Historical Review: Executive Order 9981


On July 26, 1948 President Harry S. Truman signed Executive Order 9981.  This legislation declared the elimination of racial discrimination in the United States Armed Forces and established a precedent for the equal treatment and opportunity of all uniformed services members. 


A section of Executive Order 9981 states: “It is hereby declared to be the policy of the President that there shall be equality of treatment and opportunity for all persons in the armed services without regard to race, color, religion or national origin.  This policy shall be put into effect as rapidly as possible, having due regard to the time required to effectuate any necessary changes without impairing efficiency or morale.”


Enforcement of the Executive Order did not take effect until the Eisenhower administration.  The last all black military units were disbanded in September 1954.

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