants during meals for pilots stationed to the ship, Hayward and other black stewards cleaned the pilots’ rooms. Their own sleeping berths were separate from white sailors as were their galleys.
How did Hayward react to such restrictions? “Nothing bothered me because I was used to it,” he said. “It was the 1940s. We blacks were raised to know whites came first.”
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Some of his story shocked me. Readers have relayed the same reaction. How do you feel about hearing Sam’s story?
Sam is excited about attending the book launch, which will honor him and the other 33 World War II veterans featured in the book. Copies of the book will be available for purchase of $20.00 and to be signed by Sam and the others. We’ll hope to see you there!
Purchase my book here.
Writing of Kayleen Reusser 
Glad you were able to get his story, even if it was painful at times. It needs to be told. Overall, how was he treated by the white people on the ship?
Thanks for your comment. I don’t think he had much interaction with them. He said he just accepted the way things were.